A/N: Wow! I'm so flattered by the alerts for this story, and I hope not to disappoint! I also like to keep you guessing. Thanks to all who are reading, reviewing, following, and supporting! Now as far as the show goes, they usually have a process of interviewing the brides and grooms and a few other events happen prior to the actual wedding. The first wedding in this story takes place around chapter 4 & you will have to wait to see who the first couple is as the couples will have their own chapters from that point on. For now I am giving you a fat chapter, which was originally split in two, so I hope you enjoy getting to know these characters from a fresher perspective as the story is focused on all 6.

Interviews

The Men

The backdrop featured a beach scene- a couple walking hand in hand along the sandy shore with the show's logo splashed across the top - Meet ya at the Altar.

Off camera, a female producer's voice spoke. She sat beside the large camera, manned by a person the brides and grooms should accustom themselves to seeing but remained hidden behind by the large lens. It was aimed at the groom seated on the stool. He held himself with confidence, his bronze hair slicked back neatly, though the locks threatened to poke up at any moment.

"What's your favorite thing to do when you're not saving lives?"

Edward smiled for the camera, knowing the truth was not pretty, wishing he didn't have to talk about this at all. There were those who simply could not be saved. He'd seen that over and over. Not even the grueling years of med school, the textbooks or the hands-on learning of his residency could prepare a person for the loss of some patients, despite their best efforts. If he'd had the choice, he would have left his line of work out of the application process altogether. Now, pending interviews at other hospitals, he was just shy of becoming board certified and eventually working toward his own practice in internal medicine down the road if he desired. Yet, the moment he stared down at the letter inviting him to work for his number one choice, he found his life at a crossroads. As gratifying as healing and helping people could be, was this what he wanted to do with his life? Dr. Edward Masen. Was this really who he was? Or was he living someone else's life? That nagging voice had been with him for years. "I play piano. I've played since I was about five years old. I also read and listen to music."

"How do you find time to date?"

"I don't, actually. Between shifts at the hospital, sleep is hard to come by, let alone finding someone to spend the rest of your life with."

"Why is it that now with your busy schedule you want to get married, when you have your career ahead of you?"

Edward shifted on the stool. He didn't know how to word this, knowing full well the staff at County would be watching at some point. "I'm almost 30 years old. Time has flown by for me, and I feel like I could just keep going and miss it. I want someone to wake up to in the morning. Someone there when I come home. The job - helping people has been my life. Now, I'm finding that it's not enough. The people I work with have spouses and children, and I see now I want that too. More than anything."

More than anything. He'd risked nearly having a mental breakdown as an excuse to get time off. Edward knew he couldn't keep going the way he was. 16-hour days, a few hours of sleep here or there, finishing a shift, going home to a depressing, empty house, trying to catch up on his composition, let alone managing the chores of life only to return back to work in the blink of an eye. This wasn't life. This wasn't living. And he knew it wasn't just the constant stress of the job. He'd met many attractive nurses and even a patient who'd gotten his attention, but Edward was not one to mix his personal life with his professional one. He also had no desire to "swipe left or right." Women were complicated creatures, he'd come to learn, simply by listening to his patients. After a very unfortunate blind date set up by another resident, Edward had lost faith that now there was a woman out there for him. A nurse had told him they were recruiting for the show, and as unlikely as it sounded, this is how he found himself here. He gave the perfect answer, one that should have satisfied anyone. Was it the truth?

"I know she's out there. Don't get me wrong. I've dated in college, been in a couple of serious relationships. Many times, women are very attracted to what I do. Being a doctor equals financial security but I don't want someone who wants me for my money."

"Understandable. What are you looking for in a woman?"

"I am looking for a woman who knows who she is, who doesn't need me, but she wants me, if that makes sense. A partner in life."

"So you prefer a woman who is financially secure?"

"Financially secure? That would be nice. I just want her to love me more than what I can provide for her. Though, with that being said, that doesn't mean I don't want to spoil the hell out of her." Edward winked.

"I think any woman would love that. How do you feel about children?"

"I want it all. I want the children, the minivan, the white picket fence. Absolutely. But, I need the love of my life first."

The love of his life. Edward had never been in love. He'd never been dazzled either, until the night before when he shared a kiss with the most extraordinary woman in the gardens. What had he been thinking? She'd been there for a conference. The connection he felt with her, the way he was drawn to her was something he'd never experienced. She'd been so adorably clumsy and awkward. He knew that they shared a spark, but it was too late to back out of this, wasn't it? He still berated himself for kissing her. Was he not an engaged man? Sure, he didn't know his fiancee, but he was still spoken for. Or…he allowed himself to contemplate, what if she was his match? Nah. Surely, Edward wasn't so fortunate to end up with that gorgeous creature. He had no doubt she was attracted to him…without knowing anything about him. He didn't know her, but he imagined them strolling on the beach. With her on his mind, the producer's question shook him out of his musings.

"A few days till the big day, Edward. She's here. And she can't wait to meet you. Your whole life is about to change."

"I'm so grateful to you all for the opportunity. I can't wait."

"Hello there, Jasper, and thank you for your service."

Jasper's lips fell into a smirk just the way they always had when someone thanked him for what he felt was his duty, his obligation, his honor. How he itched for a cigarette right now - a habit made worse since he'd come home after fifteen years of service. Most of his adult life had consisted of routine and discipline, and now he felt like an outsider in this civilian world. He'd earned the title of major but came to a realization that he didn't want to live the life the way his own father had with the rigid standards and the responsibility for so many lives, ready to dedicate his life to battle at the country's whim.

"You're welcome. So we understand that you retired early from the military. Why?"

"I wanted to give the civilian life a go." And his knee had given him me a good reason to get out. Plus the nightmares he could definitely do without. "I respect the military and am thankful for all it's given me, but I can't live the life my dad lived."

"How does he feel about your decision?"

"He passed about 5 years ago, so it's a good thing he doesn't know. This was a personal decision, though, and I'm still acclimating."

"How's that working for you?"

"Not so well, to be honest. Like meeting someone in the military is easy, if you intend to make a life out of it. But if not, you're kind of trapped with someone in that mindset who puts their career first, family second."

"What are you looking for in a woman?"

"I want a woman, but not just a companion, an everything person. I want a soulmate. And I hope that she's innocent."

"Innocent? Isn't that kind of hard to expect at your age?"

"Not innocent, in that way. That's unrealistic. What I mean is that she's not jaded. I was in Iraq, saw too much, and I want someone who can still look at this world and not feel like it's hell on earth. Do you know what I mean?"

"I believe so. And the rest of your family? Do they support your decision?"

"My mom supports me in every way possible."

"Why do you think that this will work for you?"

"Well in Iraq and other countries, arranged marriages are common. Many of them last and barely knew anything of their mates. So, why not? I'd say that having someone else taking into account your preferences and then scouring the country for them gives you a pretty good chance."

"I have a good feeling about this, Jasper."

"You know, it's weird for me to say this, but I think I do too."

He squinted at the bright light and was tempted to ask them to dim it. He already preferred not being in the spotlight, and this whole situation tested not only his vulnerability but his reputation with his peers and family, but somehow he was buying into this whole thing being a good idea.

"Emmett, how do you feel?"

"Nervous. Excited. Kind of in disbelief."

"How do you feel knowing that your future wife is actually in this same building?"

"I…can't wait to meet her. I wish I could meet her right now."

"Seems to us here that you wouldn't have any trouble finding a wife. What brought you here?"

"Well, I'm a firefighter, as you know, and it's not as glorified as you would think. I work a lot of hours, am gone a lot. But, it's what I love to do. When you're gone for 72 hours and sometimes for weeks at a time out on a strike team, you wanna know that your wife is cheering you on, that she has your back. That she won't leave you because you're gone so much."

"So, this sounds like an issue with you."

He laughed. "You could say that."

"Well, I'm sure she would have to be very understanding about the passion you have for your job, but it works both ways. There is a give and take. What are you willing to give…or give up to find and keep your wife?"

"My heart."

The producer chuckled. "Of course, but if love was all it took to stay together, then so many marriages wouldn't end in divorce. There has to be compromises. Are you willing to compromise to make your marriage work?"

"To a degree. Sure."

"Emmett, what we need to know is are you willing to make your wife your first priority? To have a lasting marriage? I just want to be sure this relationship is not doomed to failure."

"I have no doubt the right woman will keep me around as much she wants."

"Well, if that's the case, we feel pretty confident about your bride-to-be. The final details are being settled on your wedding. Is there anything else you'd like to add before we see you at the altar?"

"Future wife, when you're watching this: I've never been more ready in my life to meet you and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together."

"Thank you, Emmett."

Emmett, got up from the stool and let out a breath. His buddies at the station told him he was nuts for doing this. Many took him aside and told him that it was all just for show - that many of the relationships didn't have what it took to last more than a few months. Many couples decided to divorce once it came down to that final choice. He'd tried it his way, had been engaged twice before and never seemed to find that special woman he was looking for. He was sure, though, that she was here, despite how crazy it seemed.

The Ladies

Ready to take on the world, the beautiful blonde sat with one knee crossed over the other, manicured hands stacked on top. "Rosalie, you made it to the final 3, but there's been speculation about your occupation and whether your intention to marry is sincere."

Cool and composed, Rosalie sat without flinching and amusement curved her perfectly rosy lips. "I've been honest with you since the beginning." She raised her hands. "I am an actress and yes, I've done other shows for publicity, but it's kind of a lonely life. And it's not easy finding a man who really likes you for you. I'm not gonna lie. Acting has always been my passion, and it's something I plan to keep doing until my last breath, but the men I meet seem to think that I'm easy, that I'll do anything to get famous. And it's just not true." She shoved a lock of curled hair behind her shoulder.

"Okay, so can we please let the audience watching know why you have earned this spot, out of 200 women to be here?"

Rosalie cleared her throat and met the camera's eyes. "I guess it's fair to say that I'm an old-fashioned girl, despite my exterior. My mom and dad have been happily married for over 26 years, and they have the sort of relationship I want. They still tell each other I love you everyday. I want that… so badly. I am here to find the man of my dreams, who will love me for me and not just use me for the way I look."

"Tell us why America should root for you. Why the average viewer should care about whether you find love."

She lifted her shoulders. "I've suffered my share of heartbreak and I have feelings like anybody else. Don't get me wrong: I'm not here to become," She put her fingers in quotes- "'America's sweetheart' or to make friends, but I just haven't been able to find what I'm looking for out there. Because everyone, no matter how they look, deserves love. And in our world, people are judged for exactly how they appear on the outside."

"Does that mean you don't have any preferences for your mate?"

"Well, of course I do. I want a man who's handsome. I work hard to look the way I do, but at the same time, I don't want him to be so stuck on himself that I'm not his priority."

"How do you feel about having children?"

A brilliant smile lit up her face. "I want five. But not yet. I also want to have alone time with my husband. I want us to travel and nurture our relationship before jumping into having babies."

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"Absolutely. And when you have a team of experts helping you find your perfect person that doesn't hurt." Rosalie winked.

"So, you're ready to settle down?"

She exhaled a breath. "I can't wait to settle down and meet my match."

"You know that nobody is perfect, right? I mean, we've done our part, finding a pretty good match, but perfection doesn't exist."

"Well, I do live in the real world. And right. Of course I know that. But, I'm ready to give my whole heart to making this a lasting marriage." Rosalie smiled then, knowing that statement had hit the nail on the head.

"Thanks, Rosalie."

"Thank you."

"Buckle up for the ride of your life."

She sat up straighter. "I'm ready. Let's do this."

It was a nervous habit Alice had of twirling her short locks, and she sat cross-legged on the stool. With the brightness of the light on her, she was feeling the heaviness of this situation. This had been her first time on camera, and though the producers warned to forget the camera was there and that she would get used to it, she still felt she had to put on a show.

"Hello, Alice. How are you feeling?"

She curled her fingers into each other. "I'm so nervous."

"Don't be nervous. We're all here for the same reason. So, tell America what led you here. It's quite remarkable."

"Oh great. Then I'm going to look like the crazy one on the show."

"Not at all. We just want to know who you are and why you're here."

"I'm intuitive, and I get these visions. Also, I take signs from the universe which led me here."

"Can you be more specific?"

"Okay, just before I saw the ad for Meet ya at the Altar, I dreamt of being in a wedding gown and saying I do. Then I saw myself standing next to a window that overlooked a river with my husband's arms wrapped around me. I was deliriously happy. I knew when I woke up this wasn't just a dream."

"Have your dreams come true before?"

"Many of them. Like when I was a kid I dreamt of furnishing people's homes, and now that's what I do. And my dog Sparky died after I'd had a dream that he got hit by a car. And then I saw kind of a figure or outline of my husband, so tall and he had this blonde curly hair."

"You say that you saw your fiance's hair? What if he doesn't appear the way he did in your dreams?"

She smirked. "He will."

"You sound really confident, and I admire that. But, what if he isn't?"

"Well, the universe led me here, and I'll just have to trust the process."

"That's a good thing to remember. Trust the process. Give it your heart, and let the show and your mate do the rest."

"That's what I intend."

"We're excited for you, Alice. We really do believe we've found your perfect match."

"Is he a blonde male with curly hair?"

"Haha, we can't reveal that."

Alice squealed. "Okay. I don't care. It's all gonna work out."

"That's the spirit."

Alice smiled. "It sure is."

Don't blow this, Bella.

Bella was still reeling that she'd made it this far. And if she went along with Alice's cockamamie scheme, she'd find her match, right? But, what if this was a bad idea? She'd felt that in her stomach. Yet, the longer she let this go on, the less likely she'd be able to back out. Maybe she could blow it, and all would be well again. She could return to her life in Prescott. Bury herself in endless manuscripts at work and put this whole experience behind her. Then, a little voice in her head said, "what if the man at the bar was the one?"

Or what if he wasn't and if her match was even better? Wasn't anyone better than Jake?

"You look nervous," the producer said.

Bella uncurled her fingers and released her lower lip from the pressure of her front teeth. "I am. Sorry."

"It's okay. We won't bite." The producer laughed, and it just felt to Bella like another of those awkward moments in her life where the joke was on her. "Just breathe and tell us why you're here."

Drawing a long breath and releasing it, Bella closed her eyes and willed the tension away. This on-camera interview was much more intense than she anticipated. Alice had helped her get through the intro video she'd submitted for audition and must've performed miracles, having coached her through two minutes of speaking and appearing much more confident than she felt.

She opened her eyes and looked at the producer. "I'm here to find someone to love. I mean, someone who will love me. I mean…well, you know. I want what everybody here wants."

"Tell us about your ideal man, Bella."

"Considerate, a good listener, strong…"

"A hero?"

Bella shrugged her shoulders. "Um yeah. Sure. Who wouldn't want to be saved?" Save me from myself, she thought. "Let's see…sweet, kind…."

"Handsome?"

Her cheeks turned pink as she considered the man at the hotel bar. "Doesn't hurt but not a requirement."

"Do you want children?"

"Sure. Someday…don't want to put the carriage before the horse." Oh boy. Now she was quoting her father.

"Understood. What do you think is the most important thing about making a marriage work?"

"Communication," she said, recalling how her own mother and father's marriage had crumbled mostly for this reason…and many others. "But also commitment."

"With that said, do you believe in divorce?"

Of course she believed in divorce. It had led her mother to finding happiness, but Bella knew she had to tread carefully here. "I believe in divorce if all else has failed. Like if you have love, communication, dedication, and a sincere desire to work it out, then a marriage could be saved." She still surprised herself by taking this step to be here. For many years she'd been totally against marriage but had seen how happy her mother and stepfather were. Then she saw herself being married to Jacob. Then for the longest time…nothing.

"So, what we want to know is are you willing to do what it takes?"

"That's why I'm here," she said with such conviction that she almost believed it.

The producer explained then that the next step was to meet and form a bond with the other brides that same evening. Then the weddings would take place, one each day, and her own was slated for the following Friday. Three days away.

Then it was time for her life to begin.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you'll stay with me for more, and I would love to hear from you!