What an episode, right guys? The tenth and final episode ofSweet Home Alabama’s third season aired tonight, and Paige Duke chose her guy. Was it who you thought she’d choose? Click through to read a full review of the finale!
Now, I won’t bury the lede – like many of us thought, Paige chose Jeremiah. Hooray! Paige has said previously on Twitter and in interviews with me for the blog that she’s incredibly in love and happy as a clam. So I’m really happy for her and Jeremiah.
Throughout the final episode, it felt pretty obvious that Paige wanted to choose Jeremiah, but was scared. She had the passion and connection with Jeremiah, but he’d been so guarded that she knew it was a risk. When she was with Bubba, it seemed like she loved him but wasn’t in love with him the way she was with Jeremiah. Paige could see her life with him and all that he could give her, but she didn’t say much about their actual relationship.
Cabin Fever
Jeremiah got the first date with Paige, and the two of them jetted off to a tucked away rural cabin. It was totally their style, with lots of animal heads and antlers and whatnot. This was an important date for Jeremiah, because it was his last chance to talk to Paige and open up to her and really convince her that he cares about her. And Paige tried her best to get it out of him.
They had some serious conversations about living in Minnesota, raising a family, pursuing a music career vs. farming and other important lifestyle choices. (This is why I like Sweet Home Alabama, guys – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a conversation that real on The Bachelor, they’re too busy jumping out of helicopters.)
Later, they went for a walk and Jeremiah opened up to Paige some more, telling her that he knew his feelings for her were real because they were stronger than any feelings he’d ever had before. It wasn’t exactly an “I love you”, but it was pretty close. Jeremiah, god bless the poor guy, is not the most eloquent. We all know words don’t come easily to him. But it seemed like he got what he wanted across.
Later, Jeremiah’s mom and sister showed up to meet Paige. I was a little worried that they’d cause Jeremiah to retreat in fear again because they asked some tough questions about the reality that Paige could pick someone else, but it was clear as Jeremiah talked to them that he really loves Paige. I liked that Jeremiah told his mom to keep the ring she’d brought with her (one he bought a couple years ago, for his future wife). I can respect a guy that isn’t ready to propose at this stage, even if he’s in love.
After Jeremiah’s family left, Paige wondered if they’d go home and Google her and find out about the photo scandal. Poor Paige. That’s a tough, tough thing and I felt really bad for her as she talked about how they’d always be out there. Important life lesson, young readers!
The end of Paige and Jeremiah’s date was tough, because you could tell she really needed to hear “I love you” and Jeremiah didn’t want to say it – whether it was because of the cameras or because Paige still had another guy around, or what. Paige kept telling Jeremiah to stop being scared, and he kept talking about how he’s scared. It was kind of painful to watch. Finally, Paige said “I love you” to Jeremiah and he said it back. Phew!
There was a lot for Paige to think about after this date. She admitted that she’s a girl who needs reassurance, and she wasn’t sure she’d get that from Jeremiah. He said I love you, but she had to say it first. It’s an important thing to think about, whether that’s something she can be OK with in the future.
Home Sweet Alabama Home
Next was Bubba’s date, and he and Paige went to visit his ranch in Alabama. With the house that he built! With his own two hands! And you guys – it was a yellow house with a big front porch. Has Bubba seen my Pinterest? I love yellow houses with big front porches! I will marry Bubba RIGHT NOW. Honestly, Bubba’s house was beautiful. Women will be lining up across the state of Alabama and beyond for this guy.
And the whole time Paige was there, you could tell how easily she could picture her life there. Riding horses, hunting, sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs drinking sweet tea. Kids running around barefoot. Bubba is basically a perfect human male. Paige knew he’d give her a good life, that he’d treat her well, and I think they’d probably be happy together.
But the thing is, I would have felt bad if Paige had chosen Bubba. Because she wouldn’t be choosing him because she loves him the most. She would have been choosing him because he was the safer choice.
Bubba’s mom and a bunch of his nieces came by to visit, and they immediately liked Paige. Why wouldn’t they? She seems like an incredibly likable, sweet, genuine person.
Paige’s date with Bubba was lovely, and I felt like she wanted to want him. Like I said, it seemed like her relationship with Bubba had a lot to do with what a great husband and dad he would be. But their date didn’t have the same passion as the time she spent with Jeremiah. But man, what a guy that Bubba is. You could tell he’d treat Paige like a queen. He told Paige he’d fallen in love with her, and he told her first. She also said she was falling in love with him, but it seemed like a different kind of love than what she was feeling for Jeremiah.
One Love
And then it was decision time. Did anyone else wonder why Paige’s family didn’t come down to meet the guys? Bubba picked out a beautiful ring and was going to propose if she chose him, but I can’t imagine a traditional guy like Bubba getting down on one knee without asking her dad’s permission first. (Also, Bubba decided to propose and picked out a gorgeous ring because, once again, he’s perfect. I think he’s a cowboy robot. It’s the only answer, he’s too good to be true.)
For all the reasons I’ve mentioned above, I thought the decision would be really difficult for Paige. But I’ve felt all along that she’d end up choosing Jeremiah and that feeling never wavered. I felt bad, though – it seemed like both guys really, truly cared about Paige and whoever wasn’t chosen would be crushed.
Jeremiah was first, and Paige didn’t beat around the bush. Pretty quickly, Paige told him that she’s sad when he’s not by her side and she wants to be with him. And then they kissed! That. Was A. Kiss. Whoo! Hopefully now that he’s Paige’s only boyfriend, Jeremiah will have an easier time expressing how he feels about her. It seems like he will.
And then it was time to break the bad news to Bubba. But because Bubba is a cowboy and is amazing, he did the breaking up for Paige. It’s like he’s the Paige Whisperer! Bubba walked up, and asked Paige not to say anything so he could just look in her eyes. And then he said this:
“Your eyes are beautiful, Paige. But they don’t lie. I know your heart lies with Jeremiah and I’m OK with that.”
Swoon! You guys know I’ve loved Jeremiah all along, but I’ve really always liked both guys and you have to commend Bubba for how he handled the breakup. He did all the talking. He completely took the burden off of Paige, he said everything that needed to be said and he told her everything was OK. What a man.
Well that’s it, you guys! I really enjoyed this season. Paige seems like a truly great gal, and she ended up with a lot of fantastic guys to choose from. I think she chose the guy who was right for her in her heart, and personally I’m ready to see Bubba find his own soul mate on the next season of SHA. (That’s got to be inevitable, right?)
I’ll hopefully be speaking with Paige on Monday about the finale, so check back to the blog then. Thanks so much for reading and commenting this season, it’s been a blast! Hopefully I’ll see you guys back here for Southern Nights. Now head to the comments and tell me what y’all think.
