Susie Evans Warned Clayton Echard Not to Propose During ‘The Bachelor’ Finale, ‘I Will Say No’
Many fans of The Bachelor received a shock when Susie Evans returned to the stage during “After the Final Rose” on March 16, 2022. The last clip audiences watched of Susie involved her leaving Clayton after confessing his love for her in Iceland. Even spoiler guru Reality Steve believed the pair remained broken up after that day in Iceland. However, producer Mike Fleiss promised fans a “spoiler-proof” Bachelor finale, and he delivered.
Susie sat down with former Bachelor Nick Viall after the finale on his podcast The Viall Files. The former Miss Virginia USA talked about her relationship with Clayton and why she warned him not to propose to her during the finale.
‘The Bachelor’ couple Susie Evans and Clayton Echard plan to do a ‘pulse check’ on their relationship every few months
Susie’s reunion with Clayton shocked fans, but the 28-year-old wedding photographer gave some insight into her decision to get back together with the former football player.
During The Bachelor finale, Susie said, “I left Iceland, and I had to make that decision for myself. It was the best decision I could have made, and I think that’s why we’re here today. I was protecting myself, and I didn’t know what I wanted, and I didn’t know the capacity in which I wanted Clayton in my life. We took time apart after the show, and we reset, we relaid foundation. And we’re happy to be here today. We realize it’s a tough day but we’re happy to be here together.”
When Jesse asked about Susie and Clayton’s relationship status, she smiled and said, “That’s my boyfriend.”
During her appearance on The Viall Files, Susie explained to Nick, “We genuinely have had a lot of fun together, but it’s also been tough. It’s tough doing this and watching this back. Even tonight it was a tough show to watch. We have a lot to learn about each other. We have a lot to learn about ourselves still. I think we’re both still growing and learning from this.”
She also mentioned their plans to do “pulse checks” on their relationship, “I am fortunate that I was able to snag a 9-month lease in Virginia Beach. It’ll end in September. We’ve said ‘Lets’ get through this show. This is tough right now.’ Not even in our relationships but as individuals. I have seen Clayton struggle as a person. Let’s get through this together, and let’s do a 3-month post-show check in on each other.’ Then when my lease is up in September, let’s do another pulse check on this.”
Susie Evans warned Clayton Echard not to propose to her during ‘The Bachelor’ finale
For those wondering where Clayton and Susie stand regarding an engagement, the couple says not yet. Clayton teased that he had something important to ask Susie during The Bachelor finale. While many fans may have hoped for Clayton to pop THE question, he instead asked Susie if she would accept his final rose.
During The Viall Files, Susie revealed that she warned Clayton not to propose to her during The Bachelor finale.
“I don’t plan to get engaged in September, and Clayton knows that. Tonight when they joked about the ring, I told Clayton, ‘We have talked about this and if you surprise me, I will say no. This is not a fun surprise.’ If we would’ve gotten engaged, it would not have been for us.”
The couple wants to give their relationship a shot outside of ‘The Bachelor’
Susie knows there’s a lot involved to create the magic of the relationships seen on The Bachelor. That’s why she and Clayton want to give their relationship a chance outside of the overwhelming environment of cameras and producers. Susie told Nick that she and Clayton have set timeframes to gauge their relationship down the road.
