Four Keeps

38

Will you be mine, for keeps?

I satisfy the rest of my commitment to the show by having one-on-one dates with my final two, James and Samuel. The time I spend with them is wonderful, and I love being able to show them around Four Points Island, but I can’t help wishing all five of us were together on the dates.

I participate in the show’s overnight dates with my final two, but each night, after the cameras leave, the other three men sneak in to join us. Those nights are nothing short of spectacular.

For the cameras, I play my role of a conflicted romantic; in reality, I’m just counting down the hours until I can be with all four of my men.

After my last date is complete, I await Natalie’s arrival, certain that she’ll be pressing for a decision about who I’m going to choose. I feel bad about deceiving her, but I can’t stand the alternative.

Instead, she reviews the timeframe for Friday, along with the schedule of my media appearances that will follow the final ceremony.

When it seems like she’s going to leave, I have to speak up. “Don’t you need to know who I’m going to choose at the final ceremony?”

“I talked with Xavier. It’s covered.” Her eyes soften and she gives me a small smile before returning her focus to her tablet.

“Really?”

“I’m either going to get fired, or get a bonus,” she says.

I’m pretty sure Natalie wouldn’t be on board if she didn't think we were about to make great TV.

The day finally arrives – the culmination of eight weeks of countless hours of footage, dozens of dates, and probably just as many cans of hairspray. The stylists go all out for this final event. I’m in a long shimmery black dress, my makeup is impeccable, and there are tiny jewels tucked among the strands of my hair.

The set stylists also outdid themselves. A private courtyard at the resort has been transformed into a romantic fantasy of candles, flowers, and greenery, with the ocean as a backdrop in the distance.

There’s a small audience gathered for this ceremony. My parents, brother and sister-in-law, and Bianca are among those watching.

Samuel and James are standing on the other side of the space, at a distance from one another. They both look incredibly handsome in their dark suits, and I can’t wait to be with them.

Despite all of the practice I’ve had in front of the cameras and all of the live ceremonies I’ve been through, I’m more nervous than ever. Once I’m in position, I close my eyes and take several deep breaths, willing my heart to slow to a more normal pace.

When the moment arrives, Blake casts a serious smile toward one of the cameras. “Welcome, romance lovers. We’re glad to have you with us for the series finale of For Keeps. You’ve been along for all of the dramatic ups and downs of Olivia’s journey. Tonight, the time has come for her to take the final step.”

He turns toward a different camera. “She’s narrowed a field of thirty men down to just two. There’s James, an investment manager from Manhattan, and Samuel, an inventor who doesn’t shy away from a good bowtie.”

Some people in the audience laugh, and a camera swings toward them as Blake continues. “Olivia’s family and friends are gathered here today to find out which man Olivia will choose to be hers, for keeps. Before she makes her decision, let’s take a closer look at her journey.”

We go off air for several minutes, while previously filmed footage will be shown to viewers at home. They’re likely watching a montage of scenes from my dates with the final two men.

After I receive a makeup touch-up, Bianca catches my eye. She gives me a big smile and a thumbs up, and I manage to smile in return. James and Samuel are both watching me, and they smile when I look their way, though they seem a little nervous too.

There’s a call for quiet, and then we’re back on air. “The time has come,” Blake says. “It’s all come down to this. Which man will Olivia choose?” He looks to me. “Olivia, when you’re ready.”

I take another deep breath. Instead of a tray with cheap prop rings on it, today there’s a velvet ring case that’s open and displaying a ring I chose, a handsome black zirconium band with a rose gold accent. I’m supposed to pick up the ring, like I usually would, but I’m not ready yet.

With one more glance to James and Samuel, who I know are sending me strength, I begin. “I’d like to start by saying thank you to everyone here. Thank you to my friends and family for their support and love, and thank you to everyone at For Keeps for making this all possible.