"Yes, it's essentially stipulating that we are not responsible for any expenses after the wedding, legal fees if you decide to divorce, medical bills if you get pregnant, and we cannot guarantee your marriage will last forever, that sort of thing. You are more than welcome to run it by your own lawyer. We want you to feel one hundred percent confident and safe."
"I'm sure that won't be necessary." As if I can afford a lawyer.
"Also, all participants have been run through vigorous background checks, and to the best of our knowledge and findings, there are no red flags. If any participant ever feels threatened or unsafe, they are to call one of us immediately."
"Okay."
"And lastly, we do ask that the participants do not date others over the next three months while we are preparing for your wedding. The last thing we want is for one of the applicants to end up in a relationship prior to their wedding, leaving their match without a partner."
"Oh my, that would be terrible!"
"Indeed. I know this is a lot to swallow, and I'm sorry I'm talking very fast. I'm calling all the applicants today, so it's been a bit of a crazy day. Everything will be detailed in the paperwork, and Kim will have discussions with you and your partner as we move forward. You can get in touch with her or me anytime if questions arise. She should be reaching out to you by the end of the week."
I swallow hard over the excitement building in me. "That sounds great. Thank you so much, Dr. Hollister. I'm really excited about this."
"We are too. Have a great day, Asia. We'll talk soon."
I disconnect the call in a daze and pick up Pixie, planting a kiss on her furry little head.
"I'm getting married! You're gonna have a daddy!"
In three months.
To a stranger.
Chapter 6
Asia
Three Months Later
"You look beautiful. Like a princess!" Kat holds me at arm's length with tears in her eyes.
"I'm not sure," I say nervously. "All these buttons? Is it too Victorian? Maybe I should have bought the other, simpler dress. Or just made my own." I stare at myself in the full-length mirror in the private room the hotel assigned me to get ready in. The wedding ceremony and reception are both taking place in this hotel, as apparently both my future husband and I opted not to have a church ceremony. Yay for something in common so far.
In less than an hour, I'll be married. I don't know his name. I don't know what he does for a living. I don't know what he looks like or what his age is. I only know that he is supposedly perfect for me.
"No!" Kat yells, interrupting my daydream of the most handsome man I've ever seen waiting for me at the altar. "The dress is beautiful, and he's going to go wild over you when he sees you. That's what we're after."