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| Connie Risner September 30, 1952- July 21, 1913 |
A romance book is released written by Connie Risner. The title is Sunset Til Sunrise On Buttercup Lane. You can find the paperback version on Amazon. The ebook is in Nook and Kindle stores and soon to be on Smashwords.com.
This month is Cancer Awareness Month so it's only fitting that a book by Connie that talks about the aftermath of cancer for a love one is ready to release now. Connie and I were sister-in-laws in the Risner family. We shared sort of a sisterhood of two members and always a close one.
We all have goals we want to complete or dreams that should end happy. Years ago, Connie and I both dreamed about being an author. We even took some writing classes together. I was committed to work on my writing skills as was Connie, but the future held a different path for each of us. She went to work which limited her time. Still she found a few moments to revise the story she was working on a couple of times before her life changed for the worse.
In 1999, Connie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. From then on her goal was to live as long as possible, and she did a good job of keeping the cancer at bay for years. Her dream became to live long enough to spend as much time as she could with her grandchildren.
Connie passed away in July of this year at theyoung age of 60 after her long battle. She put up one heck of a fight to stay alive, and she did it with with courage and grace. Early on, she told me she'd cried her tears when she was first told she didn't have long to live. Whatever time she had left she wanted to laugh not cry. Her outlook and brave face when she was around the rest of the family helped make it easier for us to except what was going to happen to her. We faced the future with her as she held on as long as she could.
In those years of struggle with cancer, Connie didn't have time or the energy to think about her book. Before the last few years, authors didn't have the option of being an Independent author like they do now. After she was gone, her husband, Aubrey, found a box with her manuscript in it. When he told me of his discovery, I grew excited about the prospect of turning the story into a book for Connie, and that's happened. All of us close to Connie felt so helpless as we watched her in the last months of her life. We knew she was losing the fight. We couldn't make it better for her, but I sure can do something for her now. I can make her dream to become an author come true.
We hear many stories of survivors, and about people who didn't survive. Connie held out hope for a long time that some day a cure would be found so that she might live to see her grandchildren grow up. We wished for that with her. It wasn't to be, but that day will come for future cancer patients as it has for other illnesses. We have to believe that.
In the meantime, we've helped Connie's dream come true to be an author. It's a bittersweet moment for me. Connie would have been so proud of this accomplishment had she been here to enjoy the moment. She left us behind to enjoy it for her never knowing that her book has been published.
Connie wrote a general romance fiction book. With her sense of humor, I can hear her distinctive laughter as she wrote some of the passages. In other places, we see how upset and depressed Jessica Showman Cartan has become with the lost of a loved one who died from cancer. Here is an excerpt from Sunset Til Sunrise On Buttercup Lane by Connie Risner.
The weekend passed much too quickly in spite of all the interruptions from Mark. He called several times, wanting to apologize, but Jessica refused to talk to him and hung up. It was probably wrong not to smooth things over with one of the lawyers in the firm, but on a personal level, she was angry yet. That was how she felt, and she didn't care about making up with Mark. If he really thought about her the way he described, he wasn't worth trying to straightened things out with.
Monday came. Though she dreaded another run in with Mark at the office, the day was hectic enough to keep her busy. That kept her from thinking about anything else.
That morning, Mr. Cartan rushed from his office, carrying some new reports that he wanted done immediately. “When you're finished bring the reports in right away.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Cartan,” she replied. “Is there any certain one that needs my attention first?”
“No, just do them all.”
Marsha waited until Steven closed his office door and glanced behind her at Joan's vacant desk. Considering that a perfect moment to talk to Jessica, she hustled over and plopped herself down on the edge of the desk. “How are things going with Mark?”
Jessica scrunched up her shoulders and let them drop as she kept fingering through the reports that needed typed up. “He called a few times too many over the weekend to say he was sorry. I just couldn't discuss what happened with him so I hung up on him. Every time I think about what he accused me of I get really upset. I feel if that is what he thinks of me he isn't worth my time.”
“Don't be too hard on him, Jess,” Marsha said. Glancing over to make sure Joan was still gone, she whispered, “Like I said Joan probably put a lot of those ideas in his head.”
“I'm sure of that, but that's no excuse for how he acted. He has a mind of his own, and he knows me a lot better than that. I thought we were best friends,” Jessica said.
“Jess, wake up. Mark must think he has more than just your friendship,” Marsha exclaimed.
“Obviously, he does, but that makes it worse that he wouldn't believe my explanations,” Jessica told her.
“You should look at this from Mark's viewpoint. He felt his territory was being invaded. Men are that way you know. Being protective is what makes them so irresistible.”
Jessica gave that a moment's thought. “Marsha, you may be right. Mark may have been ready to push me for a commitment, but I just don't know if he's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“You're such an old fashion girl. I love you for that,” Marsha said. “I sure don't have your indecision problems. I know what I want, and I go get it. Let me give you a piece of advice. Sometimes you have to give a little of yourself in order to get what you want.”
Marsha was a bright but impulsive woman. Jessica just didn't happen to go along with her point of view. “Oh, Marsha, that isn't me. I can't use your advice. I want all of it my way or nothing at all. The ring first, then marriage and then whatever goes with it.”
Marsha pushed her lower lip out in a pout. “If I waited around for a man to offer me a ring, I'd never have any fun.”
Jessica gasped at the brazenness of that statement. She heard a giggle across the room and glanced over her shoulder. Joan was back. She hissed, “Honestly, I can't believe the things you tell me. Doesn't it bother you Joan is listening to us? We shouldn't be talking about this subject in the office. It just makes more office gossip for her to repeat.”
“You're right. I'll catch you some other time outside the office and take up where I left off with more advice,” Marsha whispered with a wink.
It didn't take Jessica long to finish typing the reports once Marsha stopped bothering her. She knocked on Mr. Cartan's door. He called come in. She opened the door. “Here are the reports.”
“Thanks, Miss Showman. That was quick. Would you please take a seat. I want to talk to you.”
Jessica sensed the talk was going to be about something troubling her boss by the look on his face. Here it comes, she thought as her stomach did flip flops. He's going to fire me.
Steven Cartan cleared his throat and rested his chin on his hands as he gaged her with an intent look. “I want to talk to you about what happened at your desk Friday.”
“I really don't feel like talking about it,” Jessica said flatly.
“I feel we should clear the air. I know you're upset. I've seen it all day,” he said with a worried expression.
“All right, I'll say I'm sorry for making a scene, Mr. Cartan. I know what happened was out of line. It will never happen again,” Jessica said, hoping that was noncommittal enough without going into details about his partner to help her keep her job.
“I'm not worried about what it looked like in the reception room. There wasn't anyone else to witness Mark and you arguing except me. What I wanted to say was I want to apologize if I made any trouble for you with Mark by taking you out to dinner. That wasn't my intention.” Steven gave her a weak grin. “Actually from what I heard of your conversation with Mark, he had that slap coming. I just wanted to say I'm sorry if I caused any part of the disagreement between you two. The last thing I want is to have you unhappy at work.”
“Oh,” Jessica said weakly. She didn't expect him to say that about his business partner. “No need for you to apologize. Mark and I do need to work on the problem ourselves. You didn't cause his issues by taking me out to dinner. He did that all by himself by coming to the wrong conclusions and assuming too much about our relationship.”
Steven's eyebrows flew up.
“By that I mean Mark and my relationship,” Jessica corrected.
Steven concentrated on turning a pen end for end on top of his desk. “I see. I know it's none of my business, but I wondered if you and Mark had straightened everything out over the weekend and made your peace,”
“I see. Was there anything else you wanted, Mr. Cartan?” Jessica asked.
He said casually, “That's it. Would you like to have dinner with me again tonight?”
Jessica gasped. “I can't!”
“You can't or you won't,” Steven said quietly. His face was unreadable.
“I can't. I don't have time. I told you my sister is getting married. She needs my help getting ready for the wedding,” Jessica said.
“Maybe some other time. I really enjoyed dinner with you last night. If you ever need someone to talk to I want you to know I'm a good listener,” Steven said.
“Thank you. I better get back to my desk now.” Jessica hurried out before he had a chance to respond. She wondered what he had up his sleeve, standing up for her like that against his business partner.
Did he mean it when he invited her to have dinner with him again after how badly last night turned out? Next time, if there was a next time, she would drink less wine so she could remember how the evening ended. However, the evening must not have ended badly enough to bother Steven since he asked her for another date. That was an encouraging plus in her favor providing she decided she wanted to date her boss.
The rest of the week went by fast. Every night, she was with Jenny and the other bridesmaids. They had the rehearsal at the church on Wednesday night. The practice went off without a hitch. Jessica was so happy for Jenny. Seeing her glow with love was special. Charlie was going to make a great husband, and they were lucky to have each other.
Thursday was a short day at work. Jessica planned to run errands that afternoon. At noon, she rushed from the office out to the parking lot. Of all things, her car had a flat tire on the rear driver's side. “Stupid car! I haven't got time for this,” she snapped, kicking the deflated tire hard. “Ouch!” She exclaimed as she stood on one foot and rubbed the other one. Of all days! Why me?”
“I don't know why you,” came a calm reply behind her.
Jessica nearly jumped out of her skin. She wheeled around to face Steven and struggled back into her shoe. “Don't you ever do that to me again. I've lost track of how many times you've done that lately. If you keep scaring me, I could have a heart attack.”
“Sorry,” Steven said. The corners of his mouth quivered. “I wouldn't want that to happen to you. Now why are you so upset?”
Jessica pointed to the tire. “As you can see if you look at that tire, I have a big problem. I took the afternoon off to run errands for my sister all of which involve a running car with four stupid tires inflated,” Jessica vented.
Calmly, Steven sympathized. “That's too bad. Would you like me to help you?”
“You turned up at the right time. Do you have ESP or something?” She asked. Steven tilted his head to one side and stood there, waiting for her to answer. “Okay, I'd appreciate it if you can change my tire,” Jessica said as she unlocked the trunk. She lifted up the spare tire. “I can't believe this.”
“Can't believe what?” Steven asked, coming up behind her.
“My spare is flat, too. Of all days,” she groaned. “Stupid car. It will take forever to get the tire fixed, and this spare aired up.”
“I can help you out,” Steven suggested. “I'll be your personal chauffeur.”
“You're too busy to waste your time on me, Mr. Cartan,” Jessica said, distracted by the flat spare.
“I've taken off the rest of the day anyway so let me help you out. I offered, didn't I? And by the way, I wouldn't consider helping you a waste of my time.”
“If you really mean it I'm desperate enough to let you help me,” rushed out of Jessica's mouth.
Steven said shortly, “Oh.”
“I didn't mean it that way. Oh for Pete sake, I can't refuse an offer like yours when I have so much to do,” Jessica declared.
“While I'm helping you with the errands, I'll get a mechanic to come fix your flat and fill the spare with air.” Steven motioned toward his car. “Let's get going. My chariot awaits.” He led her to his car and once they were in, he dialed his car phone and placed a call to a repair shop. “When he finished, he said, “Now that's taken care of. The car will be ready for you when we finish your errands. Where do you want to go first?”
“I have to go home and change clothes. I need to get the decorations out of my bedroom closet and take them to the reception hall for the wedding reception,” she told him.
Jessica unlocked the apartment door. Steven followed her in. “Make yourself at home while I collect the boxes. There's tea, Pepsi and bottles of water in the refrigerator.”
“Just do what you have to do. Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself.”
I've never doubted that for one minute, ran through Jessica's mind. As she rummaged in the closet for the decoration boxes, she heard Steven's footsteps. The refrigerator door opened and shut. The flip top on a soda can popped.
She heard Steven say, “Good to meet you, too, Cat.” Jessica assumed he got a glimpse of B.J..
After she changed into a blouse and jeans, she came back down the hall with one of the boxes and set it down by the door. “I'm just curious. Can you tell what kind of person I am by the way I live?”
“I think so. You like to read benign mysteries.” He picked up Agatha Christie's Sleeping Murder on the lamp table, looked it over and put it back. “Odd since most women would rather read a steamy romance book. You like that sewing stuff beside the couch in the wicker basket which is old fashion. Most women these days don't know how to do that.” Steven tipped the Pepsi can for a drink and sat down at the breakfast counter.
“That sewing stuff is called needle point, and I do like doing it. It calms me down at night. Makes me feel creative as well. Do go on,” Jessica urged with a smile.
“Besides smelling woodsy and lemon scented, which I happen to like, you're always dressed nice. You're a neat person to a fault from the look of your place and a home body. Also, an animal lover from the look of that fat, sleek cat I saw fleetingly as it dodged under the couch to get away from me.”
“You met B.J.. He doesn't like strangers, but he's more like my friend than a pet. We have many interesting conversations, and he doesn't argue back with me,” Jessica said cryptically.
Ignoring the jab that might have been aimed at Mark and him, Steven asked, “Like what kind of conversations can you and a cat have?”
“Usually since he's a little self centered like most males, the talks are about what he's going to be fed. He always hopes it's something he'll like. Sometimes we talk about how much attention I'm going to give him before I pick up my needle point or a book and ignore him. Well, now if the analysis of me is over, I have to keep moving.”
Steven set the empty soda can down and headed for the box, picked it up and said, “Open the door for me.”
Jessica followed him to the car and opened the door so he could put the box on the back seat. “Now I have to go back for the other box, then we will drive by the reception hall. Later tonight when everyone can get together we'll get the decorating done.”
As soon as Steven had the next box in the car, he asked, “What now?”
“Head for the reception hall.”
They each carried a box inside the hall. Steven asked, “Now where?”
“Next is the airport to pick up my parents. Do you want to go with me to get them or would you rather I call a taxi?”
“Hey, I said I'd help. So to the airport it is. I'd really like to meet your parents,” Steven said.
The plane hadn't landed yet when they arrived at the airport. Jessica paced back and forth. “I hope the plane is on time. I hate wasting time here.”
The loud speaker announced the flight coming in.
“That's their flight. Come on,” Jessica said excitedly. She rushed to the gate. Her dad recognized her racing toward them. When he got to her he gave Jessica a big hug as he looked at the man behind her. “So this must be Mark?”
“No, Dad. This is my boss, Mr. Steven Cartan. He offered to help me out with my errands today since I had a flat tire on my car.”
Her dad' asked, “Couldn't you fix it or get it fixed?”
Steven broke in. “Her spare was flat, too. She would have been late getting here, and it wasn't any trouble for me to help Jessica out.”
“Mr. Cartan, meet my parents, Jerry and Marion Showman,” Jessica introduced.
He looked at Jessica. “Steven, please. It's nice to meet both of you,” he said, shaking hands with her parents.
Jessica said with the emphasis on his name, “Steven's going to take us over to Jenny's.”
“I'll take your bags, and we'll get going.” Steven picked up the suitcases and headed out of the terminal.
Jessica's mom whispered, “He's a nice looking man. Anything serious between the two of you?”
“Mother, not so loud. He's my boss,” Jessica hissed.
As she went ahead of her parents, she heard her mom whisper to her father, “I can aways hope, can't I?”
Jessica turned and hissed, “For once stop looking for someone to marry me off. Isn't it enough you have one daughter getting married tomorrow?”
Jenny was surprised when they came into the apartment with Steven toting suitcases. She held out her hand to him as soon as he set the bags down. “We've met before, haven't we?”
Steven gave her one of his disarming smiles. “Yes, how are you?”
Jenny folded her arms and said, “Nervous and growing more jittery by the minute. Never mind me though. Everyone tells me this is normal. So I'm curious. Is there a story behind you being with Jessica today?”
Steven shrugged. “Just helping out while a flat on her car is getting fixed.”
“Well, sounds like you certainly saved the day. Jessica could use a knight in shining armor once in a while. Are you free tomorrow evening? As payback for all your help, you're invited to come to the wedding if you like. Actually, you could help out again. That way Jessica will have someone to escort her to the reception later.”
Steven said eagerly, “I'd be delighted to come and be Jessica's date for the evening.”
“Good,” Jenny said. “See how easy it is to get you a date, Sister.” She winked at Steven, and he winked back.
Through the whole conversation, Jessica had been looking from one to the other of them. Jenny planned her whole evening for her without asking her. The conversation between Steven and Jenny happened as if Jessica wasn't even in the room. Wait until she got Jenny away from her parents so they couldn't hear. She would chew her sister out good for doing this to her.
Friday morning, Steven showed up early on her doorstep. Jessica answered the door dressed in a lavender blouse and jeans. She asked brusquely, “What are you doing here this morning?”
“Good morning to you, too,” Steven said teasingly. He looked her up and down. “Are you wearing that to the wedding?”
“No, I'm not. I happened to have a very pretty bridesmaid dress to put on as you well know. There's a few errands I still have to run before I change.”
“I could help again,” Steven said eagerly.
“I'm sure by now my tire is fixed so if I had a ride to my car, I can drive myself today,” Jessica urged.
“I know that, but I want to help,” Steven insisted.
“For the life of me, I don't know why you would,” Jessica said.
Steven looked put out.
“All right, I give up, but I warn you it's boring stuff. I have a hair appointment, and I really should go over to Jenny's and check on my parents. You really want to do this, Mr. Cartan?”
Steven looked exasperated. “We back to last names again? You're supposed to call me Steven.”
“All right, I forgot. Steven, are you sure you want to drive me around?”
“I asked didn't I? I'd be glad to spend the day with you doing whatever needs to be done. Let's go,” he said.
When Jessica came back to the car after her hair appointment, Steven whistled. “You are beautiful with your hair up like that.”
“I suppose it does change my looks. Being a bridesmaid requires a fancier hairdo. Now I have to go over to Jenny's apartment. See if my parents need anything and help Jenny get ready for the wedding. My dress is there, too.”
“When do you need me to pick you up?”
“Five would be fine. Listen I feel like Jenny trapped you into going. Are you sure you want to come with me to this wedding?”
“I don't mind at all,” Steven assured her.
“Come to think about it, I don't remember Jenny or you asking me what I thought about you escorting me,” Jessica said.
“Sorry about that. You're right. I should correct that over sight. Will you do me the honor of letting me be your escort to your sister's wedding?” Steven asked formally with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Yes, but I still say Jenny shouldn't have put you on the spot like that.”
“I'm not sorry. I'm looking forward to it,” Steven insisted.
“Well, I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to repay you for being so helpful,” Jessica worried.
“Oh, I'll think of something,” he said with a devilish grin.
Jessica didn't like the sound of that remark. Too late to take back what she said, and she had too many other things to worry about at the moment.
Steven slowed to a stop and parked long enough for Jessica to get out of his car. She went inside and found Jenny and their mother hustling around from one end of the apartment to the other.
Her dad was sitting on one corner of the couch trying to keep out of the way. “What's the matter? Couldn't you talk your boss into coming in for another dose of Showmans?”
“Oh, Dad, don't start. Thanks to Jenny, he's coming back to drive me to the church later,” Jessica told him.
Jenny hesitated in mid rush to look at Jessica. “I'm glad Steven is bringing you. Seemed like a good idea at the time and still does to me. You should get to know him better. He seems like a really nice guy.”
“It might have been nicer if I was let in on the plan and had the opportunity to asked Steven myself,” Jessica groused.
“That would have been the ideal plan, but I didn't trust you to follow through on it. I felt like I had to take things into my own hands to make sure you had an escort,” Jenny said frankly.
“Mark would have escorted me if I'd asked him,” Jessica said.
“The key words there are if I'd asked him. You didn't. Besides, I like Steven,” Jenny said.
“Oh fine, now you're picking men for me to date,” Jessica said.
“That's what sisters are for. To help,” Jenny said, giggling as she left the room.
Later that afternoon, Marie kept an eye on the time and told them, “Let's get this show on the road.”
“It is time to go,” Jerry Showman agreed. “Jess, you best go get your sister.”
Jessica went to Jenny's room. “We have to go now. Are you ready?”
“Does my hair look okay? Is my makeup on right?” Jenny fretted.
“You look just fine,” Jessica said, smiling at her. “Take it easy and try to calm down.”
Jenny took a deep breath. “I don't know if I can do that, but here I go.”
When they filed out of the apartment, Steven had just parked out front. Jessica got in with him, and they followed her sister's car and the other two bridesmaids in Dawn's car. The traffic was bumper to bumper. Jessica was anxious when they had to go so slow, but they arrived at the church in plenty of time.
The women each took their garment bags and headed for the Sunday school class room to get dressed. They kept up a running chatter for a while. Finally Jessica said, “Jenny, how are you holding up?”
“Oh, Jess, I wish the wedding was over,” Jenny said, wadding up a Kleenex. She passed it from one hand to the other.
Jessica laughed, “If you're this nervous just think what poor Charlie is going through right now.”
They all laughed at that thought.
A hush came over them when they heard the wedding music start.
Jenny's smile dried up.
Jessica said, “All right, everyone. Take one last deep breath, and let's get this show on the road.”
The bridesmaids gripped their white rose bouquets a little tighter so the guests wouldn't notice their trembling hands and walked slowly down the aisle to the alter. When they lined up, the Wedding March began. Jenny's dad gave her a hug, and they marched down the aisle. Jenny's eyes were on Charlie. He watched her admiringly with a trembling smile.
Jessica searched the seats, smiled and nodded slightly at several people. What almost unnerved her was the way Steven's eyes were on her. He nodded ever so slightly and winked. She hoped that was a signal that she was doing all right so far. By that time, the bride made it to the alter, and the wedding party had to turn around to face the minister.
So look for Connie's books in all the places you would find my books if you would like a sweet romance.
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