"Bachelor in Paradise" was a pleasant, if jumbled, affair. It is surely no "Bachelor" and not even a "Bachelorette," but it still performed well in the time slot those two shows share, despite the whole "throw a ton of single people against the wall and see who sticks" mentality of it all.
As it came to a close, all of the remaining ladies — especially Jade — seemed totally taken aback by the reality that such a solid couple could fall apart so unexpectedly. Despite the fact that it was reality TV, and they barely knew one another. (Granted, Carly and Kirk had been having trouble for some time, even if Carly was blissfully unaware.)
Sensing that Jade was really shaken by the split, Tanner said, "She could either feel sad for Carly but stay excited for me — or she could let this breakup get inside her head a little bit."
Other couples were questioning their connections, too. Cassandra was nervous about whether to go to the fantasy suite with Justin, and rightfully so, as they barely know each other. They seemed to be getting along great, but when the topic of the fantasy suite came up, she said she thought it would be "inappropriate,” considering the short time they'd known each other. A lady? In "Paradise?" How did THAT happen??
And Tenley also seemed torn about what to do with Joshua, explaining that she was "trying really hard not to make the same mistakes she'd made in the past."
But Nick and Samantha looked semi-solid, albeit largely by comparison. Nick reminded Samantha that they had started chatting at least "three months" before arriving in Paradise, noting that if they'd only met a week ago, they might not be "this excited about moving forward."
Samantha reassured him that she was in Paradise with "sincere intentions" and she was 100 percent with him.
Despite Cassandra and Jack's lack of an overnight together, however, it was obvious that these two liked each other regardless of their uncertain future beyond Paradise.
Though Tenley reiterated over and over how great she thought Joshua was, she was still concerned over how compatible they would be once their beach vacation was over. Thinking ahead; it's wise.
"I just don't know what's to come outside of Paradise,” she said to the camera.
When she expressed her concerns to Joshua, he replied, "I'm freaked out too, but I also know that I like what's happening so much that I don't want it to end."
Ultimately, Tenley decided to "give it a chance" and accompanied him to their fantasy suite.
Though Jade was still on edge over Carly's breakup, Tanner plowed forward and told her point-blank how he felt. Jade's fears melted away and - as if on cue! - she told him she felt the same.
The Final Roses
Justin offered his rose to Cassandra, who accepted. Nick offered his rose to Sam, telling her he had "prayed so long" for a woman like her. She called him her Prince Charming and accepted. Joshua offered his rose to Tenley, saying that he wanted to give their romance a shot, but she ultimately decided the logistical complications and long distance would be too much to weather. He got a no.
And One Ring!
Last up were Tanner and Jade, and he wasted no time getting right to business. He delivered a speech, and she countered with her own.
And so this season of Bachelor in Paradise ended with Tanner leading a toast to "the happiest day" of his life. Here's to many more.
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