After Michael Allio incited tears in fans, castmates, and hosts of The Bachelorette during his emotional Men Tell All segment, he later shared on Instagram a heart-wrenching tribute to Katie Thurston. For most of the season, Michael was a frontrunner for Katie. She appreciated him opening up about his late wife of 16 years, and was ready to step into the position of "instant mom" for his son James. So, when Michael self-eliminated himself for the benefit of James, it was a crushing blow to both parties. Though Katie has since moved on, Michael's feelings toward Katie appear to still be very much present.
Prior to the Men Tell All, Bachelor Nation watched as Michael FaceTimed his 4-year-old son James, who was scared that his father didn't want to see him anymore. Moments later, Michael broke the news to Katie that he needed to go home. As James' only parent left, he couldn't be the cause of any more pain. A heartbroken Katie told Michael she saw them going all the way. Later, on the Men Tell All, Michael told hosts Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams how he'd love a second chance with Katie if she was willing to give it. However, when the pair broached the subject to her, she stood by her belief that "everything happens for a reason."
On the heels of the episode, Michael headed to social media to post an emotional tribute to Katie on his Instagram Story. He shared a photo of Katie in her green dress from the Men Tell All, with the song "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron. The lyrics read, "I had all and then most of you, some and now none of you. Take me back to the night we met. I don't know what I'm supposed to do..." It seems Michael was truly hoping to pick up where he left off with Katie, who he maybe hoped didn't get engaged to one of the final three men: Blake Moynes, Greg Grippo, and Justin Glaze.
Many fans wondered, if Michael was away from his son for that long, what harm could another two weeks do? He had a strong connection with Katie, who was excited at the prospect of becoming a mom. He and James could've enjoyed an entirely new life with her. But in Michael's eyes, he refused to put his son through more trauma. On the Men Tell All, he didn't explicitly say whether or not he had any regrets once he returned home to Ohio. But the fact that still craved a shot with Katie spoke volumes.
When Katie respectfully shot down Michael's request, she revealed she's "happy" with her ending. This leads Bachelor Nation to believe the 30-year-old left New Mexico with a fiancée. Much is slated to be unveiled during next week's hometown dates, which, according to previews, features a massive blowup between Katie and Greg. Bachelorette fans can't wait to see how this season ends and who their next Bachelor is. There is an outcry for Michael or Andrew Spencer to be named lead. Since neither has been announced for the cast of Bachelor In Paradise, both are possibilities.
The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8pm ET on ABC.
Source: Michael Allio Instagram