‘Bachelorette’ recap: Charity breaks record for longest kiss in franchise history, but who did she kiss?

Vintage cars, Near-naked dodge ball games, odd outfit choices and record-breaking kisses.

All this and more defined Charity Lawson’s second week as “The Bachelorette.”

“I’m dating 19 men. This is my new reality and boy, am I ready for it,” Charity Lawson said. “I really do feel like I am actually now ‘The Bachelorette.’”

Here’s everything that went down during the episode:

Vintage date

The episode took off as Jesse Palmer strolled in. Right off the bat, he poked fun at Brayden’s wardrobe choices, which maked the group chuckle. But for real, what is happening there? Is there a reason why he’s making such odd fashion choices? Is he afraid Charity won’t notice him? Whatever it is, I’m not entirely a fan.

Aaron B. got the one-on-one date with Charity. Looks like his night one lucky coin trick worked.

Their date began immediately with a vintage candy red Mustang ride and as they rode off in style, the other men left behind were feeling the heat and the FOMO. ”We looked like Bonnie and Clyde riding through the Hollywood Hills,” Aaron B. said.

When they arrived at their destination, they took in a view of the famous Hollywood sign atop a mountain. Champagne was popped and a toast given to celebrate the 100th year of the sign.

While visiting the sign, the couple spoke about their parents’ marriages and finding their own long-lasting, loving marriage. They then took a walk for a closer look of the Hollywood sign. The pair kissed and held each other while looking out at the city below.

The old school Hollywood vibes continued at the couple’s romantic dinner.

”I don’t need my lucky coin anymore because you made me feel like the luckiest guy today,” Aaron told Charity.

They talked deeper about family, friends and even therapy while sipping wine and holding hands under warm, sparkling chandeliers.

”Everything about today has been phenomenal,” Charity said.

Ending their date was probably the most romantic part, as it ended with a private concert and slow dance session (in true Bachelor Nation fashion).

And Aaron got the rose, making him safe during the rose ceremony later to come.

My thoughts on the date:

All in all, the whole date seemed very smitten. While I do genuinely like Aaron, it is still early on in the show and this was Charity’s very first one-on-one date, so the excitement and nerves were there. Aaron has great qualities: he’s charismatic and chivalrous, and he seems like a great match for our Bachelorette; I’m excited to see how their relationship grows.

”Everything about today has been phenomenal,” Charity later said with a big smile.

“Suns out, buns out”

Next up was the first group date with Dotun, Tanner, Adrian, John, Caleb A., Caleb B., Caleb K., Xavier, James, Aaron S., Sean and Brayden.

The group date began at the beach, where Charity and the men played in the sand, built sand castles and played catch. But host Jesse Palmer approached and let them all know they would be competing in a “Dodge Bowl,” where the winning team got an after party and more time with Charity. Needless to say, the losers went back to the mansion without any extra time with the Bachelorette.

But, there was a twist. Come on, there’s always a twist: the guys must dress in scantily clad, extra small, neon swimwear that accentuated some interesting parts of the men.

”I’ve got 12 guys here and 12 excellent views,” Charity said.

”Suns out, buns out,” was the name of the game. It was green against pink and spoiler alert: pink team wins.

But Charity wanted an MVP to join the after party and she chose Adrian from the green team.

However, at the after party, Adrian let Charity know about the inside scoop at the mansion, which involved drama. He told her some of the men act like they are on “vacation” or “spring break,” and that he thinks he is taking it more seriously than others. “It’s not a vacation for me,” he told her.

This of course got Charity slightly upset and made her think some men weren’t on the same level as her or not ready for an engagement. She confronted the group, but seemed to make the most of her time and gave the group date rose to John.

My take on the “spring break” allegations: there are 19 men all packed up together in a house dating the same woman. I personally don’t see a problem with them playing around and loosening up a bit. There’s a difference between relaxing and being straight up immature or unkind. Adrian seems to be drama, so stay tuned on that one.

Record-breaking kiss

On the second group date, Gabby and Rachel from last season of “The Bachelorette” joined Charity and six of the men: John Henry, Michael, Warwick, Joey, Josh and Spencer. Gabby and Rachel revealed that the group would be vying for Charity’s lips, specifically the record for the “longest kiss in Bachelor Nation history.”

The current longest kiss in franchise history was three minutes and 21 seconds.

After much deliberation and a little contest, the winner of the kiss was Joey (Thank the Bachelor Nation gods. He deserved the win, 10 fold).

Their kiss surpassed the record and then some at four minutes and 25 seconds. Champs! Think their lips are sore?

Then the prize was revealed: Joey got a one-on-one date with Charity that would take place later that night.

At the one-on-one, Joey and Charity wasted no time in getting back to the smooching. Surrounded by shimmering lights, they sat together on a small couch and discussed his background. After much conversation, hand holding and kisses, Charity pinned a rose on Joey.

“I’m so blessed and so lucky,” she later said.

Drama plus barbecue

More drama unfolds back at the mansion as the other men talk about the longest kiss contest.

Most men didn’t take it well, but shrugged it off; Brayden was highly insecure about the whole situation and said he needed to talk with Charity because it was disrespectful to make other men watch her kiss someone else. “I’m going to have to rethink being here,” Brayden said.

The next day, the entire group participated in a barbecue, which would take the place of the cocktail party before the rose ceremony. Brayden talked to Charity, but he didn’t say all that much.

”This has been one of the best weeks of my life,” Charity said after the barbecue.

Men who stood out to me during the barbecue:

Dotun. He is everything. He is so vulnerable and sweet. Dotun seems to really care about the real stuff.

And Brayden. He stood out yet again to me because of the terrible fashion decision. I’m honestly confused. Can we get a producer to help this guy out?

Rose ceremony

Charity entered the mansion in a floor length off-the-shoulder gold gown that probably had a million sequins on it. I felt that was relevant because her stylist is killing it so far this season.

I feel like I should do a separate story just about the outfits she wears each week.

Anyway, at the rose ceremony, Charity eliminated Josh, John Henry, Caleb A., Caleb K. and Spencer (better luck next time, Spencer...).

However, this means she kept Brayden another week (I am not OK with this).

The love and drama continues next week on Monday at 9 p.m.