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.”
A laugh spilled from Kat’s lips. “That sounds like him. I’m sorry.”
But Marsha only shook her head. “No need to apologize. He’s a caring father. He doesn’t want you to get hurt again. America will relate to him.”
A small tap came from the door. “You in there, Kit Kat?”
“His ears must have been burning,” Marsha said. “Come on in, Mr. Morgan.”
The door creaked open, and there stood her dad, tall and proud in his tux, complete with the added touch of Granddad’s bolo tie—a silver steer skull on black, braided leather.
“I’ll let you two have a minute alone. When you hear my knock at the door, please step out, arm in arm, and get into position at the designated spot. The cameras will capture a bit of the pregame footage before we go to break. When we come back, you’ll be seconds away from walking down the aisle.”
Another rush pushed through her at the words.
“A quick recap,” Marsha said as she headed to the door. She spun around and held out a finger. “Once the song changes, you start walking. Slowly, try not to look at the cameras. When the music stops, silently count to five before facing your groom. The pastor will take it from there. Got it?”
Kat nodded. “Got it.”
Marsha looked at her watch. “You’ve got two minutes before I knock.” And with that, she stepped out and closed the door.
“I heard you’re making threats out there,” Kat said.
He chuckled, his brown eyes meeting hers. “Yeah, well…you can’t blame me. You’re my baby girl.” He took a step back and blew out a whistle. “I just can’t figure out how you grew up so quick.” He sniffed, stepped in closer, and pulled Kat into one of his bear hugs.
“Katrina Aponi,” he said under his breath. “My little butterfly is ready to fly away.”
Kat patted his broad shoulders and wiped at her eyes. “You’re going to make me cry.”
Her dad pulled back, tugged a handkerchief from his pocket, and offered it to her. He stayed silent as Kat dabbed her eyes and checked her reflection. No makeup smudges. No redness in her eyes either. Her cheeks were flushed—her neck too—but there was no avoiding that.
A tap came to the door. “Time for the father of the bride to bring out his girl,” Marsha said.
Kat and her father hurried over to the door. She looped a hand through his arm, reached for the bouquet beside the door, and blew out a breath.
“Hey,” her dad said while reaching for the door knob. “I hope you know that…that I really want this to work, Kit Kat. I do. I want this guy to measure up to every standard you have.”
She grinned. “Thanks, Dad. And if he doesn’t, then…”
He tipped his head to one side. “Then I’ll rearrange his face a little.” He twisted the knob the slightest bit and turned to her. “Ready?”
Kat licked her lips, steadied her breath, and curbed the grin that came to her lips. She was about to meet and marry—hopefully—the man of her dreams. “Yes. I’m ready.”