Theresa says Gerry's Golden Bachelor proposal pause was a 'mistake'

It's official: Romance never retires.

On Thursday's season finale of The Golden Bachelor, 72-year-old widower Gerry Turner ended his "journey" by getting down on one knee and popping the question to 70-year-old Theresa Nist in Costa Rica. Now the newly-engaged duo is prepping for a sure-to-be-lavish wedding — which will be televised on ABC, natch — on January 4.

EW caught up with the happy couple to hear more about their plans for the future.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Congratulations! Now that the show is over and you can be out in public, what's the first normal, real-life thing you've done together?

THERESA: Nothing has been normal yet, but we’d love to go to dinner together, take a walk together. Grocery shopping — yay!

Traditionally, Bachelor producers arrange what they call “happy couple” visits for the final couple so they can see each other in secret while the show is airing. Did you have those, and what was the hardest part about keeping the secret?

GERRY: We had one opportunity.

THERESA: We’ve been talking on the phone every single night — hour-long, two-hour long conversations. But there was only one in-person visit. We really were longing for that.

What was the hardest part about keeping the secret?

GERRY: Keeping the secret! [Laughs] It’s like, you’re so excited to share great news with someone. You’re just filled with joy. Every trip that I took that was a nice destination, when I’d go fun places, I felt guilty that Theresa wasn’t with me. It’s really great that I don’t have to worry about those things.

THERESA: He’d say that over and over and over to me, “You should be here with me.” For me, it was not telling my sisters, and I chose not to tell them so that they would have this ultimate joy when they found out. But it’s hard to sublimate your joy. That was the worst part for me.

You didn’t tell your sisters, but your grandsons knew the secret?

THERESA: Yes! A 6-year-old didn’t tell anyone. A 9-year-old, and an 11-year-old — they didn’t tell anyone. They didn’t tell a soul. They’re amazing. Kudos to them.

Not only are you guys planning a wedding, I’m guessing you’re also going to move in together. Where are you in that process?

GERRY: So, this was one of the very interesting things that came out in the Fantasy Suites. I had talked about living in Charleston, South Carolina or that area for the last two years. And when we began talking about the possibility of where we could live and I said that, Theresa instantly said, “Well, I have a son, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons that live very close to that area.” So it instantly became the top of the list area for where we’re going to look for a house.

Gerry, I feel like you should still be in the doghouse for that insanely long pause you took during the proposal. Theresa, how long are you going to make him pay for that?

THERESA: A long time! Oh my gosh, he’ll never be able to make up for that. I was slinking away, I was ready to go. It was bad, it was real, and it was a mistake.

GERRY: The long pause on TV, however, was longer than the real-life pause.

THERESA: No, it wasn’t!

GERRY: I was hoping for something there. [Laughs]

Theresa, have you been able to talk to Kathy since the show ended? Where do things stand with you two right now?

THERESA: Yeah, and we’re really good. Seriously, it was a miscommunication… We’re all good, we’re wonderful. We’ve spoken, and we’re good.

Is there a Golden Bachelorettes text chain, and if so, can I join?

THERESA: Yeah, there is one! And there’s plans for us all to meet up [together]. There’s a beautiful texting chain. I’ll link you in.

While it’s great that you get to be in public together, your relationship is now also in the public eye — and people aren’t always nice. What’s your best strategy for dealing with any negativity you encounter?

GERRY: I pretty much ignore it. I’ve got so many positives and joy right now, right before me, that I don’t really give a whole lot of time, if any time at all, to that stuff. I’m having the time of my life!

THERESA: For me, it was difficult dealing with some of the negative comments about my character, things that I know that are not true — about me not being independent or that I’m not smart. I just finally had to say, “I know who I am. It’s fine.” Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion based on what they’re seeing. I’ve made peace with it.

What’s been the most surprising positive reaction you’ve experienced?

THERESA: For me it’s been that such a young age demographic has been watching this show, in addition to who you would expect. Twenty year olds, 18-year-olds, it’s wonderful to have people come up to you and say that we’ve inspired them.

GERRY: I’ve had so many texts, so many letters come in the mail about new hope and positive outlook on dating. It has really been, I think, a cultural change on how people look at older people dating and finding love.

If you guys had to choose a Golden Bachelorette, who would it be?

THERESA: Oh boy, we love them all. Do you think we’re really going to give you one name? [Laughs] Everybody deserves their own show.

Besides each other and your loved ones, what’s one thing you both want at your wedding?

THERESA: For me, it’s family, it’s warmth, it’s laughter, it’s love. I want warm moments. I want some things that actually happened on the show that were meaningful to us maybe to come to life again. I want it to be joyous. And have good food!

GERRY: I just want good cake.

Maybe you could walk down the aisle to "Don’t Stop Believin'"?

THERESA: Yeah, you never know. Don’t think I haven’t thought of that. There are so many great songs from the show. I have a list.

DJ or band?

THERESA: I’d like a band. [To Gerry] You didn’t tell me what you wanted.

GERRY: You get to choose.

Theresa, where is that gold rose right now, and where do you plan to keep it?

THERESA: I don’t know where it is right now, but I’d like to get my hands on that as soon as I can, and I will proudly display it in our new home.

GERRY: Yeah, it’s such a good question!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: EW can confirm that producers are currently working to reunite Theresa with her golden rose.]

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