For a franchise that loves to hype up each season as the “most dramatic yet,” Matt James’ season of The Bachelor really outdid itself with real-world drama surrounding Rachael Kirkconnell’s racial controversy, Chris Harrison’s downfall, and the bullying between the women in the house.
In the season finale, Matt James expressed some doubts about his final two women: Rachael and Michelle Young.
Best Tweets from Tonight’s ‘The Bachelor’ Finale and ‘After the Rose’
After Michelle gave him a jersey with his name on it (and a matching one for herself that read “Mrs. James), Matt decided it was the perfect time to break her heart. He explained that he didn’t feel the same way about her as she did for him.
“I just want clarity,” Michelle said about his feelings, to which he responded: “I don’t think I could get there with you.”
And thus… that left us with one woman standing: Rachael.
But does she get the final rose?
Matt still had doubts because he took what his mother said about love not being enough to sustain a relationship. He took that into consideration and questioned whether or not he was “there.” He realized he wasn’t sure that was ready to make a big decision or commitment like marriage regardless of the woman.
“What do I tell Rachael,” he questioned, adding, “Rushing into something I’m not ready for is… I’m not willing to make the same mistake my dad did.”
Harrison then informed Rachael that there wouldn’t be a date that evening because Matt was confused and needed some time. Naturally, she took it personally and broke down crying.
After some time to think it over, Matt revealed that he’s never felt this way before and that he knew he loved Rachael.
During their last meeting, Rachael poured her heart out and said she’d choose him everyday from here on out, through the good and bad.
Matt said that he saw what rushing a marriage did to his mom and his family and explained it’s not something he wants for them. “That’s why I can’t propose to you today,” he said, adding, “but that doesn’t mean I want to lose you.”
He explained that he wants to live his life with Rachael and wants to commit to her and build on what they started during their Bachelor journey.
“I’m in love you, and I see you as my wife and the mother of my kids,” he said.
So, while there’s no proposal, there is a future for Rachael and Matt… that is until those photos from the antebellum photos surfaced. All of that will be addressed during the “After the Rose” ceremony hosted by Emmanuel Acho.
During the “After the Rose” post-show, Matt revealed that his relationship with Rachael did not overcome the controversy.
“I’m really sorry that I hurt you,” Rachael told him in their first post-breakup meeting. Despite her apologies, Matt said he couldn’t get back together as she still had a lot to do. And though it was painful, the duo went their separate ways.