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Did Tino and Rachel get engaged?


Rachel Recchia and Tino Franco captured Bachelor Nation’s hearts as the leads of The Bachelorette season 19. Their emotional journey ended in heartbreak, leaving fans wondering what happened between the once inseparable couple. Though their relationship status remains unclear, speculation is rife about whether Rachel and Tino got engaged during the season finale.

Rachel and Tino’s Relationship Timeline

Rachel, a 26-year-old flight instructor from Clermont, Florida, was named one of two Bachelorettes for season 19, alongside Gabby Windey. She immediately hit it off with Tino, a 28-year-old general contractor from Playa Del Rey, California, forming a strong connection early on.

First Impressions

Tino made a splash night one, stepping out of the limo wearing a white t-shirt with Rachel’s face ironed onto it. His bold fashion statement paid off, earning him Rachel’s first impression rose. Tino later said he “just knew” Rachel was the one after their first conversation.

Hometown Date

As their relationship progressed, Tino brought Rachel home to meet his family in California during the hometown dates episode. Rachel bonded with Tino’s parents, even sharing an emotional conversation with his mom about being ready for an engagement. Tino told Rachel he was “undoubtedly” falling in love with her.

Fantasy Suites

Heading into the fantasy suites week, Rachel said she was “crazy” about Tino and could see herself getting engaged to him. They spent a night together in the fantasy suite, which Rachel called “passionate” and said brought their relationship to “the next level.”

Final Two

After fantasy suites, Rachel narrow down the men to her final two: Tino and Aven Jones. Despite having strong feelings for both, she ultimately chose Tino to meet her family during the finale episode. Rachel eliminiated Aven, solidifying Tino as her top choice.

Signs Pointing Towards an Engagement

Several clues indicated Rachel likely accepted a proposal from Tino by the season’s end:

Strong Connection

Rachel and Tino had incredible chemistry from the start. She frequently gushed about their effortless romance, calling it the “fairytale” love story she came on the show to find. Their undeniable bond made Tino a clear frontrunner.

Family Approval

Rachel gained the approval of Tino’s family after the hometown date. Likewise, she spoke about wanting her own parents’ blessing before getting engaged. Meeting his loved ones – and earning their stamp of approval – was a big step.

Social Media Activity

Reality Steve, an infamous Bachelor spoiler blogger, noticed Rachel deleted nearly all photos of Tino from her Instagram prior to the finale airing. This could hint she was hiding their engagement.

Neil Lane Diamond

Custom jeweler Neil Lane makes rings for the lead to propose with during every Bachelor finale. His presence all but confirms an engagement takes place.

Clues Leaning Against an Engagement

However, some signs indicate Rachel may have walked away single:

Emotional Hometown Date

Though Rachel got along well with Tino’s family, their conversations brought up some issues. Tino’s dad expressed concern about the short timeline of the show, while his mom warned Rachel that Tino can be quick to anger. This could have raised red flags for Rachel.

Trouble in Mexico

The preview for the remainder of the season showed Rachel crying and questioning if she made the “wrong decision.” This meltdown happened during her and Tino’s final date in Mexico, likely indicating problems between the couple.

No Ring Photos

Rachel has posted Instagram photos wearing the black sweatshirt seen in finale previews, but no engagement ring is visible. If she’d accepted a proposal, she’d likely be sporting the ring.

Aven’s Return

Previews show Rachel’s eliminated suitor, Aven, coming back to meet her in Mexico, presumably to confess he still has feelings for her. His dramatic return could complicate her plans with Tino.

Theories on What Happened

With mixed signals regarding an engagement, fans have some theories on how Rachel and Tino’s journey ended:

They Got Engaged, Then Split

Rachel and Tino likely got caught up in the show bubble and got engaged in the finale. But after returning to normal life, they realized they weren’t compatible and called it quits post-filming.

No Proposal, Just Dating

Tino may have gotten cold feet about the engagement and asked Rachel if they could continue dating without the pressure of being engaged. This would allow them to build their relationship in the real world.

Messy Breakup in Mexico

Rachel may have broken up with Tino during their final date in Mexico after having doubts, leading to the dramatic crying scene teased in previews. His family’s warnings could have come back to haunt them.

She Chose Aven

Rachel might have turned down Tino’s proposal after Aven returned to confess his feelings. She may have broken off her relationship with Tino to explore things with Aven post-show.

Conclusion

Rachel and Tino’s current relationship status remains ambiguous. They appear to have left the show as a couple, but may not still be together now. Fans will have to tune in to the dramatic finale on September 20, 2022 to find out if Rachel and Tino got engaged and where they stand today. Their emotional ending illustrates the difficulties of finding lasting love on reality TV.

Signs Pointing Towards Engagement Clues Against Engagement
Strong initial connection Issues raised on hometown date
Family approval from both sides Mexico meltdown scene in preview
Rachel’s deleted IG photos with Tino No sight of engagement ring on Rachel’s Instagram
Neil Lane’s presence Aven’s dramatic return