White Wedding For A Southern Belle. Susan Carlisle

      

      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