Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married, page 1
Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married
Synopsis
All of Aubrey McFadden’s college friends are tying the knot, and she’s been invited to five weddings. Five. In one year. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate so much love and romance?
Aubrey, that’s who.
She’s going anyway, of course. It’s not her friends’ fault her college boyfriend left Aubrey on the day of their wedding. Lies, selfishness, unhappy surprises…no, thank you. And you know who’s responsible for her permanently single status?
Monica, that’s who.
Their friends all say Monica Wallace had a thing for Aubrey back then—not that Aubrey cares one little bit why that still makes her heart race. Monica convinced her best friend Cody that marrying Aubrey, settling down, and locking himself into a 9-to-5 at the expense of his dreams would be a huge mistake. Cody called off the wedding, and Aubrey has never forgiven them.
Aubrey McFadden is never getting married, but she does have five weddings to attend, and she’ll be avoiding Monica at every single one.
Praise for Georgia Beers
Playing with Matches
“Playing with Matches is a delightful exploration of small town life, family drama, and true love…Liz and Cori are charming characters with undeniable chemistry, and their sweet and tender small town, ‘fake-dating’ love story is sure to capture the attention of readers. Their journey reminds readers of the importance of love, forgiveness, family, and community, making this feel-good romance a true triumph.”—Women Using Words
Peaches and Cream
“Peaches and Cream is a fresh, new spin on the classic rom-com You’ve Got Mail—except it’s even better because it’s all about ice cream!…[A] delicious, melt-in-your-mouth scoop of goodness. Bursting with tasty characters in a scrumptious story world, Peaches and Cream is simply irresistible.”—Women Using Words
Dance with Me
“I admit I inherited my two left feet from my father’s side of the family. Dancing is not something I enjoy, so why choose a book with dancing as the central focus and romance as the payoff? Easy. Because it’s Georgia Beers, and she will let me enjoy being awkward alongside her main character. I think this is what makes her special to me as an author. While her characters might be beautiful in their own ways, I can relate to their challenges, fears and dreams. Comfort reads every time.”—Late Night Lesbian Reads
Camp Lost and Found
“I really like when Beers writes about winter and snow and hot chocolate. She makes heartache feel cosy and surmountable. Camp Lost and Found made me smile a lot, laugh at times, tear up more often than I care to share. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to keep the cold weather at bay, I’d recommend you give it a chance.”—Jude in the Stars
Cherry on Top
“Cherry on Top is another wonderful story from one of the greatest writers in sapphic fiction…This is more than a romance with two incredibly charming and wonderful characters. It is a reminder that you shouldn’t have to compromise who you are to fit into a box that society wants to put you into. Georgia Beers once again creates a couple with wonderful chemistry who will warm your heart.”—Sapphic Book Review
On the Rocks
“This book made me so happy! And kept me awake way too late.”—Jude in the Stars
The Secret Poet
“[O]ne of the author’s best works and one of the best romances I’ve read recently…I was so invested in [Morgan and Zoe] I read the book in one sitting.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
Hopeless Romantic
“Thank you, Georgia Beers, for this unabashed paean to the pleasure of escaping into romantic comedies…If you want to have a big smile plastered on your face as you read a romance novel, do not hesitate to pick up this one!”—The Rainbow Bookworm
Flavor of the Month
“Beers whips up a sweet lesbian romance…brimming with mouthwatering descriptions of foodie indulgences…Both women are well-intentioned and endearing, and it’s easy to root for their inevitable reconciliation. But once the couple rediscover their natural ease with one another, Beers throws a challenging emotional hurdle in their path, forcing them to fight through tragedy to earn their happy ending.”—Publishers Weekly
Fear of Falling
“Enough tension and drama for us to wonder if this can work out—and enough heat to keep the pages turning. I will definitely recommend this to others—Georgia Beers continues to go from strength to strength.”—Evan Blood, Bookseller (Angus & Robertson, Australia)
One Walk in Winter
“A sweet story to pair with the holidays. There are plenty of ‘moment’s in this book that make the heart soar. Just what I like in a romance. Situations where sparks fly, hearts fill, and tears fall. This book shined with cute fairy trails and swoon-worthy Christmas gifts…REALLY nice and cozy if read in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covered in blankets. By a fire.”—Bookvark
The Do-Over
“You can count on Beers to give you a quality well-paced book each and every time.”—The Romantic Reader Blog
“The Do-Over is a shining example of the brilliance of Georgia Beers as a contemporary romance author.”—Rainbow Reflections
The Shape of You
The Shape of You “catches you right in the feels and does not let go. It is a must for every person out there who has struggled with self-esteem, questioned their judgment, and settled for a less than perfect but safe lover. If you’ve ever been convinced you have to trade passion for emotional safety, this book is for you.”—Writing While Distracted
“I know I always say this about Georgia Beers’s books, but there is no one that writes first kisses like her. They are hot, steamy and all too much!”—Les Rêveur
Calendar Girl
“A sweet, sweet romcom of a story…Calendar Girl is a nice read, which you may find yourself returning to when you want a hot-chocolate-and-warm-comfort-hug in your life.”—Best Lesbian Erotica
Blend
“You know a book is good, first, when you don’t want to put it down. Second, you know it’s damn good when you’re reading it and thinking, I’m totally going to read this one again. Great read and absolutely a 5-star romance.”—The Romantic Reader Blog
“This is a lovely romantic story with relatable characters that have depth and chemistry. A charming easy story that kept me reading until the end. Very enjoyable.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller, QBD (Australia)
Right Here, Right Now
“[A] successful and entertaining queer romance novel. The main characters are appealing, and the situations they deal with are realistic and well-managed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good queer romance novel, and particularly one grounded in real world situations.”—Books at the End of the Alphabet
“[A]n engaging odd-couple romance. Beers creates a romance of gentle humor that allows no-nonsense Lacey to relax and easygoing Alicia to find a trusting heart.”—RT Book Reviews
Lambda Literary Award Winner Fresh Tracks
“[T]he focus switches each chapter to a different character, allowing for a measured pace and deep, sincere exploration of each protagonist’s thoughts. Beers gives a welcome expansion to the romance genre with her clear, sympathetic writing.”—Curve magazine
Lambda Literary Award Finalist Finding Home
“Georgia Beers has proven in her popular novels such as Too Close to Touch and Fresh Tracks that she has a special way of building romance with suspense that puts the reader on the edge of their seat. Finding Home, though more character driven than suspense, will equally keep the reader engaged at each page turn with its sweet romance.”—Lambda Literary Review
Mine
“Beers does a fine job of capturing the essence of grief in an authentic way. Mine is touching, life-affirming, and sweet.”—Lesbian News Book Review
Too Close to Touch
“This is such a well-written book. The pacing is perfect, the romance is great, the character work strong, and damn, but is the sex writing ever fantastic.”—The Lesbian Review
“In her third novel, Georgia Beers delivers an immensely satisfying story. Beers knows how to generate sexual tension so taut it could be cut with a knife…Beers weaves a tale of yearning, love, lust, and conflict resolution. She has constructed a believable plot, with strong characters in a charming setting.”—Just About Write
Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married
Brought to you by
eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.
Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.
By the Author
Romances
Turning the Page
Thy Neighbor’s Wife
Too Close to Touch
Fresh Tracks
Mine
Finding Home
Starting from Scratch
96 Hours
Slices of Life
Snow Globe
Olive Oil & White Bread
Zero Visibility
A Little Bit of Spice
&
Right Here, Right Now
Blend
The Shape of You
Calendar Girl
The Do-Over
Fear of Falling
One Walk in Winter
Flavor of the Month
Hopeless Romantic
16 Steps to Forever
The Secret Poet
Cherry on Top
Camp Lost and Found
Dance with Me
Peaches and Cream
Playing with Matches
Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married
The Puppy Love Romances
Rescued Heart
Run to You
Dare to Stay
The Swizzle Stick Romances
Shaken or Stirred
On the Rocks
With a Twist
Aubrey Mcfadden Is Never Getting Married
© 2024 By Georgia Beers. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-614-7
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: April 2024
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Ruth Sternglantz
Production Design: Stacia Seaman
Cover Design by Inkspiral Design
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Acknowledgments
This book is a little different, I admit. I woke up one day with Aubrey’s name in my head, and I knew instantly that she was a woman I wanted to protect, but also one that I’d want in my corner. Writing her—and this book—was so much fun. Every wedding, every incident, every moment she tries to keep herself and her life from skidding off the very safe path she’s been following made me excited to be a writer. Books that do that are so special, and this is definitely one of them. I hope you fall in love with Aubrey the way I did.
A big thank you to Sandy Lowe for the spark of inspiration. I hope I did it justice. Everybody else at Bold Strokes—Radclyffe, Ruth, Cindy, Stacia, thank you for making this career such a joy. And special thanks to Matt for creating such a kickass cover!
Writing is a solitary craft. I say this all the time. And while I live on my own, I now have a crazy unconventional family just two doors down that has made me feel whole again. They can’t read my books for another eighteen years (or longer, if I can manage it), but a big thank you to Gemma, Asher, Bennett, and Cyrus for making me a Gigi. It’s my most precious title so far, and I love you four with all my heart.
And finally, to you, my readers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. You’ve stuck by me through crises and sickness and an absolute disaster of a year that was 2023. I hope to make your devotion pay off in so many ways. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. I’m still here because you are.
Aubrey had never been so happy.
Never in her life. As if to stress that fact, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams began playing, and she did a little shimmy in her wedding dress.
“Oh my God, this song is so overplayed,” Trina said with her signature eye roll. Aubrey’s best friend had totally perfected the look to be the perfect blend of annoyed and bored.
“On its way to being the number one song of 2014,” Aubrey said, studying her reflection in the full-length mirror.
“But it was released last year.” The depth of tone would have had strangers thinking Trina’s life depended on Mr. Williams not reaching song of the year status.
“I don’t care,” Aubrey said. “It’s perfect. It’s the perfect song for the day, don’t you think?” She held out her arm. “Come here. Look at us.” She put her arm around Trina in her dusty-rose maid of honor dress, and they stood there in front of the mirror. “I don’t mind this stupid, overplayed song because this is the happiest day of my life. And I’m so glad you’re here with me.”
Trina’s eyes welled up, and Aubrey felt her arm tighten at her waist. “Me, too,” Trina whispered.
They stood like that for a moment, in the bridal room in the church, just the two of them, and gazed at their reflection. Finally, Aubrey gave Trina a gentle little push. “Okay. Go. Tell the others I just need a moment alone, okay? I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
“Self-pep talk?” Trina asked with a grin.
“You know me well.”
Trina put a hand on Aubrey’s shoulder and gave her a tender kiss on her cheek. “I’m so happy for you, Aubs.” Then she scooted out, and the door clicked closed behind her, and it was just Aubrey and the mirror.
“It’s almost time,” she said on a whisper as she pressed a hand against her stomach and studied her reflection. “I’ve been waiting for this day since I was a little girl. I can’t believe it’s here. I’m so nervous and so happy and…” She let her eyes mist up but didn’t let herself go any farther than that. Her makeup had taken too long and was too perfect. “You got this. It’s gonna fly by, but take it all in. Remember it forever.” She inhaled a big, slow breath and was pulling herself together when there was a gentle knock on the door. “I’m coming,” she called out, giving herself a full-body shake.
The door opened, and it was Cody, and Aubrey gasped.
“What are you doing? Get out! You can’t see me before the wedding. It’s bad luck!”
Cody’s smile was sad. “I’m so sorry,” he said so quietly as he approached her that she almost didn’t hear him. And Aubrey knew. Right then, she knew. She knew his face, his eyes, his voice, and she knew those three short words were about to destroy her, and what had started out as the happiest day of her life was about to become the worst. Her heart began to pound in her chest and she stared at Cody. At his dark hair, the hair she loved all tousled, but was now tamed neatly. At his clean-shaven face that she knew would be sporting a five o’clock shadow by two in the afternoon. At the devastatingly handsome tux that he looked like James Bond in. His dark eyes were sad and wet, and she could smell that he’d already had a drink, or maybe more. Probably more. But there was something else in his eyes as he spoke. After his apology, he began with, “I can’t do this,” and those were the only words Aubrey had been able to hear before the rushing of her own blood in her ears drowned out the rest. But his eyes…
His eyes.
She could see it. She could see it beyond any shadow of any doubts. And she knew what she saw.
Relief.
He kept talking, but all she could register were his moving lips and the tears on his face. He was crying, but now she wondered if they were happy tears, because his relief was so plain, so clearly obvious, he might as well be wearing a sandwich board with the words I AM SO RELIEVED painted on it in red block letters. He was cutting himself loose of her. After four years. They’d been dating since their freshman year of college. They’d graduated only a few weeks ago. And yes, they’d stepped up their plans to wed, but getting married, having a family, that had always been the plan. Their plan. Hadn’t it? She tried to zero back in on what he was saying because yes, he was still talking. It was like he’d broken a seal, opened the floodgates, and the words wouldn’t stop now. He just kept talking, no matter how hard she wished he would stop because his words were killing her.
“I don’t want to work in my dad’s law firm. I never did. I want to travel. I want to go see other countries. And I want to help those without a voice, you know? I’m twenty-two. I don’t want to be locked into a nine-to-five already. Already! You know?” He grabbed her hands, and she didn’t stop him, but he kept asking her if she knew. He kept saying, “You know?” And she wanted to scream at him, No. No. She did not know. But her voice was hiding, and she couldn’t find it, and he kept talking, and all she could do was stand there and listen to his horrible words as they sliced her skin like a thousand tiny paper cuts. “I love you, Aubrey. I do. But we want different things. I’ve known that for a while, but I’ve never had the balls to talk to you about it, and then with stepping everything up…it just started to move so fast.” He glanced down at his feet, then back up. “I was trapped. And I couldn’t tell you because…” He shook his head. “I just couldn’t, you know?” There it was again, that question.
