Matt James Promises 'Special' Proposal for Rachael Kirkconnell 3 Years Post-Bachelor(Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James.Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Variety/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Variety/Getty

Matt JamesandRachael Kirkconnellhave had an unconventionalpath to love.

“It’s about doing whatever you’re doing at your own pace, whether that’s the relationship, your job, exercise,” James told PEOPLE on Wednesday atSamsung 837while promoting the brand’s upcomingDiscover Samsung Springsale. “If you do things that other people want you to do and you don’t consider y’all’s feelings, then I think that is a recipe for disaster.”

Even though James, 32, didn’t pop the question onThe Bachelor,the former college football player assures he and Kirkconnell, 27, see an engagement in their future.

“We wouldn’t be together if that wasn’t the same goal,” he said. “I’m definitely excited for what the future looks like with us.”

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James.Michael Loccisano/Getty

James and Kirkconnell have traveled the world together and tried countless cuisines, so when it comes to a proposal, the one-time Bachelor knows he’ll have to deliver.

“It is going to be something special because Rachael’s very special,” James gushed.

The reality star hopes another woman in his life finds love: his momPatty, who appeared onThe Golden Bachelorlast year.

“There’s no age limit on love,” James said. “And I know that she wants to find somebody.”

ABC announced earlier this month that they’ll be doing a season ofThe Golden Bachelorettethis fall, with a senior lady taking the lead at looking for love. As for whether James thinks his 70-year-old mom could step into that lead role, “I just want everyone to be happy, so whatever gets her to that end goal, I’m fair game for,” he said. “If there’s any single guys out there, my mom’s looking!”

Some of James’s fellowBachelorNation stars have recently appeared on other reality shows, such asArie Luyendyk Jr.andPeter WeberonThe TraitorsandCorinne OlympiosonHouse of Villains. Before hosting aSamsung Healthworkout on Wednesday, James joked that participants may recognize him fromSurvivor. But, “I don’t think I could do it,” James confessed. “I am so regimented in what and how I eat. But as a spectator, I love it. It’s something that I’ve been watching since I was in elementary school.”

Matt James.Samsung

Samsung

James has an idea of which show might be more his speed. “Maybe a cooking show, like a reality cooking show,” said theDancing with the Starsalum. “But I’d have to have Rachael on there because I can’t cook.”

James called Kirkconnell his “favorite cook.”

“She makes the best everything,” he gushed. “I love to eat out, but there’s nothing more I love than a home-cooked meal. A lot of the times I’m eating leftovers.”

He especially loves when she whips up breakfast for dinner.

“That’s my omakase,” James quipped. “I’ll take that over anything. She knows I like the waffle crispy with the butter on there and the syrup warmed up. It’s that touch that you don’t get going out.”

Still, when it comes to a possibly popping the question, James suggests they won’t be doing that at home: “It’s a little more than getting engaged on the couch!”

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The Bacheloris streaming now on Hulu.

source: people.com