The Bridesmaid's Hero Read Online Free Page B

they both tried to ignore Crystal’s bossy antics.
    The bride and groom appeared on the drive. The groomsmen had decorated a white hatchback with shaving cream and an assortment of tin cans attached to streamers. The happy couple waved to their guests then left for an undisclosed destination.
    Serena and Gina walked toward him, fatigue evident on their weary faces.
    “Are you ready to go home?” he asked.
    Serena nodded. “We’ve already said our goodbyes.”
    He assisted the girls into the car and Jack wandered over.
    “Harry, thanks for your help today.”
    “No problem. I’ll see you next weekend. Have fun in Sydney.”
    “We will. Kate’s looking forward to a midweek break.” Jack returned to his car, ready to drive Serena’s parents back to Snowgum Creek.
    Harry slipped behind the wheel. “Music or sleep?”
    Gina yawned. “I’m going to sleep, but don’t let that stop you two from chatting.”
    “I don’t want to disturb you,” he said.
    “I can sleep through anything,” Gina said. “Your entertaining conversation won’t bother me. Serena shared your messages, and I know why you had her in stitches.”
    “I’m glad you like my sense of humor.”
    Serena closed her eyes. “I’m ready for a nap, and I have an early start in the morning.”
    “Are you working?” he asked.
    “Yes, I need to get organized for afternoon tea and prepare the desserts for tomorrow night. Dad and I have a big day in the kitchen planned, starting at seven.”
    “In that case, I think you both should sleep.”
    A smile hovered over Serena’s full lips. “Thanks, Harry. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me today.”
    “You’re very welcome.” He drove back to the main road, watching in the mirror as both girls fell asleep within minutes.
    Serena had piqued his interest and he wanted to get to know her better. He’d go to church in the morning, and then the horses would need his attention. A few guests had booked riding lessons for late tomorrow afternoon. Between the lessons and his trips to the bus station, he hoped he’d have an opportunity to see Serena.
     
    ***
     
    The next day, Serena rolled her shoulders and stretched her arms above her head. Three in the afternoon, and the tearoom overlooking the gardens was full of paying customers. Her mother’s famous spring tulips were in full bloom, and her roses weren’t far behind.
    She pulled her last batch of scones out of the oven. Freshly baked, she’d received numerous compliments on her culinary skill. High teas were one of her specialties, and she’d perfected her scone recipe a few years ago.
    Maggie, Harry’s mom, helped Serena’s mother look after the guests seated in the tearoom and on the adjoining veranda. They worked well together, a strong bond of friendship evident in all their interactions. Her father was in the larger kitchen, further along the hall near the formal dining room. Dinner preparations were underway for the thirty B&B guests who would arrive by eight tonight.
    Serena had spotted Harry through a kitchen window earlier, along with half a dozen new arrivals. Gina was in charge of the front desk. Between the day visitors in the gardens and their overnight guests, their parking lot was filled to capacity.
    Maggie entered the kitchen, a broad smile on her face. “Those scones smell good, and your chocolate mud cake is receiving wide acclaim. Our Snowgum Creek friends have told your mother you’re not allowed to return to Canberra.”
    Serena grinned. “They’ll cope without me. Your cream cakes are popular.”
    “Not so much when we have a pastry chef in the house. Your father’s lemon meringue pie is another big favorite with the Snowgum Creek crowd.”
    “It’s on the dessert menu tonight. I’ve made single-serve pavlovas as the alternative.”
    “That’s a tough choice. Have you spoken to Harry?”
    She shook her head. “I’ve spent most of today in the kitchen.”
    “Not good, and you’ll burn yourself out