When the Cameras Stop Rolling

The Secret

Bryan...

As he scrolled through several hundred comments on his Instagram page, he couldn't help but wonder what had changed. Hundreds of women were commenting on a recent picture he posted, of himself, smiling with Copper. The comments ranged from gushing over how sexy he was; to swooning over what a great man he is. Bryan knew he was always fairly good looking. But it wasn't too long ago that he had the worst time with women.

In high school, when he hit puberty, he was the skinny, tall, and awkward kid in school that none of the girls wanted to date. He wasn't terrible in the athletic department, but the girls at his school preferred the bench-pressing football players who had abs and bigger muscles. Bryan couldn't gain weight to save his life until college...but even then, not too much changed. The ladies in college wanted the party boys--the frat brothers--and although he joined a fraternity, being more of an introvert didn't help Bryan improve in the love department. He enjoyed going out with friends, from time to time; but he didn't care to be the center of attention.

Finally, after his doctoral studies, Bryan felt he finally found his stride. He was healthy and fit, and he was disciplined in keeping his body in great shape. Years of life experience came with a self-confidence he didn't always have during his college years. Being referred to as "Dr." certainly did not hurt; however, the women he dated all seemed to have one huge issue--Bryan was a "sap." He couldn't help it. He was a natural romantic. When he was interested in a woman, he felt that she should know. He never understood the whole "game playing" thing other guys liked to do. Bryan always wore his heart on his sleeve...even if it meant getting hurt. He would call the day after the first date, to see how she was doing. He would send small gifts, to let her know he was thinking of her. He would invite her to family dinners and ask questions about what she wanted in the future. Unfortunately, many of the Miami babes were turned off by this. They felt he was too intense and too corny. He could never seem to find his match.

That is until he met Rachel. Rachel was a breath of fresh air, to Bryan. Of course, she was skeptical at first, but she gave him a chance, and saw him for who he really was. She didn't think the love notes he left around the house, for her to find, were corny. She thought they were adorable and started saving each note in a beautiful box, for their grandchildren to read, one day. Rachel enjoyed going out for a night on the town, but also loved it the most when they stayed in to watch sports with Copper. Giving Rachel little gifts was always fun because her face lit up with excitement each time, no matter what Bryan gave her. In Rachel's eyes, Bryan was funny, sexy, romantic, and anything but sappy. He had finally found his perfect match.

This is what made their secret extra special. Seeing the time on his phone, he quickly got up to start getting ready. They had an important dinner tonight, and he refused to be late.

Rachel...

She was trying to apply eyeliner, but her hands were shaking uncontrollably. She took in a deep breath then exhaled. Never had she been so excited...and nervous. She thought about having her makeup professionally done, for tonight's dinner, but it was important she gave it her own personal touch. Rachel looked at herself in the mirror. She wore her hair in classic loose curls, center parted, and cascading down her shoulders and back. Her lips were a nude color to compliment her soft eye makeup. Her cheeks hinted the matte blush, she'd applied earlier, and tied into a very natural, almost angelic, look. She was simply beautiful. Smiling at her reflection, she whispered to herself, "Not bad Big Rach..." Looking at the time on her phone, she left her vanity to get dressed.

Twenty minutes later, Rachel stood by the car's passenger door, her dress coat buttoned, as Bryan opened it for her. "My lady." Bryan said, in a terrible British accent. He looked dapper in a longer, dark, pea coat. Giggling and shaking her head, Rachel stepped in. The sun was beginning to set, and they both glanced at the sky before looking at each other. "You look gorgeous, Rach." Bryan said, taking her hand and kissing it. She took another deep breath, "Thank you, babe." They rode the rest of the way to the restaurant in an anxious silence; occasionally stealing reassuring glances, smiles, and hand squeezes.

It was silent moments, like these when Rachel couldn't believe her fate. What are the odds that two people, so well matched, would find one another on a national television show, and actually fall in love! She felt so blessed.

When they walked into the empty restaurant, Rachel gasped. The space was intimate, with a large and beautiful chandelier hanging in the center of the elegant private dining room. There were large arrangements of white and red roses along the perimeter of the room; giving the effect of an indoor enchanted garden. A long table, lay set, in the center of the room. A long white runner lined the center of the table and was decorated with candles and flowers -down the middle of the table- complimenting the gorgeous gold chargers at each place setting. "This is absolutely beautiful! You all did an amazing job, this is just what we pictured!"

Bryan added, "Wow, this looks like something out of a fairy-tale...baby, doesn't this remind you of dinner in Geneva?"

Rachel smiled, "Yes, exactly! But more intimate...just as beautiful and romantic, but warm and personal, at the same time." She walked over to Bryan, putting her arms around his waist. "They'll be here soon. Come stand with me at the head of the room, so we can greet them." She looked up at Bryan, and he gently brushed a curl from her face, saying, "alright, babe. I'm ready."