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

Snowgum Creek, many miles away. Rough terrain surrounded them on both sides.
    He cleared his throat. “Can I say something?”
    “Sure.”
    “I—”
    His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket, his eyes scanning the message on the screen.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Your neighbor’s horses have escaped from their paddock. A mare and her foal are missing.”
    “Oh no. They could be anywhere.”
    He nudged his horse forward. “Which is why we’re going to help search. Your mom is on a different track not far ahead of us. The vet is with her.”
    “What? She’s not supposed to be riding.”
    “I didn’t know that. She was riding yesterday.”
    She shook her head. “We’d better keep moving and listen for the horses.”
    “My boss will make sure your mom’s okay. We should pay attention to the birds, too. If they become noisier than usual, it could be a clue that the horses are nearby.”
    “Good idea.”
    He typed on his phone. “I’ll let your mom know we’re looking. The section of the forest on the other side of the creek was cleared a few years ago. It’s possible the horses are wandering around there, or somewhere else in the forest.”
    “I hope they’re okay.”
    “Me, too.”
    They rode deeper into the forest, following the trail as it wound down a long hill.
    He checked his phone. “We’re in a black spot.”
    “No big surprise.”
    He nodded. “We should pick it up a signal when we’re on higher ground.”
    The path narrowed and Serena followed close behind Harry. They came across a sandy section of the bank. He drew his horse to a stop and dismounted.
    Serena sipped from her water bottle, her body appreciating a rest from the saddle. Tomorrow she’d feel the aches and pains from the long ride.
    Harry glanced at his phone and shook his head. “Nothing.”
    “They may have already found the horses, and we’d never know.”
    “I was given instructions on our search area. We’re approximately an hour away from your parent’s farm.”
    She widened her eyes. “That far.”
    “We’re on a circular route I know well. Trust me, we won’t get lost, and we’ll be back at the farm well before sunset.”
    She let out a long breath. “That’s good to know.” Their horses stood a few feet away on the sandy bank, quenching their thirst in the refreshing mountain stream.
    Harry led the horses back onto the path and handed over Bessie’s reins. “It’s time to get moving.”
    “Sure.” She hopped back into the saddle, memories of long rides with her sisters beside the river near her childhood home filling her mind. A younger Bessie had enjoyed cantering along the trails and stopping by the river.
    The ground on the opposite side of the creek was clear of trees, the crest of the hill visible in the distance. A flock of cockatoos flew by, their loud screeching echoing in the valley. Sunlight broke through the tree canopy overhead.
    A gentle whinny sounded from the forest.
    Harry drew Mighty Boy to a halt. “Did you hear that?”
    She nodded. “They’re close by, or we’ve come across brumbies.” Wild horses roamed the Snowy Mountains.
    “It could be brumbies. We’ll take it slow and keep our eyes open.”
    “No problem.”
    Bessie followed Mighty Boy’s lead, moseying along behind him.
    Harry pointed to a clump of trees. “I see her. Wait here.”
    She brought Bessie to a stop next to a narrow section of the creek. The water looked shallow, maybe as high as her thigh in the middle. Rocks were embedded in the sand under the pristine flowing water.
    Minutes later Harry waved her over. He’d tied Mighty Boy to a nearby tree and stood beside a chestnut mare, stroking her neck and murmuring soft words in her ear.
    Serena took her time, not wanting to upset Bessie or the mare.
    She approached Harry and stifled a gasp. A foal lay sprawled on the path ahead, not far from where he comforted the mare.
    He handed over the phone, his mouth set in a grim line. “His front leg is