NEW YORK -- This week, it was time for Matt our "Bachelor" to get down to business and start going on some dates so he could figure out if one of these women is his future wife. It kicked off with Matt taking a shower because this is "The Bachelor." Chris Harrison welcomed the women to the hotel and said that there would be two one-on-one dates and only one group date. The issue? That meant that not all of the ladies would be getting a date this week. Ouch.
One-on-One Date with Bri
After the ride, they arrived at a wood-fired hot tub. They stripped down and Bri didn't hate the view. She called him, "The most gorgeous man I've ever seen." Then he chopped some wood for the hot tub's fire. They sipped on some champagne and enjoyed some time to chat. They laughed about falling off the ATV, and overall, they seemed comfortable together. He seemed a bit nervous, but eventually, Matt went in for the kiss.
Group Date
During the cocktail portion of the group date, Lauren told Matt that the date that day was exhausting but it made her feel like a kid again. She said that she wants a man of faith. She is very sincere. Matt said that he grew up in the church and he said that he wants the same things she does.
Jessenia told Matt that she's dealt with a lot of infidelity in her past relationships but she's ready to find her rock and make a connection. Matt said that he would never cheat on his wife and they shared a passionate kiss.
Matt told Victoria that he was impressed with her efforts during the game. She told him that she's human and has her own insecurities. He told her that she looked great and he often feels like he doesn't have it all together as well. Matt told her that he wants to challenge her to be who she really is. He then said, "Can I take you back upstairs?" to where the other women were waiting. She said, "Can I have a kiss first?" He said yes, but really, what could he say?!
Suddenly, he grabbed the date rose and asked Lauren to go talk again. He told her that he was so glad that they got to talk and he liked that they share such similar values. She happily accepted the rose and sealed it with a kiss.
One-on-One Date with Sarah
That evening, Sarah told Matt that it's hard to talk about her dad because she's so private. She then told him that while she was in college they noticed that something was wrong with her father and that he was diagnosed with ALS. She said that it has been 5 years, so he's surpassed the doctor's expectations, but it's unimaginable watching him lose the ability to walk and speak. She shared that she quit her job anchoring and reporting the news to help be a caregiver to him. Sarah said that her dad did her hair as a little girl and now she's reciprocating that. Matt told her that he can't imagine what she's going through, but said that he's always leaned on his faith and he will be praying for her father and her family. He thinks she's incredibly selfless. Matt said it was an honor that she gave up time with her father to be there to date him. Sarah said her dad just wants her to find love, and she really wanted to meet Matt. Then Matt asked her what he could do to show her that could be the right guy for her. Wow. She told him she just wants him to be real and continue to reveal more of himself. With that, he offered her the date rose. She accepted and they kissed! They moved their date into the pool (or was it a large hot tub) and kissed some more.
Cocktail Party
Matt spoke to Abigail first since they didn't get to spend very much time together on the group date. She told him that if she plays with her earring it would be a code to him that she's thinking of him. He thought she was so cute.
Rachael told Matt that she knows that there's something there with him. Matt said, "Did you see me locking eyes with you? There is, there is!" in regard to a real connection.
Marylynn asked him why she didn't get a date that week and he said just because she wasn't on a date, it didn't mean that he wasn't thinking of her. He then took out some orchids that he got for her because she mentioned that she liked orchids. She was suddenly on cloud 9. The other women were really jealous, especially Victoria. Victoria said that Marylynn is "toxic."
Victoria pulled Matt aside to talk about Marylynn. She said that Marylynn was her roommate but she cries, manipulates situations, and caused her to sleep on the couch. Matt said that he had no idea that was going on and apologized. He asked if she's tried talking to Marylynn, but Victoria said no because Marylynn is "so toxic." "I'm not about bullying, that's whack," Matt said.
Rose Ceremony
1) Bri (one-on-one date rose)
2) Lauren (group date rose)
3) Sarah (one-on-one rose)
4) Pieper
5) Kit
6) Magi
7) Rachael
8) Abigail
9) Chelsea
10) Jessenia
11) Katie
12) Serena C.
Suddenly, Sarah got woozy. She started crying and said, "I'm seeing stars." Maybe it was just too long of a day for her? Maybe not enough water? Matt was concerned and rushed over as a producer helped her.
There are still roses to be given out, and the rose ceremony wasn't over, but Sarah was having a medical situation. So, the rest of it ceremony was put on hold. It's "to be continued" next week.
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