Maddy Blake

The LoveMatch theme music hit, cameras sweeping across the glowing stage. Buck Cottontree stood at its heart, his megawatt smile in place, tux crisp under the bright lights. "Welcome back to Love Match," he announced, "Our next bachelorette is smart, spontaneous, and might just have a suitcase packed for love—put your hands together for Madison Blake!" Applause swelled as a striking blonde stepped into the spotlight. Her rose-pink dress flowed with grace as she joined Buck at the center, offering a bright smile that carried a hint of a question. "Madison, welcome to LoveMatch," Buck said. "You look incredible." "Thanks," she replied, a small, almost shy laugh escaping her. "Not gonna lie, being here feels a little wild." "It’s all in good fun. So, where'd you grow up?" "San Diego. Always the kid climbing fences, biking too fast, sneaking off to watch planes take off." "And now you fly for a living." "Yeah. Flight attendant, six years," she confirmed. "I love it. It just keeps me moving, you know? Keeps things from getting stagnant." Buck's tone softened. "And love? Has that kept up with you?" Maddy hesitated, then gave a slight shrug. "I thought I had it once. Gave a lot of myself to someone who... didn't quite see me, I guess. So now, I'm trying to be more careful. But definitely not closed off." A brief, unscripted beat of silence hung in the air. Buck offered a genuinely empathetic smile. "Well, we've got a few people behind that wall who just might be exactly what you've been looking for." Maddy's eyes flicked to the curtain, a flicker of curiosity in them. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?" "Madison Blake, everyone!" Buck announced, bringing the energy back up. "Let's get this show started!" She stepped gracefully aside, her smile returning—this time a little slower, tinged with genuine anticipation. The show was about to begin.