Free Whisper's Edge by Luann McLane Page A

“Boy, oh boy, these ladies are competitive.” She pointed to planters laden with blooms. “Best flower pots caused quite a stir. Next week it’s hanging baskets. So be prepared to see lots of baskets swinging from front porches,” she said with a grin, and it was damned near impossible not to grin back. “Each basket bigger than the one before.”
    “Looks like you’ll be installing lots of heavy-duty hooks,” Kate said to Ben.
    “Yeah, having a flower pot fall on someone’s head would not be a good thing,” he said.
    “Maybe you should have size limits,” Kate suggested.
    “That rule would be broken for sure,” Savannah said.
    “I’ll keep an eye on things,” Ben promised as they turned the corner.
    It didn’t help Tristan’s resolve when the narrow sidewalk outside Whisper’s Edge forced him to fall into step side by side with Savannah when Ben and Kate took the lead. While he sure sucked at small talk, Savannah filled in that gap with ease. Her bubbly personality made it difficult to remain detached.
    “The river looks so pretty tonight. There’s something soothing about the water, don’t you think?”
    “Yeah,” Tristan agreed. “I’ve always enjoyed boating.”
    “Do you have one?”
    “I had a cabin cruiser for a while but my schedule was so busy that I finally sold it.”
    “Oh, that’s too bad.”
    Tristan shrugged. “Not really. I have friends with boats and it sure is a lot less hassle to be a passenger rather than the captain.”
    “Never thought of it that way but I guess you’re right. But I do think it would be cool to own a boat.”
    “Maybe you will someday.”
    Savannah rolled her eyes. “Not likely, but I do get the chance to go out with some of the residents. Several of themhave boats and I like to drop a line in the water every now and then. We usually have a fishing tournament or two to raise money for charity.”
    Tristan nodded. “That’s very commendable.”
    “Yeah, I have a running list of local charities that need volunteers. Keeping active is important for the physical and mental health of the residents. So many people retire and think it’s going to be all rosy but they soon get bored.”
    “Makes perfect sense.”
    “I read somewhere that happy people are those who wake up with a sense of purpose.” She shrugged. “I try to have activities scheduled that make them want to put their feet on the floor in the morning and get the day started. And, of course, helping the community is always a good thing. Even though Cricket Creek is thriving, there are still plenty of people in need.”
    “A win-win situation,” he commented lightly but he couldn’t help but be impressed. While he had a lot more formal education than Savannah did, she had a quiet confidence that must come from living and learning on her own terms.
    “I know how it feels to be down and out,” Savannah stated simply, and then shrugged. “I’ve come a long way and I count my blessings every day.”
    Tristan thought of her modest home and the pride she so obviously took in it and had the sudden urge to take her hand and kiss it. He had never had the urge to do such a thing…
ever
and it shook him up a little bit.
    “I guess this small-town atmosphere is a far cry from city living.” She glanced up at him in question.
    “Yes and no. The view from the condo I’m renting is similar to the one I lived in back in Cincinnati. My terrace overlooked the Ohio River and Great American Ballpark. The smaller city across the river in Covington in Kentucky actually reminds me a little bit of what I’ve seen of Cricket Creek. Old buildings, lots of shops and restaurants.”
    “But Cincinnati was full of skyscrapers, right?”
    “True. My office was located in a beautiful old building called the Carew Tower. It was built back in 1930 and is actually on the list of Historic Landmarks. The art deco architecture was used as a model for the Empire State Building.”
    “Wow, that’s pretty darned