Four Keeps

“Love,” I say bluntly. “I want to start a relationship with someone, one that will eventually lead to marriage and kids.”

He nods thoughtfully. “And what type of man are you looking for?”

I take a sip of my wine. “I haven’t always made the best dating choices in the past, so I’m looking for someone different than my usual type.”

His eyes crinkle as he grins. “I’m guessing bowtied inventors aren’t your usual type.”

“They’re not,” I agree with a laugh. “But they are fast becoming one of my new favorite types.”

Movement over Samuel’s shoulder catches my eye, and I look that way to see Natalie gesturing at me. She pantomimes sliding a ring on a finger, and I remember I’m supposed to give Samuel one. It’s startling to realize how thoroughly I forgot about the cameras and crew.

I look around the table and spot the commitment ring on its pillow. If I’d noticed it sooner, I could have given it to Samuel at the beginning of our meal. Natalie wouldn’t have liked that, of course, but I can’t imagine him doing or saying anything to change my mind about him.

Picking up the ring, I say, “Samuel, will you commit to our journey for another week?”

“With pleasure.” I slide the ring on his finger, and he leans forward to kiss me. “That was another ten,” I announce when we finally draw back. “On the Richter scale.”

Samuel’s deep chuckle and beautiful smile are the perfect ending to our date.

I already know who I’ll be sending home this week before the cocktail party, so I use the event to get to know my favorite men better, even as I mingle and talk with everyone.

At the commitment ceremony, there are twelve men awaiting my decisions, and I have eight rings to hand out. Samuel already has a ring, so nine men will remain after tonight.

Following the usual format, I announce the names, the men come forward when called, and things go smoothly. In the end, Sean, Mike, and Zack don’t receive rings. Zack and Mike seem disappointed, but not surprised. When I explain to Zack that I have stronger connections with other men and didn’t want to keep him from his daughter, he understands.

Both of the Brads remain, though I know I’m going to have to send them home soon, as the decisions get harder. The other remaining men are Gerard, Caleb, James, Marcus, Xavier, Christian and Samuel, and I honestly have no idea who will go next.

As the men file out, Natalie takes me aside. “Instead of a one-on-one date this week, you’ll be taking two men on a date, and only one of them can stay. You’ll send one of them home during the date.”

My stomach sinks. I’m aware that this sort of drama-packed date is a staple of every season, but immersed in the experience, I’d forgotten all about it. I suppose I’ll need to take at least one of the Brads on the date. I hate to break them up, but I’m running out of options. I genuinely have feelings for all of the other remaining men, and having to reject one of them on a head-to-head date just feels wrong.

“I need to think this over. Can I tell you tomorrow?”

Natalie nods. “I know it can be a tough one, but viewers love the drama.”

When I’m back at my house, thinking over various options for the date, there’s a knock at my door. Memories of Xavier’s visit trigger an immediate physical response, and my heart is beating faster when I open the door.

Brad M. is there, alone, looking like he might have jogged over.

“Hey, what’s up?” I gesture for him to come inside. There’s no sight of any cameras.

His expression is grim. “I need to talk to you, and you’re not going to like what I have to tell you.”

23

Two-on-one date

The next day, all of production travels into the mountains, which is the site of the week’s events. On the group date, seven of the men and I build a campfire, toast marshmallows, and take turns telling spooky stories. I award James a commitment ring on the date for telling the most entertaining stories, so he’s safe for the next commitment ceremony.

The crisp mountain air helps me get a good night’s sleep despite my dread over the approaching two-on-one date. When the time comes, I’m taken out to the terrace of the lodge where we’re staying, where a table for three has been set up near the fireplace.

The setting reminds me of my very first one-on-one date, which was with Marcus, and that’s fitting because I’ve invited Marcus and Brad M. to join me. Unfortunately, I’m approaching tonight’s date with a heavy heart.

The men are already there waiting, and both of them turn when they’re alerted to my arrival.

“Olivia, you look stunning.” Marcus strides forward and takes me in his arms, kissing me briefly before pulling back to admire my black dress. “So beautiful.”