Chapter 5
Kat smiled as she took in her reflection before the full-length mirror. With the help of the finest wedding boutique in town, Kat had secured her dream dress in the short timeframe. A selection of satin, silk, and chiffon created elegant layers along the gown. The bodice was a sight in itself. Handmade lace lay over the tulle fabric, accenting one of the gown’s best features—a beautiful heart-shaped neckline.
“You look truly stunning,” her mom said, coming up behind her. “I know your dad’s given you a hard time about this whole thing, but I have a good feeling about it. I really do.”
If anything could make Kat’s eyes double in size, it was a comment like that from her mom, of all people. “You do?”
Only then did she notice the absence of her mother’s obsessive manners. The pacing, fidgeting, and mumbling. Instead, Mom had been…still. Kat met her gaze to see tears brimming in her hazel eyes.
“Yes.” The single word was coated with a laugh. She grabbed her hands and gave them a squeeze. “It doesn’t make any sense. Normally I’d be a complete wreck at a time like this. But…” She shrugged and sniffed. “You’re a smart woman, Katrina. Perhaps this really is how you’re going to find Mr. Right.”
A band of warmth encircled Kat’s heart, infusing her with comfort, peace, and much-needed assurance. “I really hope so. I haven’t wanted to put myself out there since…” Kat shook her head, not willing to utter her ex-boyfriend’s name on such a day. “Anyway, I have a good feeling about it too.” And she did, for the most part. “Is it crazy that I’m more nervous about being on live TV than I am about taking the vows?”
Her mom chuckled. “They’re both pretty intense, hon.”
A small, metal clank sounded a second before the door burst open. Jeanie hurried into the bride’s room and closed the door behind her. Kat couldn’t escape the worried look on her face.
A hand went to one cheek. “Kat,” she said in a whisper. “You look…wow!” She dabbed at the corners of her eyes, a perfect match to Mom’s. Before Jeanie had stepped into parenthood, the saddest flick failed to tug at her heartstrings. Boy had that changed.
“Thanks,” Kat said.
Her sister rushed in, tossing her arms around her. “I can’t believe you’re getting married today.”
“I can’t either,” Kat admitted. “It doesn’t seem real.”
The comment must have reminded Jeanie of something, because suddenly the worried expression was back.
“What’s wrong?” Kat asked.
Jeanie shook her head. “I’m sure it’s nothing, but…the groom’s family isn’t there yet.”
Kat’s mom shot a look at the time. “It starts in like…fifteen minutes.”
Jeanie nodded. “Yeah, I know. Weird.”
A knock sounded at the door. “Ladies?” Kat recognized Marsha Langston’s voice with ease. The savvy producer specialized in reality TV shows such as Find My Fiancé, Love or Lust, and Dating Mr. Maybe. It was said that—despite her rather brazen approach—the woman was secretly a romantic at heart.
“Come on in,” Kat hollered.
Marsha stepped inside and scrutinized the small cluster while smoothing a hand over her ebony, shoulder-length hair. “The countdown is on, and we’d like to get a bit of live footage before they go to break.”
Mom nodded and pulled Kat in for a final hug. “See you in there, hon.”
Jeanie pressed a kiss to her cheek before stepping back with a wave. “Good luck.”
A fresh knot of nerves twisted and turned in Kat’s tummy. At that very moment, the host of Married at First Meet, Lisa Throw, was in front of a live studio audience, preparing the guests for the action.
Once the door closed behind them, Marsha squared a look at her with a set of fierce green eyes. Kat squirmed beneath the intense gaze, wondering if she was about to deliver a piece of bad news.
At once, the intensity behind her gaze softened, and the woman gave into a nod. And then a slight, knowing grin. “I think this is going to be a good match,” she said.
Kat gulped. “I hope so.”
“Well, your father’s waiting for you just outside. You should know that he threatened to hurt your groom if he ever hurt you.”
Kat gasped. “He already met him?”
Marsha shook her head. “No. He told me he’d—let me see if I’ve got the words right—rearrange his face if he broke your heart.”
