The Bachelor 10 Finale: The Final Rose, and a Ring
The Bachelor 10 Finale: The Final Rose, and a Ring by Ashley Lundy -- 05/22/2007 We are down to the final two in this finale of The Bachelor: An Officer & A Gentleman. The bachelor takes the final two ladies to his hometown of Lancaster, PA. Who makes a great first impression? Who talks about sexual dysfunction? Who’s a “viable candidate?” And who does Andy ask to marry him? Find out here! Oh, I’m excited! The big night. The big decision. The big engagement. The big finale!! This is going to be awesome. Although I’m not sure why, when we are down to only two women, it has to be the longest episode of the season at two hours. Geez. Well, anyway, I’ve been thinking about it for a week and I’m going to make my prediction right now. Both ladies are fantastic, each in their own unique way, and it wasn’t an easy choice. It took some time. While I do think that Andy will have a hard time making the decision, I’m picking Bevin as the future Ms. Baldwin. Why, you ask? Because there has been serious chemistry between Andy and Bevin since the first night when he called Bevin’s mountain bike scars “so hot.” Bevin has never hesitated or held back, she has been full-throttle with her feelings from day one. Andy has always said that Bevin and he have electricity between them. They have a connection. I can’t ignore that and I doubt Andy will either. I’d like to add that I’m not saying Tessa isn’t a great girl. Oh, no, not at all. In fact, personally, I prefer her. She’s smart and has a unique sense of humor. I think she’s awesome. I’m basing my choice solely on who I think Andy is best suited for. I just think he will pick Bevin. If I say any more, I will start to doubt myself, so let’s find out if I’m right! We start the show by going through the step-by-step journey of each of the final two ladies. We see Bevin’s journey. Then Tessa’s. We’ve seen it. Or you’ve read my recaps, so we can move on. Andy says he’s excited to take the girls back home to meet the family. He says he hasn’t been home in almost two years. We see him arrive at his parent’s house. Mom opens the door and he hugs her. Then he hugs dad, sister, grandfather, and grandmother. The people he considers most dear to him. His mother, Cynthia, tells us that she has sensed that Andy wants to get married and have a partner for the past two years. He’s ready to not be a bachelor anymore. Andy asks them all to keep an open mind today, because they are meeting two women he cares a lot about and could one day be in the Baldwin family. They do a group cheer to “Operation Soul Mate” and I laugh out loud. Andy’s mom calls him a “goofball” and I have to agree. Still cute, but definitely also a goofball. Andy tells us the last time he brought a girl home was eight years ago. Now, he’s bringing home two. He thinks sister Suzy will ask the toughest questions out of his family. Tessa arrives and they have a hug. She says the overnight date brought them to the next level. She is excited to meet potential future-in-laws and see where Andy comes from and how he interacts with his family. Tessa meets everyone and gives them all a hug. She tells us that she knows how much Andy values family. The person he is with needs to be able to fit into that. Tessa tells the family that she’s from Washington, D.C. She mentions that her mom lives ten minutes away! Cynthia asks how long her mom has lived there. Tessa says four or five years. She tells the story of her mom meeting her step-father on the Inca trail. Cynthia apologizes to Tessa for staring at her. She just thinks Tessa is so beautiful! Then Cynthia recruits helpers for lunch preparation. Tessa volunteers. Cynthia tells us that her first impression of Tessa is that she’s bright, poised, very natural, and real. She was drawn to her right away. Grandpa tells Andy that Tessa is a “viable candidate!” Funny! I’m laughing out loud again. In his day, he would have really liked her. Grandpa! You old hound. They say grace and dig into lunch. Andy asks his parents to tell the story of how they met at Cornell. Dad tells the story. His roommate was dating Cynthia’s roommate and they somehow decided to have a trial date. They had a scheduled meeting time at the library. Dad says it was “love at first sight, over a reference manual.” Funny Baldwins. Grandpa asks Tessa about her religion. Tessa says she was born and raised Catholic, but she doesn’t practice that much anymore. Mama Baldwin changes the subject to Tessa’s field of work. She wants to know why Tessa got into social work. Tessa tells her that she councils at-risk kids in foster care. She likes the work because it has a commitment to social justice. Cynthia asks Tessa where she sees her life in five years. She sees her life more settled and starting a family. She stumbles over it a little bit, but dad tells her that it was a great answer. Tessa tells us that it was the toughest question the family asked her. She knows she fumbled. She would love to tell them, confidently, that she could see herself with Andy in five years, but she knows there is another girl. It’s not an easy question. Andy privately asks sister Suzy what she thinks of Tessa. Suzy really likes her. Andy tells sis that Tessa is so adventurous and a traveler, but he’s trying to settle down. That takes commitment. He mentions the times that Tessa wanted to leave. Suzy wonders if that was about Andy though. He doesn’t know. Suzy is going to ask Tessa about it. We see Suzy and Tessa take a seat by themselves at the dining room table. Suzy mentions Tessa’s reservations. Tessa says that she still has reservations, but when she is with Andy, she wants to be here. Suzy asks her if she is willing to move to Hawaii. Tessa says yes. When she is with Andy, she realizes that she’s had a void and she wants to continue the relationship. Suzy tells us that she liked Tessa’s honesty concerning her reservations. She thinks Tessa is committed to Andy. Time for Tessa to leave. She hugs everyone again and Andy walks her out. She tells him that his family is so great, so sweet, and she loves them. He tells her that he knows they loved her too. They kiss. Tessa tells us that today was beyond her expectations, but she knows the family is meeting Bevin tonight and she doesn’t know how that is going to go. Andy is chatting with the family while they wait for Bevin. He acknowledges that she has the tough task of going second. He thinks she will have a harder time because his family thought Tessa was the one. Bevin arrives and they have a hug. She tells us that this is ten times more difficult than Andy meeting her family. Hey now, that doesn’t sound fair. You think it was easy for Andy? I somehow doubt that. Moving on, Bevin says that she thinks it’s a big step meeting Andy’s family. They could be her in-laws, but they just met Andy’s other woman. She wants to make a good impression and prove that she is the one for him. Bevin meets the family. Hugs go all around. She knows they are conservative, so she hopes she can fit in. She wants to leave them thinking she could be a part of their family. Andy asks the room if they have any questions for Bevin. Dad asks about her work. Bevin does work with Alzheimer’s disease. She started a project about libido in women who are going through menopause. She wants to specialize in sexual dysfunction. Bevin tells us that she doesn’t know how much the Baldwins talk about sex, libidos, or sexual dysfunction. Indeed, we see mom make up an excuse about starting dinner to get away. Bevin just wants to die. They have a little dinner discussion. Andy tells Bevin that his parents have been married for 36 years and his grandparents have been married for 60 years. Grandpa steals the floor. He tells Bevin that when he proposed to his wife, he asked her if she would go anywhere with him in the world. Grandma chimes in, “I never knew he meant it.” I’m digging the Baldwins! Anyway, grandpa asks Bevin what she would say if Andy asked her the same question. Bevin wants clarification. Does the question include going out of the country? Uh, yes, genius. Did she hear the part about anywhere in the world? She says that sounds like it would be fun. Oh Bevin. You are not doing well, dear. Grandpa asks Bevin about her religion. She says that she was raised in the Ba’hai faith. They have never heard of it. Bevin admits that it’s not common. Bevin tells us that Andy’s family must have thought she was very liberal. She doesn’t know if that’s a turn-off for them, but she could only be herself. Andy is talking to the family, sans Bevin. He tells them that Bevin came a long way. Her parents got divorced and she grew up poor. He feels good when he’s with Bevin. Cynthia asks about his attraction for Bevin. Will he feel it years from now? He says that the way he feels about Bevin, he doesn’t feel that with Tessa. Cynthia says that it sounds like Andy is trying to justify how he feels to his family. She is just going to ask Bevin a few questions herself. Cynthia tells us that she knows Andy was justifying his feelings for Bevin. Probably because he assumed the family was fonder of Tessa. Cynthia, grandpa, grandma, and sister Suzy all chat privately with Bevin. Cynthia asks Bevin what she thinks of long-distance relationships. She thinks they work at first, but as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to hold it together. She would try very hard to avoid such a relationship. Andy tells dad, in a private chat, that he wants a marriage like mom and dad have. He wants a family like they gave him. Dad says concerning the decision Andy must make, it’s not totally about what you think logically. In reality, it’s about what you are feeling down in the bottom of your heart. Bevin is telling the family that she first felt a connection with Andy at the third rose ceremony, when he tucked her hair behind her ear. She melted. Mother laughs, but admits that’s a very intimate gesture. They have a small giggle fest. Girls will be girls. Bevin tells us that she was nervous at first, but Andy’s family made her feel comfortable. She believes they will accept whoever Andy chooses to bring home and marry. Grandma asks Bevin, “aren’t you just plain drop-dead great?” Ah, out of the mouths of senior citizens. Cynthia says that after talking to Bevin, things that came to mind were gracefulness, beautiful eyes, laughter, and her affection toward Andy. They watch a slideshow of Andy’s baby pictures. Hey, there’s grandpa’s name! It’s Guy. Guy tells us that Bevin electrifies Andy, and he can’t dispel that. He doesn’t think Andy has made a decision at this point. Time for Bevin to go. She gives out hugs. Andy walks her out and she tells him that his family is awesome. Bevin hopes that when she sees them again, she will have a ring on her finger. She would love to be a Baldwin. Now, the family gets a say. Andy tells them that he is just as confused as when he arrived. He doesn’t want to screw up and make the wrong decision. Andy tells us that it was awesome to introduce the family to Bevin and Tessa. He is praying and hoping his family will give him perspective on who is best with him. Cynthia sees that Andy is more connected to Bevin. She thinks a part of that is he is confident in Bevin’s feelings for him. Cynthia says that, as a mother, she wants to see her son with someone who is nuts about him. She can see that Bevin is crazy about him. That’s priceless. Grandma pipes in that it’s also totally necessary. I agree with mom and grandma on this point. Grandpa Guy says that some people don’t show their emotions. He believes that Tessa is more guarded in her expressions. Andy wonders if there is the same conviction in Tessa as there is in Bevin. Guy says he understands Andy’s dilemma. Andy is turned on by Bevin, but is that what really counts? Suzy wants to know if Andy is basing his feelings for Bevin totally on the physical and electric attraction. He has to consider it because he’s only had a short time frame. Compared to Tessa, Bevin has a lot of emotion and conviction. Grandma wants to know which woman he wants to have kids with. Both. Grandpa tells Andy to think of the one he wants to be with five years from now. Dad says there is no wrong decision. No one has any issues with either one of the ladies. Andy has to go, so he hugs everyone goodbye. Andy tells us that he has no idea who he is going to choose. He doesn’t “freggin know.” He looks a little torn up about it actually. Now we are back in Hawaii. Andy and Bevin meet on the beach for their last date. Andy tells us it’s the last chance he’s got to ask Bevin some questions. Bevin tells us it’s an important date because it’s the last time she will see him before he decides. Andy says he has a surprise for her. They walk into a clearing and there is a helicopter waiting for them. Bevin is giggling uncontrollably. She is scared of flying and she’s never been on a helicopter. We have lift off! They fly over beautiful Hawaii and Bevin screams a little, but calms down and enjoys the ride. They have a few small kisses. They fly over a waterfall. They land. Andy asks Bevin what she thought of the family. She loved talking to Suzy about how she was feeling. She told Suzy she wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t ready for a commitment. They sit down for a picnic and toast Bevin’s first helicopter ride. Andy asks her what she needs most from a man. She needs unconditional love, understanding, open communication, and a best friend. She asks him what he needs most from a woman. He needs someone who has energy, is compassionate, romantic, nurturing, and a good mother. Andy asks her, point blank, if she would be happy there in Hawaii with him. She says she is pretty sure she would be happy. He says, no, seriously. She replies that she is concerned. She feels very vulnerable. It’s hard not to get every assurance that you need. He would love to give it to her, but he can’t. She understands. She is putting her faith in the time they spend together and the feeling she has when she is with him. Bevin tells us that she hopes she can open up tonight and tell him how she is feeling. It’s harder to say it than to feel it. Andy wants her to tell him what she wants. She wants this, with him. He is happy, for the moment. Time for the evening portion of the date. They enjoy the view on the patio of Bevin’s villa and share a kiss. Andy tells her that he is “in freaking love.” Bevin says that she is too. That’s so romantic. Really. Bevin tells us that she had a wonderful day with Andy and she wanted to come back to the villa and tell Andy exactly how she feels about him. There is another woman, so she can’t leave without Andy knowing that she really does love him. Andy reminds Bevin that it’s the last time he is going to see her. That makes her sad. She tells him that she wants a man who is totally committed to her and family. She can see how they could be really happy together. She’s not scared to think about those things. Andy just smiles. They kiss. Andy sighs and says, “pinch me.” Bevin tells us that she and Andy are on the same page. She sees an amazing future. It feels like it was meant to be. She asks Andy what he plans on doing on his 31st birthday. He says he plans on getting married. Bevin produces a gift bag with a present for Andy. It’s a birthday present and something more. Andy reads the greeting card. It professes undying love. Andy eats it up. He reaches in the bag and pulls out a watch. A nice gesture, since he bought her a watch when she was in the hospital. Bevin tells Andy that she really cares about him. It’s the happiest she’s been in a while. She can see herself with him for a long time. She tells him that she loves him. He asks her if she’s serious. She is dead serious. She can see an amazing future with him. She hopes he can see it too. They kiss more. Then they hug, and he tells her, “I love you too, Bev.” Andy tells us that it took a great bit of courage for Bevin to tell him that she loved him. He came here for love and now he thinks he found it. He thinks he’s in love. It’s out of this world. They kiss goodbye one more time before Andy leaves. Bevin tells us that there is no way that Andy will leave her without a rose at the last rose ceremony. Oh, that’s tempting fate. Are those some famous last words? Time for Andy’s final date with Tessa. Andy says he is feeling a lot of love from last night’s date with Bevin. He is going into today’s date with an open heart and open mind. Tessa needs to go all out. No more baby steps. This is it. He greets Tessa. She tells us that she really enjoyed getting to know his family. She is petrified today because this is her last opportunity to let Andy know how she feels. She knows she has a connection with Andy, so she has to let him know she is the one for him. They go horseback riding on the beach. They’ve never done that before. I have and it’s awesome. Andy says that riding along the beach with Tessa is so romantic. Tessa pretends that her horse is flirting with his horse. It’s sort of cute. They get a prepared beach picnic, but first swim in the ocean. They clown around for a bit. Then they get serious and have some smooch time while they watch the sun set. Tessa says she’s excited but she’s also nervous. She thinks they should just enjoy the evening and live it to the fullest, as if there were no tomorrow. He tells her that he has so much fun with her. She makes him smile. He makes her happy. When she is with him, it feels “just right.” There is also a feeling of absolute excitement and giddiness. Andy mentions that he has a big decision to make. She knows. He says that some of the greatest things in life involve risk. Tessa tells us that how she is feeling is not the easiest thing to verbalize. She’s never been with someone and thought she wanted to spend her life with them. It takes a lot for her to get to that point. Today is make or break. Time for the evening portion of the date. Tessa is lighting candles in her villa. She’s so scared. She doesn’t want to leave with a broken heart. She is confident that Andy cares about her, but she doesn’t feel like he’s definitely going to pick her. Tonight, she needs to push herself and put it out there. Tessa has ordered them some food. They have drinks. Andy asks her what scares her. She says a lot scares her. The unknown. Being here is scary because she doesn’t know what the end is going to be. Andy reminds her that sometimes big things in life involve great risk. She came on the journey and got to know him and who he is. It means a lot to him. It means a lot to her that he took the risk to meet her here too. Tessa says the experience is about taking the risk and really going for it. (Enough with the word risk!) She admits that she has been hot and cold during the whole process. Now, she is in love with Andy and she needs to let him know how she feels. She also produces a gift bag for Andy. The note is sweet and basically says that she doesn’t want to go back to her life the way it was before Andy. He is very touched and kisses her. Tessa tells Andy it’s been very hard for her to tell him how she feels. She got a chance to get to know him. She had to stay and keep the faith. She has found herself falling in love with him. She didn’t expect that, but she can’t go into tomorrow without him knowing how much she means that. It’s real to her. It’s not something she could say if she didn’t feel it. She can’t pretend. She wants to be here tomorrow, she wants to stay with him. Andy says, “I love you, Tessa Horst.” To hear those words from her means so much to him. Andy opens the gift in the gift bag. It’s a picture collage. It’s a combination of conversations they’ve had, things they have in common, and dates they’ve been on. She thought it was more meaningful than buying something. He notices how much hard work she had to put into the picture collage. She says he is worth it. Tessa tells us that if Andy proposes to her tomorrow, she will say yes. Andy tells us that he has been waiting for that connection to happen with Tessa. It was everything he wanted and more. It’s the big day. Andy says that when he woke up, he was a wreck. He is still confused about who to pick. He has to choose between two of the most incredible women he’s ever met in his life. Two women that he thinks he is in love with. He feels potential with Tessa. She is a woman who is so refined, sophisticated, and versatile. He can really see her by his side in any situation. He has a connection with Bevin. It’s amazing and unlike anything he has ever felt before. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. It’s one of her greatest qualities. He goes for a run to figure things out. He gets really emotional. We see him sitting and holding his head in his hands. He says he’s not sure what he is going to do. Tessa can’t believe that today is finally here. She wasted a lot of time in the beginning because she was so closed off. On her hometown visit, she realized that she was falling in love with Andy. In the end, she wants to be here and engaged to him. She hopes those moments she wasted can be made up for by coming around in the end. Bevin says it’s completely crazy that today is the last day. She came into this experience without any expectations. She found a man who she completely adores and loves. She wants to spend the rest of her life with him and create a family. That goes beyond her wildest dreams. She is definitely in love. It’s hard to believe she could become engaged today. If he does propose, there is no way in hell she is turning that away. Andy goes shopping for an engagement ring. He looks at an emerald cut diamond ring, then a cushion cut ring. It has a more antique feel. Then, the sales lady pulls out the big guns and opens a box with a round cut diamond. Apparently, nothing gives you more brilliance than a round cut diamond. Andy thinks it’s so simple, yet elegant. He likes the round cut. The sales lady says it’s a good selection. Andy goes over the women one more time. Tessa took a while to really commit to the journey, but she came around and it took off. Bevin has shown him non-stop that she loves him. He’s thought a lot about it and after racking his brain, listening to his heart, he knows what he is going to do. He hopes he made the right decision. Tessa tells us that it’s really hard for her, now, after telling him about loving him. She gets choked up talking about it. It was the way she was feeling, but at the same time, it makes her so scared that she said it. Bevin tells us that it’s been an emotional roller coaster, because she is letting go and letting her heart do the talking. It’s hard to know that she could be walking away from him if he doesn’t choose her. Up rolls the white limo carrying our bachelor. He gets out and gets ready to do this. He says the journey has changed his life more than anyone could realize. Very soon, he is going to be so happy, so full of joy, and hopefully engaged to a woman who is a dream come true for him. Finally, finally, finally, it appears to be time. The first limo brings us Bevin. Chris escorts her to where Andy is waiting. Andy tells her that she is so beautiful. Their connection is electric, like he’s never felt before. She has so much courage and strength. He knows that she really put herself out there. He loves her too. He wishes he could show her how much he feels about her. He starts getting weepy. Bevin realizes that this means bad news. She looks crushed for about 10 seconds before she starts crying. He wants her to know that this is not a rejection, at all, but there is somebody that has touched his heart deeper. Andy consoles Bevin and wipes her tears away. He tells her it’s such a privilege to have felt the way he felt about her. She is beyond amazing. I wish he would just shut up and let her go. This has got to be hard enough. I’m sorry, Bevin. I know you are totally crushed, girl. Okay, so I was totally wrong about Bevin. I really thought those two kids had something special, but I’m not disappointed. As I mentioned earlier, I actually like Tessa more. She’ll always be my “muffin girl.” Before Bevin gets back in the limo, Andy lamely tells her that he will never forget her. In the limo, Bevin says she should have known how this was going to end. Andy doesn’t love her. She put everything on the line. She gave him her heart and he doesn’t want it. She thought he could be the one. She can’t believe he rejected her. She had no idea. She loved somebody and they don’t love her back. She would have loved to start a family with him. She thought fate brought them together. She thought they could have a future. Andy feels terrible. It’s so hard to say goodbye. He’s felt a strong connection with Bevin from the beginning, which later turned into great respect. He starts crying again. It’s sweet, and a little sad. Bevin is saying that she has to pick herself up and move on. It won’t kill her, but instead, make her stronger. She has to accept it. It happens to her all the time. The story of her life. She is sobbing. It’s a little on the dramatic side, but she is legitimately crushed. Andy has pulled himself together. He says he came on this journey to fall in love and find a lifelong partner. He found her. Tessa is a wish come true. He is so happy. The sky is the limit with Tessa. Anything is possible. “Muffin girl” arrives in the white limo and Chris escorts her to Andy. Andy tells her that she is beautiful, as she always is in blue. She is everything he was looking for, elegant, sophisticated, and up for anything. She makes him laugh until he gets side stitches. He feels like a king with a queen. He tells her that it’s just him and her. She cries as she realizes that he is saying he picked her. She says she’s so happy and so in love with him. She doesn’t have the words. Then Andy gets down on one knee. He’s always imagined this day and it’s beyond his wildest dreams. With that, he pops the question. Tessa says yes. They exchange “I love you”s and it’s pretty adorable. Oh yes, then he offers her the final rose. They can’t stop kissing each other. The music swells and that’s a wrap, folks. We close out the show with Tessa saying she was nervous and scared today, but she also felt like this was right and meant to be. Andy points out that she was nervous. During the compliments, she kept waiting for him to say, “but…” Heh. This is the last of the competition, but not the last we have heard from our bachelor, Andy Baldwin. Tuesday night is an “after the final rose” special. Our bachelor and his fiancé come to discuss their plans for the future and talk to the eliminated bachelorettes.
The Bachelor 10 Finale: The Final Rose, and a Ring by Ashley Lundy -- 05/22/2007 We are down to the final two in this finale of The Bachelor: An Officer & A Gentleman. The bachelor takes the final two ladies to his hometown of Lancaster, PA. Who makes a great first impression? Who talks about sexual dysfunction? Who’s a “viable candidate?” And who does Andy ask to marry him? Find out here! Oh, I’m excited! The big night. The big decision. The big engagement. The big finale!! This is going to be awesome. Although I’m not sure why, when we are down to only two women, it has to be the longest episode of the season at two hours. Geez. Well, anyway, I’ve been thinking about it for a week and I’m going to make my prediction right now. Both ladies are fantastic, each in their own unique way, and it wasn’t an easy choice. It took some time. While I do think that Andy will have a hard time making the decision, I’m picking Bevin as the future Ms. Baldwin. Why, you ask? Because there has been serious chemistry between Andy and Bevin since the first night when he called Bevin’s mountain bike scars “so hot.” Bevin has never hesitated or held back, she has been full-throttle with her feelings from day one. Andy has always said that Bevin and he have electricity between them. They have a connection. I can’t ignore that and I doubt Andy will either. I’d like to add that I’m not saying Tessa isn’t a great girl. Oh, no, not at all. In fact, personally, I prefer her. She’s smart and has a unique sense of humor. I think she’s awesome. I’m basing my choice solely on who I think Andy is best suited for. I just think he will pick Bevin. If I say any more, I will start to doubt myself, so let’s find out if I’m right! We start the show by going through the step-by-step journey of each of the final two ladies. We see Bevin’s journey. Then Tessa’s. We’ve seen it. Or you’ve read my recaps, so we can move on. Andy says he’s excited to take the girls back home to meet the family. He says he hasn’t been home in almost two years. We see him arrive at his parent’s house. Mom opens the door and he hugs her. Then he hugs dad, sister, grandfather, and grandmother. The people he considers most dear to him. His mother, Cynthia, tells us that she has sensed that Andy wants to get married and have a partner for the past two years. He’s ready to not be a bachelor anymore. Andy asks them all to keep an open mind today, because they are meeting two women he cares a lot about and could one day be in the Baldwin family. They do a group cheer to “Operation Soul Mate” and I laugh out loud. Andy’s mom calls him a “goofball” and I have to agree. Still cute, but definitely also a goofball. Andy tells us the last time he brought a girl home was eight years ago. Now, he’s bringing home two. He thinks sister Suzy will ask the toughest questions out of his family. Tessa arrives and they have a hug. She says the overnight date brought them to the next level. She is excited to meet potential future-in-laws and see where Andy comes from and how he interacts with his family. Tessa meets everyone and gives them all a hug. She tells us that she knows how much Andy values family. The person he is with needs to be able to fit into that. Tessa tells the family that she’s from Washington, D.C. She mentions that her mom lives ten minutes away! Cynthia asks how long her mom has lived there. Tessa says four or five years. She tells the story of her mom meeting her step-father on the Inca trail. Cynthia apologizes to Tessa for staring at her. She just thinks Tessa is so beautiful! Then Cynthia recruits helpers for lunch preparation. Tessa volunteers. Cynthia tells us that her first impression of Tessa is that she’s bright, poised, very natural, and real. She was drawn to her right away. Grandpa tells Andy that Tessa is a “viable candidate!” Funny! I’m laughing out loud again. In his day, he would have really liked her. Grandpa! You old hound. They say grace and dig into lunch. Andy asks his parents to tell the story of how they met at Cornell. Dad tells the story. His roommate was dating Cynthia’s roommate and they somehow decided to have a trial date. They had a scheduled meeting time at the library. Dad says it was “love at first sight, over a reference manual.” Funny Baldwins. Grandpa asks Tessa about her religion. Tessa says she was born and raised Catholic, but she doesn’t practice that much anymore. Mama Baldwin changes the subject to Tessa’s field of work. She wants to know why Tessa got into social work. Tessa tells her that she councils at-risk kids in foster care. She likes the work because it has a commitment to social justice. Cynthia asks Tessa where she sees her life in five years. She sees her life more settled and starting a family. She stumbles over it a little bit, but dad tells her that it was a great answer. Tessa tells us that it was the toughest question the family asked her. She knows she fumbled. She would love to tell them, confidently, that she could see herself with Andy in five years, but she knows there is another girl. It’s not an easy question. Andy privately asks sister Suzy what she thinks of Tessa. Suzy really likes her. Andy tells sis that Tessa is so adventurous and a traveler, but he’s trying to settle down. That takes commitment. He mentions the times that Tessa wanted to leave. Suzy wonders if that was about Andy though. He doesn’t know. Suzy is going to ask Tessa about it. We see Suzy and Tessa take a seat by themselves at the dining room table. Suzy mentions Tessa’s reservations. Tessa says that she still has reservations, but when she is with Andy, she wants to be here. Suzy asks her if she is willing to move to Hawaii. Tessa says yes. When she is with Andy, she realizes that she’s had a void and she wants to continue the relationship. Suzy tells us that she liked Tessa’s honesty concerning her reservations. She thinks Tessa is committed to Andy. Time for Tessa to leave. She hugs everyone again and Andy walks her out. She tells him that his family is so great, so sweet, and she loves them. He tells her that he knows they loved her too. They kiss. Tessa tells us that today was beyond her expectations, but she knows the family is meeting Bevin tonight and she doesn’t know how that is going to go. Andy is chatting with the family while they wait for Bevin. He acknowledges that she has the tough task of going second. He thinks she will have a harder time because his family thought Tessa was the one. Bevin arrives and they have a hug. She tells us that this is ten times more difficult than Andy meeting her family. Hey now, that doesn’t sound fair. You think it was easy for Andy? I somehow doubt that. Moving on, Bevin says that she thinks it’s a big step meeting Andy’s family. They could be her in-laws, but they just met Andy’s other woman. She wants to make a good impression and prove that she is the one for him. Bevin meets the family. Hugs go all around. She knows they are conservative, so she hopes she can fit in. She wants to leave them thinking she could be a part of their family. Andy asks the room if they have any questions for Bevin. Dad asks about her work. Bevin does work with Alzheimer’s disease. She started a project about libido in women who are going through menopause. She wants to specialize in sexual dysfunction. Bevin tells us that she doesn’t know how much the Baldwins talk about sex, libidos, or sexual dysfunction. Indeed, we see mom make up an excuse about starting dinner to get away. Bevin just wants to die. They have a little dinner discussion. Andy tells Bevin that his parents have been married for 36 years and his grandparents have been married for 60 years. Grandpa steals the floor. He tells Bevin that when he proposed to his wife, he asked her if she would go anywhere with him in the world. Grandma chimes in, “I never knew he meant it.” I’m digging the Baldwins! Anyway, grandpa asks Bevin what she would say if Andy asked her the same question. Bevin wants clarification. Does the question include going out of the country? Uh, yes, genius. Did she hear the part about anywhere in the world? She says that sounds like it would be fun. Oh Bevin. You are not doing well, dear. Grandpa asks Bevin about her religion. She says that she was raised in the Ba’hai faith. They have never heard of it. Bevin admits that it’s not common. Bevin tells us that Andy’s family must have thought she was very liberal. She doesn’t know if that’s a turn-off for them, but she could only be herself. Andy is talking to the family, sans Bevin. He tells them that Bevin came a long way. Her parents got divorced and she grew up poor. He feels good when he’s with Bevin. Cynthia asks about his attraction for Bevin. Will he feel it years from now? He says that the way he feels about Bevin, he doesn’t feel that with Tessa. Cynthia says that it sounds like Andy is trying to justify how he feels to his family. She is just going to ask Bevin a few questions herself. Cynthia tells us that she knows Andy was justifying his feelings for Bevin. Probably because he assumed the family was fonder of Tessa. Cynthia, grandpa, grandma, and sister Suzy all chat privately with Bevin. Cynthia asks Bevin what she thinks of long-distance relationships. She thinks they work at first, but as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to hold it together. She would try very hard to avoid such a relationship. Andy tells dad, in a private chat, that he wants a marriage like mom and dad have. He wants a family like they gave him. Dad says concerning the decision Andy must make, it’s not totally about what you think logically. In reality, it’s about what you are feeling down in the bottom of your heart. Bevin is telling the family that she first felt a connection with Andy at the third rose ceremony, when he tucked her hair behind her ear. She melted. Mother laughs, but admits that’s a very intimate gesture. They have a small giggle fest. Girls will be girls. Bevin tells us that she was nervous at first, but Andy’s family made her feel comfortable. She believes they will accept whoever Andy chooses to bring home and marry. Grandma asks Bevin, “aren’t you just plain drop-dead great?” Ah, out of the mouths of senior citizens. Cynthia says that after talking to Bevin, things that came to mind were gracefulness, beautiful eyes, laughter, and her affection toward Andy. They watch a slideshow of Andy’s baby pictures. Hey, there’s grandpa’s name! It’s Guy. Guy tells us that Bevin electrifies Andy, and he can’t dispel that. He doesn’t think Andy has made a decision at this point. Time for Bevin to go. She gives out hugs. Andy walks her out and she tells him that his family is awesome. Bevin hopes that when she sees them again, she will have a ring on her finger. She would love to be a Baldwin. Now, the family gets a say. Andy tells them that he is just as confused as when he arrived. He doesn’t want to screw up and make the wrong decision. Andy tells us that it was awesome to introduce the family to Bevin and Tessa. He is praying and hoping his family will give him perspective on who is best with him. Cynthia sees that Andy is more connected to Bevin. She thinks a part of that is he is confident in Bevin’s feelings for him. Cynthia says that, as a mother, she wants to see her son with someone who is nuts about him. She can see that Bevin is crazy about him. That’s priceless. Grandma pipes in that it’s also totally necessary. I agree with mom and grandma on this point. Grandpa Guy says that some people don’t show their emotions. He believes that Tessa is more guarded in her expressions. Andy wonders if there is the same conviction in Tessa as there is in Bevin. Guy says he understands Andy’s dilemma. Andy is turned on by Bevin, but is that what really counts? Suzy wants to know if Andy is basing his feelings for Bevin totally on the physical and electric attraction. He has to consider it because he’s only had a short time frame. Compared to Tessa, Bevin has a lot of emotion and conviction. Grandma wants to know which woman he wants to have kids with. Both. Grandpa tells Andy to think of the one he wants to be with five years from now. Dad says there is no wrong decision. No one has any issues with either one of the ladies. Andy has to go, so he hugs everyone goodbye. Andy tells us that he has no idea who he is going to choose. He doesn’t “freggin know.” He looks a little torn up about it actually. Now we are back in Hawaii. Andy and Bevin meet on the beach for their last date. Andy tells us it’s the last chance he’s got to ask Bevin some questions. Bevin tells us it’s an important date because it’s the last time she will see him before he decides. Andy says he has a surprise for her. They walk into a clearing and there is a helicopter waiting for them. Bevin is giggling uncontrollably. She is scared of flying and she’s never been on a helicopter. We have lift off! They fly over beautiful Hawaii and Bevin screams a little, but calms down and enjoys the ride. They have a few small kisses. They fly over a waterfall. They land. Andy asks Bevin what she thought of the family. She loved talking to Suzy about how she was feeling. She told Suzy she wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t ready for a commitment. They sit down for a picnic and toast Bevin’s first helicopter ride. Andy asks her what she needs most from a man. She needs unconditional love, understanding, open communication, and a best friend. She asks him what he needs most from a woman. He needs someone who has energy, is compassionate, romantic, nurturing, and a good mother. Andy asks her, point blank, if she would be happy there in Hawaii with him. She says she is pretty sure she would be happy. He says, no, seriously. She replies that she is concerned. She feels very vulnerable. It’s hard not to get every assurance that you need. He would love to give it to her, but he can’t. She understands. She is putting her faith in the time they spend together and the feeling she has when she is with him. Bevin tells us that she hopes she can open up tonight and tell him how she is feeling. It’s harder to say it than to feel it. Andy wants her to tell him what she wants. She wants this, with him. He is happy, for the moment. Time for the evening portion of the date. They enjoy the view on the patio of Bevin’s villa and share a kiss. Andy tells her that he is “in freaking love.” Bevin says that she is too. That’s so romantic. Really. Bevin tells us that she had a wonderful day with Andy and she wanted to come back to the villa and tell Andy exactly how she feels about him. There is another woman, so she can’t leave without Andy knowing that she really does love him. Andy reminds Bevin that it’s the last time he is going to see her. That makes her sad. She tells him that she wants a man who is totally committed to her and family. She can see how they could be really happy together. She’s not scared to think about those things. Andy just smiles. They kiss. Andy sighs and says, “pinch me.” Bevin tells us that she and Andy are on the same page. She sees an amazing future. It feels like it was meant to be. She asks Andy what he plans on doing on his 31st birthday. He says he plans on getting married. Bevin produces a gift bag with a present for Andy. It’s a birthday present and something more. Andy reads the greeting card. It professes undying love. Andy eats it up. He reaches in the bag and pulls out a watch. A nice gesture, since he bought her a watch when she was in the hospital. Bevin tells Andy that she really cares about him. It’s the happiest she’s been in a while. She can see herself with him for a long time. She tells him that she loves him. He asks her if she’s serious. She is dead serious. She can see an amazing future with him. She hopes he can see it too. They kiss more. Then they hug, and he tells her, “I love you too, Bev.” Andy tells us that it took a great bit of courage for Bevin to tell him that she loved him. He came here for love and now he thinks he found it. He thinks he’s in love. It’s out of this world. They kiss goodbye one more time before Andy leaves. Bevin tells us that there is no way that Andy will leave her without a rose at the last rose ceremony. Oh, that’s tempting fate. Are those some famous last words? Time for Andy’s final date with Tessa. Andy says he is feeling a lot of love from last night’s date with Bevin. He is going into today’s date with an open heart and open mind. Tessa needs to go all out. No more baby steps. This is it. He greets Tessa. She tells us that she really enjoyed getting to know his family. She is petrified today because this is her last opportunity to let Andy know how she feels. She knows she has a connection with Andy, so she has to let him know she is the one for him. They go horseback riding on the beach. They’ve never done that before. I have and it’s awesome. Andy says that riding along the beach with Tessa is so romantic. Tessa pretends that her horse is flirting with his horse. It’s sort of cute. They get a prepared beach picnic, but first swim in the ocean. They clown around for a bit. Then they get serious and have some smooch time while they watch the sun set. Tessa says she’s excited but she’s also nervous. She thinks they should just enjoy the evening and live it to the fullest, as if there were no tomorrow. He tells her that he has so much fun with her. She makes him smile. He makes her happy. When she is with him, it feels “just right.” There is also a feeling of absolute excitement and giddiness. Andy mentions that he has a big decision to make. She knows. He says that some of the greatest things in life involve risk. Tessa tells us that how she is feeling is not the easiest thing to verbalize. She’s never been with someone and thought she wanted to spend her life with them. It takes a lot for her to get to that point. Today is make or break. Time for the evening portion of the date. Tessa is lighting candles in her villa. She’s so scared. She doesn’t want to leave with a broken heart. She is confident that Andy cares about her, but she doesn’t feel like he’s definitely going to pick her. Tonight, she needs to push herself and put it out there. Tessa has ordered them some food. They have drinks. Andy asks her what scares her. She says a lot scares her. The unknown. Being here is scary because she doesn’t know what the end is going to be. Andy reminds her that sometimes big things in life involve great risk. She came on the journey and got to know him and who he is. It means a lot to him. It means a lot to her that he took the risk to meet her here too. Tessa says the experience is about taking the risk and really going for it. (Enough with the word risk!) She admits that she has been hot and cold during the whole process. Now, she is in love with Andy and she needs to let him know how she feels. She also produces a gift bag for Andy. The note is sweet and basically says that she doesn’t want to go back to her life the way it was before Andy. He is very touched and kisses her. Tessa tells Andy it’s been very hard for her to tell him how she feels. She got a chance to get to know him. She had to stay and keep the faith. She has found herself falling in love with him. She didn’t expect that, but she can’t go into tomorrow without him knowing how much she means that. It’s real to her. It’s not something she could say if she didn’t feel it. She can’t pretend. She wants to be here tomorrow, she wants to stay with him. Andy says, “I love you, Tessa Horst.” To hear those words from her means so much to him. Andy opens the gift in the gift bag. It’s a picture collage. It’s a combination of conversations they’ve had, things they have in common, and dates they’ve been on. She thought it was more meaningful than buying something. He notices how much hard work she had to put into the picture collage. She says he is worth it. Tessa tells us that if Andy proposes to her tomorrow, she will say yes. Andy tells us that he has been waiting for that connection to happen with Tessa. It was everything he wanted and more. It’s the big day. Andy says that when he woke up, he was a wreck. He is still confused about who to pick. He has to choose between two of the most incredible women he’s ever met in his life. Two women that he thinks he is in love with. He feels potential with Tessa. She is a woman who is so refined, sophisticated, and versatile. He can really see her by his side in any situation. He has a connection with Bevin. It’s amazing and unlike anything he has ever felt before. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. It’s one of her greatest qualities. He goes for a run to figure things out. He gets really emotional. We see him sitting and holding his head in his hands. He says he’s not sure what he is going to do. Tessa can’t believe that today is finally here. She wasted a lot of time in the beginning because she was so closed off. On her hometown visit, she realized that she was falling in love with Andy. In the end, she wants to be here and engaged to him. She hopes those moments she wasted can be made up for by coming around in the end. Bevin says it’s completely crazy that today is the last day. She came into this experience without any expectations. She found a man who she completely adores and loves. She wants to spend the rest of her life with him and create a family. That goes beyond her wildest dreams. She is definitely in love. It’s hard to believe she could become engaged today. If he does propose, there is no way in hell she is turning that away. Andy goes shopping for an engagement ring. He looks at an emerald cut diamond ring, then a cushion cut ring. It has a more antique feel. Then, the sales lady pulls out the big guns and opens a box with a round cut diamond. Apparently, nothing gives you more brilliance than a round cut diamond. Andy thinks it’s so simple, yet elegant. He likes the round cut. The sales lady says it’s a good selection. Andy goes over the women one more time. Tessa took a while to really commit to the journey, but she came around and it took off. Bevin has shown him non-stop that she loves him. He’s thought a lot about it and after racking his brain, listening to his heart, he knows what he is going to do. He hopes he made the right decision. Tessa tells us that it’s really hard for her, now, after telling him about loving him. She gets choked up talking about it. It was the way she was feeling, but at the same time, it makes her so scared that she said it. Bevin tells us that it’s been an emotional roller coaster, because she is letting go and letting her heart do the talking. It’s hard to know that she could be walking away from him if he doesn’t choose her. Up rolls the white limo carrying our bachelor. He gets out and gets ready to do this. He says the journey has changed his life more than anyone could realize. Very soon, he is going to be so happy, so full of joy, and hopefully engaged to a woman who is a dream come true for him. Finally, finally, finally, it appears to be time. The first limo brings us Bevin. Chris escorts her to where Andy is waiting. Andy tells her that she is so beautiful. Their connection is electric, like he’s never felt before. She has so much courage and strength. He knows that she really put herself out there. He loves her too. He wishes he could show her how much he feels about her. He starts getting weepy. Bevin realizes that this means bad news. She looks crushed for about 10 seconds before she starts crying. He wants her to know that this is not a rejection, at all, but there is somebody that has touched his heart deeper. Andy consoles Bevin and wipes her tears away. He tells her it’s such a privilege to have felt the way he felt about her. She is beyond amazing. I wish he would just shut up and let her go. This has got to be hard enough. I’m sorry, Bevin. I know you are totally crushed, girl. Okay, so I was totally wrong about Bevin. I really thought those two kids had something special, but I’m not disappointed. As I mentioned earlier, I actually like Tessa more. She’ll always be my “muffin girl.” Before Bevin gets back in the limo, Andy lamely tells her that he will never forget her. In the limo, Bevin says she should have known how this was going to end. Andy doesn’t love her. She put everything on the line. She gave him her heart and he doesn’t want it. She thought he could be the one. She can’t believe he rejected her. She had no idea. She loved somebody and they don’t love her back. She would have loved to start a family with him. She thought fate brought them together. She thought they could have a future. Andy feels terrible. It’s so hard to say goodbye. He’s felt a strong connection with Bevin from the beginning, which later turned into great respect. He starts crying again. It’s sweet, and a little sad. Bevin is saying that she has to pick herself up and move on. It won’t kill her, but instead, make her stronger. She has to accept it. It happens to her all the time. The story of her life. She is sobbing. It’s a little on the dramatic side, but she is legitimately crushed. Andy has pulled himself together. He says he came on this journey to fall in love and find a lifelong partner. He found her. Tessa is a wish come true. He is so happy. The sky is the limit with Tessa. Anything is possible. “Muffin girl” arrives in the white limo and Chris escorts her to Andy. Andy tells her that she is beautiful, as she always is in blue. She is everything he was looking for, elegant, sophisticated, and up for anything. She makes him laugh until he gets side stitches. He feels like a king with a queen. He tells her that it’s just him and her. She cries as she realizes that he is saying he picked her. She says she’s so happy and so in love with him. She doesn’t have the words. Then Andy gets down on one knee. He’s always imagined this day and it’s beyond his wildest dreams. With that, he pops the question. Tessa says yes. They exchange “I love you”s and it’s pretty adorable. Oh yes, then he offers her the final rose. They can’t stop kissing each other. The music swells and that’s a wrap, folks. We close out the show with Tessa saying she was nervous and scared today, but she also felt like this was right and meant to be. Andy points out that she was nervous. During the compliments, she kept waiting for him to say, “but…” Heh. This is the last of the competition, but not the last we have heard from our bachelor, Andy Baldwin. Tuesday night is an “after the final rose” special. Our bachelor and his fiancé come to discuss their plans for the future and talk to the eliminated bachelorettes.