In an instant, Cassie must put aside all her day-to-day worries: her looks, a job she likes (well deals with), what to wear. At twenty-nine, she receives sudden, life-changing news. She realizes that her everyday life with her fiancé, Jake, was pretty amazing. Who cares about a sarcastic boss or a promotion when losing everything has become a terrifying reality?
Cassie’s shocking news infiltrates the lives of everyone she loves, particularly Jake and her estranged sister, Sandy. Jake wants to be strong for Cassie, but this unexpected turn brings back painful memories—and a terrible secret he’s shared with no one. Sandy, who ran away to pursue stardom, is called home to face those she left behind. The golden child of the family, Sandy fell from her pedestal long ago. Will she be able to face her own failures?
As Cassie struggles against an uncertain future, Jake and Sandy battle with the demons of the past. All three will learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness and appreciating the days we’re given.
“Mrs. Cassie Morrow,” I said with a flourish, excited at my new title-to-be. “That has a nice ring to it.”
“That’s why I asked you to marry me, you know, just because Cassie Morrow sounded so nice. Think of where we’d be if your name was Kim or Monique…or Morticia.”
“I think we’d have a lot more problems if my name was Morticia.”
“Or if your name was To,” he continued. “What in the world would we do if your name was To?” he said playfully.
“To Morrow. Tomorrow. Very funny,” I said, laughing. “I don’t know if I like where this conversation is going. It started out nice, but somehow I think the sentiment is diminishing.”
“Diminishing? Never. Would you care to join me on the couch?” He extended his hand and bent down on one knee.
“I would love to.”
We curled together on our oversized tan sofa. Our bodies fit like matching jigsaw puzzle pieces, the most natural connection. The gentle rise and fall of his breathing and the beating of his heart lulled me into contentment. He wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me closer…
“I love you, Jake. I love you forever.”
He bent down and kissed my lips. “I love you, too, Cassie. I love you, too.”
That is how I think of Jake. I think of him as my perfect complement. The person with whom silence is most comfortable; the person who completes me in every way.
We dreamed of a future. I breathed in deeply, trying to stop the tears that had already started to fall. In an instant, I could imagine our wedding. Smiling at each other at the altar. Being pronounced man and wife. Hearing echoes of applause and congratulations ring in my ears. Then, there we were in the hospital, but for something good: the birth of our baby. I held our child in my arms as Jake sat beside me, beaming. I saw us in our front yard, playing catch with our two kids, laughing. The tears fell rapidly down my cheeks. We were gathered around the kitchen table, feasting on a big breakfast of pancakes. I inhaled deeply again. Jake and I were older, at his dream house—the house by the brook—sitting on the porch, holding hands. I trembled with despair and anger.
It was supposed to turn out like that.
It was supposed to work out.
How did I end up here?
“Iron Butterfly by Lisa Wainland is a story that feels so realistic you can imagine these characters could be anyone you know. Wainland's perceptive descriptions lend a richness to the lives of each character…She breathes life into them in such a way that I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book.” —Brenda Casto, Readers' Favorite
“…compelling…Wainland provides an inspirational story...”—Kirkus Reviews
Lisa Wainland has been a radio professional for more than two decades. She’s a successful voiceover artist who works with some of the biggest names in radio and television. Her debut chick-lit novel, Rock Radio, is an Amazon Bestseller and a Readers’ Favorite Award Winner.
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