The Bridesmaid's Hero Read Online Free PDF Page A

if you don’t take your proper meal breaks. Your mother and I can finish up in here.”
    “Are you sure? Mom isn’t overdoing it?”
    “Hope is managing just fine. I’m doing most of the serving, and she has sold a number of plants to our visitors.”
    “She’ll be happy her stock is moving.”
    Maggie nodded. “You need a break, and I know you’ll be back in the kitchen with your father before church tonight. If you see Harry, can you ask him to stop by?”
    “Sure.” She removed her hair cap, untied her apron and hung it on a hook by the external kitchen door. “Thanks for your help today.”
    “You’re welcome, and I’ll see you later.”
    Serena stepped outside, the cool mountain air tickling her bare neck. She pulled her hair loose from the confines of her bun, appreciating the sunshine on her face. A bike ride in the orchards should release the tension in her hamstring and calf muscles.
    She skirted around the rear of the B&B and along the short drive to her parents’ colonial-style home. She’d change into comfortable cycling clothes and use her mom’s bike. The farm perimeter provided a nice circuit with mountain views and a few challenging hills.
    Before long she slipped on a bike helmet and straddled the mountain bike. The bike settings were perfect, an advantage of being her mom’s height and build.
    Serena cycled along the drive, enjoying the breeze as her muscles warmed up. She passed the stables and waved to Harry. He sat tall on a chestnut mare, putting her through her paces in the paddock beside the stables. She’d ride three circuits and take a short break with Harry to do her stretches.
    Her exercise routine was important, and dry weather was forecast for the coming week. A daily bike ride, either outdoors or in the gym, was part of her schedule back home. Horse riding was an activity she’d rather avoid.
     
    ***
     
    Harry waved to Serena, admiring her slim physique as she powered by the paddock on a mountain bike. He hoped she planned on stopping to see him. A group horse riding lesson was scheduled for four-thirty, and he had a few guests to collect from the Snowgum Creek bus station afterward.
    He finished working the mare and let her join the half dozen horses on the far side of the paddock. His work in the stables was done, and he could take a break until he needed to prepare for the riding lessons. Serena rode passed a second time, head down as she concentrated on her ride.
    Harry grabbed his water bottle and walked over to the fence. Next time Serena rode by, he’d do something to attract her attention. Had they only met yesterday? She’d captured his thoughts, and he couldn’t stay away from her.
    Serena came into view and slowed her speed. She drew to a halt and removed her helmet. “Hey, how’s your day going?”
    “Better now I’ve seen you.”
    Her face flushed from pale pink to crimson. “You flatter me.”
    “That’s the plan. How’s your ride going?”
    “Pretty good.” She pulled her water bottle out of the holder and took a long drink. “I love riding out here. No traffic, birds everywhere, a fresh mountain breeze.” She replaced her bottle. “What have you been up to today?”
    “I’ve just finished exercising your mom’s horses.”
    “I’m glad you can help her out. You’re making a habit of rescuing the Blaxland women.”
    He laughed. “Your heel issue was no biggie. An easy fix.”
    “Maybe, but Debbie got her dream wedding without being stressed by my broken shoe. For that reason alone I’m grateful.”
    He hoisted himself onto the fence and sat on top of the sturdy white wooden plank. “You managed to survive the day without any other mishaps.”
    “Thanks to you.” She flicked down the bike stand and stepped away from her bike. “Your mom wants to see you at the tearoom.”
    “No problem. I’ll head up there soon.”
    Serena held onto a fence railing and moved into a hamstring stretch. “It’s a full house in the