The latest chapter of “Golden Bachelor” unfolded in New York, beginning with a heated exchange between Mel and Cindy. Cindy confronted Mel, seeking clarity on his feelings towards her. Stay tuned for more developments.

Rewinding to the start of Mel’s Fantasy Suite adventures in Antigua, we find him eager to embrace love. Faced with a challenging decision, Mel hopes that spending private time with each of the finalists will offer him the insight he needs.

Gina: Can we just take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking beaches of Antigua? Definitely adding that to my travel wish list!

On the sandy shores, Jesse greeted Mel, sporting equally relaxed footwear. Jesse questioned Mel’s disbelief at being so close to proposing to either Peg or Cindy. Mel admitted feeling fortunate and needed to pinch himself to believe his luck. Mel is enchanted by Cindy’s romantic nature and the significance she brings to every moment. On the other hand, Peg’s vibrant energy and confidence appeal to his love for being challenged.

Mel expressed his concern about using the word “love” too freely, fearing accusations of indecisiveness. Jesse encouraged him to be open with his feelings, a nudge Mel seemed to consider. Mel intends to let intimacy evolve naturally, choosing not to force any situations. “It’s now or never,” he declared, contemplating revealing his emotions. While Peg seemed thrilled, Cindy approached the situation with a more serious demeanor.

Gina: I’m with Jesse on this one. Mel, it’s time to share your true feelings!

Peg’s Fantasy Suite Date

Peg was up first and met Mel in a field where he drove up in a dune buggy. They drove all over but Peg was making fun of the fact that he was driving it so slowly. He was out for a Sunday drive in that dune buggy. They switched seats and Peg was ready to put the pedal to the metal. She took off blazing and Mel hung on for dear life! He said he wasn’t really afraid because he knows Peg is all about safety. He thinks she is gorgeous with her curly hair. Mel is really falling for her!

Gina: The juxtaposition of how they each drove those ATVs really tells you everything you need to know!

Once they were done driving, they popped some bubbly and took the view while talking about his hometown visit with her family. Peg is scared of getting her heart broken because her ex cheated on her. She said that she is excited and hopeful about their relationship. She asked him how he was feeling and he gave her a one word answer, “good.” Then he changed the subject to the dune buggy.

That evening, they danced to a steel drum band and seemed to have a very natural time together. They sat down for dinner, and to have a more serious discussion. Mel told Peg that he feels lucky she’s there and Peg said that she could see them working well together and she really wasn’t expecting that. Mel told her, “I feel it, I feel it for sure.” She added that she never thought she would want to get married, but now it could be, “kind of cool.” Peg said that he would have to sign a prenup because, “You’re not getting my $*it.” Mel professed his “like” for Peg, but he couldn’t say it. There was a strike of lightning, a huge boom of thunder, and with that Mel said he wanted to explore things further with Peg. He offered her the fantasy suite and she said, “I think yes!”

The room was beautiful, had scattered rose petals, candles, and champagne waiting. They toasted each other and Mel said that he’s hoping to understand her a little bit better. One thing is for sure – he thinks that Peg loves him. They sent the camera crews away so they could have some alone time!

The next day, Mel joked with Peg, “Why did you go to bed so early last night?” But clearly they had a late night. They were holding hands and laughing. It seemed like they really had a wonderful night. Mel served Peg some breakfast in bed and they talked about how they figured out their lives together and “filled in the gaps.” Peg felt that Mel was able to let his guard down finally. They keep talking about how much they “like” each other ha, so high school! Maybe in that good Taylor Swift, “So High School” way, not in the immature way. Peg is keeping everything in perspective though, she is well aware that Cindy is still in the picture.

Gina: They definitely looked very comfortable with each other the morning after. It was nice to see Peg say Mel let down his guard. We certainly haven’t seen much of that, so at least his potential mates are seeing it.

Cindy’s Fantasy Suite Date

Cindy revealed that she keeps thinking about the fact that when Mel isn’t with her, he’s probably with Peg. She is hoping to get some clarity because she said she keeps picturing him down on one knee for her.

Mel drove up to Cindy at the resort and picked her up for a drive in a Jeep to a boat! Mel told Cindy that they would be swimming with stingrays. He asked her if she had done it before and she had! She said they are like puppies and that Mel would love it. On the way there, they drank champagne as they let loose.

Gina: Look, we got through this whole season with no rappelling off buildings or bridges and no bungee jumping, so Mel should really just be thankful that swimming with stingrays was the “worst” thing he could have faced. Ha ha

Mel was a bit nervous when he saw how huge the stingrays were. The people who run the tour said that in 24 years they’ve never had anyone get stung. Cindy was surprised that he was nervous! She said first horses and now stingrays. She was hoping that the fact that she wasn’t afraid could encourage him to have fun. Mel stood there and said, “I’m not touching them.” He was freaking out silently. Eventually, they got Mel to touch one…but how was this fun for her? I feel like she has to mother him through these dates.

Gina: That’s a good way of putting it, Jen. Even the men handling the stingrays said, “it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity” and Mel just said, “I can imagine.” You don’t have to imagine, Mel. You can participate and actually enjoy yourself. This date felt like a metaphor for this whole season. It was happening around Mel and he’s letting it play out that way, only participating when he has to.

Back on the boat they talked about what a great time they had in her hometown. She was excited that her family got along with Mel so well. He then said, “But, it’s a process.” Cindy told Mel that she wants to get to know him better and he keeps giving her generic answers and says that they will. Cindy feels that if he doesn’t ask her serious questions on the evening part of their date, he’s not thinking of their future. They hopped back in the water and did some kissing!

During their dinner portion of the date, Cindy was going in as a woman in love. She is ready for a proposal. “My toes are on the edge,” she said. Now she just needs to make sure that Mel is on board. Mel and Cindy laughed about how afraid he was with the stingrays, but he thanked her for being there for him. Cindy pressed Mel on what he was thinking and who he might be leaning towards and he just said he’s still working things out in his head and his heart. “That’s the truth, but I love spending time with you, I love being with you,” Mel said. He likes so much about her, but he acknowledged that there is still another person, he said he’s not ready to say that he’s ready for happily ever after with her. He wants things to develop over time, despite Peg still being around, and said “who knows.” Cindy was wondering why he doesn’t have questions for her. “I feel like you haven’t felt free to share with me where you are, so what’s holding you back?” Cindy asked Mel. Cindy said that the chemistry with him is off the charts and Mel said that things just need time. Cindy wants a leap of faith and Mel does not.

Cindy asked Mel why he waited to get married the first time around and he said he just takes his time. He said when he got married he meant it. He more or less told Cindy he wasn’t sure what his timeframe would be for getting married. “I really like you a lot so where that’s going to head I don’t know,” Mel said. Cindy is trying to figure out if he just doesn’t want to get hurt or if he’s just not that into her. Cindy asked Mel, “So what do we do from here?” Mel said, “If there is a will, there’s a way.” “So that begs the question, is there a will?” Cindy asked. Wow.

Gina: A couple of thoughts and some questions here. Is Mel just too in his head about the actual “proposal” aspect of this process? Is he worried about leading these ladies on and then hurting someone and looking like a bad guy when he started this whole process off with bad press? It’s possible and it would be understandable. But as we have said so many times before with so many of these seasons, love is a risk. And you have to be willing to take said risks to really open your heart and find love.

Now, onto Cindy who brought up my point – this whole process IS a leap of faith. She was wondering if it was her. No, my dear. No. It isn’t you. You have been crystal clear on how you’ve felt through this entire process. He has not been clear, or at least we haven’t seen him be clear about anything. My heart hurts for her because I think we’ve all been in situations where we just want answers and it’s frustrating to get nothing in return.

Next Week

We’ve got a 2-hour season finale! Will it be Peg or Cindy? Mel’s sons are there to meet his final two women. We see Mel looking at rings and him chasing after someone saying, “I still want me and you.” I can’t wait to see how this all ends up!

Gina: Will we FINALLY get clarity on how Mel is feeling or if, as he put it, “it’s all gonna blow up.” We’ll find out next week!

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