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regular, and she’d become part of the group who headed out for coffee after the service.
    Serena paused at the entrance. “Where do you like to sit?”
    “Up the back.”
    She nodded. “I’ll follow you.”
    They were a few minutes early and he’d acknowledged his friends before taking his seat. Raised eyebrows and whispers followed, and he turned his back on the congregation.
    Serena scrolled through messages on her phone, oblivious to the attention.
    “Is everything okay?”
    She nodded. “Debbie and Mark have landed in Melbourne.”
    “Did they have fun in Phuket?”
    “Yes, and Debbie seems relaxed in the photos.” She passed over her phone. “She’s taking an extra week off work before returning to school.”
    “She’ll enjoy the longer break.” He glanced at the images, the exotic beach paradise stirring his imagination.
    The pastor spoke into the microphone and they stood for the opening song.
    Harry sang the words on the screen, but his mind was distracted by the photos. He’d never had the funds to travel overseas, and he’d need all his savings to pay for his impending university fees.
    Familiar twinges of envy gathered momentum in his heart. Josh had been in his final year of study at university and engaged to Lindi when their mom had learned the full extent of the debts left behind by their father. Those debts had thwarted Harry’s plans to study vet science after high school. His mom had needed his income and help to survive the financial maelstrom.
    Lindi’s parents were third generation Snowgum Creek orchardists. Josh and Lindi lived in a cottage on the family farm, and her father had bankrolled his older brother’s car hire business.
    The song ended and he took his seat. Lord, please help me to deal with my issues. I’m happy for Josh and Lindi, and I trust you’ll lead me into a fulfilling career.
    He opened his Bible. One day he’d love to marry and have a family like Josh. Harry couldn’t deny he cared for Serena. She was the type of woman he’d choose for a wife. Her faith was strong, and he loved being around her, but a holiday romance was all he could offer. He couldn’t allow himself to get attached, to raise his hopes. If Serena learned the truth about his financial situation and prospects, she’d fast lose interest in him as a potential husband.
     
    ***
     
    Serena leaned forward, her attention focused on the pastor’s words. He preached from Hebrews, emphasizing the importance of contentment and trusting God.
    It had taken her several years to learn contentment in her career. She’d strived to be better than her father, desperate to move out of his shadow and become known in the industry in her own right.
    She’d found her career niche in Canberra, and invested in her beautiful apartment. Jane, her friend from church, was living there until Christmas.
    Harry shifted in his seat, his jeans-clad leg only inches from her own. His forearm brushed hers and she resisted the urge to move closer. It seemed like she’d known him for months rather than weeks.
    He’d gained her trust and inspired ideas of settling down. They’d joked about their mothers’ crazy ideas about marriage. Was there a kernel of truth among the laughter? Harry was loyal, had integrity, and showed many other traits she considered important in a potential husband.
    She snuck a sideways glance at his handsome profile. Her life was in Canberra, and she’d didn’t want to move to a larger city to progress her career. Cycling in smog and traffic wasn’t appealing, and she loved the variety of native birds which visited her garden. She valued living close to work, and cringed at the thought of a long commute home after working an evening shift.
    Lord, I’m confused by my growing feelings for Harry. We’re connecting in ways I’d never envisaged, and I can’t see how our relationship could have a future.
    The service drew to a close and she met Harry’s warm gaze. “Thanks again for the lift. Do you