With both arms around me, Brad rubs my arm and holds me close. “I’ve been watching closely, especially since Johnny went home. Xavier still talks with the crew a lot, but outside of that, I haven’t seen or heard any other warning signs with him or anyone else. I’ll keep watching, but as far as I can tell, all of the others are here for the right reasons.”
When I let out a sigh, Brad hugs me. “There’s never any way to truly know what’s in someone’s heart. Sometimes you need to go on blind faith.”
True, but not exactly comforting.
“Just look at Rebecca and Justin,” Brad says, reminding me of the For Keeps success story. “She had all kinds of ups and downs on her season, but love won in the end.”
24
Best commitment ceremony ever
With Marcus gone, there are only eight men at this week’s cocktail party. Though that number is more manageable than ever, I find myself looking skeptically at all of them.
Brad M. is the first to pull me aside. “Are you doing okay? You don’t look like your usual upbeat self.”
“I’m okay. I’ve been trying to push aside my doubts, but it’s hard.”
“I know.” His smile is warm and understanding.
“Things feel real with all of the remaining men – you and your guy aside – but things felt real with Marcus, too. And I really like Xavier, but what if he’s just here to create drama? Do you think the producers hired him like they did you?”
Brad’s mouth scrunches into a frown. “I mean, anything is possible.”
“How am I supposed to find love while I’m worrying about everyone’s motives?”
“You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Olivia. You need to take advantage of it, even if that means you might get hurt.”
I appreciate that Brad’s pep talk is edged in realism. There are no guarantees in life, and we just have to keep putting one foot forward every day. It’s a dream come true to be on this show, and I need to open myself up and experience it all.
I reach up and straighten Brad’s collar. “I’m going to miss you when I have to send you home.”
“You’re going to be just fine without me, darling. Know that I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Thank you for everything.” If everything else goes sideways, at least I will have made a new friend.
With a better attitude in place, I actually enjoy the rest of the evening. The men are charming, and I choose to enjoy them rather than trying so hard to read between every line.
Christian tells me that he spent the day painting, and that I’m his new muse. I can feel some of his creative passion in the kiss we share.
Samuel pulls me aside for an off-the-charts mini makeout session, and Caleb invites me to dance on the patio.
I go to bed feeling hopeful.
We’re still up in the mountains for the commitment ceremony, which is staged in an elaborately decorated room at the lodge. Candles and flowers set the mood for what is probably going to be my last “easy” decision.
Blake Barrows greets the viewers and gives a summary of the week, touching on the drama of Marcus’s exit and building up the suspense for the night’s events.
As soon as he’s finished speaking, lifeguard Brad B. steps forward. “Blake, before Olivia gets started, may I say a few words?”
Though Blake remains composed, I’ve watched him enough now to be able to tell that this interruption is unexpected. With a quick glance to the side, I see Natalie’s brow furrow.
With no other graceful option during a live broadcast, Blake gestures for Brad to speak.
Looking both nervous and determined, Brad begins. “Love looks different to different people, and love can come when you’re least expecting it. I came on this show with the hope of falling in love with Olivia.” He turns to look at me. “Olivia, you are a wonderful woman, and one of these men is going to be very lucky to win your heart.”
Turning back to the other men, he continues. “I’m very happy to say that I’ve found love here, even though it wasn’t at all what I was expecting.” He turns to Brad M. “Brad, meeting you was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I want you, and everyone here, and everyone watching to know that I’m in love with you.”
Brad M. is blinking quickly, trying to hold back tears, and I feel some threatening in my own eyes. Brad B. reaches out to him, and Brad M. steps past Caleb to join his partner. When the two men kiss, the other six men and I collectively erupt into a spontaneous cheer.
As the kiss continues, a break for commercials is announced and the producers gather for a frantic discussion on how to handle the unexpected situation. I stay fixed in my spot, watching Caleb, James and the others congratulate the two Brads with slaps on the back and a few calls of “I knew it!”