The Farmer Wants a Wife season 4 premiere started with a bang when one of the contestants revealed she was feeling “butterflies” for the wrong man.
While contestant Lauren, 29, was initially assigned to farmer Brett Maverick’s group of women during the Tuesday, April 21, episode, the pair quickly realized during their first date that they weren’t a match. Lauren then shocked audiences by telling producers that she was more interested in getting to know a different farmer, Braden Pridemore.
“That was definitely a curveball and something,” Braden, 26, exclusively told Us Weekly with a laugh ahead of the season 4 premiere. “I’ll be honest. At first I was like, ‘I don’t know about this. I don’t necessarily feel good about this.’ And it’s nothing on Lauren. I think Lauren’s a great girl.”
Despite his hesitations, Braden eventually agreed to meet up to give Lauren a shot and the duo agreed there was a connection.
“I do think she made a good case for herself as far as, like, ‘Hey, we’re all here to meet somebody.’ And she kind of shot her shot, so I wanted to respect that,” Braden said. “A lot was going through my head in that moment.”
Braden told Us that narrowing down who would go home with him to the farm was a “hard” choice to make with so many “great women” in his group. He added that he had also already become “quick buddies” with Brett and didn’t want to step on any toes.
“Can you believe that? Can you believe it?!” Brett, 35, quipped to Us when asked about the last-minute swap. “I was like, ‘Can you do that? Is that part of it? Can I switch?’ No, I’m just kidding. Braden caught her eye, which, I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s a handsome devil!”
Brett told Us that at the end of the day, Lauren made the “right move” for all involved. “If she likes somebody a little bit more, I mean, go for it,” he said. “Won’t hurt my feelings.”
Tuesday’s episode started off on track when Lauren and Brett were introduced. Lauren even shared during a confessional that she thought Brett was “really handsome” and her “type to a T.”
“And I think farmer Brett being older, because I am 29, I feel like what we both want in life probably would align,” she shared with the cameras, noting that she loves “love” and wants to find her “best friend and settle down.”
While their conversation was pleasant — she told the other contestants there were no “awkward moments” and she “liked” Brett — Lauren ultimately confessed she came away from the date without “butterflies.”
She then pulled producers aside to let them know that Brett was “not the right guy” for her and she wasn’t interested in “wasting her time” with him. Braden, however, was more her speed.
“I’d love to talk to Braden. His personality and looks-wise, it’s so much different in person,” she told producers. “I know it doesn’t exactly follow the guidelines, but I’m so set on finding my husband.”
“This is about me,” she continued. “I’m not here to see if they like me. Of course, I want them to like me back, but I’m a great catch. I’m not here to waste my time, I’m not looking for fame.”
Producers honored Lauren’s wishes and gave her a chance to meet up with an unsuspecting Braden. While the pair couldn’t have an official date, they did get a chance to get to know one another briefly.
“I decided to follow my heart and my gut and usually my heart is right,” Lauren said as she walked up to the farmer. “I feel like there might be something special with Braden.”
The twosome chit-chatted for a few minutes, with Braden praising Lauren for being “bold” and taking a chance on breaking the rules. They discussed her being open to moving to Illinois — despite not knowing where it is on a map — and what they like to do in their free time. Lauren apologized for being a “troublemaker” before making her exit as Braden continued to look stunned by the exchange.
Later on in the evening, Braden confronted Brett about the awkward situation, who gave him the green light.
“Lauren was great, but for me personally, I didn’t feel the initial connection,” Brett confirmed. “If it’s something that you feel is good, then go for it.”
At the ceremony later that evening, Braden took a chance and chose Lauren over one of his original women to return with him to his farm.
“I’m so excited,” she told the cameras. “I definitely got butterflies with Braden.”
Farmer Wants a Wife season 4 airs on Fox Tuesdays at 8 p .m. ET.
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