ABC/Craig Sjodin
Katie and Justin’s Pretend Wedding Vows
The July 12 episode kicked off on a romantic note, with Katie and Justin pretending to get married on their one-on-one. It was all in good fun, but things got rather serious when it came time for them to exchange their vows. After the 26-year-old painter promised to support the Bachelorette “through all of life’s ups and downs” and to do everything “to keep that infectious smile” on her face, Katie made an emotional vow in return. “I promise to always chase you, to cherish you, to protect you from this moment on,” she said. “You are the paint that colored my world.”
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Katie’s Vulnerability
After exchanging their vows, Katie and Justin’s date only got more emotional from there. During the dinner portion of their one-on-one, Katie shared that their pretend wedding affected her more than she originally thought because it reminded her that her late father won't be there to walk her down the aisle. She got even more open and honest with Justin when she revealed that shortly before her father’s death, she learned that he was not her biological dad.
Connor B.’s Emotional Exit
Hearts broke everywhere when Katie cut her date with Connor B. short. “The more I learn about you the more I realize just how great of a man you are,” she told the 29-year-old math teacher. But after feeling no spark when they kissed, Katie knew she had to send him home. “The song you wrote me, that meant the world to me, she said before breaking down and telling Connor that she couldn’t even bear to look at him. “It’s OK,” he said, wiping away her tears. “I know where this is going. It’s OK. It is. It’s OK.” Spoiler alert: It was not OK.
The Guys’ Reactions To Connor B.’s Exit
Katie and Connor weren’t the only ones who shared a tearful goodbye. After his heartbreaking chat with Katie, Connor went back to say goodbye to the remaining men. “To watch Connor walk in in tears, man, I’m shook right now,” Tre said before breaking down. “I know the guy’s heart. He’s such a good guy.” All of the other guys seemed to feel the same. “I admire you and I do want to be more like you,” Aaron admitted.
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Blake’s Surprise
Although Blake was on the group date, he managed to get some intimate one-on-one time with Katie immediately after Connor B. left. When Connor went back to say his goodbyes to the remaining contestants, Blake showed up below Katie’s balcony playing the song they danced to on their one-on-one from last week. “I had no idea how romantic he could be,” Katie confessed. “When I’m with Blake I don’t think about anything else except him and I.” Later, she spoke of their “overflowing passion.” “There’s this undeniable chemistry,” she said. “With Blake, this is what I’m looking for.”
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Blake’s Bold Statement
After Blake made his bold move, he made an equally bold statement while leaving Katie’s place. On his walk back, he revealed that he thinks he’s going to marry Katie someday. “I’m certain that I’m falling for Katie and she’s falling for me too,” he admitted. “It’s impossible to deny that Katie and I are going to fall in love. It’s so exciting to think that that’s gonna happen, and it’s going to happen soon. I feel like Katie’s going to be my fiancée.”
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Tre’s Elimination
Four men got eliminated this week, but one particular elimination hit longtime fans of the franchise harder than most. “Mom and Dad, I’m the same kid you raised. Grew a little bit, got hurt,” Tre told the cameras after failing to receive a rose during the rose ceremony. “It’s been a beautiful journey. I learned a lot. I’m never going to forget Katie.” Here’s hoping he’ll show up in paradise!