PEG, MEL OWENS
Disney/John Fleenor
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale.
Mel Owens’ search for love has come to an end. The former NFL player turned lawyer chose his person during Wednesday’s dramatic Golden Bachelor finale. But he did things a bit untraditionally compared to past seasons, selecting a winner without proposing. So which woman did he pick, and are they still together today?
Heading into the season’s end, Owens faced a difficult decision between two women: Cindy Angelcyk Cullers, a 60-year-old retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas, and Peg Munson, a 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb technician from Las Vegas, Nevada.
The final episode picked up in Antigua, where last week’s cliffhanger left off during Cindy’s Fantasy Suite date. Cindy questioned Mel’s true feelings for her and their future together, including whether he was ready for marriage at all.
Why Did Cindy Leave The Golden Bachelor?
CINDY CULLERS, MEL OWENS
Disney/John Fleenor
Mel admitted that he was “torn” between her and Peg. Ultimately, Cindy decided she didn’t want to continue on the show and self-eliminated. “I didn’t come here to explore options,” she stated. “I’m looking for a life partner.”
Cindy acknowledged that she and Mel were “well-suited for each other,” but added that her mind was made up after he told her he wasn’t ready to propose for “maybe two years.”
“He’s not interested in making any type of commitments for several years,” Cindy said in a confessional. “I’m in my golden years — I’m 60 years old — and I’m not interested in being put on hold. He is just not my person.”
The next day, Mel spoke to Peg and explained that he wasn’t ready to “commit” to a proposal. While that made her nervous, she still agreed to meet his two sons, Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18, and Mel’s college friend, Diane.
When Peg asked the boys what kind of partner would be ideal for their Dad, Lucas answered that it would be someone “easygoing, not-too-much-drama, mellow person who really enjoys life.” He went on to tell her that she fits that description.
“I think you’re, like, the perfect gal for my dad, because the energy — you help bring him up, the uplifting,” Lucas added.
Who Won The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
PEG, MEL OWENS
Disney/John Fleenor
In The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale, Mel Owens chose Peg Munson, presenting her with a ring and the final rose, and she accepted.
“This was our time,” Mel told Peg on a beach in Antigua. “I trusted you, you trusted me and you told me you had confidence in me that I’d make the right choice and here you are. I have something for you,” he said.
Although he didn’t get down on one knee, he gave her an engagement ring and explained that it represented their “commitment to love, to give time to figure out together what our future holds.”
“I got the perfect gal right here,” Mel said after the special moment, to which Peg replied, “I got the perfect guy.”
Are Mel and Peg Still Together After The Golden Bachelor Finale?
PEG MUNSON, MEL OWENS
Disney/John Fleenor
During After the Final Rose, Mel and Peg revealed in person that they were still together and not yet engaged. When host Jesse Palmer asked whether a proposal was coming soon, Peg said they were taking their time.
“You know what’s nice about being in your 60s and going through life, you get to write your own love story — and we’re on the same page,” she said. “That’s a love story the way that we get to do it, and to continue to grow our love, continue to spend time with our families and that’s the nice part about being in our 60s in your golden years is being able to do what you want to with that connection you have with someone.”
While Mel didn’t reveal his engagement plans, he talked about how their love grew throughout the season and after the show.
“I saw our love grow all the way through, and it’s special when it’s the right person,” Mel said. “We’ve spent some time together, and we had moments together. We had some time, and one thing that I love about her is the energy and the get up and go [attitude].”
As for their immediate plans, they shared that they hope to visit Las Vegas and Michigan and attend the Super Bowl. Mel and Peg will also head to Napa Valley for a romantic getaway arranged by ABC.
They both also shared that are in love with each other.
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.