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

grandparents took us to the beach each summer. They lived on the South Coast and we’d stay with them for part of the school holidays.”
    “We mainly went to the beach when we visited family in Sydney. My aunt and uncle live in The Shire, not far from Cronulla Beach.”
    “A pretty part of the world. We used to go to church youth camps in the nearby Royal National Park.”
    “Port Hacking is a great place to visit.” He drained his latte glass. “Are you ready to go hiking?”
    She nodded. “Thanks for a lovely morning tea.”
    “You’re very welcome.” He stood, his smile radiating from his eyes. “I’ll settle the bill.”
    “Thank you.” She was impressed by his manners and loved everything about their date.
    They left the restaurant and commenced their hike up the mountain, the raised steel mesh walkway providing an even path. They passed rocky granite outcrops, and patches of snow became more prevalent the higher they climbed. A heavy mist engulfed the peaks. The air temperature reminded her of a frosty Canberra winter morning.
    He paused. “I think we’ll stop for lunch at the next lookout. It could rain soon.”
    “I agree, and I’m hungry.”
    He shook his head. “The scones didn’t fill you up?”
    “Breakfast at five this morning seems like a long time ago.”
    “It’s not too cold for you?”
    “Nope.” She grinned. “I’m used to cold winters.”
    Half an hour later they reached an isolated lookout not far from the main path.
    She strode to the edge of the viewing platform, looking out over the ravine. “It feels like we’re walking in the clouds.”
    “And most likely snow.”
    She wrapped her red woolen scarf tighter around her neck. “Do you think it will snow?”
    “Possibly. It’s cold enough.” He laid out a picnic blanket on the mesh platform.
    She joined him, sitting cross-legged. “Did my father make our lunches?”
    He nodded and pulled two cardboard boxes out of a small cooler bag in his backpack. “I hope that’s okay?”
    “Dad knows what I like.” She opened her box and found a large wrapped sandwich, a red apple, and one of her savory cheese muffins. “Looks great.”
    He unwrapped his sandwich. “I wonder what’s on it.”
    “Turkey, cranberry and brie. My mom’s favorite combo, and a popular menu item in November.”
    “Are your parents doing an American Thanksgiving dinner this year?”
    “Yes. We’re fully booked over the Thanksgiving weekend. I’ve been rostered to help with housekeeping, and I’m baking all the pies in advance.”
    “Is that normal?”
    She shook her head. “Bookings normally drop off by late November, and pick up again when we reopen at the end of December.”
    “It’s good your parents can take a break before Christmas.”
    “Dad catches up on work in the orchards, and Mom still has to take care of the horses. This year we’re all going to stay at Debbie and Mark’s new home in Melbourne for Christmas.”
    “Sounds good. Do they live near the bay?”
    “Yes, and I’m looking forward to spending some time at the beach with Gina.”
    “We’ll spend Christmas with Josh and Lindi’s family. It will be my niece’s first Christmas.”
    “That’s special. You’ll have to take lots of photos.” She finished her sandwich and munched on the juicy apple, grown in her father’s orchard. She stretched out her legs, content to chat with Harry. They could talk for hours and not run out of conversation topics.
    Harry screwed the lid back on his empty water bottle and tossed it in the cooler. “The weather is turning. I think we should head back soon.”
    “Sure. Thanks for lunch.” She stood, tucking her bare hands into her jacket pockets. “I appreciate all the effort you’ve put into organizing our date.”
    “No problem.” He stepped closer, his thumb tipping up her chin. “You look gorgeous today.”
    She stared into his eyes, entranced by the warm depths framed by long lashes.
    He bent his head and she closed