The Bachelorette Desiree - Episode 8 - Recap

Des is down to four remaining guys in The Bachelorette Season 9, so it's time for the always enjoyable hometown dates. This week, she visits the homes and families of Zak, Drew, Chris, and Brooks. Read my recap here.

Can you believe that we're at hometowns already? This summer is flying by fast. Got to make the most out of my last month at home before going back to school. Time to #yolo it. 

Zak's Hometown Date

First up is Zak. He's a really fun and goofy guy, and I feel like his family probably will be similar. His family owns a Sno-Cone truck, which he drives with Des, and then he runs out in a penguin suit. Awesome.

Yep, Zak's family is great as I predicted. They all approve of Des. When does the family ever not approve of a lead? Oh yeah, Des' own brother. And then they sing a song for her!

Things get emotional when Zak gives Des a promise ring that he had bought in Atlantic City to remember when he fell in love with her. It's a really beautiful ring; it looks like an engagement ring! And he tells her that he loves her. C'mon Brooks, you're the only one left who hasn't said it...

Drew's Hometown Date

Des meets Drew's sister Melissa, who is "severely mentally handicapped." She has a nice name. Melissa cries as she sees Drew again, and she latches onto Drew's hand tightly. He's such a good, sweet, caring brother.

Drew has fallen in love with Des, but he hasn't told her to her face yet. Today is that day!

Des tells his dad that Drew's eyes are what first attracted to him. She knows that he's always honest and true to himself. Des' dad asks if she's ever met an angel. He has: Melissa. Me?!?! Oh, Drew's sister? Aw.

Drew tells his dad that he wants to marry Des, and his dad encourages it.

When it's time for Des to leave, Drew finally spills his guts. "I love you," he says. "I look at you and I just see a future, I see happiness, I see all of it."

Chris' Hometown Date

Des and Chris walk by where the former professional baseball player used to play little league! AWW! They put eyeblack on each other's cheeks, and Chris draws a heart on one patch and the word Chris on another. "Only 'heart Chris'?" She asks. "Your eyes are up here!" he replies. SO CUTE! They play catch, chew sunflower seeds, and hit some baseballs. Des tosses him balls and he smashes them out the park. They're adorable in their matching jerseys.

Afterwards, Des shows Chris drawings that he made of her favorite moments with him. There's the first night where he got down on one knee, and there's the rooftop rendezvous. So, she takes this out of Zak's book. I wonder how he feels about that! (Zak had drawn his favorite moments of their relationship for her as well.)

Des meets Chris' parents and three siblings. Chris' dad is a chiropractor, and he massages her back while she lies facedown, butt in the air. And then we see Chris' dad give Chris a nose adjustment by sticking things up his nose and blowing the mucus out? Why are we watching this? This is so strange.

Chris' family didn't like his last girlfriend, who ended up breaking his heart. Chris thinks she's the one. and… he gets Mom's approval! She gets emotional.

Brooks' Hometown Date

"I'm just going to skip to you," Des says as they first see each other. "I'll run!" Brooks replies. Oh so now he's running.

She makes him a rose of their favorite moments together. I feel like the lead never makes gifts for his or her potential love partners, so this is an interesting change. I can't really see Brooks making something for Des on the show; he just doesn't seem like a romantic in that way. They go canoeing on the lake and then walk to his parents' house.

There are so many people in the room, and Des gets swarmed with siblings and in-laws. Love the moment when one of the guys intentionally swerves around Brooks to wrap Des in a bear hug. They're all wearing name tags! That's cute. Brooks' brothers launch tough questions at him. Do you think you can make her happy for the rest of her life? How would you feel if she was completely eliminated from your life? Brooks tells his mom that he's been pleasantly surprised by how this has all gone for him. But what about the L-word, Brooks? WHAT ABOUT LOVE?!?

Des Meets with Brother Nate

Last season, Des' brother Nate called Sean a Playboy during her hometown date, and Des believed that he ruined her chances with him. She was sent home at the end of that week in fourth place.

She tells him about each guy. Zak is adventurous and positive. Drew is the sweetest person you'll ever meet in your entire life. Chris is so good at everything but humble, a potential good father and husband. Brooks - we just get each other without having to try to. Des doesn't want Nate to meet them because she can't trust what will come out of his mouth. He doesn't have any problems or concerns. Well, that went pretty well. I feel like she still wouldn't let him meet the guys though.

Pre-Rose Ceremony

Des admits to Chris Harrison that she still loves Brooks. He reminds her that he hasn't said it yet. "I'm hopeful with a proposal… with Brooks," she says. Well, that's really saying it outright! "But after Chris' hometown it's a little hard." It's really interesting how they're playing this! Is the drama coming from the fact that we don't know if he'll love her back?

Rose Ceremony

The guys who gets roses are Brooks, Chris, and Drew. Zak is sent home. No surprises there, especially because she's pretty much already revealed who she wants to marry. The Shirtless Wonder lasted a long time; who would have though that the guy who showed up half-naked to the first cocktail party would be able to stay until the Top 4? Well, I guess Wedding Dress Lindsay made it to Top 2 last season of The Bachelor.

Des gives Zak his ring back. Aww… he's completely shocked. The limo is pulled aside and he chucks his ring out of the window.

Well, what did you all think? How obvious was it that Zak was going home? When do you think Brooks will ever say the L-word to Des? Let me know in comments!