Dear Reader,
Iâve had a love affair with Savannah, Georgia, for over thirty years. I shouldâI 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 didnât 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 canât 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
CHAPTER ONE
ASHLEY MARSH PUSHED through the crowded ballroom filled with St. Patrickâs 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 wasnât an invitation she could ignore.
Savannah, Georgia, with its large Irish history and a disposition toward a good party did St. Paddyâs Day right, even to the point of turning the river green. Sheâd always enjoyed the festivities but costume parties were a little over the top for her. Recognizing who she was speaking to tonight probably wasnât going to happen. It made her a little nervous knowing that when people were behind a mask they tended to do things they wouldnât otherwise. Experience told her that she wasnât always a good judge of character anyway.
The crowd around her wore anything from big green shamrock glasses to Irish kilts. Sheâd chosen a green tunic and tights, and a leprechaun hat. With a glittery gold mask over her eyes, she had some anonymity yet she didnât 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.
âMs. Marsh.â
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.
âRalph, howâre you doing? Having a good time?â She already knew he wasnât.
He shrugged. âI 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. Iâm going to agree to support it for the trial period of six months. Be aware, if thereâs just one issue Iâm going to withdraw that support.â His tone was firm, indicating he wouldnât be changing his mind if all didnât go well with the clinic.
Excitement filled her. Sheâd been working for this opportunity since sheâd been elected. âThanks, Ralph. Youâre doing the right thing here.â
âIâm not sure about that yet, so weâll see.â He wandered off into the crowd and Ashley wasnât 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, âHappy St. Patrickâs Day. How about giving a leprechaun a bit of luck by dancing with her?â
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, âThank you for the dances.â
He inclined his head. âYouâre welcome.â The sexy timbre in his deep, rich voice was something she wouldnât soon forget.