When the Cameras Stop Rolling

After the Final Ceremony

Rachel....

The day's winds were heavy and strong, but she was on cloud nine. She couldn't believe that after three months of prepping, fretting, falling and choosing, she was finally laying in his arms. It had been Bryan all along; and she felt light headed as the black production SUV road down the bumpy hill and away from the Spanish castle, where she and Bryan had just gotten engaged. She looked up at Bryan, giving him a dizzy grin as "Halo" played on the radio. When he looked down and silently mouthed "I love you" her heart melted.

The last thirty-six hours were difficult, to say the least. Prior to her 10 AM call time for hair and make up, to film the final ceremony, she had been up most of the night. Saying goodbye was never easy. She'd had to do it twenty-nine times before last night, but the final goodbye took a toll on her. She shook the memory from her mind as she remembered why she decided to say goodbye. She reminded herself that her future forever, with Bryan, was worth each and every breakup.

Now, they were headed back to the hotel for two days of quality time, as production wrapped. Her Texas jersey felt soft and warm on her skin. She couldn't wait to wear it when Bryan gifted it to her 2 weeks earlier. She also couldn't wait for what was to come, once they got back to the hotel...

Bryan....

Mi Reina was all Bryan could think as he and Rachel walked hand in hand down the hall, towards the hotel suite. He had been patient, devoted, and confident the entire time and he finally heard her say yes to his proposal! If he was completely honest, two days ago his confidence was a bit shaken. They had spent quality time together and had important discussions about their future --Rachel even said she was in love with him before they made love in the fantasy suite-- but he could tell there was still a part of her that was off.

"This is it!" Rachel exclaimed as they reached the door, snapping Bryan out of his thoughts. "Should I carry you over the threshold, mi reina?" he said, smiling down at her, as he scooped her into his arm. Nothing made him happier than to see her throw her head back giggling. He wanted to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

​​​​​​"Damn! This is nicer than the fantasy suite!" he said, placing Rachel down gently on a massive chaise lounge. "Baby, I'm thinking we can do some damage, in here." The devilish smile he gave Rachel made her laugh again.

​​​​​​"I'm down for the damage a little later, but right now I'm starving! You get changed out of your suite and I'll order some room service."

"Sounds good." he said.​​​ ​​ I can definitely use some food. Don't want to go back to Miami looking too skinny!" His mother teased him during hometown dates about not eating well enough. It's something he and Rachel had been joking about ever since. About 30 minutes later, after he had showered and changed into a t-shirt and sweats, an attendant was wheeling a cart full of food into the dining area. Rachel was already sitting at the table and had just opened a bottle of wine. He leaned into her for a few kisses, then sat across from her.

​​​​​​"So how do you feel?" he said, making sure to read her face when she answered. "I feel great, I feel engaged...in love​​​​​​...a little tired." There was a pause. "How do you feel?"

"I feel blessed, Rach. Thankful to have you, thankful to be with you." He sighed. "These past few days have been an emotional roller coaster. For a second there, I though I might lose you. But then I got to the castle, today, and they said I was the only one there." 

When he said that her expression immediately changed. She quickly recovered and gave him a smile, but it was too late. He'd seen it. There was something she wasn't telling him...and he was determined to find out what it was.