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Before Matt James was tapped for “The Bachelor,” Rachel Linsday was the only black person to hold a title role. She was “The Bachelorette” in 2017.

USA TODAY

As the year draws to a close, so does this unprecedented season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” First, it’s time for fantasy suites. But will Tayshia really spend the night with each of her final three men?

Tayshia catches up with former “Bachelorette” JoJo Fletcher again and says there are positives to her remaining three men Zac, Brendan and Ivan. But she still has hesitations. 

The trio develops a strange, awkward dynamic during the episode – which makes sense since each is thinking about spending the night with Tayshia, and knows the others are, too.

Ivan’s date is first. His date card reads, “Our love is timeless.” 

What that actually means: They hop into ice baths in an attempt to beat a supposed  world record for longest, coldest kiss. (This record is currently 5 minutes and 16 seconds.) This would have been more fun to watch in the summer.

Tayshia and Ivan predictably beat the record (with an impressive 6 minutes and 35 seconds) after synchronizing their breathing and trusting each other to beat the cold.

A two-night special event kicks off with Tayshia ready to take her relationships with Brendan, Ivan and Zac to the next level in the fantasy suites. (Photo: Craig Sjodin, ABC)

Later, they reminisce about crying together. He tells her he started falling in love with her weeks ago, and that he could see this all working out. “I am undoubtedly falling in love with you right now,” he says. She says she’s been falling for him too.

They partake in the fantasy suite and spend the night in a dolled-up, romantic trailer, which surprised us with how cozy it looked. After staying up all night talking – and likely other shenanigans – Ivan says he could propose to her. Score!

In case you missed: ‘Bachelorette’ recap: Tayshia makes devastating cut after contestant won’t say ‘I love you’

Time to ‘explore’ Zac and Tayshia’s relationship

“Let’s explore each other,” Zac’s date card reads. Zac repeats the word “explore” so much that we grow annoyed.

We get less annoyed watching Zac and Tayshia on their date. They paint themselves – literally strip down and cover themselves in paint – and place handprints and otherwise roll around on a giant canvas. It’s sweet and looks fun. The most romantic thing: Their initials written in red paint with a heart around them.

Zac and Tayshia get their paint on. (Photo: Craig Sjodin, ABC)

Tayshia’s biggest hesitation is that she’s getting too caught up in the moment.

She later questions him about something his mom said: That he didn’t want kids. He explains this was more of a defense mechanism, but since coming on the show, he realized he wants them after all, and knows he’d be a good father and husband. Nice save, bud.

He also further commits to Tayshia and plainly says it: “I know that I love you.”

She says she loves him too, and has known this for awhile.  Uh, should we just wrap the show up right here?

Obviously, the couple also takes advantage of the fantasy suite and it seems to go well. They dance together on the bed the next morning.

Tayshia still thinks she could end up with any of the men, however.

This has been quite the season: ‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Tayshia sends four men home … but one returns in shocking twist

Is Brendan ready? Plus, a surprise return

Brendan’s date card reads: “Let’s see what the future holds.”

Literally.

Tayshia and Brendan meet with Neil Lane, the show’s jeweler, to try on rings.

But the future comes a bit too quickly for Brendan. He realizes that a part of him is still broken (seemingly from his divorce) and that he needs time to heal and grow. He wants to give her his whole heart, but he just can’t. “You deserve a man that is complete. You deserve a man who is healed from his past, and unfortunately right now, I’m not that man,” he says.

He apologizes but effectively sends himself home. Ugh, poor Tayshia.

“If you’re not ready, that’s not something I’m going to push you to do,” she says.

One man, whom she saw a future with from the start, is suddenly anxious and reveals why to Tayshia. How will that affect their special night? (Photo: Craig Sjodin, ABC)

Tayshia says in an aside that she really thought she was going to end up with him; remember that he was an early connection for her. But we haven’t bought their relationship in recent weeks, for what it’s worth.

Former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay stops by to give Tayshia some advice, and the two end up discussing former contestant Ben. Hmm, wonder what that could mean …

We don’t have to wait too long to find out. Ben shows up (!) and tells Chris that he’s in love with Tayshia. 

And just as Tayshia is getting ready for the rose ceremony, Ben appears at her door. He apologizes for shutting down the last time they saw each other and tells her he loves her. FINALLY.

“I see a life with you,” he says. Our hearts, they’re racing!

She needs a minute to collect herself. Uh, what happens next?! Guess we will find out in Tuesday’s finale (8 EST/PST)…

Ah, yes, the drama: ‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Bennett, Noah spar for a rose – but who will Tayshia choose?

And the romance, of course: ‘The Bachelorette’ recap: Tayshia bonds with Ivan, Ben; sends 4 men packing after cocktail party drama

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