Mrs. Nasboom, still moving at the same speed as earlier, came up to them. “Ashley, we want you to say a few words before Pastor Marks says the blessing.”
“Today isn’t about me.”
“No, but this was your idea. You need to say something,” Mrs. Nasboom said as she turned to go.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Ashley adjusted her dress around her.
At least she hadn’t been planning to use the event as a political stepping-stone, like so many politicians would have.
Ashley made her way through the crowd to a small group standing in front of them. Kiefer remained at the back. Ashley spoke to a man then turned to everyone and raised her hand. The crowd quieted. “Welcome, everyone. I’m so glad you came today.”
Kiefer was impressed with the way she held the people spellbound. He’d always thought of himself as a people person but Ashley had real talent for commanding attention. She really was loved by the community. He could understand that. She was hard not to care about. But he wasn’t going there.
“I hope this is the first of many community events that Southriver will host as we all work to make it a wonderful place to live. Before Pastor Marks blesses the food I’d like to introduce the new doctor at the clinic to anyone who hasn’t already met him. Dr. Kiefer Bradford, wave your hand.”
Kiefer did so and the people turned toward him and clapped enthusiastically. The man he assumed was Pastor Marks stepped up next to Ashley and offered a prayer. After that everyone lined up on both sides of the table and started filling their plates. Ashley was at the front of the line and he at the back. He spoke to those around him as he waited for his turn. They seemed like nice, honest people who were proud of their neighborhood. With his food in hand, he looked for Ashley. Normally he was uncomfortably aware of where she was. Now he felt lost without her, something he couldn’t remember feeling with Brittney even after they were divorced.
A group of girls in their twenties stopped him. Between giggles they explained they were friends of Raeshell’s, and he smiled at remembering his first patient’s mother. Kiefer asked their names, which they offered with large smiles. They then talked about Raeshell and Mikey for a minute before he excused himself to find a place to eat lunch.
Seeing Ashley at one of the small picnic tables spaced around the area, he headed in her direction. He hadn’t gone far when his name was called. It was Mrs. McGuire.
“Come join us, Doctor.” She indicated an empty chair beside her.
Kiefer glanced at Ashley then walked over and joined the group sitting with Mrs. McGuire. Over the next hour or so he enjoyed hearing the stories of the group’s childhoods and how much the community had changed. They all admired Ashley and supported her because of who she was and her work in their neighborhood.
He didn’t even have to get up to get dessert. A woman took his empty food plate and thrust a large plate of cherry cobbler into his hands.
“Marsha Hardy makes the best cherry cobbler in Georgia. It isn’t to be missed,” Mrs. McGuire said.
It smelled heavenly. Kiefer put a forkful of the warm red mixture into his mouth. “Mmm.”
“I told you so.”
Kiefer covertly glanced around for Ashley.
“Looking for Ashley?” Mrs. McGuire was wearing a curious smile. “She’s a good girl but I sometimes worry that she’s too busy seeing about us and not herself. She needs a good man in her life. Children.” Mrs. McGuire gave him a pointed look.
“We’re just good friends.” And they were, something he hadn’t had with his ex. Still, something in him nudged him to want more.
The older woman harrumphed. “Yeah, I can tell that by the way you don’t let her out of your sight.”
“I just don’t want her to get hurt again. She still has a sling on.”
“You know, you’re really not a good liar,” Mrs. McGuire said flatly.
Kiefer hadn’t felt this uncomfortable since he’d picked up the girl he’d asked to the prom. “I think I’ll go see if there’s any cobbler left.”
Mrs. McGuire’s chuckles followed him across the park.
Instead of returning to Mrs. McGuire, he walked toward Ashley, who was in a serious discussion with a group of men not far from the drinks table. As he approached she broke away and came toward him.
“I can tell you’re starting to like it here, Dr. Bradford.” She looked pointedly at his plate piled high with cobbler.
He grinned. “The ladies of Southriver can cook.”
“Especially Ms. Hardy. I’ve not had a chance to have any.”
“Too busy politicking.” Kiefer filled a fork and offered it to her. “It’s the best I’ve ever tasted.”
Ashley leaned in and took the forkful. “It’s wonderful.”
Kiefer watched the movement of her lips as they slid over the fork. Even that simple action made blood rush to his groin. Did she make that same sound when she made love? He desperately wanted to find out.
“I’d like to show you something. Come this way.”
He’d liked to show her a few things as well but they weren’t thinking about the same things. Still, he was stunned she’d asked. This wasn’t like her. “Sure.”
He put his plate on a nearby table and they headed out of the park toward a block-long brick building across the road. At one time it had been a small factory. Now it was just a neglected structure fenced in, with grass growing around it. Beyond it was the Savannah River and the salt marshes.
“This is the building I was talking about the other day.”
“The one with the view?” Kiefer studied the structure.
“Yep. I’ve never been inside but I’ve always thought it was a great old building. After seeing your place, I think it has promise. I’d love to have the entire top floor. Even have a roof garden.”
“So why don’t you look into buying it?”
“I can’t afford it. I would need an investor, and being on the city council, I can’t appear to have any conflicts of interest.”
They continued walking along the fence.
Kiefer looked out at the slow-moving river. “You’re right—it would have a great view.”
“Families would even have a place for their kids to play across the street.” Ashley turned toward the park.
Sudd
enly people were rushing out from under the trees away from the park.
Ashley stopped one of them. “What’s going on?”
“A couple of guys are threatening people.”
* * *
Ashley’s heart thumped in her chest. The day had been going so well. They didn’t need any trouble. Holding her arm, she hurried into the park. Kiefer followed. As they joined the people still there, she could see the drinks table had been turned over. Marko, along with two other members of his crew, was standing in front of everyone.
A couple of other men she didn’t recognize stood to either side of the trio but were taking no aggressive action. They just watched carefully.
Ashley slowed her pace and walked up to Marko. She felt Kiefer close behind. She put on a bright smile. “Hi, Marko. We’re so glad you could join us.”
To his credit, the look on Marko’s face was almost comical. He obviously hadn’t anticipated that welcome.
“Would you like a plate to go? I missed seeing your mother. I’m sorry to hear she has been sick.”
“We’re not here for food,” Marko growled.
“Then what’re you here for?” Kiefer and the others took a step closer. She waved them back.
“We’re seeing what you’re doing.”
“It’s a neighborhood party. Anyone is welcome. You’re part of the community, so you’re welcome as long as you behave yourself.” Ashley held her position.
“No one tells me what to do.”
“Whether or not you stay or go is your business, but you’re not going to destroy things like you did over there.” She pointed toward the drinks table.
Marko stepped closer to her. Feet shifted around them.
Marko jerked his chin at her injured arm and smirked. “That hurt?”
“It did,” Ashley said.
“If you don’t stop, you’ll get more than that,” he snarled.
Kiefer stepped up beside her. Through clenched teeth he asked, “Are you saying you shot Ashley?”
She put her hand on Kiefer’s arm. “Please don’t start anything here. Now.”