Tide and Tempest (Edge of Freedom Book #3) by Elizabeth Ludwig Page A

which had been propped open to allow a breeze while the women worked. “Shall I help you lock up?”
    Mrs. Ferguson turned the key in the front door lock. “That would be nice, dear. Thank you.”
    Once the shop was snugged for the night, Tillie bid Mrs. Ferguson farewell and turned her steps toward the boardinghouse. It was odd to be going home at this time of the evening with the sun already dipping behind the tall buildings, causing long shadows to stretch over the sidewalks. In the distance, a woman’s voice echoed as she called her children to dinner. Tillie knotted the strings of her bonnet and set off down the street. Come winter, it would be dark by the time she quit the shop and made for home.
    But not now. Now she could enjoy the cooler air that made strolling a pleasure. Perhaps she could even explore a couple of the fruit-vendor carts that lined Ashberry Street on her way home, pick out a nice melon that Laverne could add to their supper.
    She smiled, picturing the woman’s delight, and just as quickly wiped it away when a prickling at the nape of her neck slowed her steps. She paused and turned to look. The streets were not crowded this time of day, though there were still plenty of pedestrians bustling to and fro to make herwonder what it was that made her wary. Biting her lip, she continued on her way, relieved when she spotted a melon cart not far from the boardinghouse.
    “Good evening, miss,” the owner said, tipping his cap. “Something I can help ya with?”
    Again the prickling. Tillie cast a glance over her shoulder at the thinning crowd, then back at the proprietor. Though she couldn’t explain it, longing to be back within the safety of the boardinghouse walls filled her. “No . . . I suppose not.”
    “That one looks nice.”
    Tillie startled at the voice at her elbow. Cass Morgan stared down at her, a rakish grin fixed to his lips.
    Tillie shifted the reticule to her wrist as she dipped in greeting. “Mr. Morgan, you surprised me.”
    He held up his hand. “Just Cass. Morgan is my brother.”
    As if he might materialize, she looked past Cass to the street.
    “I’m alone. Thought I’d do a bit of exploring before supper. Never expected to run into you.”
    Why then did his speech sound so hasty to her ears? Was he the reason she’d felt such unease?
    Cass motioned to the cart and its selection of fruit. “What about that one?”
    She followed his gaze to a large watermelon.
    “I can carry it for you, if you like. We be going the same way, after all.” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “Well?”
    She checked the dwindling passersby on the street one last time, looked back at his smiling carefree face, then swallowed and nodded. Whatever had caused her discomfort, it wasn’t him. “Aye. That would be fine.”
    She reached for the strings on her reticule, but before she could unfasten the bow, he plucked a coin from his pocket,dropped it into the vendor’s waiting palm, and hoisted the watermelon to his shoulder.
    “Here’s hoping this one is as good inside as it looks out.” He thumped the end with his thumb. “I don’t have the same touch for picking the sweet ones as Morgan does.” He started toward the sidewalk. “Ready?”
    Tillie set off again, preceding him down the street. “So, Captain Morgan has a hand for gardening?”
    “When he’s not figuring out how to save our family.” Cass swung into step beside her, one hand bracing the watermelon, the other held out from his body, elbow extended to her. She accepted the proffered arm and rested her fingers lightly against his forearm. Though he was of slighter build than his older brother, there was no doubting his form. The taut muscles beneath her touch ignited a memory she’d thought long buried.
    Braedon’s gentle smile, his hand reaching to her, the feel of his strong arms gripping her waist as he helped her to rise.
    “ Come, lass. Let me help you up .”
    She shook her head, dislodging the