The journey to find love is nearing its end for Mel Owens on The Golden Bachelor. The former NFL player traveled to the Caribbean with his final two contestants, Cindy Cullers and Peg Munson, for the pivotal overnight Fantasy Suite dates. The episode, which aired on November 5, 2025, showed Mel facing his fears and having crucial private conversations, all leading up to a finale filled with unexpected turns.
The Final Two Women
Mel’s journey began with 23 women but is now down to two very different finalists.
Cindy Cullers is a 60-year-old retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas. Throughout the season, she has been open about her growing feelings for Mel. During their date in Antigua, she confessed, “I’m falling for him. I’m so ready. I could be engaged at the end of this week.”
Peg Munson is a 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb tech from Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for her high energy and tough exterior, Peg has been more guarded with her emotions. However, she also shared that she would be open to an engagement if Mel felt the same way about her.
Mel’s Fantasy Suite Week with Peg
Peg’s date with Mel started with a dune buggy adventure across the island. Peg, preferring to take control, ended up driving after Mel drove too slowly for her liking. The fun, energetic date helped Mel see her spirited side.
Their connection deepened over a romantic, candlelit dinner on the beach. Mel opened up to Peg, telling her, “I love being around you, I love the way you talk to me, I love how you make me feel.” He then gave her a letter inviting her to stay the night in the Fantasy Suite, which she accepted.
The next morning, both seemed transformed. Mel appeared more relaxed and happy, noting that the night “exceeded my expectations.” He said, “Peg and I connected on a whole bunch of different levels… I have a better understanding of who she is, and we’re quite compatible.” Peg stated that all of her concerns were answered and that Mel showed her he could be open and vulnerable.
Mel’s Fantasy Suite Week with Cindy
Cindy’s final date involved a trip to Stingray Bay to swim with stingrays. Mel was visibly nervous, admitting, “I’m not really a stingray type of guy.” Cindy helped guide and comfort him, and he later credited her with giving him the confidence to try the experience.
Despite the romantic setting, their dinner conversation took a more serious turn. Cindy, seeking clarity on their future, expressed frustration that Mel was being guarded with his feelings. He acknowledged the difficulty of having two women to choose from, telling her, “I can’t sit here and tell you that we’re gonna be happily ever after if there’s another person.”
Cindy was left questioning his intentions, wondering if his inability to open up meant he had a stronger connection with Peg. The episode ended on a cliffhanger, not showing whether Cindy accepted the Fantasy Suite invitation or how their overnight conversation unfolded.
Mel’s Guarded Heart
Host Jesse Palmer spoke with Mel about his reluctance to express his feelings. Mel explained that he does not take the word “love” lightly.
“Love is not a word I use often. I’ve only been in love one time, and I got my heart broken. I won’t tell someone I love them again, just to say it,” Mel told Jesse Palmer.
He acknowledged that his feelings for both women were on a “very emotional and deeper level” and that he knew he had to show them this week.
What to Expect in the Finale
The season finale and “After the Final Rose” special will air on November 12, 2025. According to spoilers from the reliable source Reality Steve, Mel gets engaged to Peg at the end of the season. If the spoiler is correct, Cindy would be the runner-up. There is speculation that, sensing Mel’s heart was elsewhere, Cindy may have chosen to self-eliminate before the final ceremony.
In a recent interview, Mel teased that the finale is filled with “twists and turns” and that “the fireworks aren’t what you think they are.” He also shared insights into his final two, noting that Peg was initially “closed off and really a difficult person to get to know,” while Cindy was more openly affectionate.
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