Free The Bridesmaid's Hero by Narelle Atkins Page B

voice softened. “We will talk about us, talk about the future.”
    She nodded, her heart torn by his words. “I’ll be ready.”
    Did they have a future? Could she walk away from her career and start a new life with Harry in a small country town?
     
    ***
     
    The next morning, Serena loaded her luggage into her car. Her father hoisted a suitcase onto the back seat and closed the door.
    She blinked, the dawn sunlight from over the mountain range obscuring her vision. “I think that’s everything.”
    “Finally. How much stuff did you bring? It looks like half your apartment.”
    “Not quite.” She missed her apartment, and looked forward to having her own space. The photos Jane had forwarded of the bountiful harvest in her garden had kindled her culinary creativity. The lemon tree branches sagged under the weight of the ripening fruit.
    He smiled. “Do you have time for coffee? Your mother has the machine ready to go, and our guests are having a continental breakfast at eight.”
    “Yes, I could do with a caffeine hit this morning. I’m glad you’re getting a break from cooking breakfast.”
    “You and me both.” He yawned. “I might need a nap this afternoon. I’m not as young as I used to be, and our long days of work are catching up with me.”
    “You’re doing well for you age.”
    “But I have the aches and pains to remind me I’m not young anymore. Did you take any painkillers this morning?”
    She shook her head. “I’ll take something when I get home if it gets any worse.”
    “I hope you won’t be in pain while you’re driving.”
    “Me, too.” She walked back toward her parent’s home with her father. “Is Maggie looking after the front desk?”
    “She arrived at six.”
    “Okay. I’ll duck inside and say goodbye to her before I leave.”
    “She’ll like that. Maggie has a soft spot for you.”
    Serena paused, her hand on the veranda railing. “How do you know?”
    He chuckled. “My hearing is still sharp, and I’ve overheard a few conversations between Hope and Maggie. Your mother and wannabe mother-in-law are planning your wedding to Harry. They’ll both insist you get married at Snowgum Creek Community Church.”
    “What?”
    “The good news is they’ll let you and Harry choose your wedding cake.”
    “How generous of them.”
    He rubbed his hand over his clean shaven jaw. “They both adore you and Harry, and their hearts are in the right place.”
    She sighed. “I guess so.”
    “Go easy on your mom. She’s upset that you’re leaving, although she’ll do her best to put on a brave face.”
    “Thanks for the heads-up.”
    “You don’t need my advice. I trust you’ll make a wise decision.”
    She hugged her father close. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate you being in my corner.”
    “Always. If you need to talk, you know where to find me.”
    The aroma of brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen. She pulled out a seat at the rustic kitchen table, the centerpiece of the spacious room.
    Her mother stood at the sink, washing saucepans. “Would you like something to eat before you leave?”
    “I’m fine, but I’d love a coffee.”
    Her father sat opposite and munched on a slice of toast. Her mom joined them minutes later, placing three steaming mugs of coffee on the table.
    Hope cleared her throat. “Have you made a decision about Harry?”
    “Not yet. I can’t see how we can make a relationship work if he takes the job.”
    “Has he accepted the job offer?” her mom asked.
    She stirred a teaspoon of sugar into her coffee. “Not yet. I did some research online last night. The town is tiny, much smaller than Snowgum Creek.”
    Hope sipped her coffee. “Are there any restaurants in town?”
    “Not that I could see. There’s a bistro at the bowling club. It looks like the equestrian center is the largest business in town by a long way.”
    Her father nodded. “There’s probably a fast-food restaurant on the highway.”
    “Yep. The closest Chinese restaurant is