The Bachelorette season 20 came to an end on Monday night with a dramatic and emotional finale. Charity Lawson, the 28-year-old pediatric nurse from Nashville, had to choose between two men who had captured her heart: Joey Graziadei, the 31-year-old firefighter from Chicago, and Dotun Olubeko, the 29-year-old software engineer from San Francisco.
Charity’s Family Meets the Final Two
Before making her final decision, Charity introduced both men to her family: her father David, her mother Vickie, and her sister Mia. Joey and Dotun both made a good impression on Charity’s family, but they had different opinions on who was better suited for her.
Joey charmed Charity’s family with his humor, sincerity, and confidence. He told them that he was in love with Charity and that he wanted to propose to her. He also had a candid conversation with Mia about the challenges of interracial dating and how he was ready to face them with Charity. Charity’s family praised Joey for his openness and honesty, and they felt that he was a perfect match for Charity.
Dotun impressed Charity’s family with his intelligence, kindness, and respect. He told them that he had fallen in love with Charity and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He also shared his Nigerian culture and heritage with them, and how he wanted to incorporate it into his future with Charity. Charity’s family appreciated Dotun’s culture and values, and they felt that he was a great guy for Charity.
However, when Charity asked her family for their advice, they leaned more towards Joey. They told her that Joey seemed more confident and ready for marriage, while Dotun seemed more reserved and unsure. They also said that Joey had a stronger connection and chemistry with Charity, while Dotun had a more friendship-like vibe with her. They assured Charity that they would support her no matter what, but they hoped that she would choose Joey.
Charity’s Final Dates with Joey and Dotun
Charity had one last date with each of the final two men before the proposal day. She wanted to use these dates to clear her doubts and find clarity in her heart.
She went on a helicopter ride with Joey over the beautiful islands of Fiji. They enjoyed the breathtaking views and kissed passionately in the air. They landed on a secluded beach where they had a picnic and talked about their future. Joey told Charity that he was ready to propose to her and that he wanted to start a family with her as soon as possible. He also gave her a gift: a necklace with a pendant that had their initials engraved on it. He said that it was a symbol of their love and commitment. Charity was touched by Joey’s gesture and told him that she loved him.
She went on a boat ride with Dotun along the crystal-clear waters of Fiji. They snorkeled among the colorful fishes and corals and had fun underwater. They docked on a private island where they had a romantic dinner and danced under the stars. Dotun told Charity that he was nervous about proposing to her, but that he was sure about his feelings for her. He also gave her a gift: a bracelet with beads that represented his Nigerian culture and heritage. He said that it was a way of sharing his identity and history with her. Charity was moved by Dotun’s gift and told him that she loved him.
Charity’s Final Decision
On the proposal day, both men met with Neil Lane, the famous jeweler who provided them with engagement rings. They both picked out rings that they thought would suit Charity’s personality and style.
Joey was the first one to arrive at the proposal site, where Charity was waiting for him in a stunning red dress. He walked up to her and poured out his heart in a heartfelt speech. He told her that she was the most amazing woman he had ever met, and that he wanted to make her happy for the rest of their lives. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
Charity looked at him with tears in her eyes and said: “Joey, you are incredible. You are everything I ever dreamed of in a partner. You make me laugh, you make me feel safe, you make me feel loved. But I have to be honest with you…and with myself. As much as I love you…I love someone else more.”
She then broke up with Joey and told him that she was sorry for hurting him. She said that he deserved someone who loved him as much as he loved them, and that she hoped he would find that person someday. Joey was devastated by Charity’s rejection and left the site in disbelief.
Dotun was the next one to arrive at the proposal site, where Charity was still crying from breaking up with Joey. He walked up to her and expressed his love in an emotional speech. He told her that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
Charity looked at him with a smile and said: “Dotun, you are amazing. You are everything I never knew I needed in a partner. You challenge me, you inspire me, you support me. You are my best friend, my soulmate, my true love. Yes, Dotun, I will marry you!”
She then accepted his proposal and put on the ring. They hugged and kissed and celebrated their engagement. Charity said that she was the happiest woman in the world and that she had found her perfect match in Dotun.
After the Final Rose
The Bachelorette season 20 finale was followed by a live special called “After the Final Rose”, where host Jesse Palmer interviewed Charity, Joey, and Dotun about their experiences on the show and their current status.
Joey came on stage first and said that he was still heartbroken by Charity’s decision, but that he respected her choice and wished her the best. He said that he had learned a lot from the show and that he was ready to move on and find love again.
Charity came on stage next and apologized to Joey for hurting him. She said that he was a wonderful man and that she had no regrets about their relationship. She said that she was grateful for their time together and that she hoped he would find his happiness.
Dotun came on stage last and joined Charity. They said that they were still engaged and very much in love. They said that they had been spending time together in Nashville and San Francisco, and that they were planning to move in together soon. They also said that they were looking forward to their wedding, which would be a fusion of their cultures and traditions.
Jesse Palmer congratulated them on their engagement and announced a surprise for them: they were invited to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 32, which would premiere in September 2023. Charity and Dotun were thrilled by the news and accepted the offer. They said that they were excited to show off their dance moves and have fun together on the show.
The Bachelorette season 20 finale ended with a montage of Charity and Dotun’s journey on the show, from their first meeting to their proposal. They thanked the fans for their support and said that they were looking forward to their future as a couple.
