John Hersey and Katie Thurston.Photo: Christopher Polk/E! Entertainment/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
John Herseyhas no problem teasingKatie Thurstonabout the pair’s second shot at love.
The former Bachelorette, 31, shared animageon Instagram Thursday, where she and Hersey, 28, are seen exchanging a loving glance while in front of a watery scene.
“A year ago I’d never believe I would be right here in these moments with you. 🖤,” Thurston captioned the adorable snapshot of the duo.
“That’s because you’d just sent me home,” he teased his girlfriend in response.
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After appearing as a contestant onMatt James’Bachelorseason in 2021, Thurston was named theBachelorettefor season 17. She ended her journey engaged toBlake Moynes, though the former coupleannounced their splitin October of that same year.
“It is with mutual love and respect that we have decided to go our separate ways,” their joint Instagram statement read at the time. “We are so grateful for the moments we shared together and the entire journey that has unfolded this year, but we ultimately have concluded that we are not compatible as life partners, and it is the most caring choice for both of us to move forward independently.”
“We ask for kindness and privacy as we both navigate this transition,” they continued. “Both of us will forever want the best for one another and ask you to please support us in our decision.”
A month later, a rep for Thurston confirmed to PEOPLE that shewas dating Hersey. “It’s known Katie and John became close friends post-season,” the rep said. “John has been there for her through all the major changes in her life and they are excited to explore this newly found romantic connection.”
RELATED VIDEO: Katie Thurston Shares Valentine’s Day Message to Boyfriend John Hersey: ‘Always Meant to Be’
Last month, the couple celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as a couple. To mark the occasion, Thurston shared asweet poemfor her boyfriend.
“My heart danced in a way that was new,” Thurston wrote on Instagram in February. “A crowded room but felt like us two.”
“Some talk about Cupid or love at first sight. I never understood until that very same night,” she continued. “Your eyes, that smile, you energized my soul. You ignited my world, leaving me whole. Once you found a rose floating at sea. I can’t help but think we were always meant to be.”
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The poem served as the caption to a photo of Thurston and Hersey standing in front of the ocean.
The reality star also shared the photo on her Instagram Story withTaylor Swift’s “State of Grace” playing — the same song Thurston used to announce her relationship with Hersey during her previous “12 Days of Messy” Instagram Story series.
source: people.com
