The Bridesmaid's Hero (7 page)

She widened her eyes. “That far.”

“We’re on a circular route I know well. Trust me, we won’t get lost, and we’ll be back at the farm well before sunset.”

She let out a long breath. “That’s good to know.” Their horses stood a few feet away on the sandy bank, quenching their thirst in the refreshing mountain stream.

Harry led the horses back onto the path and handed over Bessie’s reins. “It’s time to get moving.”

“Sure.” She hopped back into the saddle, memories of long rides with her sisters beside the river near her childhood home filling her mind. A younger Bessie had enjoyed cantering along the trails and stopping by the river.

The ground on the opposite side of the creek was clear of trees, the crest of the hill visible in the distance. A flock of cockatoos flew by, their loud screeching echoing in the valley. Sunlight broke through the tree canopy overhead.

A gentle whinny sounded from the forest.

Harry drew Mighty Boy to a halt. “Did you hear that?”

She nodded. “They’re close by, or we’ve come across brumbies.” Wild horses roamed the Snowy Mountains.

“It could be brumbies. We’ll take it slow and keep our eyes open.”

“No problem.”

Bessie followed Mighty Boy’s lead, moseying along behind him.

Harry pointed to a clump of trees. “I see her. Wait here.”

She brought Bessie to a stop next to a narrow section of the creek. The water looked shallow, maybe as high as her thigh in the middle. Rocks were embedded in the sand under the pristine flowing water.

Minutes later Harry waved her over. He’d tied Mighty Boy to a nearby tree and stood beside a chestnut mare, stroking her neck and murmuring soft words in her ear.

Serena took her time, not wanting to upset Bessie or the mare.

She approached Harry and stifled a gasp. A foal lay sprawled on the path ahead, not far from where he comforted the mare.

He handed over the phone, his mouth set in a grim line. “His front leg is injured.”

“What can we do?” She checked the screen. No signal.

“I need you to ride up the hill and call for help.”

She gulped. “You mean ride across the creek?”

He nodded. “The pine forest is too dense on this side. The foal is injured and I need to keep his mother calm.”

She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer.
Lord, give me the strength to do this.

Chapter Seven

Serena opened her eyes, her mind resolute. She had no choice. It would take too long to wade through the thigh-deep creek water and climb the mile-long trail up the hill on foot. Bessie had negotiated rivers in her younger days, including the ill-fated day Serena couldn’t erase from her memory.

“Okay, Harry.” She shoved his phone in her shirt pocket. “Please pray.”

“I will, sweetheart. You can do this, and Bessie won’t let you down.”

The foal let out a weak neigh and the mare sniffed her foal, prodding it to move. Harry comforted the mare, his kind voice soothing the frightened mother.

Serena straightened her spine, focusing on her posture before speaking quiet words to Bessie. “Girl, we can do this. We’ll go slowly through the water, and we’ll see if you have the energy to canter up the hill.”

She guided Bessie back to the narrow bend in the creek, the banks less than twenty feet apart. The mare stepped into the water and plowed ahead, the gentle current swirling around her legs.

Serena’s stomach clenched into a hard knot, her body rigid as water splashed on her riding pants. She kept a steady hand on the reins and relaxed her posture. Bessie responded to the release of pressure, taking the water in her stride.

They reached dry ground and Serena let out a deep breath. She’d survived the first crossing. “Okay, Bessie. Let’s see if you have any pace left in your legs.”

She shifted her leg into the correct position and Bessie took off, her slow trot picking up speed. Serena adjusted the lead and the pressure in her calf muscles, the subtle movement in her hips inspiring Bessie to canter at a respectable pace.

“Good girl. You remember your training.” She slowed the horse to a trot as they reached the summit, bringing her to a halt at the highest point on the hill.

She tugged Harry’s phone out of her pocket and checked the screen. Yes. A strong signal appeared and she returned her mother’s missed call.

“We’ve found the horses. The foal is injured.” Serena gave a detailed update on the situation, answering her mom’s questions.

“Where are you?” her mom asked.

“I’m on top of the hill that has been cleared, and Harry is with the mare and foal on your side of the creek.”

“You rode across the creek?”

“Yep. We couldn’t get a phone signal in the valley.”

“Okay. The vet and I are only a few minutes away from Harry. We’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She disconnected the call and whispered a prayer. The foal had a better chance of surviving now the vet was on his way.

She guided Bessie back down the hill. By the time she reached the river, her mother and the vet were there with Harry.

Serena brought Bessie to a halt at a sandy spot near their original crossing. She dismounted and splashed cool water on her face. It was like old times. Nostalgia for her carefree childhood touched her heart.

Adult life was complicated. She couldn’t imagine life without Harry, yet she was due to leave him and Snowgum Creek in less than four weeks. How could they make a relationship work when they lived more than a hundred miles away from each other?

Harry appeared on the other side of the creek, sitting tall astride the majestic Mighty Boy. He waved, pausing opposite her. “I was wondering where you were.”

“I’m fine. How’s the foal?”

“My boss is examining him now.”

“Does he need your help?”

He shook his head and rode through the water to join her. “Your neighbors are there. They think the foal will be okay.”

She let out a slow breath. “I was so scared the foal wouldn’t make it.”

“You did well and crossed the creek. I’m proud of you.”

She nodded and mounted Bessie. “Well, I need to cross back to the other side.”

“We can do it together.” He maneuvered Mighty Boy beside Bessie and grabbed hold of her hand. “It’s less scary when you’re not alone.”

She blinked away a few tears and urged Bessie forward. Harry belonged by her side, his hand encasing hers, his words encouraging her to face and conquer her fears. How could she walk away without carrying a stable full of regrets?

Her old fears evaporated as water splashed over her. Mighty Boy enjoyed his impromptu water adventure, his playful nature creating a few minor headaches for Harry.

She laughed at Harry’s attempts to rein in the mischievous gelding. “I think he’s a water baby at heart.”

“I think you’re right.” Harry let go of her hand and steered Mighty Boy up on the bank. He removed his hat, shaking off droplets of water. “He likes being hosed down, and he’s usually well behaved in the rain.”

Bessie joined Mighty Boy at the water’s edge, her stance regal. Serena stroked her neck, rewarding her for good behavior.

Harry glanced at his watch. “We should head back. So much for a short ride.”

“You said nothing would go wrong.”

“I must remember that nothing is simple when you’re part of the equation.”

“And this is somehow my fault?” She nudged Bessie forward, the mare walking beside Mighty Boy. “I didn’t leave the gate open.”

He chuckled. “No, you have other talents. Like breaking heels off shoes.”

“That was an accident.”

“I know.” His voice softened. “The shoe fiasco brought us together.”

“It was stressful, and you saved the day. My hero.”

“I’m glad it ended well. Speaking of accidents, it’s great to see your mom’s arm is out of the cast.”

She nodded, inhaling the fresh pine scent from the forest as their horses walked beside the creek. “I can’t wait for her to be back on normal duties.”

“You’re still on the housekeeping roster?”

“Yeah. I need a break from cleaning.”

“I understand.” He led their horses on a different track, their new path taking them back in the direction of the main road. “Anyway, there’s something I wanted to tell you.”

“That’s right” He’d started to say something before they were distracted by the missing horses.

“You know how I’ve been applying for equine nurse positions everywhere.”

“Has something come up?”

“I received a phone call today about a job.”

She smiled. “Harry, that’s great news.”

“They want to meet with me.”

“When?”

“Monday, the week after next. They’re talking about sponsoring me to do my preliminary course next year, and maybe even a vet science degree after that if I can make the grades.”

“Wow. That’s a huge commitment on their part.”

“I’d need to agree to work there for a number of years. It’s a great opportunity. I was surprised to be offered an interview.”

“Where are they located?”

“Regional Victoria.” He paused, his voice losing a touch of his initial enthusiasm. “I can drive there and do the interview at midday. An easy day trip from home.”

She furrowed her brow. “How regional? Is it close to Melbourne? Commuting distance?”

He shook his head. “It’s a two-hour drive from Melbourne in a town that’s smaller than Snowgum Creek.”

Her heart sank. The location would be a career killer for her. Maybe her mother was wrong after all. They couldn’t have a future together if he insisted on living in the middle of nowhere. How could she ask him to decline his dream job that would fast track him to his career goal?

***

On the Tuesday morning after his job interview, Harry walked into the foyer of the Blaxland B&B and glanced at the clock on the wall. Serena was due to take her morning break any minute. Yesterday his mom had accompanied him on his interstate day trip to country Victoria. They’d travelled in her car and detoured via Echuca on the way home. He loved visiting the historic town on the Murray River, famous for its fleet of paddle steamers, and they’d arrived back in Snowgum Creek late last night.

Serena appeared from a room behind the reception desk, frown lines prominent between her brows.

“Hey.” He smiled, hoping to lighten her mood. “How’s your day going?”

“Busy. My mom had to call out the vet for one of the horses.”

“Which horse?”

“I can’t remember. She told me, but I’ve had a lot on my mind. It’s not Bessie or Mighty Boy.”

He nodded. Serena hadn’t been thrilled to hear about his job interview, and she’d distanced herself from him after he’d shared the news. Her excuse was work, and the B&B had been fully booked over the American Thanksgiving weekend due to a special online deal. He’d given her the space she needed to process her thoughts.

Harry ran his fingers through his hair. “Can you still take a break now?”

“Yes, my mom’s here, and I’ll take an hour. Would you like an early lunch?”

“Sounds great. I don’t start work at the vet clinic until two.”

The corners of her lips curved into a half smile. “Follow me to the kitchen, and I’ll see what I can put together.”

“Where would you like to eat?”

“Somewhere I can put my feet up.”

She strode ahead along the hall, leading him into the main kitchen. “Are sandwiches okay?” She opened the refrigerator. “We have sliced leg ham off the bone.”

“Perfect.”

She set to work, adding cheese and tomato chutney to the generous servings of ham on grain bread. “There’s a selection of juice on the bottom shelf. OJ will do me.”

“No problem.” He collected two bottles.

She passed over a sandwich. “Would you like cake or a muffin?”

He shook his head. “A sandwich is fine. Could we sit on the veranda outside the tearoom?”

“I’d like that.”

He followed her back along the hall and through the darkened tearoom, the blinds drawn shut on the windows.

She unlocked the door and chose a table by the edge of the veranda.

He sat opposite the garden beds, barren of foliage now the tulips were gone and the rose bushes had been pruned. “Your mom has been busy.”

“Dad and I helped her clean up the garden on the weekend. It was a big job.”

“No wonder you’re looking worn out.”

She let out a soft sigh, her gaze distant. “I’ve been working long hours over the last couple of weeks to get everything done.” She dragged over an extra chair and rested her legs on it.

He tore his gaze away from her jeans-clad legs, the fitted style highlighting her toned physique. “Are your feet sore?”

“No, I think I pulled a muscle in my leg during my bike ride yesterday.” She bent her knee and rubbed the back of her thigh. “It’s sore when I’m on my feet.”

He frowned. “Not good. I hope you make a fast recovery.”

“Me, too. I’ll skip my bike ride today. Is your mom working here tomorrow?”

“Yes, and she enjoyed her four-day weekend.”

“I’m glad.” Serena stretched out her leg and grimaced. “Your mom is a hard worker. She deserved a break.”

“She enjoyed Echuca. Have you been there?”

Serena shook her head. “It’s on my travel wish list. I’d love to see the paddle steamers.”

“We could go there together, sometime.”

“Maybe.” She sipped her OJ. “How did your interview go?”

He sat up straighter in his chair. “They offered me the job.”

“Congratulations.” Her tone even, she masked her expression and concentrated on eating, avoiding his gaze.

“I haven’t said yes yet.”

“Isn’t this your dream job?”

“There are other factors to consider. Like us.”

She kept her lashes lowered. “You need to do what’s best for you.”

He blew out a stream of air, frustrated by her attitude. “Can we talk about it?”

“What is there to discuss?” She stared into his eyes, her sandwich forgotten. “You know this is the opportunity you’ve wanted forever. I’m not standing in your way.”

“Serena.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “There are other jobs, and I can do the course next year from anywhere in Australia.”

She twisted a lock of hair from her ponytail around her finger. “When do they need a definite answer?”

“By Friday next week. We can talk about it over the next week.”

“No, we can’t.”

He widened his eyes. “Why? You’re due for some time off work.”

“I’m driving home to Canberra tomorrow morning.”

“What? I thought you were staying here for a couple more weeks.”

She shook her head. “My parents can cope without me, and my circumstances have changed.”

“What do you mean?”

“Jane, my friend who’s looking after my apartment, is moving out on the weekend. I need to see her before she leaves.”

“Okay, but you could visit for a few days and leave your place empty for a week or so. A neighbor could water your garden.”

“Yes, but that’s not the only thing that’s happening. My boss called on Friday and they want me back at the restaurant as soon as possible.”