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CHAPTERFIFTY-ONE
London
Home. I never thought I would be here again. I thought it was all over. That month in rehab was good for me, though. Everyone came to visit to check on me—Shane, Snow, Afton, and even Aspen came to family therapy.
It was cathartic. And helpful. We all had our worries, not only about me, but about Snow, too. And our relationship.
And I got the guy. Well, guys. If someone would have said that Shane would fall in love with me a couple months ago, I would have laughed.
I am laughing, but with friends. It was a long day of cooking and grilling.
And now we’re all on the porch, watching the finale. The actual first finale of the show.
“Who do you think he’ll pick?” I ask Shane.
“I think he’ll choose Liam. Abby is nice, but I think he’s feeling Liam more.”
“Don’t you think people will think it’s weird if both of you are dating men?” Snow asks.
“Who cares?” Shane shrugs, and she smiles.
“I guess I don’t.”
“That ‘a girl.” Afton grins.
“I think you guys are weird.” Silas smirks.
“Back at ya.” I snort.
“Shh,” Ever says, waving her hand in front of us. “They’re about to start.”
“Action,” someone shouts.
“Good evening, everyone,” Carlton announces. “I have to start by saying that you never know what will happen on Chicken Fried Love. London had an injury.”
I shake my head. That’s what they told the press about why I wasn’t on the show. And the contestants had a stack of papers (nondisclosure agreements) to sign, saying they wouldn’t talk, or they’d be sued for millions of dollars. I think knowing that Sal would go through with it is what scared them so much that they signed. There was an option to leave the show or stay for the new bachelor. I was angry at first, but Austin is perfect. Everyone kept me updated on the things they were doing on the show. And yeah, perfect. Better than how my show had been going.
“And we brought Austin in. Every season, we like to keep it in the family. Austin was a perfect choice. And now he’s down to two contestants. Austin, this is the first actual finale on the show. How are you feeling?”
Austin smiles. “I’m nervous, for a lot of reasons. But I think I’m sure about my choice.”
“Are you ready to get started?”
He nods. “I am.”
“First up will be Abby,” Carlton announces, stretching out his arm as she begins to approach.
“I knew it,” Shane whispers.
“Show off.” A familiar chuckle sounds behind us.
“What the hell?” We all turn around to find Rome standing there with a huge grin.
He and Easton joined the Army. It’s been a year since we saw them last.
“Hey.” He waves.
“Is East with you?”
