“We have something special for you tonight,” Betty says, taking over from Lorelei.
I look between the Pack Makers. They look nice. They are all in matching white jackets and black leggings.
“Instead of seeing the matches take place here on Main Street, you can watch from the beach rails or here as we project the match decisions onto our projector screen, live.”
She waves at the wall, and the screen comes alive with Sofia, Mack, Devon, and Elijah. The four of them wave and hold up an adorable, wrapped to the enth degree, tiny, little sausage dog.
“She’s dressed him up like a snowman,” I say in exasperation but chuckle anyway. He’s so cute.
“Hi, Sunshine Cove and everyone who came for Light Knot Night. We’ll be down here, bringing you live footage and commentary from the Path of Light.”
Sara clears her throat and very dramatically leans forward and winks at the crowd. “What is the Path of Light, Sofia?”
Sofia chuckles and pans, showing a path of candles and lights, of white satin material laid over the sand in a massive walk that ends in a huge circle of light at the end.
How did they do that? It’s gorgeous.
“The path of light represents being vulnerable to your loved ones, it’s the courage to bare your soul, to admit to yourself your feelings, to find the heart to tell them,”
Betty giggles and puts her mitten-covered hands in the air. “The light is our gift to you, to make it easier to tell your matches. To give you a moment to think and really know your heart. Every single date we get you to go on is about exposing the wonderful aspects that are imperative to getting to know someone beyond just a scent match. Love and relationships take work and commitment. Sacrifice.”
She’s looking at me when she says it, and I realise Lorelei must have told them what she thinks I intend to do.
“Now, the winner of our competition, the match who made the most unforgettable memories and knew each other inside and out is…” Lorelei opens an envelope and scowls hard. “Clint and Holly,” she says flatly.
“WOOHOO! Thanks, Mrs S! I will look forward to-”
“A night in the Sunshine Cove Hotel’s bridal suite.”
Clint cuts off, looking like he might vomit. “Can I get a refund?”
“No, you cannot!” Lorelei growls.
“Aw, come on. I can’t sleep in a romantic room with Holly, that’s just gross.”
Lorelei forces a smile. “Enjoy your prize; we can talk about it later.”
“Ew, can you just imagine me and Holly?” Clint laughs with the people around him.
Holly appears on the live stream from the beach. “Damn straight, but give it to me. I’ll make good use of it.”
Clint scowls. “Rock, paper, scissors.”
“Enough!” Lorelei growls. She forces a smile and faces the crowd. “The other half of your matches are down at the Circle of Light, thinking about what they want to say and the decisions they want to make. One by one, we’re going to call our matches, and they will make the long, lonely walk to happiness.”
She pauses dramatically.
“And then Light Knot Night will really begin.”
The crowd cheers. I watch as people swarm into the crowd with drinks and hot food. I’m too nervous to eat, but when I see someone handing out a glass of warm cider, I snatch it up and take a gulp.
“The first couple up is Clint and Holly. Come on, Clint, take a long walk into the light.”
“Hey!” he shouts.
Betty laughs and pats him on the back. “Off you go.”
He trots down the stairs, shoving a piece of pie into his mouth.
