Ben & Amanda Get Closer On 'The Bachelor'

Getting a rose is always a big deal on The Bachelor, but on Monday night's episode, it held special meaning. Everyone who gets a rose this week also secures herself a hometown date — aka the promise that Ben Higgins will meet her family. And one of those coveted roses was handed out to Amanda after she won Bachelor Ben over during a group date in Indiana, much to the other women's dismay. But, the meaning of that rose was bigger than Ben just telling her he wants her to stick around another week — it was also a symbol of the fact that Ben is ready to meet Amanda's kids.

Because on next week's hometown dates, that's exactly what's going to happen, and Ben prefaced handing out the rose by explaining that he wanted Amanda to know that it means he's so excited to meet her family and get to know her kids. Of course, he kind of unceremoniously dismissed the other women and continued on to what was now a one-on-one with Amanda, but that's all in the past now. What matters the most is that Ben seems ready and willing to accept that "dad" role if he decides to propose to her... or at the very least that he's considering he'll take on that responsibility.

It's awesome to see that Ben has been so open and supportive of Amanda, whether she's talking about her daughters or her past. He admitted that the struggles she's been through have made him like her even more, and it's good to see that he has that kind of attitude.

And let's face it: It's going to be adorable to see Ben running around with Amanda's kids. Get ready for cute overload!

Image: Rick Rowell/ABC