Prologue

Ten years ago

"Cassidy, I've got to go, baby," he said, his lips pressed against my forehead. My arms were tightly wrapped around him, tears steadily flowing down my face.

I knew this day was coming, yet the reality was far worse than anything I imagined.

"I know, but I don't want to let you go, Cade."

He was two years older than me, so while I was finishing up high school, he was off to start his college career.

"I'll be back before you know it and we can get married and live happily ever after."

"Promise?" I asked, looking up into his beautiful eyes.

"I promise, Cass," he whispered, kissing me one more time before he headed off through the gate to board the plane.

Six months later, when I became the laughingstock of our small town after he married someone he met while away in college, I vowed to move away from everyone's small-mindedness. Oh, and it was the last time I would believe someone else's promises.