Bachelor hometowns: Rachel and Nick’s Texas-sized romance

THE BACHELOR -"Episode 2108" - Corinne, Rachel, Raven and Vanessa are left in Bimini, still shocked that Nick sent Kristina home before the rose ceremony. They wonder if they still will get a coveted hometown date from the unpredictable Bachelor. But with the stakes being so high, Nick will go on an emotionally charged journey to visit these final four women's hometowns. Raven meets him in Hoxie, Arkansas, and cute couple have some great, sexy fun, but Raven's father reveals some serious news. Then, it is on to Dallas where Rachel and Nick confront the challenges that might meet an interracial couple. Corinne is waiting in Miami where her father waits with some tough questions. Finally, Nick travels to Montreal to reunite with Vanessa. Although her special needs adult students give him a big thumbs up, things don't go quite so well with her big Italian family, especially after her father drops a bomb about Nick that has Vanessa questioning their relationship. Just as Nick gets ready to make the gut-wrenching decision to send one woman home, he gets a surprise visitor, who could change everything, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Bill Matlock)NICK VIALL, RACHEL
THE BACHELOR -"Episode 2108" - Corinne, Rachel, Raven and Vanessa are left in Bimini, still shocked that Nick sent Kristina home before the rose ceremony. They wonder if they still will get a coveted hometown date from the unpredictable Bachelor. But with the stakes being so high, Nick will go on an emotionally charged journey to visit these final four women's hometowns. Raven meets him in Hoxie, Arkansas, and cute couple have some great, sexy fun, but Raven's father reveals some serious news. Then, it is on to Dallas where Rachel and Nick confront the challenges that might meet an interracial couple. Corinne is waiting in Miami where her father waits with some tough questions. Finally, Nick travels to Montreal to reunite with Vanessa. Although her special needs adult students give him a big thumbs up, things don't go quite so well with her big Italian family, especially after her father drops a bomb about Nick that has Vanessa questioning their relationship. Just as Nick gets ready to make the gut-wrenching decision to send one woman home, he gets a surprise visitor, who could change everything, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Bill Matlock)NICK VIALL, RACHEL

Nick and Rachel have had a connection from day one, and that connection continues to grow through to meeting her family.

From the first impression rose, to a romantic dance through New Orleans, Nick and Rachel have had a really strong connection.

The elephant in the room between the two has always been her overprotective father, and meeting him has always seemed to make Nick nervous. Luckily for him, her father was not present for the hometown meeting because of work related obligation.

The date began with a visit to Rachel’s local church, introducing Nick to a new type of worship. The two sang danced and prayed with the Dallas congregation.

After their spiritual date, the two went to meet Rachel’s family. After she broke the news her father wouldn’t be there, it seemed that Nick was a lot less nervous (understandably).

Everyone was very welcoming, but also skeptical of their relationship. The conversations mostly centered around the topic of their interracial relationship. With only a few uncomfortable questions it seemed Rachel’s family was happy with Nick.

Besides a few awkward questions and skepticism, it seems that the family trusts Rachel’s intelligence and her ability to make the right decision.

Because of the absence of Rachel’s father, Nick didn’t have the opportunity to ask for permission to propose to her.

As we know from the announcement of the next Bachelorette, Rachel will not end up winning this season. So it’s safe to say that asking for her parents permission to propose isn’t necessary.

Nick seemed to fit in really well with her family. They were all talking and joking around the whole time. Once the serious questions were out-of-the-way, everyone was just talking and seemed to be enjoying the night.

Although we know Rachel isn’t Nick’s choice at the end of the show, it will be interesting to see when and how he sends her home.

Until next week when we find out who Nick sends home, stay here on Accept This Rose for everything The Bachelor.