The much-anticipated finale of “The Bachelor” Season 29 was filled with emotional twists and turns, culminating in a surprising engagement that left fans buzzing. Spoiler alert: this recap contains crucial details from the finale, where star Grant Ellis faced one of the toughest decisions in the franchise’s history.
Throughout Season 29, viewers witnessed Grant's struggle in choosing between two remarkable women: Litia Garr, a 31-year-old venture capitalist from Salt Lake City, Utah, and Juliana Pasquarosa, a 28-year-old client service associate from Newton, Massachusetts. The season finale was marked by tension as Jesse Palmer, the series host, expressed concern over Grant's indecision, stating, “Both women are on their way here right now, and I really need to know which one to send first.”
Grant's journey took a significant turn during the previous episode's Fantasy Suites, where he made the difficult choice to send home Zoe McGrady. Zoe's lack of one-on-one time with Grant, coupled with their silent yoga date, ultimately contributed to her departure. Grant felt that their connection, while strong, hadn’t progressed enough for him to consider marriage.
While Litia and Juliana both had strong bonds with Grant, their paths were uniquely shaped by their personal histories. Juliana opened up to Grant about the pain of being cheated on and her experiences with addiction in her family. Litia, on the other hand, revealed her Mormon faith later in the season, making it clear she didn’t expect Grant to convert. Despite their vulnerabilities, both women had significant conversations with Grant that deepened their connections.
In a moment that seemed to solidify Litia’s position as a frontrunner, Grant expressed his love for her during the Fantasy Suites. However, his subsequent confessional revealed his conflicting feelings, stating, “I do love her, but I also am falling hard, if not very close to in love with someone else.” This internal conflict set the stage for an emotionally charged finale.
The finale began with heartwarming yet intense family meetings. Grant introduced Litia and Juliana to his parents, Robert and Renee. Litia impressed Grant’s mother with her thoughtful insights about love and partnership, stating, “He’s so conscientious and aware of everyone’s needs, and he wants to take care of everyone around him.” Meanwhile, Juliana’s honesty about her feelings left Grant’s mother cautious, as she felt unsure if Juliana genuinely loved Grant.
After the heartfelt family meetings, both women professed their love for Grant, leading him to reciprocate their feelings. However, the final dates were equally significant, heightening Grant's emotional turmoil. He expressed his dilemma, remarking, “I love two women — and I can only choose one.”
In a dramatic turn of events, Litia’s car arrived first during the finale. She reiterated her love and desire for a future with Grant, but he gently responded, “I’m not your person.” This moment paved the way for Juliana, who expressed her readiness to embrace the love Grant had shown her. “I want to protect your heart with every piece of mine,” she told him before he proposed.
Grant’s heartfelt proposal to Juliana concluded with her enthusiastic acceptance, marking a joyous moment for the couple. “You’ve inspired me… I truly believe you’re somebody who is my best friend,” Grant shared, solidifying their bond.
As the season wraps up, fans eagerly await the next installment of the “Bachelor” franchise. The upcoming season of “Bachelor in Paradise” is set to air this summer, featuring contestants from both the Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette casts, including notable fan-favorites. In a twist announced during the “After the Final Rose” special, host Palmer revealed that this season will include beloved contestants from previous seasons, creating a unique blend of perspectives and experiences.
While “The Bachelorette” typically premieres in the summer, it will take a break this year, focusing instead on the new seasons of the Golden series. Fans can look forward to more heartfelt moments and unexpected connections as the franchise continues to evolve.
