“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 passed down 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. William looked dashing in a tailored black suit with a champagne vest. His dark hair seemed to have more gray in it, and he had even shaved for the occasion. He looked nervous as he glanced at his daughters.
Unlike Audrey, Fallon didn’t want their father to give her away. Well, really, both Fallon and William were hardheaded and neither one would swallow their pride and settle their differences, which had intensified over the years. It was sad. Even though their father had been hard on them and made them both feel like they were worthless, Audrey still loved him. William took good care of her, but that was only because she never went against what he said.
She was the doting daughter, unlike Fallon.
Audrey glanced back at her strong, beautiful sister. Fallon never backed down to anyone; well, except maybe Lucas. But now she looked just as worried as their dad did. Fallon was probably wondering the same thing Audrey was: Why was he there in the bride’s room?
“You both look spectacular,” William said in his strong, deep voice.
“Thanks,” Fallon said as he took a step forward. “Isn’t the wedding about to start? Shouldn’t you be out there with Mom?”
William stopped, his eyes filling with sorrow as he looked down at them.
What the hell was going on?
Audrey had never seen her father look at them like that. He always had love in his eyes, but at that moment it seemed to her that his eyes held regret instead.
“I know, but I wanted to see you before you went out.”
Fallon moved her empty hand down the side of her dress, fluffing it out so the dress was full. Audrey glanced back at their father, waiting for him to continue. Just as he was about to say something, the door opened again and Grace Justice entered.
“Fallon, Audrey, we’re ready to start,” she said with a smile on her face.
“We’re com—”
“In a minute,” William said, sternly interrupting Fallon.
Grace looked taken aback, then retreated out the door while Fallon glared up at William, and Audrey looked at him confused.
Again, what the hell was going on?
“Audrey, will you excuse us, honey?”