The Bridesmaid's Hero Read Online Free Page A

pathetic. Can’t you do better than him?”
    “My choice of friends is none of your business.” She tightened her grip on her bouquet of champagne roses, itching to wipe the smug expression off Crystal’s face. “Can we focus on making sure Debbie and Mark enjoy their wedding?”
    Crystal huffed. “Just don’t embarrass your sister.”
    “Whatever.”
    The photographer called Serena away for a family photo. She bolted, glad to escape and thankful that Crystal had booked into a Sunny Ridge motel tonight instead of staying at their B&B. The two-minute drive from the park to the church entrance with Crystal in their car had been long enough.
    Serena grabbed Gina’s arm and whispered in her ear. “I can’t stand that woman.”
    “What did she do?”
    “The usual snide comments, this time about Harry.”
    “Oh.” Gina pressed her lips together. “You have to sit next to her at the bridal table.”
    “I’ll take every excuse I can find to stay as far away from her as possible.”
    “You and me both.”
    Serena drew in a sobering breath, preparing herself for the long evening ahead. She smiled for the camera, relieved when the photographer dismissed her and Gina. Harry stood in the distance beneath a shady gum tree with Jack. The bridal party had photos scheduled in the gardens at the reception venue. In five hours she’d be done and could trash these wretched shoes.
    She snuck away and found a bench seat around the side of the church. She took off her shoes and typed a fast message to Harry. Her shoe had stayed intact.
    Within seconds a shadow fell over her.
    Harry stood in front of her, grinning. “I’m not good at typing fast on my phone.”
    “So I noticed.”  She giggled. “Autocorrect can be annoying.”
    “And funny. I need to remember to edit my messages.”
    “Did you watch the wedding?”
    “No, I went back outside with Jack after the bride walked down the aisle.”
    “It was a lovely ceremony.”
    “I’m glad. We need to go to the reception venue soon for photos.”
    She grimaced. “Not more standing up.”
    He glanced at her bare feet. “Your heel’s okay?”
    “It’s holding up. But my feet are sore and I can’t wait to get rid of these shoes.”
    His blue eyes twinkled, tiny creases forming at the corners. “You can ditch them at the reception and risk your sister’s wrath.”
    “Yeah, I know. Not a smart idea.”
    Crystal appeared on the path, hands on hips. “Serena, what are you doing hiding out here?”
    She muffled a low groan. “Resting my feet.”
    “Remember what I told you earlier. I won’t have Debbie upset by your foolishness.” Crystal strode away, her head at a haughty angle.
    Harry raised an eyebrow. “What was that all about?”
    “Apparently I’m not allowed to associate with the hired help.”
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”
    “No, it’s fine. I’m not going to be bossed around by her.” She’d stay away from Crystal and message Harry whenever she pleased. There was no way she’d allow Crystal to dictate who she could talk to at the reception.
     

 
     
    Chapter Three
    Later in the evening, Harry leaned back against the BMW, parked on the drive at the reception venue. The balmy air carried a sweet jasmine fragrance from a nearby trellis. The historic mansion was known for its rose gardens. Fairy lights were strung in the trees overhead, adding to the festive atmosphere.
    He’d wandered through the gardens earlier with Jack, the flower displays reminding him of the Blaxland B&B. Serena’s parents had established a tearoom and gardens for their guests. Visitors travelled from interstate to see the spring tulips.
    His phone beeped and he smiled. Serena. The bride and groom were leaving now.
    He’d watched Serena from afar, relieved her shoe had survived the rigors of the wedding reception. She’d messaged him at regular intervals all night, their banter giving him more than a few belly laughs. Gina had kept Serena sane as