Age isn’t just a number for Arie Luyendyk Jr.
As the 36-year-old “Bachelor” continues his search for Mrs. Right, the former racer receives an 11th hour bombshell on Monday’s episode, after nanny Bekah M. reveals she is 22 years young.
“[At] 36, things have slowed down and I enjoy waking up with the sun, which I didn’t enjoy in my late twenties,” Arie tells Bekah M. during their intimate one-on-one date. “My fear with you is you might be where I was in my late twenties.”
With a rose, let alone their relationship on the line, Bekah M. comes clean about her age.
“You’re so young,” Arie replies. “ Have you ever dated anyone my age?”
Unsettled by the 14-year age gap, Arie wonders whether Bekah M. will be ready to take the plunge should he get down on one knee at the end of the journey.
“My biggest concern is if you’re ready for this,” Arie says.
Though Bekah M. also ponders whether or not their future is destined for heartbreak, Arie decides to take a leap of faith.
“I’m 36 and you’re 22 and it terrifies me,” Arie begins. “I feel so much for you, but there are so many reservations because you are so young and I’m fearful that I’ll fall for you and it’ll all fall apart after this. But I really, really feel connected to you and you are incredible and surprising and so much of what I’m looking for.”
After Bekah M. gleefully accepts the rose, Arie reveals the walls to his heart have slowly come back up.
“I’m going to guard my heart a little bit because she is so young,” he says during his confessional.
As Bekah M.’s stock gradually rises, it appears Krystal’s is plummeting.
After clashing with fellow contestants Tia and Caroline during the group date, Krystal confides in Arie about feeling singled out in the house. And with no cocktail party ahead of the rose ceremony, she snags him away one more time to make her intentions, well, crystal clear.
“I’m not here to play games,” Krystal says. “I’m here for you. I respect your decision.”
Though Arie spares Krystal for one more week, she believes their relationship is stronger than ever.
“Just as I predicted, Arie kept me,” Krystal says. “I need to make sure it’s just Arie and I at the end of this.”