**Dakota Mortensen Opens Up Before Taylor Frankie Paul Takes on The Bachelorette**
The complex relationship between Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul continues to capture attention as Taylor prepares to embark on her journey as the new Bachelorette. The pair have been navigating an on-again, off-again romance since late 2022, and recently shared a poignant FaceTime conversation that highlights their emotional turmoil.
As Taylor arrived in Los Angeles to begin filming the popular ABC dating competition, Dakota felt compelled to reach out. In a confessional, he expressed that this might be his last opportunity to share his feelings with Taylor before she meets the 22 suitors vying for her affection. As the conversation unfolded, Dakota issued a heartfelt apology for his past actions, admitting, “I know that caused a lot of problems.”
Taylor, however, pressed for more details, expecting clarity in his apology. Dakota referenced his choice to engage with Shinia, a friend from the reality series *Mormon Wives*, acknowledging that his decisions had not just been poor but had deeply affected Taylor. He reflected on how his actions had placed her in a difficult situation, stating, “I think I went wrong. I picked somebody that was obviously going to come with problems.”
Despite Dakota’s remorse, Taylor conveyed skepticism about the sincerity of his words, sharing in a confessional that she viewed his apology as just that—words without weight. Dakota reiterated in his own confessional that both parties had caused each other pain, but he remained hopeful that their underlying love for one another persisted.
Taylor, contemplating their fraught connection, expressed a wish for both to break free from the negative patterns that had defined their relationship. “Regardless of what happens, this will be like one of the best things for you and me,” she remarked, indicating a desire for personal growth for both individuals.
In a rather tender moment, Dakota optimisticly requested that Taylor save a rose for him, indicating that he still harbours feelings for her. He acknowledged his previous mistakes, admitting that he had strayed from his true self during their time together, adding, “That’s why I loved you. You’re the only person that can help me see that sometimes.”
However, Taylor struggled with the notion of moving on, recognising that their time together may truly be over. She reflected on the hurt that Dakota’s actions had caused, noting that this was perhaps the necessary step to gain clarity in her life. Her friends echoed these sentiments, with some urging her to consider the warning signs presented by Dakota’s behaviour.
As the FaceTime chat continued, Dakota expressed a desire for commitment, stating, “I feel like you just need to marry me,” a sentiment that Taylor dismissed. Doubts regarding Dakota’s motivations loomed large for her, as she pondered whether his late apologies were an attempt to disrupt her chances on the show.
Taylor’s casting as the next Bachelorette comes after years of social media presence, with her playful TikTok audition gaining traction. The announcement of her new role was made in September 2025, coinciding with reports that she hoped to find genuine love among the contestants and possibly even her future husband within the group.
In recent sneak peeks of the upcoming season, Taylor shared her admiration for the men she would be dating, noting that their diverse backgrounds had created an atmosphere of openness. “They are all amazing, which has made it, thus far, so much harder,” Taylor remarked. She expressed hope that her candid approach would encourage the contestants to also open up about their lives, possibly paving the way for deeper connections.
As filming begins, Taylor seems torn between her past with Dakota and the prospect of new love. While she acknowledges the potential for heartbreak, she remains steadfast in her belief that moving forward is essential. With the complexities of her past behind her and the spotlight now firmly on her, Taylor is set to navigate the challenges of dating with a fresh perspective.
The latest season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, featuring Taylor, has become available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Disney+. As viewers eagerly await the upcoming Bachelorette season, both Dakota and Taylor continue to work through their emotions amid new beginnings and the pursuit of happiness.