The Bridesmaid's Hero by Narelle Atkins

a twenty-minute drive.”
    Her mom patted her hand. “Honey, I’m sorry. Could you open your own restaurant?”
    “I doubt it. The town’s population is small, and it’s not a tourist destination. The overheads would be a killer.”
    Her father finished his last slice of toast. “I agree with Serena. Setting up a new restaurant is a bad idea.”
    “Tony, why do you always agree with her instead of me?”
    Her father held his coffee mug between his hands, his mouth drawn in a thin line. “Hope, you need to be reasonable and analyze the facts. The restaurant business is tough. I doubt anyone could set up a profitable restaurant in that particular location.”
    “But she could always give it a go. If it meant she could have a future with Harry…”
    He let out an exasperated breath. “No, Hope. These matchmaking schemes need to stop. Now.”
    Serena gulped her coffee. Her mother had pushed her father too far.
    Hope’s face paled. “But Tony, they’re perfect for each other.”
    “I’m not going to stand by and watch you encourage our daughter to throw away tens of thousands of dollars on a bad business venture. Serena has worked hard to build a successful career. She deserves better.”
    “Of course I don’t want Serena to fail. I’m proud of what she has achieved.”
    “Then back off and let her make her own decisions.”
    Hope bent her head and stared into her coffee mug.
    Serena forced back tears, her voice shaky. “What should I do?”
    Tony softened his tone. “I think your take on the situation is accurate. You’ll struggle to find work there as a chef.”
    Her lip trembled. “I don’t want to give up my career.”
    Tony brushed his hand over his gray hair. “You need to talk about this with Harry. It’s important you learn to communicate with each other and resolve conflict.”
    Hope placed her hand over Serena’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Honey, we’ll be praying for you.”
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    Serena prayed that next week she’d reach a compromise with Harry that worked for both of them. She loved Harry, and a future without him in her life looked bleak.
     
    ***
     
    A week later, Harry headed indoors into the B&B foyer, ready to meet his mother after her shift ended. She’d been spring-cleaning with Hope this afternoon, in preparation for the B&B closing down for a few weeks before Christmas.
    His mom smiled from behind the reception desk. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
    “Take your time.”
    Harry wandered back outside, inhaling the fresh country air. The weather had warmed, and he’d worked up a sweat as he’d cleaned the stables for the last time. Hope was back on normal duties, and his daily work with the horses had come to an end. He’d stop by over Christmas and check on the horses while Hope and Tony spent three days in Melbourne.
    He shaded his eyes, staring at the stunning mountain scenery. He’d miss this view if he took the job in Victoria.
    Serena had agreed to meet him in Canberra on Wednesday. He had less than two days to make a decision regarding the job before he spoke with her. His mother had encouraged him to follow up his initial contact with a number of Canberra businesses to see if they had any work available. A few had replied, and they’d shown interest in his qualifications and career goals.
    He hoped to line up at least one interview in Canberra. Serena had sent him a few messages, her tone cool. Detached, as if she was preparing to break up with him.
    He ran his fingers through his hair, his jumbled thoughts taking him around in circles. He’d prayed for guidance, and he was still waiting for an answer.
    His mom walked along the path, her oversized purse weighing down her shoulders.
    “What have you got in your bag?”
    “Just a few things Serena left behind. I figured I wouldn’t forget to give them to you if I stashed them in here.”
    A smile hovered over his lips. “I’ll move them into the minibus tonight.”
    “No, you can