In the latest episode of The Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos navigates the emotional rollercoaster of hometown dates with her final four suitors: Chock, Guy, Jordan, and Pascal. After saying difficult goodbyes, Joan, 61, met the families of her remaining men on October 23, revealing both her excitement and apprehensions about her journey toward love.
Guy’s Hometown: A Nervous Connection
Joan’s first stop was Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where she spent time with Guy, 66, an ER doctor. The day started with a picturesque boat ride and a heartfelt wish made on the lake, a cherished tradition for Guy. As they enjoyed lakeside snacks and champagne, Guy expressed his fears about vulnerability. “At times, I’m afraid to tell Joan how I feel because it could all end suddenly,” he confessed.
Despite his hesitations, Guy admitted to Joan, “The prize at the end is worth taking any risk.” Joan, too, grappled with feelings of guilt regarding her late husband, John, while trying to open her heart again. “I deserve to have love, but letting go of John a little bit is still hard for me,” she explained.
The connection between Joan and Guy blossomed further during a family gathering, where she praised his caring nature, describing him as a “good listener.” Guy expressed his feelings by saying, “I’ve fallen for you big time,” leaving Joan feeling “way closer” to him by the end of their date.
Pascal’s Hometown: A Wall of Worry
Joan’s next stop was Pascal’s salon, where they enjoyed a fun, flirty atmosphere. Pascal, 69, conveyed his confidence about their connection, but Joan had lingering concerns. During a private conversation with Pascal’s daughter, she expressed her fear of unrequited love, saying, “My biggest fear is that I will pick him, and he won’t pick me too.”
Pascal’s daughter reassured Joan of her father’s feelings, adding, “I truly don’t think that he’s not going to pick you.” Yet, Joan couldn’t shake her worries about Pascal’s emotional barriers. “I have stronger feelings for him now than I did yesterday,” she admitted. “The fact that his walls are up makes me a little hesitant… I don’t want my heart to be broken.”
Jordan’s Hometown: Uncertainty Lingers
In Chicago, Jordan took Joan to his favorite deep-dish restaurant and a local bar for a shot of Jeppson’s Malört. During a family dinner, Joan shared a funny ice-skating story about Jordan’s epic fall, which delighted his family. However, Jordan, 61, remained noncommittal about the future. When asked about engagement, he admitted, “I’m not there yet,” which concerned Joan.
Feeling confused, Joan pondered, “I don’t think Jordan knows where he’s gonna be,” adding that she worries he may not be ready to commit. Their kiss at the end of the date left Joan wondering if she should take a leap of faith with him.
Chock’s Hometown: A Celebration of Connection
Joan ended her hometown journey in Wichita, Kansas, with Chock, 60. His family welcomed Joan warmly, and she felt a strong connection with him. During their time together, Chock acknowledged the journey he had been on since losing his wife, stating, “This is a celebration of life.” Joan reciprocated the sentiment, saying, “There is something real here. I see a future now.”
Chock expressed his feelings, admitting, “I’m falling. I am.” As they concluded their day, Joan reassured Chock, “Promise not to break my heart?” Their vulnerable moments solidified Joan’s bond with him, making it evident that their connection was deepening.
The Rose Ceremony: Tough Choices Ahead
As the rose ceremony approached, Joan felt uneasy about her relationships. She shared with host Jesse Palmer that she had the “deepest connection” with Chock but was unsure about her feelings for Jordan and Pascal, both of whom were hesitant to fully commit.
Ultimately, Joan decided to keep Guy, Chock, and Pascal, sending Jordan home. “Time is not our friend,” she noted as she said goodbye, highlighting the urgency of her emotional journey.
