The Bachelor finale (aired March 14), can be summed up in two words: devastating and beautiful.

Although I really like Lauren and rooted for her continuously throughout the season, towards the end I hoped it would be JoJo receiving the final rose. Ben definitely led JoJo on time and time again, ultimately leading her to heartbreak. Probably for the sake of added drama, Ben often spoke of doubts he had in his and Lauren’s relationship, which “had never been tested by a hardship,” whereas he had experienced these with JoJo. He called JoJo his best friend, said he couldn’t picture life without her, and said repeatedly how much he loved her.

These signs of affection almost had me convinced that he would choose JoJo, and when she stepped out of the helicopter first (a sure sign you’re getting kicked off), I felt my heart drop and I immediately started crying (I’m not joking, this actually happened).

What I also found strange was that after JoJo left, Ben spent a good hour crying and saying how much he loved her and would miss her, and then turned around and proposed to Lauren. He did, however, say that, “although [his] feelings for JoJo were real, [he] had to let her go in order to fall completely in love with Lauren.” Based on how JoJo and Ben interacted during the “After The Final Rose” special, it was evident they still retain a large amount of respect for each other.

Although I was still crying from my JoJo disappointment  when Ben got down on one knee, my tears soon turned into ones of joy. They both exuded so much happiness and love towards the other it was impossible not to smile. It was almost magical seeing them together, and it soon became apparent why Ben had chosen Lauren; there was just something beautiful about the way they interact with each other that Ben hadn’t had with anyone else. The doubts he shared about his relationship with Lauren, about how they’ve never experienced hardships, seemed to melt away. With the love they share for each other, it seems as though they can combat anything that comes their way.

    JoJo will, however, get another chance to find love, because she has been chosen to star in the next season of “The Bachelorette.” I’m already starting to get excited for this season, but the contestants are going to have to be pretty special due to the impossibly high standard Ben has already set. JoJo deserves the best, so good luck to her as she continues in her journey to find love. Also, congrats to Ben and Lauren, who make an adorable couple and will make even cuter children.