Four Keeps

When my parents and the men return, I again scan faces. The men seem considerably more relaxed, and I’m glad. I don’t think my parents are the type to be hard on guys, not that I’ve ever given them many opportunities to meet my dates.

I show the men out, with another round of kisses and hugs all around, and then there are more talking points to cover with my family.

“What do you think?” I ask. “Any favorites?”

“You know, I’m really surprised,” my mom says. “They were all exactly how I thought they’d be after watching them on TV.” My brother and sister-in-law nod in agreement. “Caleb and James are so charming. Samuel is so friendly, and Xavier – well, let me just say I don’t envy you having to send any of them home.”

“They all seem prepared to take good care of you,” Dad says.

“Your father asked all kinds of questions,” Mom says. “I think you’ve done a great job choosing these four.”

We talk a little more, and I realize I’m relieved to hear how much my parents like my final four. I’m not used to seeking their approval on the men I date, and I’m surprised how good it feels to have it. What will they think, though, when they find out I want all four of the men?

As soon as I say goodbye to my family, telling them I’ll see them again in a few days, Natalie is on me for my decision.

“I need some time with the men,” I say.

“You’ve spent the entire day with them,” she points out. “You can’t keep stalling.”

“Off-camera time,” I clarify.

Her shoulders hunch as she lets out a sigh, but she agrees without objection. I’m sure I’m not the first woman on this show to make this kind of request.

“I’ll take you to James and Samuel’s suite,” she says. “You have twenty minutes.”

Natalie taps out a message on her tablet, and when we arrive at the suite, Xavier and Caleb are waiting at the door with another crewmember. The three of us join the other two inside and finally, we’re alone.

“You doing okay?” Caleb asks.

“I’m fine. I’m good.” I pace into the room and circle around the sofa and chair. “I’m really good, but I don’t want to send one of you home.”

“How are you feeling about last night?” Samuel asks.

“Last night was amazing, but it only made things harder.”

“That’s what she said,” James says with a grin.

“Oh my god!” I punch him playfully in the arm, grateful for how he can always lighten my mood. “I need to know if you’re all still on board with things.”

“If you’re asking if we still want you –” Caleb says.

“The answer is yes.” Xavier finishes his sentence.

I pace some more and take a deep breath. Time to dive in. “But do you all want a relationship? I came here looking for something solid and real, and I see that potential with each of you, but everything’s changed now.”

“Nothing’s changed for me,” Caleb says. “I’m here for you in any way that you want me.”

“Me too,” James says. Samuel and Xavier nod their heads and voice their agreement.

“But I want all of you,” I say.

“Then you have us,” Samuel says.

The men surround me as my heart swells out of my chest and floats out of the room.

37

Just like that

Natalie’s waiting outside the door for me.

“I’m ready,” I tell her. “I’ll be sending two of them home.”

She arches a brow as she searches my face. “Two?”

I nod.

“There won’t be any surprises, will there?”

I shake my head. “No, no surprises.”

The ceremony comes together about two hours later on a private patio at the resort. It’s been such a long day, and I’m running on pure adrenaline.

Blake Barrows returns to ignoring me off camera; I wonder if he notices the glares that are sent his way from all four men.

Things aren’t as tense as usual since the ceremony isn’t live, but because it’s late, Natalie urges all of us to get things right the first time so we can wrap for the day.

I pick up the first of two rings. “James,” I call. “James, will you commit to our journey?” It feels strange to omit “for another week,” but we don’t even have a week left.

James gives me a tender kiss before returning to his spot.

“Olivia, gentlemen, there’s one ring left,” Blake announces needlessly.

A crewmember is beside the camera holding up their hand, waiting to give me the signal to proceed. This will be the most dramatic of dramatic pauses. Several deep breaths pass. Finally, I’m given the signal.

“Samuel, will you commit to our journey?”

“Every step of the way,” Samuel replies when he’s near me. He accepts the ring and gives me a meaningful kiss.

“Well, I don’t think any of us were expecting that,” Blake tells the camera. “Will there be more surprises on the final leg of Olivia’s journey? She’s narrowed her choices down to Samuel and James, but who will she choose? Tune in Friday to find out.”