After a slow progression on The Bachelor season 29, Grant Ellis is finally beginning to envision a future with one of the contestants. Grant’s season got off to a disappointing start that left viewers wondering if he was capable of a deep connection. The day trader and former professional basketball player has enjoyed a series of successful one-on-one dates, but none of his experiences with the women stood out. Grant’s connections felt shallow and, at times, artificial, raising concerns that he would never develop strong feelings for anybody.

Without ionate romance, The Bachelor season 29 has centered around drama between the women. Tensions rose early in the season after Zoe McGrady continuously stole Grant, taking time away from the other contestants. Criticism soon shifted to Carolina Quixano, who voiced doubts about her feelings for Grant. Carolina’s indifference incensed the other women, particularly those who hadn’t had the luxury of solo time with him. As the pool of contestants grew smaller, the rivalry became overwhelming as Grant struggled to focus on his search for a wife.

Grant Professed He Was Falling In Love With Juliana

He Envisioned A Future Together After Their Romantic Date

Before hometowns, Grant’s one-on-one date with Juliana Pasquarosa marked a turning point in The Bachelor season 29. During the couple’s elegant evening at a Scottish castle, Grant itted he was falling in love with Juliana. While Grant has had positive things to say about all the women, his experience with Juliana demonstrated his first sign of progression toward love. For her part, Juliana was swept up in the romance and called the night a “fairy tale.”

Juliana and Grant’s conversation over dinner was integral to the progression of their romance. Juliana shared her trauma related to having a loved one with addiction, which is something Grant experienced as well. In addition to having similar backgrounds, Grant and Juliana spoke about having similar coping mechanisms, each tending to retreat inward. Juliana's background sets her apart from the other women, as her history and personality are compatible with Grant's. He ended the night by itting he could see Juliana as his wife.

Grant’s Feelings For Juliana May Have Played A Role In Carolina’s Elimination

He Sent Carolina Home In Week 5

As Grant was falling hard for Juliana, he was mitigating the frustrations the women felt towards Carolina. The conflict began when Juliana filled Grant in on the negative things Carolina had said about him after their date. When Grant confronted Carolina, she didn’t deny her statements but confirmed she was unsure of her feelings.

The conversation paved the way for a particularly tense rose ceremony.

During the group date in Scotland, Carolina sulked on the sidelines until Grant whisked her away for a private conversation. The women were fed up, noting a pattern of Carolina constantly demanding attention. Grant and Carolina’s discussion revealed that despite his frustration with the drama, he still had strong feelings for her. He appeared genuine in his efforts to reassure her, even as knowledge of her statements about him undoubtedly lingered in the back of his mind. The conversation paved the way for a particularly tense rose ceremony.

Despite his affection for Carolina, Grant ultimately eliminated her. His desire to make their relationship work wasn't strong enough to ignore her lack of commitment. Juliana had been the first to raise the alarm about Carolina, and Grant's difficult decision to eliminate her proved how much credibility he gave Juliana. Furthermore, Carolina’s elimination confirms that Grant knows he can find an even better match, a conclusion his date with Juliana likely helped him reach.

Grant’s Indecision Could Continue To Sabotage Him

He May Have Trouble Following His Heart

While Grant and Juliana’s romance is promising, many hurdles could arise before the final rose ceremony. Soon after claiming he was falling in love with Juliana, Grant said the same thing about Litia after their one-on-one date. While his feelings for Juliana are progressing, Grant could be getting swept up in the excitement of the final weeks as his feelings grow for the remaining contestants.

The trailer for The Bachelor season 29 confirms that Grant’s indecision will continue to haunt him as the finale approaches. The sneak peek shows Grant still having doubts just moments before the final rose ceremony. His strong feelings for Juliana certainly give her a competitive advantage, but anything could happen over the next few weeks. Grant’s date with Juliana sets her apart from the other women, but if he’s too indecisive to trust his heart, he could risk ending up alone.

The Bachelor airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.