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    The Bachelorette Recap

    Dallas lawyer finds true love on season finale of The Bachelorette, but will it last?

    Kaitlin Steinberg
    Aug 7, 2017 | 10:01 pm
    Bachelorette finale starring Rachel Lindsay
    This finale felt weirdly anticlimactic.
    Photo courtesy of ABC

    Well, we did it, you guys. We made it to the end of this season, and all that stands between us and drinking wine in peace on Monday nights once again is this freaking three-hour live finale.

    Why have they chosen to do a three-hour finale complete with a live studio audience? I have no idea. But buckle up, 'cause here goes.

    Chris Harrison welcomes Rachel to the stage to watch the finale with him and the audience and discuss it in real time. He notes that all three of the final guys are there tonight, 'cause they might as well make this season as awkward for Rachel as possible. He promises a night full of “drama and surprises.” Like we’ve never heard that before, Chris.

    We begin where we left off two weeks ago: with Peter explaining that he might not be ready to propose because a proposal means marriage, and Rachel breaking down, because a proposal evidently means something different to her. I still don’t get why this smart, level-headed woman is so set on getting a proposal after just a couple of months of dating this guy (and multiple other men). Rachel. He loves you. Let that be enough.

    She’s worried that commitment-phobic Peter might be holding himself back, and she thinks maybe he just needs more time to talk with her. Cue the invitation to the fantasy suite. I don’t think it’s supposed to be used for talking, but whatever gets you all hot and bothered, girl.

    The next morning, all seems to be well between Peter and Rachel, and it’s nice to see her without her massive fake eyelashes on. Evidently, they weren’t able to agree about the whole “to propose or not to propose” thing, but Rachel is starting to feel like she could possibly pick someone who isn’t ready to commit to marriage.

    But there isn’t much time to bask in Peter’s glow before we meet up with Bryan outside of a vineyard. (In case you forgot, we’re still in the Rioja region of Spain.) The couple saddles up on horses and rides off into the sunset. Just kidding, they ride over to a covered picnic area in the middle of the vineyards for some wine. They’re having a lovely, romantic afternoon, but Rachel is still thinking about Peter, who, she says, “messed with my mind.”

    At dinner, Bryan admits that he felt the date was a little off because Rachel had some weird energy. He’s worried that it might be all in his head, but Rachel assures him that it’s not and also that she kind of likes that he’s able to pick up on how she’s feeling. She offers him the fantasy suite card, and he accepts immediately. Bryan says he is 100 percent gung ho and ready to propose.

    While sitting with Chris and the studio audience, Rachel says that the overnight dates were very important, because they allowed her to ask the big questions ... you know, about health insurance and credit scores and whatnot. Good job, lawyer Rachel.

    After their overnight date, Rachel bids farewell to Bryan, and then she has to decide who she’s going to bid farewell to for good. Also, she’s wearing the only ugly dress I’ve seen her in all season. It was bound to happen.

    At the beginning of the rose ceremony, Rachel reiterates that she is here for one reason and one reason only: a rock on her damn finger. She calls Bryan’s name first, followed by Peter, which leaves Eric headed home alone on a plane from Spain. Rachel tells Eric that, while she does love him, she isn’t in love with him. He says, “Truth be told, I will always love you.” That’s sweet and all, but I highly doubt that.

    When Rachel sees her breakup with Eric played back, she gets a little emotional and admits she thought at the time that she might have been making a mistake. She also admits that she was legitimately staring at Peter during the rose ceremony when she told the men that she wanted a freaking proposal.

    But before we get back to the show and find out who Rachel picked, Chris brings Eric out to chat with Rachel and the audience. He asks Rachel how her heart is and if she’s happy. She asks him if he’s happy. They are both happy. Eric does reveal that he was very surprised to go home, though, because he fell in love for the first time and was totally ready to propose (and, in case you forgot, Peter wasn’t). Eric says now that he’s fallen in love, he’s no longer a boy — he’s a man.

    On her final date with Bryan, Rachel takes the hunky chiropractor on a hot air balloon ride, even though both of them are scared of heights. Qué romántico! Later, Bryan tells her he would be the most heartbroken he has ever been in his life if she doesn’t pick him. He also gives her a customized Spanish-English dictionary to help in their life together moving forward (if you recall, he’s Colombian). Okay, Peter, your move.

    Rachel and Peter explore a monastery filled with beautiful mosaics, but Peter is worried about how Rachel totally called him out at the last rose ceremony by looking him dead in the eye when she uttered the word “proposal.” The couple receives guidance from a Spanish monk, because celibate guys always give the best marriage advice.

    Later, the discussion returns to proposals, and Peter reiterates that he only wants to propose once, which is why he’s so hesitant to commit.

    “The hard part is, for me, deciding if this person I care about is someone who I love and see as the one and only for the rest of my life,” he tells her. “Yeah, you definitely need to figure that out,” replies Rachel, who is clearly upset that he isn’t totally sold on her yet. To be fair, he is sort of sending mixed messages, because just a moment before, he’d been talking about how much he was looking forward to future football games and farmers market outings with her.

    That evening, Rachel spends some time at Peter’s hotel room with the goal of “finding out where he stands.” He tells her that he is in love with her, but that the feelings are recent. “I don’t feel that I am ready to ask you to marry me tomorrow,” he says, “but I don’t want to stop being with you.”

    Well, there you have it. She’s picking Bryan. Game over.

    Okay, okay, maybe not. She asks Peter what guarantee he can give her that they will someday move past just dating to marriage. He can’t tell her that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her at this point, but he asks her to consider their relationship overnight. Rachel asks him what could possibly change overnight. Suddenly, Peter starts saying that he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her, and Rachel isn’t into that because she wants him to want to propose.

    Finally, Rachel says, “I can’t do tomorrow if you tell me you just want to be my boyfriend.”

    “Then I can do nothing but wish you the very best,” Peter replies.

    Okay, now it’s game over.

    Peter tells Rachel that if she changes her mind, she knows where she can find him. Then they kiss, and Peter tells Rachel he loves her. She says she loves him, too. Wait, I’m so confused. Did they just break up or not?

    Rachel walks away, leaving Peter’s sweater stained with her tears and face glitter.

    And now we’re live in the studio with Chris again, and Rachel is clearly very uncomfortable. “I cried my eyelashes off,” she admits. Then Chris says that Peter is there to talk to Rachel “for the first time since their devastating breakup.” So there you have it, folks. That was a breakup, and since Rachel revealed long ago that she is happily engaged, we have to assume she ended up with Bryan. This feels weirdly anticlimactic.

    Peter comes out, clearly still shaken by the breakup. They both acknowledge that there isn’t really anything that either of them could have done differently. Rachel says she appreciates that Peter was true to himself. She also doesn’t think this “process” is right for him, so maybe he won’t be the next Bachelor (which means I won’t be applying).

    Rachel starts getting a little sassy, which makes Peter emotional. He admits he feels a little attacked and that he also still has feelings for Rachel. He does say that he has no regrets about how the night of their breakup was handled, though. He also reveals that he tried to reach out to Rachel after that night, and that she said no.

    Whew. That was hard to watch.

    Now we’re back in Spain, and Rachel is standing atop a windy cliff, ready to meet Bryan, who is the only man left standing. The producers clearly didn’t know it was gonna be this windy. That noise in the mics is really distracting.

    Anyway, Bryan is saying all the sweet things, and Rachel responds that she has never been more confused than she was this week. Her relationships have always been complicated, which is why she was afraid of her instant connection with Bryan. But, she says, when she looks at him, she sees forever. She loves him, and she’s in love with him, and they kiss.

    When he gets down on one knee, she squeals like a little girl, jumps up and down, and talks about how pretty the ring is. And I lost a lot of respect for her. We thought she wanted love, but girlfriend clearly just wanted a ring. I mean, I guess it comes with love, too, and we have to remember exactly what show we’re watching, but this is a little disappointing from someone who seemed so level-headed throughout this whole season.

    Rachel and Bryan finally get to reunite in public, and Bryan re-proposes to Rachel, asking her to “re-marry” him, which prompted my mom to say, “Oh my god, they’re already married!” No, no, that was just a poor choice of words.

    They seem very happy, though. They haven’t decided if they’re going to live in Miami or Dallas ... or Los Angeles? And they haven’t picked a wedding date, but they’re aiming for the winter. And they’re still very much in love.

    I give it six months.

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    These are the 15 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Dec 10, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Craig Biggio
    Photo courtesy of Craig Biggio
    Craig Biggio is celebrating his 60th birthday on Thursday.

    With Christmas season in full swing, Houstonians have the opportunity to attend many joyous events, including holiday markets, theater shows, and Lights in the Heights.

    The stunning new Ismaili Center makes its debut, and Astros legend Craig Biggio will celebrate his 60th birthday. Record collectors have two opportunities to search for treasures. Without further ado, here are this weekend’s best events:

    Thursday, December 11

    Lindsey Leigh Jewelry presents Sparkle Market 2025
    Lindsey Leigh Jewelry announces the return of its beloved Sparkle Market — a three-day holiday shopping event that celebrates community, creativity, and all things that shine. This year’s Sparkle Market promises an unforgettable experience, filled with local vendors and plenty of holiday cheer. Before the shopping on Friday and Saturday, it starts with a ticketed VIP night, where guests will enjoy first access to all vendors, cocktails, light bites, and exclusive swag bags. 5 pm (10 am Friday and Saturday).

    Marriott Marquis Houston presents Craig Biggio's 60th Birthday Bash
    Marriott Marquis Houston will present an evening celebrating Houston's legendary Craig Biggio with the man himself. Guests can enjoy a night filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories as they raise a glass with Biggio. There will be appetizers, drinks, and a bourbon tasting. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Sunshine Kids, one of Biggio’s favorite charities, dedicated to bringing joy to children with cancer. 6:30 pm.

    Houston Symphony presents "Very Merry Pops"
    Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns with performances by Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a merry chorus. Houston’s treasured holiday tradition continues to deliver magical holiday cheer, 26 years and counting. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

    Friday, December 12

    Queensbury Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
    The classic animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. First staged two years ago at Queensbury, the show will welcome several cast members back for this production, including Marco Camacho as Charlie, Austin Colburn as Linus, and Lauren Salazar as Lucy. Through Sunday, December 21. 7 pm (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

    Punch Line Houston presents Bob The Drag Queen
    The alter ego of non-binary comic/actor Caldwell Tidicue, Bob The Drag Queen won the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar'' on season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Through her work on We’re Here, HBO’s first unscripted show, Bob has been awarded a Peabody Award, GLAAD Media Award, and a Television Academy Honors recognition. She also won a Queerty Award as well as another GLAAD Media Award for the podcast Sibling Rivalry, which she co-hosts with Monet X Change. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm Saturday).

    Theatre Under the Stars presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
    Inspired by the iconic 1954 film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a dazzling Broadway musical packed with show-stopping numbers, heartwarming romance, and timeless holiday cheer. Two charismatic army buddies turned song-and-dance sensations team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a Vermont inn - and find love along the way. The production features Berlin’s unforgettable classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the show-stopping “White Christmas.” Through December 24. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, December 13

    Coma Salon and Team Savage presents Autry Park Holiday Toy Drive & Car Showcase
    Coma Salon will host a holiday toy drive/Coffee & Cars event at Autry Park Plaza. More than 70 luxury and exotic cars will be on display, with appearances from fan-favorite Houston car collective Team Savage, known for its high-performance vehicles and community engagement. In lieu of purchasing tickets, guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped toy donations, all of which will be delivered to The JuCan Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children battling cancer at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. 8 am.

    Ismaili Center Public Opening Event
    The Ismaili Center, Houston officially opens its doors with a day of family-friendly programming and cultural experiences. Guests can explore levels 1-3 of the 150,000-square-foot center, where they will experience dance performances, live music, art installations and other cultural activities. Guides will be stationed throughout to share more information about the Center’s architecture, spaces and cultural significance. Visitors will enjoy exploring the nine acres of gardens and culinary delights from local food trucks and a hot chocolate bar. 9 am.

    The Union Kitchen presents Santa Brunch
    The Union Kitchen is hosting a Santa Brunch at all five Houston-area locations. Guests can enjoy seasonal holiday dishes and the full brunch menu as well as receive complimentary photos with Santa from 11 am – 1 pm. Additionally, Houstonians can bring unwrapped new toys and Walmart, Target, or Amazon gift cards to any location to benefit Casa de Esperanza. It’s the perfect way for Houstonians to enjoy a magical holiday morning while also giving back to local children in need. Through Thursday, January 1. 10 am.

    OMG! Burger Galleria Location Grand Opening Celebration
    Family-owned burger brand OMG! Burger will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location, right in the heart of the Galleria. The Westheimer location will kick off with special promotions, including complimentary smash burgers for the first fifty customers; 50% off orders from 11 am to 3 pm & 6 pm until sell-out; and raffle giveaways throughout the day, with OMG! Burger gift cards ranging from $5 to $100. 11 am.

    Creo presents Lights in the Heights Warmup
    Join creative wellness space Creo for its Lights in the Heights neighborhood warm up! They’ll have wine tasting room everywine pouring glasses of their favorite selects, plus take away bottle packages to ensure the lights aren't the only thing that’s lit. They’ll also have a courtyard full of local makers, food, matcha, and a live set from Ruckus. Creo will also have 10% off every purchase from their mercantile. 3 pm.

    Sunday, December 14

    Houston Record Convention and Houston Record Swap
    You have two opportunities this weekend to attend a wall-to-wall record market and get some last-minute LP gifts for you and/or those vinylheads in your life. You can start your morning by heading to GSH Event Center for the last Houston Record Convention of the year. Later in the afternoon, you can bounce over to Axelrad Beer Garden for its last Houston Record Swap of the year. Either way, you are certain to find the licorice pizza you’ve been looking for. 10 am and 2 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Studio Ghibli Anime Favorites
    The MFAH will be showing two classic Hayao Miyazaki adventures – in glorious 35mm! First up is Spirited Away, the 2001 fantasy masterwork that won the second Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This will be followed by Kiki’s Delivery Service, the 1989 coming-of-age story about a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. 2 and 6 pm.

    I’ll Have What She’s Having presents Good Soup Cook Off
    The local nonprofit that’s focused on improving health care access for hospitality workers will hold a soup cook off at Axelrad Beer Garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite creation from more than a dozen contestants. A panel of judges will also pick its own winner. 6:30 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents The Magic Before Christmas – A Holiday Magic Show
    Join Dave and Jake Rangel, Houston’s favorite father-and-son magic duo, as they weave illusion, laughter, and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable evening that captures the true spirit of the season. Expect miracles wrapped in mistletoe, mind-reading beneath the lamplight, and the warmth of candlelit tales that remind us all to “honor Christmas in your heart and try to keep it all the year.” 7:30 pm.



    10 things to know about America's first Ismaili Center opening in Houston

    Craig Biggio
    Photo courtesy of Craig Biggio

    Craig Biggio is celebrating his 60th birthday on Thursday.

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