The Bridesmaid's Hero Read Online Free

need to know about?”
    Harry’s gaze lingered on Serena. Her mother fussed with her lustrous dark hair, repining a few long curls that had fallen loose on her shoulders. He turned his back on the women and lowered his voice. “Serena’s heel broke off her shoe.”
    “No way.” Jack shook his head. “How did that happen?”
    Harry filled him in with the details. “The girls don’t want Debbie to know.”
    “A good call. The bride will flip out if anything else goes wrong. We don’t need to concern her with a problem that may not eventuate.”
    “Agreed. The other issue is Serena. She’s afraid the adhesive won’t hold the heel in place, and she’s trying to minimize the weight on her damaged heel.”
    “Ah, that explains why it looks like you’re hitting on a bridesmaid.”
    Harry braced his arms over his chest. “We didn’t know what else to do, and I did warn her to expect gossip.”
    Jack shoved his hands in his suit pockets, standing taller. “You know we have rules about fraternizing with clients during a job. But what you do later is your own business.”
    “I understand, and this is an exceptional circumstance.”
    “That’s for sure, and I reckon Josh would agree.”
    “Serena has my number, and I’ll stay nearby.”
    Jack nodded. “Whatever you do, don’t disappear together. The gossips would have a field day and it could impact our business.”
    “I’ll be discreet, and I’ll message you if anything goes wrong.”
    His frown deepened. “A good plan and I’ll pay attention, too. She should be okay to walk down the aisle.”
    “She doesn’t want to disappoint her sister.”
    “Understandable. The bride needs to calm down and relax.”
    Harry picked up a bottle of water. “I’m praying nothing else goes wrong.” Serena should be enjoying her sister’s wedding rather than worrying about her shoe falling apart.
     
    ***
     
    Serena stood inside the church entrance with Gina and Crystal. Her father and Debbie waited behind them. The music changed tempo, their cue to start walking down the aisle.
    Gina squeezed her hand. “We’re on.”
    She nodded and shifted her weight onto her good shoe. Her sister strode ahead and she followed, taking slow steps and concentrating on her posture and balance. The aisle seemed long, and she plastered a bright smile on her face. Harry stood near the back row in the far corner, his gaze riveted on her feet.
    She caught his eye and he gave her a toe-tingling smile. One look, and her insides turned to mush. Her back straight and head high, she focused on the task at hand and tried to mask her worries.
    After what seemed like an eternity, she reached her position at the front of the church next to Gina. She let out a soft sigh. Crystal joined them, then her father appeared with Debbie.
    Serena’s mouth formed a genuine smile. Debbie looked stunning in a sleek floor-length ivory silk gown. Her face glowed under the sheer veil, the afternoon sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows and catching the auburn highlights in her hair.
    Before long, the bride and groom had exchanged their vows in a heartfelt ceremony. Her mother dabbed at the corner of her eyes, pride exuding from her body.
    Serena waited with Gina and Crystal, ready to exit the church. She was paired with Duncan, the groom’s younger brother, who was in his final year at high school.
    Duncan escorted her back down the aisle, her heel solid underfoot. They walked outside and she closed her eyes, a silent prayer of thanks foremost in her mind. The photographer barked instructions and she shifted position to stand beside Crystal.
    Crystal tipped her chin in the air and peered down her nose. “I can’t believe you’re flirting with the hired help.”
    “Excuse me.”
    “The driver, who can’t keep his eyes off you. Or, to be more precise, off your legs.”
    Serena gritted her teeth. “I hardly think that’s what’s happening.”
    “Your little walk across the park earlier was