Page 4 of Cowboy Seeks Husband

“Nice to put a face with a name,” she replied.

“Molly’s gonna be your producer today,” Andy said. “You need anything, ask her. Molly will take care of you.” Somehow Andy managed to make that sound more like, “Molly will keep you in line.”

She smiled up at Walker and gestured toward the barstool. “Go on and have a seat. We’re going to get started soon.”

Andy wandered off and the makeup artist turned to Walker, trying to put some sort of powder on his nose. He scowled at her until Molly nodded her assent, and the brush-wielding woman went away. He’d showered, shaved, and put his best shirt on. It’d have to do.

Luke gazed out across the field and muttered under his breath, like he was rehearsing lines. He probably was.

“So there’s nothing to be nervous about,” Molly said, reassuringly. “Just be yourself.”

“As opposed to who?” Walker asked.

Luke laughed like he’d said something funny.

“As opposed to someone who doesn’t remember why they’re doing this?” Molly said with a sharp, too smart grin. “Remember, we chose you, Walker, out of thousands of candidates, because we know deep down you’ve got star power.”

Walker laughed.

Molly winked. “That’s it. Loosen up. Oh, and throw in some of that cute southern slang we love, okay, babe? Be charming.”

“Be myself or be charming? Which is it?”

Molly wagged her finger at him like he was naughty and then walked away to stand behind one of the cameramen.

“Okay, get on with it,” Andy called out. “This good light isn’t going to last forever, and I’m already melting.”

Luke plastered on a fake smile and began to talk into the camera straight in front of them.

“Without further ado, let me introduce you to our handsome cowboy looking for love,” Luke said, and Walker’s head snapped up, his cheeks heating. “What’s your name?” Luke asked, eyes twinkling, his face angled toward the camera even though he was looking at Walker. It was like he’d turned on some kind of inner juice. It was weird.

“Uh, you know my name.”

“For the camera, please,” Luke said with a cheery grin.

“Oh, uh. I’m Walker Reed,” he said.

“Molly!” Andy cried, and she darted forward.

“Walker, look. You need to say your name with a little more confidence, babe,” she said in a whisper that was still loud enough that Luke could definitely hear. “You sounded unsure, like maybe your name’s Jason, you know what I mean? Get it together.” Then she scampered back to her spot behind the cameraman.

“Go again, Walker,” Andy said.

“I’m Walker Reed,” he said, lifting his chin and trying to imagine he was introducing himself to another rancher and not to the shiny eye of the camera.

“Perfect. Do it again,” Andy said. “But this time look at Luke.”

Walker said his name again, and it seemed like he’d done it the right way because Andy didn’t have anything to say about it.

“Nice to meet you, Walker.” Luke reached out to shake his hand. “How does it feel to be the chosen one?”

“Uh.” He glanced at the camera with Andy beside it.

“Try not to look at the cameras,” Molly called out. “It’s okay if you slip, we can edit it out, but it’s easier if you don’t. Just answer Luke’s questions as naturally as you can.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Luke fanned his face before slipping back into his TV persona and giving Walker an encouraging smile. “So, how does it feel?”