The Bridesmaid's Hero (9 page)

“You do realize Serena will end your relationship if you take the Victorian job.”

His jaw fell slack. “Have you been talking to Hope?”

“Yes, but it’s also the logical outcome. If you take the job, you could be living in that town for five or more years. What’s Serena going to do? There are zero employment prospects for her.”

“I know. That’s why I’m conflicted.”

“If she was my daughter, I’d be telling her to break up with you.”

“Mom! You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am, which is why I’m praying you’ll overcome your fears and take a risk by declining the job offer. Do you love Serena?”

“I love her and can’t stop thinking about her.”

“A love like yours is rare. It’s precious, and something to be treasured. Are you prepared to let her go, to walk away?”

He closed his eyes, his mother’s advice rattling around in his mind. Was he letting fear rule his life? Did he trust God enough to believe that a job in Canberra would eventuate at the right time?

“Okay, Mom. I’m going to pray about this today and sleep on it.”

“Thank you. I promise I’ll drop the subject for the rest of the day, and we can talk tomorrow morning.”

“You have a deal.” He’d allocated time later today to work in his mother’s garden and mow the lawn. A good opportunity to think and reassess his financial situation. He’d find a way to create a viable future with Serena that didn’t obstruct their careers. Relocating to Canberra might be his best option.

Chapter Nine

Serena’s alarm woke her from a restless sleep the following Wednesday morning. Her phone beeped, a message from Harry appearing on the screen. He’d left Snowgum Creek at seven, and he wanted to meet her at nine-thirty at the National Arboretum Canberra.

She buried her face in her pillow, her stomach uneasy. Did she have the courage to end their relationship today if she learned he’d accepted the job in Victoria?

At nine, she drove out of her apartment complex, the tail end of the morning peak hour slowing her progress as she passed Parliament House on Capital Hill. She headed west toward the Arboretum, choosing the scenic route by Lake Burley Griffin.

Ten minutes early, she parked her car and walked inside the dome-shaped Village Centre building on the elevated hillside. Sunlight filtered in through the windows in the high ceiling. The gift store beckoned and she browsed, phone in hand.

She’d cleared her schedule today, glad to take a break from the busy restaurant and rest her leg. It was healing well and had survived the long hours on her feet.

Her phone rang. Harry. “Where are you?”

“I’ve just arrived. Are you inside?”

“Yes, I’ll meet you at the entrance.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

She rushed toward the main doors, her pulse picking up speed. Harry had occupied her thoughts since she’d returned to Canberra last week.

He strode through the two sets of wood-framed glass sliding doors, his hair wind-blown and sunglasses perched on his head.

She curved her lips into a welcoming smile. “Harry.”

“Serena.” His eyes sparkled, and he embraced her in a warm hug.

She held him close, inhaling his familiar scent. How could she let him go?

He stepped back, his hands resting on her shoulders. “How’s your leg?”

“It’s much better. Thanks for driving here to see me.”

“A pleasure.”

“Did you have a good trip?”

“Yeah, it’s an easy drive but I could do with a double shot latte.”

“Sounds good. We can sit at a table near the windows.”

“That works for me.” He walked with her to the line at the café. “Would you like something to eat?”

“No, I’m fine, thanks. Just a coffee.”

“Too easy.” He placed their order, collected the plastic pager, and chose a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

She sat opposite the windows, the panoramic view of the Canberra region and Lake Burley Griffin snatching her attention. Black Mountain Tower and the flagpole on top of Parliament House stood out among the rolling hills. The setting reminded her of their Snowy Mountains date, and their first kiss at the lookout.

He leaned back in his seat, a smile on his lips. “I love the view.”

“It’s stunning.” She clasped her hands together in her lap, determined to hold her emotions in check and wait for his decision. She was ready to talk, and she prayed they could reach a compromise.

“What time are you starting work?”

“I’m not. I took the day off.”

He grinned. “Does this mean you can spend the whole day with me?”

“Yes, assuming you want to hang out with me that long.”

“I do. But I have an appointment at two.”

She lifted a brow. “Will it take long?”

“I’m not sure. It’s a job interview.”

Her mouth gaped. “You’re thinking about moving here.”

“It’s an option.” The beeper sounded and he stood. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

She stared out the windows, the tranquil scenery at odds with her chaotic thoughts. Had he made his decision? Would he regret turning down his dream job?

Harry placed their latte mugs on the table. “I’m not sure if the job I’m applying for today will be suitable.”

“How come?” She stirred a sachet of sugar into the frothy milk.

“It’s a six-month fixed contract. I’m not sure if there’s potential for ongoing work.”

“Okay.” She squared her shoulders, bracing herself for his response. “What about the other job?”

He sipped his latte. “I’m declining their offer.”

A flicker of hope sparked in her heart. “Isn’t it your dream job?”

“There are other things that are more important.”

“But you don’t have another job lined up. What will you do next year?”

“I can stay in Snowgum Creek and complete my course. My mom is supportive, and I can continue living with her.”

She sat back in her seat, cradling her latte between her hands. “I’m not certain you’re doing the right thing.”

“What? I thought you’d be happy that I’m not moving to Victoria.”

“I understand your ambition to build a career. It’s not an easy road.”

“You’ve done well.”

“I’ve made sacrifices along the way to get where I am, including sacrifices in my personal life.”

“Which is why I can’t expect you to consider moving to a small country town where you’d have zero career prospects.”

She tipped her head to the side, meeting his gaze. “I’m worried you’ll regret your decision if you say no. A university scholarship is worth a lot of money. Do you want to let that opportunity pass?”

“You’ve been successful without going to university.”

“I don’t need a degree to be a chef. One reason my apartment has sentimental value is my parents gave me the money to put down a large deposit.”

His eyes widened. “That’s a big help.”

She nodded. “They paid for my sisters’ university education, and gave me the cash equivalent. I’d struggle to afford my mortgage if they hadn’t helped.”

“Your parents are generous.” He pushed his empty mug to the side, his expression shuttered. “Why don’t we check out the bonsai trees? Have you seen them?”

“Sure. I haven’t visited in a while.” She drank the remains of her latte, the smooth flavor soothing a small part of her frustration. She’d exposed a raw nerve, and Harry had been quick to change the subject.

Her father’s words echoed in her mind. She needed to engage Harry in a discussion of the tough issues, including money, to determine if they had a future.

***

Harry stood beside Serena, admiring the display in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. The miniature trees, including natives from Australia, Japan, and China, were positioned on rustic wooden tables. The stone walls in the room provided a nice backdrop for photos.

Serena snapped a few photos on her phone, appearing to be fascinated by the eclectic collection. “They’re so cute.”

“Yes.” Just like her. He trailed behind, glad he’d suggested they look at the display. Sunlight streamed in through the open roof, a covering of square wire mesh attached to the wooden crossbeams offering protection for the plants.

Hot weather was predicted, and he might suggest they catch a movie this afternoon after his interview. An air-conditioned mall had benefits, and they could come back here on a cooler day to tour the extensive Arboretum grounds.

First, he had a question to ask Serena. An important question. A life-changing question.

She collected a few pamphlets and walked outdoors with him. A high awning from the roof shaded a small section of the polished wooden deck.

He leaned on the railing in the shade, taking in the picturesque view of Canberra to the east. The idea of living in Canberra held appeal, especially if Serena was a part of his life.

She turned to him, a serious expression dominating her pretty face. “Harry, there’s something I need to say.”

“Okay.”

“I’m in a comfortable financial position, and I can support myself. It doesn’t matter if you can’t find a high-paid job.”

He shook his head. “It matters to me. I don’t have a lot of money, and I’ll need to use most of my savings to pay for my education.”

“That’s fine. The money issue isn’t important.”

“A man needs the financial resources to take care of his family.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “My father failed to provide for our family and it was awful. My mom has had a hard life, especially since she has been on her own.”

Her eyes softened. “I’m sorry that happened to you and your family.”

“We survived.”

“Money doesn’t make you a better person. I’ve met plenty of people with money who are obnoxious. You couldn’t pay me to spend time in their company.”

“Point taken.”

“But you never answered my original question. In five years’ time, are you going to look back on our conversation today and regret your decision?”

He shook his head and reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “Serena, I don’t want to lose you. You’re more important than a job.”

“Are you sure?”

He inhaled a deep breath. It was now or never, time to open his heart and take a risk. “I love you, and I hope you’ve grown to care for me.”

She nodded, her eyes shining. “I love you, and I wish our lives weren’t so complicated.”

“They don’t have to be complicated.”

“What do you mean?”

He reached into his pocket, retrieving a small blue velvet jewelry case.

She gasped. “Harry.”

He dropped down on one knee, the decking smooth against his skin. “Serena, you’ve captured my heart from the first day we met.”

“Everything went wrong at my sister’s crazy wedding.”

He shook his head. “A bunch of things went right that day. Meeting you was an amazing gift, and totally unexpected.”

“I’m glad we met when we did.”

“When I carried you to the car, I knew I was in trouble. As much as I’ve tried to convince myself that we couldn’t have a future, I can’t deny the depth of my feelings.”

She squeezed his hand, her smile lighting up her face.

He opened the jewelry case, highlighting the brilliant solitaire diamond ring nestled inside. “Serena, I love you and I want to grow old with you. Will you marry me?”

Her eyes glistened, their hazel depths radiating her love. “Yes, Harry. Yes!”

He slipped the ring on her finger, the band a little loose.

“Wow.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “It’s beautiful.”

Harry stood and tipped up her chin with his thumb. “Not as beautiful as you.” He lowered his head, his lips caressing hers in a gentle kiss.

***

Serena stood in the circle of Harry’s arms, her left hand resting on his chest. “When did you buy my ring?”

“Yesterday, in Sunny Ridge. I hope you like my choice.”

She nodded. “I love it, and I can’t wait to get married.”

“I need to find a job in Canberra. Weddings are expensive.”

“Did you know our mothers are already planning our wedding?”

He rolled his eyes. “Typical. We may have to fight for the wedding we want.”

“If we marry in Snowgum Creek, it should work out okay. My father gave me the inside scoop on their plans.”

Harry met her gaze, his love shining in his eyes. “Do you want a Snowgum Creek wedding?”

“Yes. Our family and friends can stay at the B&B.”

“True.”

She caressed his cheek, her fingertips exploring his strong jaw line. “What about your horses? Will you miss having them close by when you move to the city?”

He shook his head. “I’m hoping to land a job working with horses.”

“A great idea.”

His hands remained locked around her waist. “I’m not going to have time to study and take care of a horse. I’d rather spend my spare time with my wife.”

She grinned. “I like the sound of that, and I’ll be praying the right job opportunity in Canberra comes along at the right time.”

“Me, too. We can wait on His perfect timing.”

Serena hugged him close, tucking her head under his chin. She belonged in his arms, and couldn’t wait for their wedding.