The Bridesmaid's Hero by Narelle Atkins Read Free Book Online

nose. “It’s a long drive from Canberra.”
    “Only five hours from Snowgum Creek.”
    “True. I usually fly to Melbourne when I visit my sister.”
    He drove out of Jindabyne and turned onto Alpine Way. “Have you thought about moving closer to one of your sisters?”
    She shook her head. “I’m content with my life in Canberra. I’m not as ambitious as my father, and I’ve finally found my niche in the industry.”
    “Do you think being ambitious is a bad thing?”
    “Not exactly, but I do believe there’s an element of truth in the old saying. The grass usually isn’t greener somewhere else.”
    “You’re speaking from experience.”
    “I used to change jobs all the time, and I didn’t necessarily move to a better position.” She sucked in a big breath. “I’m happy where I am. I grew up in the Canberra region and it’s home.”
    “Okay.” He stared straight ahead, his attention glued to the winding mountain road.
    She scraped her teeth over her lower lip. Why was he perplexed by her answer? She hadn’t given him any indication that she wanted to leave Canberra.
    Their lives had intersected for a short time, but their close proximity was temporary. In seven weeks she’d return to her old life in Canberra, and he’d continue on with his life in Snowgum Creek—or elsewhere. He wouldn’t have a lot of free time between work and study.
    Serena stretched out in her seat. It was pointless to dwell on what might happen when it was time for her to leave Snowgum Creek in December. She needed to live in the present and make the most of the time they had together.
    She stared out the window, the green alpine landscape changing as they climbed higher into the mountain range.
    “We’re nearly at Thredbo,” he said.
    “I haven’t been there in ages. We ski at Perisher because a friend from church has free accommodation at her family’s Perisher Valley chalet.”
    “That’s a bonus, and a great location. I usually go to Mount Selwyn because it’s closer to Snowgum Creek.”
    She tipped her head to the side. “I had wondered if your surprise was a trip back to my hometown.”
    “I did consider Canberra, but I like this option better.”
    “Okay.”
    He slowed at the Thredbo signpost, and within minutes he found a parking spot close to the entrance to the chairlift.
    She widened her eyes. “We’re climbing Mount Kosciuszko.”
    “We sure are.”
    “All the way to the top?”
    “Probably not all the way.” He strode around the front of the minibus and opened her door. “There’s a fair bit of snow higher up the mountain, and it’s a four-hour hike in good weather. Have you done the climb before?”
    She nodded. “Years ago, with my family, during the summer school holidays. We hiked from Charlottes Pass but didn’t make it as far as the summit.”
    “It’s a long hike from Charlottes Pass.”
    “I remember the blisters.”
    “Ouch.” Harry collected their gear from the back of the minibus and adjusted the straps on his backpack. “I hope the weather will be okay. You brought a hat and scarf?”
    “Yes, and I layered sunscreen on my face before we left.”
    “Me too. I have wet weather gear for both of us, just in case.”
    “Thanks.” Serena slung her backpack over her shoulders and held Harry’s hand as they strolled toward the stairs leading to the chair lift. She turned up the cuff on her collar, the brisk wind a lot cooler than Snowgum Creek. Colorful wildflowers covered ground that would be buried in snow during winter.
    They joined the line of tourists waiting to board the chairlift. A bus had arrived not long before them, the loud passengers talking about how they were eager to climb Australia’s tallest mountain.
    She sat beside Harry on the chairlift and they left the platform, embarking on the mile-long ride up the side of the mountain.
    Her legs dangled high over the lush green hillside. Hiking boots secured by laces clad her feet. The temperature dropped, and her