The Bridesmaid's Hero (10 page)

Chapter Ten

Nine months later

Serena smiled for the camera, her arm looped around her husband’s waist. Harry wore an elegant suit, his single-breasted jacket unbuttoned in his typical casual style.

He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. “Love you.”

“Love you more.” She stood on tip toes and planted a kiss on his lips, her flat-heeled bridal shoes sinking into the soft grass in her mother’s rose garden.

He raised his head. “I’m so proud to be your husband. Are you enjoying our wedding?”

“Absolutely. I’m glad we chose a spring wedding.”

His fingertips trailed along her cheek. “We have three weeks together. Uninterrupted time. Just the two of us.”

Her pulse accelerated, her face warm from his gentle caress. “A week at the Bali beach resort will be divine.”

“The timing is perfect. I can prepare for my new job when we return.” 

Her mom’s flowers were in full bloom, their sweet fragrance wafting in the light mountain breeze. She lifted the floor-length cream satin skirt of her bridal gown off the grass, concerned the hem would acquire stains. The long train was secured off the ground by delicate buttons at the back of her waist.

Their photographer issued new instructions and she turned to face her husband, staring up into his beautiful blue eyes. A trellis of climbing roses created a photographic backdrop to their left. The sky above was clear, the weather perfect for an outdoor afternoon wedding reception.

His eyes softened, his hands resting on her waist. “We need to move my gear from Snowgum Creek to your apartment. When is our bed arriving?”

“Monday. Jane’s taking care of the delivery.” Her chief bridesmaid had insisted on making sure everything was organized for their return from Bali.

“Jane is amazing. You have great friends in Canberra.”

“They’ll soon become your friends, and you’ll get to know more people from church.”

“It’s going to be different, living in the city.”

“Are you worried you won’t like it?”

He shook his head. “I know I’ll like my new life because I’ll be with you.”

She nodded. “The last nine months apart haven’t been fun.” They had seen each other a couple of times each month, usually when Serena returned to Snowgum Creek. She’d spent time with their mothers, planning all the details for their Snowgum Creek wedding.

“The time apart makes our wedding day all the more special. It’s the start of our new life together.”

“I can’t wait for Gina to drive us to Sydney tomorrow morning.”

He grinned. “This time tomorrow we’ll be at the airport.”

“I hope we can have an early night tonight.”

“Our wedding dinner starts at six. Most of the formalities and speeches are happening this afternoon, while everyone is still here.”

“That was a good idea from our mothers. We’ll have more time to talk with our guests during dinner.”

“Your father has assured me dessert will be served by eight-thirty. We have the best room in the B&B tonight.”

“The suite is lovely. Our chef friends are in the kitchen now, creating their signature dishes.”

“The food will be fabulous, like everything else about today.”

The photographer requested they walk the short distance to the tulip gardens. Their bridal party was gathered on the veranda, enjoying the refreshments and waiting for their cue to join the photography session.

Harry reached into a garden bed and picked two pure white daffodils. He handed her a long-stemmed daffodil. “For my bride.”

“It’s beautiful.” She stroked an unblemished petal, smooth under her fingertip.

“Just like you.” He stole a kiss, his lips promising more kisses later.

The photographer called and she turned around. Finn flew in and landed near her feet.

“Hey Finn, you haven’t forgotten to visit me.”

Finn puffed out his black and white feathers, his amber eyes inquisitive.

Harry laughed. “You feed him, so he’s not likely to forget you.”

“True, and I’m sorry Finn. I don’t have any seed with me today.”

“He’ll clean up the crumbs and leftovers from afternoon tea.”

“That’s for sure.” Serena turned and faced the camera, following the photographer’s direction to stand on the other side of Harry.

The magpie hopped a short distance away and stood on one leg, breaking out in song.

Harry tucked his arm around her waist. “He’s singing our wedding song.”

“Yes, and it’s a beautiful song.” Serena leaned in closer, content to be in the arms of the man she loved. God had blessed them today, and she looked forward to spending the rest of her life with Harry.

About Narelle Atkins

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

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A Note from Narelle

Thank you for reading The Bridesmaid’s Hero. I hope you enjoyed Harry and Serena’s romance story.

The Bridesmaid’s Hero is Book 1.5 in my Snowgum Creek series. It’s a standalone novella and follows on chronologically from Falling for the Farmer. Jack, my hero in Falling for the Farmer, is a minor character in the novella.

Please consider writing a review and sharing your thoughts on my book with other readers. I appreciate every review I receive for my stories. Reader reviews can help other readers find books that they’ll enjoy reading.

Other Titles by Narelle Atkins

Snowgum Creek Series

Book 1 – Falling for the Farmer

Book 2 – The Nurse’s Perfect Match

Book 3 – The Doctor’s Return

Sydney Series

Book 1 - Her Tycoon Hero

Book 2 – Winning Over the Heiress

Book 3 - Seaside Proposal

Sapphire Bay

His Perfect Catch
(novella and spin off story from Seaside Proposal)