Free White Wedding for a Southern Belle by Susan Carlisle

*
    Kiefer double-checked the locks on Ashley’s front door and the one to the stairs going to the clinic. Even the main clinic door he rechecked. He walked round the building, making sure there were no broken or open windows.
    How had he been sucked into a woman’s life that was so much like his mother’s? In the past he’d made a point to date women who were nothing like his crusading mother. Brittney was a case in point and look where that had got him.
    In his truck he called his buddy Bull and told him what had happened. Ashley wouldn’t be happy he had but that didn’t matter—her safety came first. Bull said he would see that the clinic was patrolled more often that night.
    Sleeping at Ashley’s had crossed his mind but he had no doubt that she would have objected strongly. He wasn’t going to pick that fight but he would do what he could to see she was safe. The woman was too self-confident for her own good. Tonight had proved it.
    Around midnight Kiefer woke to the sound of rain on the windows. That was one thing about living on the coast—the weather could go from flaming hot to a strong thunderstorm overnight. He immediately reached for his phone and tapped in Bull’s number. He answered on the second ring.
    â€œSo how are things?” Kiefer asked.
    â€œA little overprotective, aren’t you, Doctor? Have things become personal with the pretty alderman?”
    â€œNo, I’m just concerned. Nothing more. Nothing less. So answer my question.”
    â€œEverything is quiet. Last time we cruised by no one was around. There was one upstairs light on but that was it.”
    Was Ashley having a hard time sleeping? Scared and turning a light on? “Thanks, buddy. Please continue to check on the place.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Kiefer put his phone down then picked it up, placed it on the bedside table then picked it up again. What was the worst she could do? Get mad at him for waking her. Scream at him tomorrow morning for calling. He should check on her. Just to make sure she was okay. Or maybe to just satisfy his need to know.
    He touched Ashley’s number, which he’d programmed into his cell phone when he’d been given it as contact for the clinic. On the first ring she answered. There was a hesitant note in her voice as if she was unsure about who it might be.
    â€œHey, it’s Kiefer. I wanted to see how you are.”
    â€œDo you have any idea what time it is?” Her voice was stronger.
    That was good. “Yeah, about one a.m.”
    â€œDon’t you know better than to call people in the middle of the night?”
    â€œI heard a light was on at your place. I thought you might be up.”
    â€œHow would you know that? Either you’re standing below my window or having me watched.” She paused. “Bull. I asked you not to tell the police.”
    â€œI told a friend.”
    Ashley made a sound of disgust. “Same difference.”
    â€œI just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
    â€œYou don’t have to do that. I’m not your responsibility.”
    He pushed at his pillow, getting comfortable. “After what I walked in on I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t concerned.”
    â€œWhy do you keep pushing it?”
    He didn’t want to go into that full explanation. “Because I swore a long time ago that I wouldn’t sit by again while someone hurt another person.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    It wasn’t something he talked about much, certainly not to a virtual stranger, but for some reason he wanted Ashley to understand. “My mother was attacked when I was a child.”
    Ashley made a shocked noise. “I’m so sorry to hear that.” For the first time since she’d been attacked she sounded like herself. “No wonder you overreact.”
    â€œI didn’t realize I overreacted. I thought I was rather calm, considering. So are you sitting in