Off the grid. Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell are determined to have a fun-filled engagement. On the latest episode of Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?, the duo takes a break from wedding planning to go camping in the wilderness with friends.
However, the outing doesn’t go as expected, and The Knot recaps the highlights from the Tuesday, October 25, episode.
Wedding Planning Pressure
When a Bachelor producer calls to discuss plans for Ben and Lauren’s TV wedding, the couple is overwhelmed by the many decisions they have to make.
To blow off steam, the lovebirds go to aerial yoga – which is a secret love of Lauren’s. The instructor calls Ben out for not being appropriately dressed, and gives him an outfit to change into. Lauren is surprised when her fiance returns donning tight, hot pink capri pants and a black, fitted tank top, but Ben goes with the flow. “One of the coolest parts about being engaged is you kinda give up the idea that you have to be cool, because Lauren’s already accepted me,” Ben says in the confessional. They have fun during the class, and Lauren thanks Ben afterward for being a good sport.
A Bachelor/Bachelorette Reunion
Ben and Lauren are anxious to unwind, so they plan a camping trip in the Rocky Mountains. They invite several friends along, including Bachelor/Bachelorette alums, Haley and Emily Ferguson, Chris Soules, Grant Kemp, Lace Morris, and Chad Johnson.
Grant and Lace are concerned when Ben breaks the news that Chad will be joining them. Lace explains that Chad has been “trying to make life hell” for them, and Grant acknowledges that Ben and Lauren don’t understand the depth of Chad’s issues. Chad doesn’t show up initially, which gives the friends a chance to relax.
(Freeform/Adam Larkey)
CHRIS SOULES, BEN HIGGINS, LAUREN BUSHNELL, GRANT KEMP, LACE MORRIS, EMILY FERGUSON, HALEY FERGUSON
“Mad Chad” Returns
After a day of whitewater rafting, Ben, Lauren, and their friends relax by a campfire. But soon, Chad makes his presence known by whistling as he approaches the group from the woods.
Chad is argumentative when Ben encourages him to start a conversation to clear the air. Lauren tells Chad that most Bachelor villains don’t continue their villain persona after the show.
“It’s fun,” Chad replies. “I see how far I can go.” Lace confronts him, but Chad is defensive and unwilling to make amends.
Ben asks Chad to admit how is feeling. “If I really sat down and thought about my actions, which I don’t ever do, I would probably feel pretty bad,” Chad reveals.
Ben then asks if Chad’s late mother would be proud of him, which prompts the Bachelorette villain to retort with some angry remarks. Grant follows Lace as she begins crying and walks away. “I’m mad that I even had to be in this position to be around him,” Lace says.
When Grant and Lace return, Chad explains that he knows he upset them. Rather than apologizing, Chad decides to leave.
After Chad’s departure, Ben makes a toast: “To more hope, more love, and more acceptance of the people in our life that have hurt us.” Lauren reveals that she enjoys camping more than she thought she would.
Back to Reality
When Ben and Lauren return home, they have 17 messages awaiting them from their Bachelor producer, Megan. Let the wedding planning resume!
Sneak Peek: On the next episode, Lauren enlists her sister to help with a wedding registry. Ben confronts Lauren for expecting too much from him.
Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Freeform.
