Empty Net by Toni Aleo Read Free Book Online

you.”
    Audrey shook her head. “Nope, my infamous neighbor is still hiding, but not for long. I took him some cupcakes today.”
    Fallon tensed up, her eyes filling with worry. “What kind?”
    She hated the way Fallon thought she only made cupcakes when she was depressed. Yes, she did make them a lot more when she was upset, but that wasn’t the only reason she made them. Baking them made her happy. “Red Velvet.”
    Her sister smiled as if Red Velvet cupcakes didn’t mean she was on the verge of killing herself.
    “He will love that.”
    Lucas’s face perked up. “I want some Red Velvet cupcakes.”
    Audrey smiled. “I’ll make you some when you get back from your honeymoon.”
    Lucas smiled his lady-killer smile. “Sounds good to me.”
    Audrey was about to tease him about his sweet tooth when Molly, Lucas’s mom, called him over to where she stood with other family members.
    “You know, Tate is super hot,” her sister said after Lucas left.
    Audrey sighed. “I wouldn’t know anything about that. I haven’t been graced with his presence yet.”
    Fallon smiled. “Oh, but you will be tomorrow. He’s young, but good Lord almighty, if hewas ten years older, I would be all over that!”
    “We both know that isn’t true. You have eyes for one man and one man only.”
    Fallon’s gaze cut to where Lucas stood. Her left hand came up to cup her neck as a dreamy look came over her face. “You got that right. I can’t believe it, I’m getting married tomorrow.”
    Audrey watched the workers fastening lights to the umbrellas. “Me neither,” she said wistfully.
    When she looked back up, Fallon was regarding her with a compassionate look. “I’ll always love you, Audrey.”
    “I know. I’m just jealous,” she said with a shrug. “Where the hell is my Lucas Brooks?”
    Fallon took Audrey’s hand in hers. “He’s out there, I promise, and when you meet him, you’re never gonna let him go.”

    “You look amazing, Fal,” Audrey gushed from beside her gorgeous sister. It was the day of Fallon’s wedding, and she was not doing well. Fallon glanced over at her through the mirror, a nervous look on her sister’s face. She was basically shaking with nerves, and Audrey had no idea what to do or say. She could only stare at her beautiful sister.
    Fallon was breathtaking. Her dress fit her better than it did the day before, if that were even possible. It flattered her hips, her shoulders, her breasts, and when she turned, her back looked spectacular. Long and lean. Maybe it was the whole package, the hair, the makeup, the dress, but she looked amazing. Her hair was done in an intricate bun with her veil tucked in underneath it. The veil itself was to die for. It was their grandmother’s, and had been passeddown to each girl as they married—it was the “something old” tradition that brides were supposed to have on their wedding day. It matched Fallon’s dress perfectly, with its lace design along the edges. Her sister wore no jewelry but heart-shaped diamond earrings and her large engagement ring. Not that she needed anything else.
    Audrey blinked a few times as Fallon continued to shake. She knew she had to wait it out, to let Fallon have her crazy moment before reassuring her that everything was going to work out. This was the Fallon she knew and loved.
    When Fallon looked over at her, appearing a little calmer, Audrey smiled.
    “Are you good now?”
    Fallon nodded slowly, taking in a deep breath. “Yeah.”
    “Good. Lucas will love the dress. Love it all. Most of all, you. You look fantastic, babe, amazing. I promise.”
    Fallon continued to nod slowly as she reached out for her hand. “Thank you.”
    “Of course.”
    “I love you, you know,” she said, looking at her with a watery smile.
    “Not as much as I love you,” Audrey said simply.
    They shared a long look before they were interrupted by a knock. They both turned toward the bright yellow door as it opened and their father entered.