*Warning: Major spoilers ahead.* It’s been nearly two decades since The Bachelorette first aired on ABC, and it’s safe to say that no season has ever been this intense. Turns out, Tayshia Adams stepping in to replace Clare Crawley mid-way through was just the tip of the iceberg. To find out who Tayshia ends up with, keep reading!
Inside Tayshia’s final four:
The finalists for season 16 came down to contestants Ben Smith, Zac Clark, Brendan Morais and Ivan Hall. Ben was eliminated following hometown dates because he did not express his true feelings to Tayshia. Surprisingly, the West Point grad returned a week later and professed his love to the leading lady, which secured him a spot in the final two.
Brandon sent himself home during their fantasy suite date because he realized he was not ready to make such a big commitment following his divorce. As for Ivan, he was sent packing during the rose ceremony following their overnight date because they differed in their religious beliefs.
The Final Rose:
Despite being upset about Brendan’s sudden departure, Tayshia manages to pull it together and choose the man of her dreams. The Bachelor in Paradise alum gave her final rose to Zac, and they are now engaged.
“I came here because I was supposed to be here, and I came here because I was supposed to fall in love with you,” Zac said while popping the question. “Nothing has felt so right my entire life. You’ve helped me experience the love I didn’t know existed.”
While fans didn’t get to see much of Zac in earlier episodes (ahem, because Clare was too busy with contestant-turned-fiancé Dale Moss), he really broke out of his shell with Tayshia.
Tayshia gave one good sign about her romance with the New Yorker during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in December when she said Zac was “husband material.” He really challenged himself to open up during season 16, which the leading lady was extremely appreciative of.
“I’m so excited for everyone to watch this season because the guys open up, and they are phenomenal,” Tayshia said about the contestants during an appearance on Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin‘s “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast in November.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Tayshia and Zac!