Dear Reader,

I’ve had a love affair with Savannah, Georgia, for over thirty years. I should—I spent my honeymoon there! The setting of this book made it extra-fun to write. When my fabulous fellow Medical author Lynne Marshall suggested that we place our Summer Brides books in Savannah I didn’t hesitate to agree.

I knew who my characters would be as well. Ashley, a feisty local politician who believes deeply in improving her community, and Kiefer, a doctor who starts a clinic in the neighbourhood. These two have so much in common, but both have such strong personalities they almost can’t get past themselves to see the love they have for the other.

It was an exciting story to write, and I hope you enjoy reading it. I love to hear from my readers. You can find me at susancarlisle.com.

Susan

SUSAN CARLISLE’s love affair with books began in the sixth grade, when she made a bad grade in maths. Not allowed to watch TV until she brought the grade up, Susan filled her time with books. She turned her love of reading into a passion for writing, and now has over ten Medical Romances published through Mills & Boon. She writes about hot, sexy docs and the strong women who captivate them. Visit susancarlisle.com.

White Wedding for
a Southern Belle
Susan Carlisle

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Joan May, my mother-in-law.

Thanks for sharing your son with me.

Praise for Susan Carlisle

‘Gripping, stirring, and emotionally touching…A perfect medical read!’

—Goodreads on His Best Friend’s Baby

Contents

COVER

Dear Reader

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TITLE PAGE

DEDICATION

Praise for Susan Carlisle

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

COPYRIGHT

CHAPTER ONE

ASHLEY MARSH PUSHED through the crowded ballroom filled with St. Patrick’s Day revelers dressed in costumes and lit by nothing but small green lights. As an alderman on the Savannah City Council, part of her job was to attend these types of events. Still, a fund-raiser hosted by Maggie Bradford wasn’t an invitation she could ignore.

Savannah, Georgia, with its large Irish history and a disposition toward a good party did St. Paddy’s Day right, even to the point of turning the river green. She’d always enjoyed the festivities but costume parties were a little over the top for her. Recognizing who she was speaking to tonight probably wasn’t going to happen. It made her a little nervous knowing that when people were behind a mask they tended to do things they wouldn’t otherwise. Experience told her that she wasn’t always a good judge of character anyway.

The crowd around her wore anything from big green shamrock glasses to Irish kilts. She’d chosen a green tunic and tights, and a leprechaun hat. With a glittery gold mask over her eyes, she had some anonymity yet she didn’t look as foolish as many of those in the room. She smiled to herself. More than once someone had told her to lighten up. Maybe tonight she would...a little. After all, few in the room could identify her.

“Ms. Marsh.”

Maybe she was wrong.

She knew that voice. It was Alderman Henderson, a thorn in her side most of the time. He was dressed as if he were the mayor of an Irish village in a green suit with yellow plaid vest and buckled top hat.

“Ralph, how’re you doing? Having a good time?” She already knew he wasn’t.

He shrugged. “I guess so. The wife is really into these things. Anyway, I want to let you know that the hospital has agreed to partner with us on your clinic idea. I just spoke to the administrator a few minutes ago. I’m going to agree to support it for the trial period of six months. Be aware, if there’s just one issue I’m going to withdraw that support.” His tone was firm, indicating he wouldn’t be changing his mind if all didn’t go well with the clinic.

Excitement filled her. She’d been working for this opportunity since she’d been elected. “Thanks, Ralph. You’re doing the right thing here.”

“I’m not sure about that yet, so we’ll see.” He wandered off into the crowd and Ashley wasn’t disappointed.

Suddenly feeling like celebrating, she looked around the room and spied a tall man with brown hair standing by himself. He was near a door to the outside as if he was preparing to run at any moment. He wore a dark suit with a green tie. Over his eyes was a mask of small yellow plaid. He was certainly understated for the occasion. Surely he would be safe enough for a dance or two?

Ashley made her way in his direction. Stopping in front of him, she said, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day. How about giving a leprechaun a bit of luck by dancing with her?”

Dark green eyes looked at her for a long moment. He nodded then set the drink he held down on a nearby table. Following her, they moved out onto the dance floor. A fast song was playing and she turned to face him. The man was a good dancer. They shared two more songs.

When a slow number started she said, “Thank you for the dances.”

He inclined his head. “You’re welcome.” The sexy timbre in his deep, rich voice was something she wouldn’t soon forget.

Ashley walked away. She wasn’t into being held by strange men, so she was both surprised and relieved that he hadn’t insisted she dance the slower song. If she was less cautious she might have enjoyed being in this stranger’s arms, but she knew too well what could happen when you weren’t careful...

* * *

Dr. Kiefer Bradford watched the tiny leprechaun cross the room and speak to a few people as she left him on the dance floor. He might have pursued her but his mother wouldn’t appreciate him picking up a one-night stand at her event and he’d no interest in anything longer. After what his ex-wife had done to him he had no intention of stepping into a serious relationship again. She’d seen to it that he didn’t believe anything a woman said.

The only reason he was at his mother’s costume ball was because he’d been in town for a job interview. When his former best friend, Josh—now his ex-wife’s husband—had been made director of the ER at the Atlanta hospital where Kiefer worked, it had been time for him to get out of town.

He was tired of dodging Josh. The whispers of the staff. The pitying faces of his friends. And, worse, the anger he continued to feel. Savannah was his home. He still owned a place here. He’d come back and leave all the ugliness behind.

Kiefer saw the leprechaun a few more times around the room but never on the dance floor. Twice they were almost close enough to speak but then she was gone. Anyway, he’d done his duty and he was ready to go. Enough green for him today. He’d watch and hear the rest of the fun from the balcony of his apartment.

As he was on his way out to the lobby, the leprechaun was coming out of a door to the right. Just as he was about to pass her Kiefer saw his ex-wife, Brittney, and Josh coming toward him among a group of people. Despite the festive dress, he recognized them.

Apprehension and anger rushed through him. Even here they still interrupted his life. They must have come to town for St. Patrick’s Day. Brittney was from Savannah as well. Regardless of their history, his mother’s party was the go-to event in town, so of course they wouldn’t miss it.

Kiefer didn’t want to speak with Brittney and Josh or want them to see him leaving alone. Without thinking, he grabbed the leprechaun as she passed.

Her small yelp of surprise made him pause for a second before his mouth found hers and he backed her against the wall. Her lips were soft and sweet beneath his. Her hands braced against his chest, pushed and then relaxed against him. Seconds later they slid to his waist. He shifted his mouth to gain a better advantage. One of his hands moved to cup her cheek.

Through the fog of desire welling up Kiefer heard the group pass. He forced himself to back away, letting his lips slowly leave the leprechaun’s. The longing to find them again filled him but he’d already stepped over the line.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, standing between him and the wall, his hand still cupping her face.

“Saying thank you for those dances.”

The leprechaun huffed. “By accosting me?”

He shrugged and removed his hand. As he did so the button on the sleeve of his coat caught in the necklace around her neck.

“Stop. Be careful. Don’t break it.” Her voice rose.

Why was she overreacting about a simple necklace with a funny-looking stone on it?

He held his arm motionless while she worked to release the chain. The shamrock on top of her hat bobbed against his nose. She smelled like baking cookies.

“Got it.” She looked up.

This leprechaun had the most beautiful doe-brown eyes he’d ever seen. Kiefer leaned in. She pushed against his chest. He stumbled backward and she hurried past him, disappearing into the crowded ballroom.

That leprechaun had certainly made this St. Patrick’s Day memorable.

Three months later

Kiefer was back in Savannah and driving through Southriver. He wasn’t having his first reservation or second but third about being in this part of town at this time of day. During his teen and college years Southriver had been the area where everyone had gone to find or buy a good time. Apparently that hadn’t changed.

When the medical director of Savannah Medical Center had questioned him about working at the Southriver clinic during the interview, Kiefer had thought of it as more of a what-if sort of question instead of a sure thing. He liked the adrenaline rush a large ER offered but he needed to get out of Atlanta. Seeing Josh regularly after what he and Brittney had done to him wasn’t working. The staff was too aware of the tension between them.

Being the clinic physician wasn’t his first choice but at least it would prove his leadership and organizational skills for an opportunity down the road. Three to six months at the clinic and maybe he could transfer to the ER or apply for a departmental spot at the hospital.

As he continued down the street the number of people sitting on the steps of houses increased. It was already hot and steamy for the early days of summer and this evening was no different. These people were doing anything they could to catch a breeze. In front of a few homes children played. Maybe the revitalization of the area was starting to work.

The appearance of the neighborhood improved the farther he drove. The blocks behind him had empty buildings with grass growing in the cracks of the sidewalk and trash blown against the curb. All signs of inner-city apathy. In contrast, the closer he came to the address he was looking for, the better kept the houses and businesses looked. Many were newly painted, with fresh signs above storefronts and flowering plants hung from light posts. This went on for one block but the next started showing the neglected look of the earlier ones.

What the...?

Just ahead of him a group of males who wore their pants low on their hips and matching bandannas on their biceps stood aggressively facing a woman in front of a three-story brownstone. The woman was Ashley Marsh. Kiefer recognized her from a couple of TV interviews he’d seen since his return.

The best he could tell, she was a crusader of the highest order. As a child of someone who took on causes—sometimes to her own detriment—he was weary of what Ashley’s plans might be. In her interviews he’d found her articulate and intelligent, if not a little antagonistic for his taste.

Kiefer wasn’t particularly impressed. He believed in helping people—after all, that was why he’d become a doctor—but he also expected people to help themselves. Not everyone could be saved. Sometimes people were just not worth it.

What he knew of Ashley Marsh reminded Kiefer too much of his mother. That “help everyone, all people are good” view of life made Kiefer a little leery of Ashley Marsh. Advocates often saw the picture through rose-colored glasses. Ms. Marsh struck him as being that type of person. If he were ever interested in a woman again it wouldn’t be in someone who didn’t show more restraint where people were concerned.

As he drew closer he could see that Ashley was talking to the group, gesturing with her hands.

One of the young men made an aggressive move forward. To her credit, she didn’t back away.

Kiefer’s hands tightened on the wheel. All the ugly memories of a day so long ago, when his mother had been attacked, came flooding back. The man off the street, his mother begging him not to kill her, his mother falling to the floor, the man going through her purse and Kiefer watching it all helplessly through the slats of the pantry door. He’d sworn then he would never again stand idly by while someone was being threatened.

His tires squealed as he quickly pulled into a parking lot next to the building. The group turned toward him. At least their attention was drawn away from Alderman Marsh. Kiefer hopped out and circled the truck, putting himself between her and the gang.

“Hey, man, who’re you?” growled the man Kiefer had pegged as the leader of the group. His dark hair was long and pulled back in a band. He wore a hoop in his ear.

“Dr. Kiefer Bradford. I’m the new clinic doctor.”

“We don’t need no more outsiders here.”

Ashley sidestepped Kiefer. He put his arm out to stop her without taking his eyes off the men in front of him. He felt more than saw her move around him and he dropped his arm in frustration.

“I can handle this,” she announced in a firm tone, confronting the guy in front of Kiefer. “Look, Marko, the clinic is to help the people around here, not to spy on you. What if your mother or sister needed medical care? Don’t you want them to have a place to get it? This will be a no-questions-asked place.”

It would be? That was the first Kiefer had heard of that.

“We don’t need...” Marko lifted his chin toward Kiefer “...no outsiders coming into our neighborhood.”

“This is my home as much as it is yours,” Ashley stated. “I’ve known your family all your life. I used to change your diapers.”

A couple of Marko’s buddies snickered. He glanced at them. Their faces sobered. “All your do-gooding isn’t going to work,” Marko said to Ashley.

“I’m trying to make the community better. The clinic is the first step in doing that.”

“Yeah, right, it’s your way of trying to change everything.” He spit on the ground then scowled. “I run this ’hood, and if I don’t want you or your clinic, you’ll be gone.”

Kiefer took a step forward. “Don’t threaten the lady.”

Marko glowered at him. “Back off, mister, or you’ll regret it.”

A couple of Marko’s thugs moved toward him.

Ashley pulled at Kiefer’s arm, preventing him from going toward Marko. “He isn’t worth it.”

The horn of a police car had Marko’s gang scrambling, each running in a different direction and disappearing into the dwindling light.

“Is there a problem here?” the patrolman asked out the car window.

Ashley left Kiefer’s side and went to the car. “No, we’re fine, Carl.”

Carl looked at Kiefer and raised his chin. “Who’s this guy?”

“This is Dr. Bradford, the new director of the clinic.”

Kiefer nodded.

“Good to have you, Doc,” Carl said. “Never a dull moment in Southriver.”

“I’m finding that out.”

“Carl, don’t run him off before he even gets started,” Ashley said with a half laugh.

“Sorry, Alderman, that wasn’t my intention. Y’all have a good evening.” Carl’s partner drove the car on down the street.

After all the excitement Kiefer took a really good look at the woman beside him. Beneath the streetlight she wasn’t at all like the person on TV, more like a college coed and less like a hard-nosed politician. Of average height, with midnight-black hair she wore pulled back in a ponytail. Her jeans had holes in them; not as a fashion statement but from actual use would be his guess.

His attention went to her tight T-shirt, which did nothing to hide the generous breasts but, in fact, drew attention to them with “not here you don’t” written across them. What captured his attention was the necklace lying between her breasts. It was the same one that the woman he’d kissed on St. Patrick’s Day had been wearing.

He looked into her dark eyes. Yes, those were the ones. He’d thought of that kiss and these very eyes many times since then.

“You!”

Ashley gave him a quizzical look. “Yes. Me.”

She didn’t recognize him. But why should she? He’d worn a mask.

* * *

Ashley put her hands on her hips and glared at the man before her. “What were you thinking?”

He blinked a couple of times as if he’d forgotten where he was. “What do you mean?”

Dr. Bradford looked truly perplexed. As if he couldn’t imagine creating a situation that both she and he couldn’t get out of. Marko wasn’t someone to mess with. “Jumping in between Marko and me. I had things under control.”

“Yeah, I could see that. Six against one is always a fair number. I was only trying to help.”

What was it about his voice? Had she heard it before? That rich tone sounded so familiar. “You weren’t. If anything, you were making matters worse.”

Ashley clenched her jaw. She’d fought most of her life against being overprotected. To fight her own fights. After her childhood friend had been abducted it had seemed like her father hadn’t wanted to let her out of his sight. For years she’d had to beg to walk the two blocks to school. Even when he’d let her she’d caught him or her brother following her. It had taken going off to college to break away. She loved her father dearly but she would never return to that way of life. Having this doctor ride to the rescue wasn’t what she needed or wanted. She could take care of Marko and herself.

Dr. Bradford said sarcastically, “So, if I understand correctly, I should have just stood by while they scared you into doing whatever they wanted you to do, which, by the way, was what?”

“Marko doesn’t want the clinic to open. He believes it’s only here to keep tabs on him and his gang. You know, big brother watching and all that. What it amounts to is he’s afraid that if the people in Southriver have something positive, they’ll want more and stop letting him intimidate them. Push thugs like him out.”

“That’s what you want too, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I want to make this a good place to live.”

“Admirable. But if you’re not careful you won’t be around to see it happen.”

That might be true, but she’d spent so many years feeling cloistered and controlled, as if she couldn’t take care of herself, that as an adult she fought against it whenever it happened to her now. She wasn’t that brave in her personal life, always questioning her ability to judge if she was seeing the real person. Fighting to truly trust. Her being fooled before had destroyed someone’s life. She couldn’t let that happen again to her or anyone she cared about.

“Look around you.” She reached out an arm and directed it toward the buildings across the street. “Those were all businesses when I was growing up. Criminals like Marko slowly drove them away. I won’t be driven out. This clinic is the first step in bringing people back.”

“You have grand plans, Ms. Marsh.”

“I believe in dreaming big.”

“You have your work cut out for you.”

“Maybe so, but when I ran for the city council I promised that I’d help make this area a better place to live and I intend to keep that promise.”

“Even if it kills you?”

She shrugged. “It won’t come to that. Let’s go in and I’ll show you around. Then we’ll get to work.” She turned toward the building. “By the way, don’t ever step between me and anyone again.”

* * *

Kiefer blinked. He’d just been put in his place by a woman who had been wearing a leprechaun outfit when he’d first met her. She didn’t recognize him. He was a bit disappointed. Then again, why would she? Their kiss had got to him but that didn’t mean she had felt anything.

And what was this about working? He’d been told this was a meet and greet. He’d made plans for dinner tonight. Something about Ashley’s demeanor warned him that wouldn’t be a good enough excuse for leaving early.

She walked toward the redbrick structure with large window frames painted white. It had a heavy-looking natural wood door that had obviously been refinished with care. On either side of it were pots full of bright yellow flowers. She looked back as if she expected him to follow her. When he did she pushed the door wider. After he entered she closed and locked it. Despite what he believed was her earlier recklessness, at least she was showing some caution.

“The building used to be a hardware store,” she informed him. “This large area will be used as the waiting room.” All makes and models of wooden chairs were stationed around the room. “I have someone, Maria, coming in tomorrow morning to act as receptionist. She’s a good girl. Let’s go back here and I’ll show you what I have planned.”

Kiefer didn’t say anything, just trailed after her down a long hallway that had obviously had new walls built to create smaller rooms on one side.

“These are the examination rooms. I couldn’t make too many permanent changes because I had this building declared a historical one so it wouldn’t be torn down.”

Was she a crusader about everything? Even buildings? He’d seen sound bites of her talking about revitalizing the area but he hadn’t known that included defending old buildings. In his mind, constructing more modern ones would have been more effective and energy efficient.

“This is the supply room, where we’ll need to concentrate our efforts tonight.”

Kiefer stepped into the room. It was piled high with boxes. More than a night’s worth of work faced them.

“What’s all of this?”

“Donated supplies. You’ll find they aren’t hard to come by. Manpower is. People are more than happy to give as long as it doesn’t require any real investment of time.” She stepped forward and opened a box.

“Ms. Marsh, I’m sorry but I have another appointment at eight. I’ll get started on this first thing in the morning.” He had to stop looking at her mouth. Thinking of their kiss.

She made a disgusted sound. “I don’t think you’ll have time for that tomorrow and I have scheduled meetings so I’ll be in and out.”

“I doubt there’ll be so many patients that I can’t see to it over the next few days.”

“You might be surprised. Were you told that this job would require long hours?”

“I understand those. I am an ER doctor. The issue is that I wasn’t prepared to work tonight. I understood I was to come and see the clinic. Not set it up.”

“Dr. Bradford, around here we all do what has to be done. Were you told you would have only one nurse?”

“No. I was just asked to start work here the day after tomorrow.”

“You have the date wrong. Tomorrow is opening day.”

He’d be there ready to go in the morning. She seemed to set high expectations for herself and others. Kiefer didn’t need her reporting back that he’d not given his all to this project. He had to ensure this clinic ran smoothly.

Shrugging out of his lightweight jacket, he conceded, “I can stay for a couple of hours now. We won’t get it all done tonight but maybe we can have at least one exam room operational. But first I have to make a quick phone call.”

“Sounds like a plan, Dr. Bradford.”

“Please call me Kiefer. After all, we have met before.”

She tilted her head in question. “I don’t remember that.”

“Now my feelings are hurt. It was at a St. Patrick’s Day party.”

A look of concern came over her face. She studied him for a moment. “Really?”

“You invited me to dance.”

Ashley sucked in a breath. Her eyes widened. “You grabbed me in the hall.”

“I’m sorry about that. Heat of the moment and all that.” Kiefer wasn’t going into why he’d kissed her. He also wasn’t going to let on how much he’d enjoyed doing so.

“I should have slapped your face.”

He shrugged. “Probably.”

Ashley’s hands shook as she opened the first box. She glanced at Kiefer. He had been the one. The man whose kiss had turned her inside out. She’d pushed him away and had gone down the hall back to the party on wobbly knees. No kiss had ever lingered and stayed with her like his had. Even months later she could remember every detail. But could she trust him? Someone who just grabbed a stranger and kissed them?

Kiefer looked at her. She turned away. Was he thinking of their kiss? Worse, laughing at her? She had to get past the moment and concentrate on the job at hand. What they had shared had been two adults being silly during a party.

He wasn’t who she’d expected, on more than one front. She’d thought an older, more established doctor would be assigned to the clinic. The council had only agreed to support the clinic if she could work out an affiliation with the Savannah Medical Center. Only when she’d managed to make the connection had the plan come together. The six-month time limit meant the clinic had to look good from the first day and there could be no issues, like with Marko.

Her next concern was that if the clinic did make a go of things, would Kiefer stay and run it after the six months were up? Or would he be like so many others? All her life she’d seen people wanting to help come and go in her community. Civic groups, church groups, private companies, all wanting to make a difference. The problem was that they never stayed long enough to make a real change. Slowly the strides forward would slide back to the way they had been. They came in and did their projects for the allotted time then left, never really committing to Southriver. Ashley needed people who would stay and be a part of the community. Someone who would have the same conviction about the community as she did.

When she’d been elected from the Southriver district to serve as alderman, the establishment of close affordable medical care had been one of her main platform points.

If there had been a clinic close by, Lizzy might have lived.

The clinic was the first of many improvements Ashley planned to implement. The beginning of making restitution for not having been there for Lizzy. But she had to show success with this project before she requested funds for the next.

* * *

They spent the following few hours opening boxes. Kiefer would tell her where the supplies were needed and she would put them there. He was a clean-cut guy in an all-American way. Dressed in a knit collared shirt and jeans, which seemed worn enough that they might be his favorite, and loafers. He was a striking man. As much so as he had been on St. Patrick’s Day. He oozed confidence, but she knew from experience that he would need to gain acceptance in this neighborhood. His eyes were his most arresting feature. They twinkled with merriment. She should have remembered them, but it had been his voice that had pulled at her. That timbre when he said certain words made it special.

Kiefer was a worker, she’d give him that. She had no idea what some of the items they were handling were or how they were used, but he seemed pleased to see each of them. On occasion she would catch him looking at her. It made her feel a little nervous. That kiss stood between them. Theirs was a business relationship and she was going to see that it stayed that way.

“I’ll need to make a list of other things we need when we get this all finished,” he said.

“Good luck with that. I had a hard enough time getting these donated.”

“I know someone I could ask.”

“Who’s that?” Ashley pushed another empty box out of the way.

“My mother. She’s always looking for a cause. I’ll put her on it. It may take a while for us to get what we need, but we will.”

“Your mother isn’t Maggie Bradford, is she?” She should have known. Last name Bradford. She’d been at Maggie Bradford’s party. Great. Another connection between them. Ashley knew his mother.

“That’s her.”

“She’s a smart woman. Very persuasive.”

“Yeah. That’s Mom.”

He didn’t sound that pleased. “She has a big heart.”

A shadowy look came over his face. “Sometimes to her own detriment. That’s a characteristic the two of you share.” He picked up another box and headed out the door.

What had he meant by that comment?

Sometime later he looked at the large, expensive watch on his wrist. “I’m sorry, but I’ve gotta go. I’ll finish the rest of this tomorrow.” Picking up his jacket from where he’d hung it, he pulled it on. “Walk to the door with me. I want to make sure you close up.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve lived in Southriver all my life and I’ll still be here when you’re gone. So please don’t start trying to play hero.”

“No hero here. Just put my concern down to having been there, done that, and humor me.” He stood at the door, waiting on her.

What was that all about? She stopped what she was doing and followed him down the hall. Kiefer opened the front door. “Lock up.”

“I will, but I’m going to wait here until you get into your truck. If any eyes are looking, they need to know you’re with me.”

He started toward his truck. On his way he called, “This lot needs a security light.”

“I’ll add it to the already long list.” She watched him climb into his late-model truck. It was a nice one and she was afraid it might not fare well in this neighborhood. Vandalism could be a problem. It also made him stand out as a visitor, and that could cause confidence issues with the locals.

He waited with his headlights shining on her until she turned and went inside. Oddly, she liked his concern.

CHAPTER TWO

KIEFER SPENT SOME of the late hours of his evening contemplating the curiosity of life. Who would have thought he would ever meet the leprechaun again and, even more amazing, be working with her. Life took funny twists. More than once as they’d stored supplies he’d thought about their kiss. Had that just been a onetime incredible kiss or would all hers be like that, causing that instant fire of desire? He’d like to find out but something about the all-business Ashley Marsh had said that wasn’t going to happen. What a shame.

He arrived at the clinic the next morning a couple of hours before opening time. A group of young men stood across the street even at that early hour. A ripple of alarm went through him and his gut tightened.

Was Marko trying it again?

Stepping out of the truck, he used his key fob to lock it and walked toward the front of the building. The roar of a car going too fast filled the air. By the time he had reached the door the men had started across the pavement.

Surely these guys were just trying to intimidate him. Since the day he’d seen his mother beaten by the homeless man she’d brought home for a meal, he’d been on guard where people were concerned. He was a realist. Some people were bad by nature. Defenseless he wasn’t anymore and he’d sworn a long time ago that he would never again watch another person be hurt.

Trash had been dumped in front of the door. Kiefer stepped in it to knock on the clinic door, all the time aware of the approaching group. His entire body was on alert as he formulated a plan if they attacked him. He vowed to get his own key today.

“Hey, you looking for Ashley?” the guy who led the men asked.

Kiefer slowly turned. “Yes.”

“You’ll need to go around back. The door to her place is there.”

Was the guy kidding him? Kiefer counted heads. Four to one. He wasn’t going to put himself into a position of being jumped. Before he had to make a decision about how to handle the situation, the door opened.

“Good morning, Dr. Bradford,” Ashley said with a smile. She was already dressed for the day in a pantsuit, giving her a professional and approachable air at the same time. He recognized this persona from TV. The one where she was determined to get what she wanted.

“Mornin’.”

She looked around him. “Hi, guys. Everything’s okay. Dr. Bradford is going to be the clinic doctor. It opens today.”

One of the guys said, “Okay, we were just makin’ sure you’re okay. Marko is spreading the word that he’s pissed about what you’re doing around here. We’ll get that trash cleaned up for you, Miss Ashley.” The guy dipped his head respectfully.

“Thanks, Wayne. I appreciate that.”

Kiefer shook his head as if confused. Then, indicating the garbage, he said, “Why do you put up with this?”

“Because this is my home. I’m not leaving it because someone doesn’t like me.”

She was a gutsy lady, Kiefer would give her that. Most of the women her age he knew were always looking out for themselves. How they could financially better their situation. Like Brittney. She’d certainly done a number on him. It had turned out she’d married him because he was a doctor and would be able to give her a good life. When she’d found out Josh’s bank account was even larger she’d moved on to him. Now Kiefer had no use for women other than a casual night out and a few laughs. He couldn’t trust one not to use him. As far as he could tell, they all wanted the same thing. What they could get for themselves.

“Come on in.” Ashley opened the door wide. “We need to get ready. Patients should be here soon.”

“Those guys said you live in the back.” Kiefer followed her in.

“That isn’t exactly right. The entrance to my place is there. I actually live upstairs.”

“You don’t mind living above the clinic?”

“It’s my building and my idea. The people around here needed a place to come for medical care and I had the space.”

Kiefer was impressed. She really was committed to seeing her ideas work, even to the point of financing them. Outside of his mother, few people he knew were that devoted to anyone other than themselves. How much Ashley reminded him of his mother made him feel uncomfortable. Did all her work to better the world leave Ashley with any room for anything more in her life? Did she have a boyfriend? Want children? Something to care about besides her political agenda?

That wasn’t his concern. He believed in helping people. His mother had instilled that in him, but he was still aware that some people would take advantage of you. His impression was that Ashley Marsh hadn’t learned that lesson yet.

She was saying, “I’m sorry I’m not going to be much help today. I have a speech to give this morning, a committee meeting with the local businesses and then a council meeting tonight.”

“I didn’t expect you to spend the day with me. I can handle the clinic. That’s why I was given the job.”

“I’d hoped to be here but these meetings were already on the calendar and couldn’t be moved. I just thought I could help smooth things over with the community. My neighbors can be mistrusting until they get to know you.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll have a nurse to assist me, won’t I?”

“Yes. Margaret will be here soon. She was also born and raised in Southriver. She’ll be a great help. Well, I’ve got to get ready for my day.”

Ashley left him and he started working on arranging the supplies they’d not got to the night before. Forty-five minutes later the buzzer sounded and he went to the main door. He checked out the window. After last night he wouldn’t take any chances that Marko or his gang would catch him off guard. A dark-skinned, silver-haired, heavyset woman dressed in purple scrubs stood there. He unlocked the door and opened it.

“I’m guessing you’re Dr. Bradford,” she said before Kiefer had a chance to speak. “I’m Margaret Nettles. I’ll be your nurse.”

“Nice to meet you, Margaret. I’m sure I’ll be glad of your help.”

She looked around the waiting room. “Ms. Ashley has high hopes for this clinic and I agreed to help because she’s such a fine person, but I don’t know that it’s going to work out. I’ll do my part and help you do yours. Now, can you direct me to where I can put my purse? We need to get started. You already have a couple of patients waiting outside.”

“I didn’t see anyone.”

“You wouldn’t. They didn’t come across the street until they saw me. They’ll be along in a minute.”

He glanced out the door. “But we don’t open for another hour.”

“That may be so but they’ll be here nonetheless.”

Margaret was correct. He closed the door and showed her to the office. She’d just locked her purse in the desk when the buzzer sounded.

“I’ll see to that,” Margaret announced.

“I only have the one exam room set up. I thought we’d have time to work on the other two between patients.”

“I doubt that’ll happen. Despite some in the neighborhood being against this clinic, the people around here need it. They’ll come until they’re scared away. I’ll put your first patient in the exam room.” With that she walked heavily down the hall.

What had he got himself into?

A boy of about three was his first patient. The mother didn’t look much older than eighteen. Much too young to have a child. Her hair was pulled back, which added to her look of youth. The little boy was clean but his clothes were well-worn and a little small on his chubby body.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Bradford. What’s the problem today?”

“Mikey has a bad cold.”

Kiefer could see that clearly. The child had a horribly running nose and a wet cough. Kiefer went down on his heels. “Mikey, I need to listen to your chest for a minute. This won’t hurt.”

He placed the stethoscope on the boy’s chest. His heartbeat was steady but his lungs made a raspy sound. After that Kiefer checked Mikey’s mouth and ears. Both were red and irritated.

Kiefer looked at the mother. “Mikey’s going to need antibiotics for ten days. Then I want you to come back.”

The girl’s face took on a troubled look.

Kiefer stood. “Mikey should be just fine.”

“Is there something else you can do for him?”

“The medicine should fix him right up.” Kiefer looped the stethoscope around his neck.

“I can’t get the medicine,” the mother said softly.

“Raeshell.” Ashley spoke to the mother from the open door. “I’m on my way to the drugstore right now. Dr. Bradford can write that prescription and we’ll have it filled.”

How long had Ashley been standing there? Was she checking on him?

It dawned on Kiefer that the girl couldn’t pay for the medicine. “I’ll do that right away.” He stepped out into the hall.

He would make some calls when he had a chance and see about getting a few drug companies to help out. A couple of drug reps owed him favors. He’d be calling them in.

Kiefer pulled the pad out of his pocket and wrote the prescription. He then removed his wallet and took out some bills. He handed them to Ashley. “This should cover it.”

“You don’t have to,” she whispered.

“If I don’t, you will. You can’t pay for everyone that comes through here. We’re going to have to get some help in this area.”

“I hadn’t given much thought to people’s inability to pay.” She shoved the money into her pocket.

“Well, it’s time to do that.”

“I’ll be back in a few hours. Maybe you’ll have a few minutes for us to discuss it then,” Ashley said.

“I have some ideas of my own that I’ll work on as well.” Returning to the room, he told the mother, “Ms. Marsh is waiting outside to drive you to the store. Don’t worry about the cost. It’s taken care of. I’ll see you and Mikey back here in ten days. You make sure he takes all of the medicine. It doesn’t work if you don’t.”

“Thank you, Dr. Bradford,” Raeshell said meekly.

“You’re welcome. Bring Mikey back if he gets worse.”

“I will.” The girl gathered her child close and left.

* * *

By noon he almost regretted his words to Ashley earlier. He hadn’t stopped once. There was a constant stream of patients, each with varying degrees of need but none that he couldn’t handle. His worries about being bored were long gone.

Already Margaret was proving to be a treasure. She knew the people who came in and put them at ease. Maria, his receptionist, showed up around nine. By then Kiefer had already seen eight patients. Margaret handled telling Maria what to do, leaving him to see a waiting patient. If every day was anything like this one, working in the ER would look like spending a day at the beach.

Around two o’clock Ashley stopped in again. This time she was wearing a simple dress and sweater. She looked refreshing on a hot day. “How’re things going?”

“Busy.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I was afraid Marko might bully people into staying away.”

Kiefer looked at the notes he’d made on his last patient. He was going to have to start a charting system. “I don’t understand why he wouldn’t want a clinic here. The police, yes, but the clinic, no.”

“It’s all about power and control. He’s afraid I’m taking it away.”

“Doesn’t his family live in the area? Need medical service on occasion?”

Ashley brushed her hand over her skirt. “Sure they do, but he doesn’t care. Look, I’ve got to go. I have that community meeting. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“Afraid I’m going to up and leave, Alderman?” He gave her a pointed look.

“I can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind.”

“Rest assured, I’ll be here when you come back.” He wouldn’t be got rid of that easily.

* * *

It was late that evening when Ashley opened another supply box and searched the contents. Having no idea what they were, she left the box for Kiefer to see to. Her afternoon meeting hadn’t gone as well as she’d hoped. The businessmen were worried about retaliation if they participated in the block party she had planned to celebrate the opening of the clinic. They had complained about the cost as well. In her opinion, the neighborhood needed to come together, start acting as one, if they were ever going to make a real difference. She wanted it so badly and couldn’t figure out why the community leaders didn’t.

Her evening council meeting had gone better. At least she’d had the good news that the clinic was up and running. It had been dark by the time she’d returned home. She’d changed clothes once again and had come down to the clinic to start arranging supplies.

Kiefer was behind the nineteen-forties metal desk in the closet-sized office, dictating into his phone, when she went by. He hadn’t even looked up. She’d been impressed with his treatment of Raeshell and Mikey, especially when he’d offered to pay for the medicine. Despite his impulsive behavior at the party, he seemed to be a stand-up guy since he had already put in a full day and was now doing extra hours. She’d been disappointed that he’d not stayed later the night before to finish up organizing the supplies, but he’d more than done his share today.

A few minutes later he joined her in the supply room. “Hey.”

“Hi,” she returned.

“It’s been some day.”

“It always is in Southriver.” She opened another box.

“That would be a great slogan for your Welcome to Southriver signs,” he said.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

An hour later they passed each other in the hallway, she on the way to the reception area and he coming from the office. They bumped into each other and she fumbled to keep the box she carried from falling. Already aware he was a big guy, being this near him only emphasized the fact. His hands covered hers, helping her to balance the box again. He looked at her mouth. Was he going to take advantage of the situation and kiss her again? Her nerve ends danced. Something in her wanted him to, while her mind stated clearly that it was a bad idea. He was a stranger and she had no business letting him that close. She was glad for the space when he stepped back.

He said casually, “I don’t know about you but I missed lunch and dinner today. Would you join me for a pizza? I’ll have it delivered so we don’t have to stop work except to eat.”

Was he kidding? No one was going to deliver in Southriver after dark. She chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

“What?”

“Getting something delivered around here after the sun goes down. Too many drivers have been robbed.” She shifted the box so that she could see him clearly. Kiefer really was a good-looking man.

“You have to be kidding.”

“Nope. Give it a try if you don’t believe me.” She was going to enjoy proving she was right. She walked down the hall.

When she returned he called from an exam room, “Pizza will be here in thirty.”

She stepped back to the doorway. “How did you manage that?”

“I have a buddy who’s a policeman and his family owns a pizza place. He happened to be helping out tonight.”

“I’m impressed.” And she was.

In a short while the front-door buzzer that she’d had installed the day before went off. To Ashley’s amazement the pizza had arrived just as Kiefer had said it would. She hoped he always used his powers for good. Following him to the door, she said, “Check the peephole first. Never open the door after hours until you know who it is.”

“You really should consider living elsewhere.”

That wasn’t going to happen. She’d made a promise years ago and she wasn’t going to go back on it now. “That’s not going to happen. It would defeat everything I stand for.”

Kiefer looked at her for a second then out the peephole. “It’s Bull.” He opened the door.

A man as tall as Kiefer but much bulkier stood there with a large pizza box in his hands. “Well, Kie, you’re sure slumming tonight.”

Anger flared in Ashley. That was the way everyone thought of Southriver. If a person was in Southriver then it wasn’t for a good reason, one of many perceptions she was working to change. She stepped around Kiefer.

Even in the dim light she could see Bull’s eyes widen and his instant embarrassment. “Ah, I’m sorry. No offense.”

She said in a clipped tone, “None taken. That isn’t the first time my neighborhood has been insulted.”

Kiefer chuckled softly as he gave Bull space to enter and closed the door behind him. “Careful, Bull. She might take you out, gun and all.”

His warm sound of compassion took the edge off the moment for Ashley.

“Truly my apologies, Ms. Marsh.” Bull sounded sincere.

Ashley looked closely at Bull. “Don’t I know you? Aren’t you the officer who caught the guy robbing the café a couple of weeks ago?”

Bull squared his shoulders and gave her a look of pride. “That was me.”

“I appreciate that. The Gozmans are nice people. They’ve lived here all my life. I’d have hated to see them lose their business because they couldn’t pay their bills.”

Bull grinned. “Does that make up for my remark earlier?”

She smiled. “I’ll let it go for now.”

* * *

It bothered Kiefer for some reason that Bull was flirting with Ashley. Worse, she seemed to like it. It appeared innocent enough but he knew from past experience that looks could be deceiving. Brittney and Josh had managed to conceal their affair for months. But Ashley was nothing to him, so why should it matter if Bull was interested in her?

That wasn’t true. Somehow his reaction to their kiss had added an element he didn’t understand.

“Okay, neighborhood hero, I’m hungry. How about that pizza?” Kiefer pulled out some cash.

Ashley wasn’t his type anyway. He liked her high energy and understood her big heart to a certain degree, but her drive to change the world was over the top for him. Too much like his mother. If he was ever interested in woman again it would be less about commitment and more about enjoying life.

“Bull, why don’t you join us?” Ashley asked.

“Yeah, do,” Kiefer said, in a less-than-encouraging tone.

“Naw. I need to get going.” Bull took the cash and turned back toward the door.

Kiefer opened it, letting Bull exit, and stepped out as well.

“Listen, man,” Bull said, “you be careful coming and going around here at night. Also, you need to get a security light for that lot.” He nodded toward Ashley’s place.

“I didn’t get much else done around here today but I did call the power company about that.”

“Great. I’ve heard good things about what Alderman Marsh is trying to do but she has stirred up some trouble as well. I hope you don’t get caught in the cross fire.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the pizza.”

“No problem.”

Ashley was waiting on him when he came back in. “I’m ravenous. Why don’t we go up to my place to eat where there’s a table?”

“Sounds good to me.”

She led the way down the hall. At the end she opened a door he’d assumed was a closet. It turned out to hide a staircase. He climbed the stairs after her, getting a good view of her nicely round behind. When they reached the top they went through another door that opened into a small kitchen, which had obviously been remodeled. The brick walls and patchwork tablecloth gave the room a homey and functional feel.

Ashley placed the pizza box on the table. “What would you like to drink? I have soda, tea, beer, water.”

“I’d love a beer, but I’d better settle for a soda.” He took one of the matching chairs.

Ashley pulled two cans of soda out of the refrigerator.

“So how long have you lived here?” Kiefer watched as she filled glasses with ice and then poured the drinks over it.

“About a year. I bought the building two years ago and spent six months making it habitable. I still have work to do.” She placed his glass in front of him.

“You did the work yourself?”

“All that I could. I had to cut corners where I could.”

“I’m impressed. You’ve done a nice job, from what I’ve seen.”

Ashley smiled. She had a nice smile. Sort of made him feel like the sun had come out. “It was a labor of love. And I do mean labor.”

He flipped the box top up and took a slice of pizza. “If you don’t mind, I’m about to starve.”

“You need to pace yourself around here.”

“Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? You had meetings all day and still managed to check up on me.” He took another bite of pizza.

“I wasn’t checking up.”

“Really? What would you call it?”

She shrugged. “Neighborly concern.”

“We aren’t neighbors.”

“No, we’re not. I’m pretty sure we grew up as different as daylight and darkness.”

“You’re making a big assumption. We might have more in common than you think.” Kiefer leaned back in his chair. “To start with, we both grew up in a neighborhood. Are your parents still married?”

She nodded.

“Mine are too. We both went to college. We both have jobs that help people.”

Ashley raised a hand. “Okay, maybe you’re right. But I grew up in a low-income, racially diverse area, while I’m sure yours was an upper middle class, private school community.”

She had him there. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t both interested in the same things. I certainly have a mother who showed me the importance of helping people. You’re making life better. And I make people feel better. We have more in common than you might think.”

“Now we’ve moved into philosophy. I think that may be too deep a subject for me this late at night.” Ashley took a bite of pizza. Kiefer watched her chew. Was he ever going to get that kiss out of his mind?

“You might be right. I’ve been at it so long today I’m starting to feel loopy.”

They ate quietly for a few minutes before Kiefer stood and pushed the chair under the table. “I need to do a couple of things downstairs. Then I’m going to head home. Thanks for the nice place to have dinner.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. You bought the pizza and against all odds got it delivered. By the way, the local TV station is coming to do a story on the clinic tomorrow. They’ve asked to interview you.”

Kiefer wanted nothing to do with that. When his mother had been hurt and the case had gone to trial, he’d been on TV as they’d come out of the courthouse. It had been a horrible experience. He had been the child who had watched his mother being beaten nearly to death but had done nothing. The shame had been more than he could carry. Since then he’d shied away from that type of attention. He had no interest in getting involved with anyone who was always on a mission. He’d been raised by a person like that, knew the risks involved.

“I’ll see if I have time.” He headed down the stairs.

* * *

Ashley was waiting for the TV crew when they arrived. In the last year, since she’d been on the council, she’d learned to court the media but to always be wary of them as well. She needed good press to help move her ideas forward in the neighborhood revitalization. Shining a good light on what she was trying to accomplish in Southriver would hopefully not only get the city council behind the project but set a precedent for what could be done in other areas of the city and other cities in general.

It was just after lunch and she’d only seen Kiefer a couple of times that morning. No matter what they were doing their kiss seemed to pop into her mind. The more she tried to shove it away the stronger it became. She’d almost reached the point that she wanted to kiss him again so she could put it behind her and move on.

Ashley had come down early just to check in and see how things were going at the clinic. Kiefer was busy with a patient and Maria was overseeing a full waiting room. At least there shouldn’t be an empty room when the news crew arrived. She’d gone downtown for a meeting and had returned in time to grab a bite to eat before she was due to meet the TV crew. Sitting at her table in the kitchen, having a sandwich, she looked at the chair Kiefer had filled the night before.

He was a big person but had seemed relaxed in her small kitchen. It had been too long since she’d shared even a simple meal with a man. Most of the men she had dated hadn’t been happy with the prospect of living in Southriver, and she wasn’t interested in moving elsewhere. Her world was here and she needed a partner who understood that, who supported that part of her life.

Her one truly serious relationship had ended when she’d decided to run for the city council. He’d wanted her support to further his business but hadn’t been willing to do the same with her desire to become an alderman. She had been crushed by his attitude. This was a man who was supposed to love her. It hadn’t taken long for them to part ways. Ashley wanted her relationship with a man to be a partnership. She refused to settle for anything less.

Since then she’d made her views and plans clear in the beginning and they had turned off any other men she’d dated. She was starting to miss male companionship. Someone to just have fun with.

Could she and Kiefer become friends? Based on their kiss there might be some benefit sexually as well. She’d enjoyed her conversation with him over pizza. One other good thing about him was that he wouldn’t be staying in Southriver long. No outsider ever did. Kiefer wasn’t her type anyway. They could part ways without hurt feelings, she was sure.

But what if her radar was off? What if she was misjudging him? It had happened before.

Thirty minutes later Kiefer walked up the hall in her direction as she made her way toward the waiting room.

“So, how’s the alderman today?”

She smiled. “Busy.”

“Are you ever not busy?”

Ashley thought about that for a moment. “Not really.”

“That would have been my guess. You know if you don’t slow down occasionally you will burn out and not have enough energy to save the world.”

“Save the world? I’m not trying to save the world.”

“Sure you are. What you’re trying to do in Southriver is to save a part of the world.”

She’d never thought of it that way. “I’m just trying to help families in this neighborhood live better lives. That’s all.”

“If you say so.”

Ashley stepped closer to him so that no one could accidentally overhear them. That was a mistake. She came to an abrupt stop. His aftershave smelled like citrus with a hint of spice. She forced herself not to inhale deeply. He didn’t move away but instead he looked down at her. Her gaze flickered down and returned. They were uncomfortably close but she wasn’t going to back away. “Dr. Bradford, your job isn’t to evaluate me or concern yourself with what I do, but to run this clinic.”

“Why, yes, ma’am, Alderman Marsh.” He glanced behind him then leaned down as if he was going to kiss her and mumbled, “I believe your dog and pony show have arrived.” He stepped around her and headed down the hall.

What was his problem?

She had one as well. He left her tingling all over.

* * *

Kiefer tried to stay out of the way of Ashley and the reporter followed by the TV cameraman. Maybe if he remained busy, which wasn’t a problem because he was, he wouldn’t have to be involved. He’d stopped by the office to make a quick note on a patient when Ashley stuck her head in the door.

“Hey, do you mind coming in to see Mrs. McGuire? She’s agreed to let us film her. We’d like to get you doing the examination.” She turned to leave.

Kiefer wasn’t interested in being part of her publicity. He was a doctor and a professional. There were patients to see. He didn’t have time for her PR show. “I don’t think so.”

Her head popped back around the door. “What?”

“I’d rather not.”

She studied him for a second. “It’ll just be for a few minutes. No big deal.”

Kiefer shook his head. “I don’t think an examination of a patient is a place for a TV show.”

Ashley stepped farther into the room. “Why’re you being so difficult about this? I need this publicity for the clinic. To raise funds that are needed desperately.”

“I understand that but I don’t think putting a patient on TV is the way to go.”

The reporter came to the doorway. Ashley glanced back then returned her attention to Kiefer. Her face held a beseeching expression. “Please. I won’t ask you to do it again.”

Something about her look had Kiefer reconsidering. What would be so bad about doing his job and trying not to pay any attention to the camera? He did understand the need to shine a light on what was going on in Southriver. He said tightly, “Okay, but you’ll owe me.”

“Thank you,” she said, then turned to the man behind her. “Russell, we’ll go to the exam room now and meet Mrs. McGuire.”

Kiefer followed the party up the hallway to one of the two functioning exam rooms. The camera crew stopped outside the door and allowed him to enter first. Mrs. McGuire was a forty-something woman neatly dressed in a casual shirt and jeans. When he entered she looked up from where she sat in a chair in the corner.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Bradford. I understand you’re Mrs. McGuire.”

Ashley, along with the reporter and cameraman, squeezed into the room.

Mrs. McGuire looked at the group with interest. “I am.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Kiefer nodded toward the people behind him. “I’ll tell them to leave if you’re not.”

“Mrs. McGuire—” Ashley started.

“Is my patient.”

Ashley said nothing more.

The patient nodded her assent. “Now, Mrs. McGuire, what seems to be the problem?” Kiefer asked.

“I’ve been having trouble with one of my toes.” She lifted her right foot. It was covered by a sock and she was wearing a house shoe.

“Would you please remove your sock? I’d like to take a look.” As she did so Kiefer pulled the other metal chair in the room closer.

A sweet smell of infection filled the room. He reached down and cupped her calf, lifting it so that her heel rested on his thigh. Mrs. McGuire’s large toe was a deep purple color that was extending to the next one.

The cameraman took a step closer.

“How long has this toe looked like this?” Kiefer asked, trying not to let his concern show in his voice. He didn’t want the reporter to get the idea that this might be more than an ordinary hurt toe.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a few months.”

Kiefer nodded. She should have been seen long ago. “Mrs. McGuire, have you ever been told you were a diabetic?”

“It’s been so long since I’ve been to the doctor I don’t remember.”

Kiefer took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. Why had she let this go on for so long? Did she realize how bad it was? He turned to the reporter. “I need you to leave now. I would like to talk to my patient in private.”

“But we really didn’t get anything,” the reporter complained.

“Dr. Bradford, could I speak to you outside?” Ashley followed the reporter and cameraman out.

“Mrs. McGuire, I’ll be right back,” Kiefer said.

Ashley waited in the hall. He closed the exam room door behind him. The reporter and cameraman were walking toward the waiting area.

“Why’re you making this so difficult?” she demanded, before he could say anything.

“Because that woman in there needs to be in the hospital. She’s going to lose that toe. If she waits much longer she could lose her entire foot. I don’t think that’s something that should be said in front of a camera.”

Ashley’s mouth formed an O of comprehension.

“That’s right, oh. Now, if we’re done here I’ll see about making arrangements to have her admitted.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’ll see that she gets there. I know she lives alone and will need a ride. That’s probably why she hasn’t been seeing a doctor regularly.”

Kiefer had to admit Ashley’s focus turned quickly to compassion and willingness to help. Despite her appearance of having a one-track mind, only concerned about her agenda, she genuinely seemed to have the woman’s best interests at heart.

She headed down the hall toward the reporter and Kiefer returned to Mrs. McGuire.

He took the chair again and explained the situation to his patient.

Mrs. McGuire surprised him with her reaction when she said, “I’m not going to the hospital. Nothing good happens there.”

That wasn’t generally true but in her case it might be. Kiefer wasn’t sure if her prognosis might be worse than he’d anticipated. At a knock on the door he said, “Come in.”

Ashley entered. “Mrs. McGuire, I’m going to drive you to the hospital.”

“I’m not going.”

Ashley’s eyes widened as she gave Mrs. McGuire an incredulous look. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t want a bunch of people I don’t know poking at me.”

“Please, Mrs. McGuire, you need to have your foot seen to. I’ll be there with you. Didn’t Dr. Bradford tell you how important this is to your health?”

“I did,” Kiefer said.

“I understand the doctor is trying to help but I’ll be all right.” Mrs. McGuire started putting on her sock. “I’ll just give it a good soak and it’ll get better like it always has.”

Kiefer leaned forward, capturing her gaze. “That might work for a little while but not forever, and when it stops you’ll be in bigger trouble. Please reconsider.”

Ashley placed her hand on his shoulder. He was far too conscious of it remaining there as she said, “Dr. Bradford, would you let me speak to Mrs. McGuire for a second?”

“Sure.” He left. What did Ashley have to say that couldn’t be said in front of him? As he went into the next exam room he saw the reporter and cameraman still standing in the waiting room.

A few minutes later Ashley stopped him in the hall. “If you’ll make all the arrangements, I’ll take Mrs. McGuire to the hospital as soon as we go by her house and pack a bag.”

Ashley could work miracles. “What did you say to get her to go?”

She grinned. “What’s said between two women stays between two women.”

“That’s not been my experience.”

She looked at him with her chin tilted to one side. “Why, Doctor, I do believe you’re a bit jaded.”

“No, I’ve lived long enough to know differently. But it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad you convinced her.”

CHAPTER THREE

ASHLEY DROVE HOME well after dark. She’d got Mrs. McGuire settled in the hospital, but not happily so. Her only hope was that Mrs. McGuire would stay long enough to get the care she needed. Now having the clinic in the neighborhood, the older woman would have a place to go to for care. The clinic was already making a difference.

If only it had been around that day for Lizzy.

As she drove by the front door of the clinic she saw a couple of boys on either side of it. They were pushing over the urns. Ashley honked her horn and their heads jerked up. She recognized them as members of Marko’s gang. Rolling down the window, she hollered, “Hey, stop that!”

That was all it took for them to take off running.

With a sigh, she parked and climbed out. She walked over to see how big a mess had been made. It was late, she was tired and didn’t feel like cleaning it up. But if she didn’t do it now, what was left of the flowers would be dead by morning. She reached the door just as it was opened. She almost fell but Kiefer’s strong hands gripped her shoulders and steadied her. Her heart beat faster. She wasn’t sure if it was from surprise or from the jolt of having him touch her.

“Y-you scared me. I d-didn’t expect you to still be here,” she stammered.

He let her go. Disappointment washed over her. Not a feeling she should be having.

Kiefer stepped out. “I was finishing up some paperwork and getting ready to head home when I heard something going on out here. I came to check it out.”

She waved her hand around. “A couple of kids have been busy.”

“More like Marko trying to make a point.”

He was right but she wasn’t going to let him know that. “I’d like to just consider it a prank. I’ve got to get this cleaned up.”

“Can’t it wait?”

“The flowers could die overnight.” Ashley started picking up the plants.

“Ah, a woman and her flowers.”

“What does that mean?”

“Just that women have a thing for flowers.” He handed her part of a plant.

“You sound pretty cynical. Someone used flowers against you?”

“Something like that. Why don’t you get the broom and dustpan?” Kiefer began picking up pieces of the broken urns and putting them into a pile near the wall of the building. “I’ll get started cleaning this up.”

It was nice of him to offer to help. “You’ve had a long day. Go on home and I’ll see to this.”

“I’m not leaving you out here by yourself after this happened. So forget it. Get the broom and dustpan.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you weren’t so hardheaded,” he retorted as he continued to work.

Ashley put her hands on her hips and glared at him. It gave her little satisfaction because he wasn’t looking at her. “I am not hardheaded.”

“You’re sure acting that way. I’ve made a simple offer of help and you’re still standing there.”

“Are you always so bossy?” Ashley glared down at the top of his head.

He looked over his shoulder at her. “Are you?”

With a huff, she stomped through the door and down the hall. Kiefer’s chuckle followed her. She hadn’t enjoyed growing up with a father controlling her every move and she sure didn’t like Kiefer telling her what to do. It was time to make that clear to him. She snatched the cleaning supplies out of the closet along with a bucket and returned to the front door. Kiefer had all the pieces picked up and the flowers laid off to the side.

“I tried to save your flowers but I’m not sure they’re going to live.”

He really was making an effort at being helpful. Maybe she could cut him some slack. “Thanks. I was afraid of that. Would you like to do the honors of sweeping or holding the pan?”

“I’ll take the pan.” His hand brushed hers as she handed it to him. A shiver went through her.

“I rather like the idea of you at my feet,” Ashley said as she swept the dirt into a pile.

“Don’t get carried away with the idea.” Kiefer held the pan while she moved the dirt into it then dumped it into the bucket. “Maybe if we put the flowers in here they might make it.”

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