Prologue

The Bachelorette Season 20: After the Final Rose

Percy stood just offstage as one of the assistant producers made sure everything was set. His suit, shirt and pants were all pressed, his hair was perfect, and his mic was clipped securely to the inside of his suit jacket. Satisfied that he was stage-ready, the producer gave him a thumbs up and a pat on the back before walking back to his station offstage. Percy took a deep breath. Just a few more moments until...

"And now, joining us on stage for the first time tonight," Percy jolted as he heard his cue, fully aware of the magnitude of what he was about to get into. No going back now, he supposed.

"Our next Bachelor, Percy Jackson!"

Percy blew out one last breath and walked out to shake Chris Harrison's hand, waving at the audience who were now on their feet clapping. Even Piper was there in the front row, clapping and smiling at him in a way that would have made his heart flutter just a few months ago.

He'd been so sure that Piper was the one for him. When he was chosen to be on her season of The Bachelorette, he knew they instantly had a connection. It had taken him until the week of Hometown dates to realize that their connection was a deep and strong friendship, but not the passion and pull of someone he was in love with. They parted after his hometown date on relatively good terms, both having come to the realization that their relationship didn't have the spark it needed at about the same time. And anyways, Percy was happy for her- and for Jason. His best friend in the house had gotten engaged to the woman he fell in love with, and now Percy had the chance for the same happy ending. As long as he didn't blow it before it even began.

"Take a seat, Percy" Chris gestured towards the couch, and Percy sat, wiping his palms on his pants as he did. "So how are you feeling? Excited to meet the ladies in just a few weeks, or nervous?"

"Definitely more excited than nervous, Chris" Percy responded, glad that he had gotten a list of the questions beforehand. Although he was pretty sure that the contract he signed was final, it wouldn't be a good look if the Bachelor couldn't form a coherent sentence before the show had even started. "I can't wait to meet all of them and begin my journey to find my future wife."

He glanced out at the audience and saw Connor and Frank smiling at him. Seeing them look genuinely excited for him boosted his spirits- he was thrilled to be the Bachelor, but knew that there were several other guys who also had hoped for this opportunity.

"...think you would be a good fit for our next Bachelor, Percy, then head over to our website and fill out the application form for a chance to be one of the 35 lucky women to appear on the Bachelor!" Chris smiled, and the cameras panned towards Percy, who smiled and winked at the camera before it moved again to get one final shot of Piper and Jason as Chris ended the show.

Percy hesitated in his seat a moment longer, relieved that the show was over, but knowing that his road had just begun. He stood and walked over to mingle with the others from his season, but was interrupted by Piper's hand on his shoulder.

"Hey-" she said "you're gonna do great, you know. Don't worry about it. I cried a lot, but it wasn't as bad as it looked." They laughed together, knowing Piper's journey had been nothing if not challenging. "Seriously though, it's worth it," she continued. "I mean yeah it kind of sucks being under so much pressure but you get to go on a bunch of dates and fall in love and all that. Just- don't worry. You'll be awesome. Chris knows what he's doing."

"Thanks, Piper." Percy replied. "And hey- don't have your wedding while I'm gone or I'll be so mad." She rolled her eyes and walked away, and Percy turned towards the exits, ready to go home and enjoy spending time with his family while he could.

His journey might be long and difficult, but he sure hoped that it would be worth it in the end.