Congratulations America, we made it. Nick Viall's extended journey to find love on The Bachelor franchise is over.
On Monday, the four-time contestant finally put a ring on it. Special needs teacher and Canadian Vanessa Grimaldi accepted Viall's final rose and the couple rode off into the picturesque and snow-covered Finland.
It wasn't an easy road to happily ever after. Viall's proposal came after an anxiety- and tear-filled episode during which the bachelor repeatedly emphasized his fear of rejection — kind of twisted considering he's the one breaking up with a woman after a seven-week relationship. Viall took his two final girlfriends, Raven and Vanessa, to meet his family, who both won over the 'rents. But Vanessa, being somewhat stubborn, began to have second thoughts.
Had she and Nick known each other long enough to get engaged? Has she ever seen this show?
Vanessa, if you wanted your engagement to feel "special" maybe next time don't fight 28 other women for it on TV. #TheBachelorFinale #ProTip
— Kristen Baldwin (@KristenGBaldwin) March 14, 2017
We still aren't sure if Vanessa understands what #thebachelor actually is.... #TheBachelorFinale pic.twitter.com/JOi3Pvtnoe
— because i got wine (@becauseigotwine) March 14, 2017
#TheBachelorFinale #TheBachelor has Vanessa never watched the show like that is EXACTLY what the ENTIRE show basically is! pic.twitter.com/bnbFO9eFRd
— angel 👑 (@angel_ixxv) March 14, 2017
Apparently Vanessa had a change of heart.
"The reason you're here is because of my past, but when I look at you, I see my future," Viall said before getting down on one knee.
But for every Bachelor winner, there's a loser. Raven, a fashion boutique owner from Hoaxie, Ark., left the show broken hearted. She knew what was coming after she gave her final "I love you" pitch and Viall started sobbing. It was an amicable split, though; Raven flew out with style and grace.
Fans decompressed post-finale with an hour-long special, After the Final Rose, during which Vanessa and Nick seemed happy enough. They don't have a wedding date on the books just yet — "We're taking baby steps," Vanessa said, for example, riding in the same car for the first time.
Now that is Nick Viall is old news, we're anxiously awaiting the next season of The Bachelorette, starring Dallasite Rachel Lindsay. See you for the premiere Monday, May 22!
What to know a couple of Bachelor secrets?
In late-February, GuideLive got the opportunity to attend the taping of The Bachelor: Women Tell All alongside journalists from People Magazine, Inside Edition and Hollywood Reporter. Here are four insider things we learned:
- It takes a lot of tape to get the perfect shot. The filming for the Women Tell All lasted more than four hours and was edited down to two. If they showed you every cat fight that happened you'd likely pull your hair out. (Some of mine is missing.)
- Some industry folks say the Women Tell All is like an audition for Bachelor in Paradise. That's why ladies who got little air time often have the loudest opinions.
- Rachel Lindsay's go-to drink is Fireball whiskey. "She loves Fireball, she is a fireball," said her drinking buddy and dolphin enthusiast Alexis.
- Corrine is actually quite enjoyable. This season's villain proved to be relatable and engaging in an interview with GuideLive, and somehow she looked as fresh as she had at the beginning of the day. How did she do that?!
