Ben Flajnik, ABC.

First up is Lindzi, who looks adorable in her western wear. Lindzi and Ben ride around in a little chariot, and end up picnicking in the shade. She’s such a sweetie, but I don’t know that I really see a spark. Maybe it’s just because she’s a little bit more laid back than the other girls, though?

Lindzi and Ben talk about her previous relationship, and she explains that she was living with him, and thought that she would marry him. She handles the whole thing really well, and I think it was an important conversation for them. 

After the talk, they ride to Lindzi’s parent’s house, where Ben meets his first set of parents. Lindzi introduces him as “my boyfriend Ben,” which is pretty cute.

They chat about the fact that Lindzi’s parents got married at the city hall where Ben and Lindzi had their first date. A sign! Ben definitely loves her parents.

They then race chariots on the farm-- haha—and head back to the house for dinner. I have to admit, this date is pretty adorable! 

In a conversation with Lindzi’s mother, Ben gets the info on her past relationship, and asks if Lindzi is ready to be engaged. Ben tells her dad that he’s not ready to be engaged at this point, but that he has strong feelings for Lindzi. Her dad more or less gives him the go, but there’s definitely an undertone of “take it slow.”

Overall, it was a great hometown date, without a doubt. Ben’s falling for her! I always think it’s a good sign if the hometown goes well, because it seems like one of the most realistic dates of the whole experience.

Cutie-pie Kasie is next, and she greets Ben with some baton twirling. A little awkward, maybe, but so true to "Bachelor" form. Kacie tells Ben that her dad is a federal probation officer, and that he doesn’t drink, which is definitely a lot for Ben to handle. I’m even a little nervous for the guy! 

Kacie’s mom, dad, and sister greet them at the door. Is it just me, or does Kacie’s mom have flawless skin? Way to go, girl! The conversation is icy-cold, though. Kacie sits down with her sister, and says that she wants to marry Ben. Kacie seems to be looking ahead to see some major conflict with the fam. This is going nowhere good.

When Ben and Kacie’s dad sit down for a conversation, her dad seems super skeptical. Then, for the one-two-punch, Kacie’s mom comes in and voices her concerns, which include moving in together. Whoa, traditional. I don’t know how well this fits into Ben’s lifestyle.

Kacie flat-out tells her dad that she would say yes, if he were to ask her to marry him. This girl is in deep! Her parents continue to question her. I don’t know, I have trouble believing in the staying power of a relationship that comes from two people who are in such different places in their family life. But maybe I’m wrong? We’ll have to see what Ben decides.

Next up, Ben heads to Texas to see Nicki. I’ve always felt a little bit of a disconnect between these two, but it’ll be good to see how this date goes! They try on cowboy boots together at a local store, which is fun. They talk about her divorce, and how her parents are likely to be skeptical. I really like Nicki, but it seems a little forced to me.

Nicki’s mom says that she sees a connection with Ben that she didn’t see even with Nicki’s first husband. The ladies chat about the potential for their future, and it’s such a cute mother-daughter conversation! Then Nicki talks to her dad, who seems primarily concerned that Nicki will get hurt again. It’s a really sweet conversation. Watch out, guys, you might tear up!

Nicki and Ben talk, and Nicki tells Ben that she’s in love with him. Maybe I was wrong—do they have more chemistry than it originally appeared?? 

Finally, we’re in Scottsdale, Arizona for Courtney’s hometown. Ahhh, the date we’ve all been waiting for.  I definitely think that Courtney isn’t as bad as she seems, but that doesn’t excuse her behavior. I think that she’s had a series of bad relationships, which has made her more aggressive in protecting her relationship with Ben. But maybe I’m not seeing the real Courtney. She has said some pretty awful things!

They sit down for dinner, and Courtney says that she likes him-loves him. whatever that means. Sherry, Courtney’s mom, says that she’s skeptical. I’m thinking these parents are going to be a little bit tough. When Courtney’s dad asks Ben if he’s ready to be engaged, Ben seems a little bit unready. There’s a definite chance that he won’t propose to anyone.

When Courtney sits down to talk to her mom, Courtney says that she feels ready for the next chapter in her life. Is there a chance that this could actually work? 

Courtney and Ben head out for a picnic. I’m just noticing how adorable Courtney’s outfit is! That girl definitely knows how to dress. When Courtney is alone with Ben, I like her so much better. Maybe she really is just threatened by the girls. Or maybe I’m falling for it just like Ben.

Courtney surprises Ben with a, um, wedding? It seems a little intense for me. In real life, this would totally scare Ben off. Let’s be honest. They write vows, and then they say them to each other in front of a pastor. It really is just like they’re getting married! Ben’s vows were incredibly sweet and sincere. I think it’s evident at this point that he’s in love with her. When Courtney reads her vows, she full on quotes “Sex and the City”. It’s lame, but something about the way she reads the vows is incredibly endearing. Is she really just that good of an actor?

Once all of the dates are done, host Chris Harrison sits down with Ben for a little chitchat. Gotta love Chris! They rehash the dates. Ben brings up the conflicts with Kacie’s parents, specifically that her mother does not want them living together if they are engaged. Again—I have doubts about that relationship working out! 

At the rose ceremony, Ben ends up sending home Kacie. I love Kacie but I do think that after this episode, it was clear that they had some major differences. The poor girl seems really upset in the back seat of the limo. Let’s just say it wasn’t cute crying. But who can blame her? It’s pretty harsh, at this point. 

Can’t wait for the finale!

Reach writer Anita Dukart here 

Check Neon Tommy every week for Anita's recaps of "The Bachelor."