Perhaps the highest compliment one can get paid on Bachelor in Paradise is this gem, courtesy of Chris Harrison: "Grant and Lace are just hot. They are sex on a plate." But is physical chemistry enough to make a relationship last in a world outside Playa Escondida resort in Sayulita, Mexico?
The answer: Probably not. Of course, Grant Kemp and Lace Morris would be the first to tell you otherwise, based on the fact that they recently got tattoos as evidence of their everlasting love. And if they do anything right—or at least better than some of their counterparts—it's that they aren't afraid to have those mandatory, but often uncomfortable relationship talks.
So when we sat down with Grant the day after his fantasy suite date, he was not only confident that he would be proposing to Lace, but he was totally cool with admitting that he went for looks over brains and personality first. How taboo! What else did he admit to? And how will he make his relationship with Lace work if they walk out of Paradise engaged? Get ready to know Grant like you never have before.
Glamour: Are you relieved Paradise is almost over?
Grant Kemp: I am. It’s bittersweet in the sense that I’ve had such a great experience here, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m so glad I came here, and my experience here was how I hoped it would go. It can be tiring and stressful at times, but it was worth every second.
Glamour: What did you know about Lace going into Paradise?
Grant: Going in to this whole thing, I wanted to be as open-minded as possible and do as little research as possible on the girls that might be here. I didn’t talk to any of them before I got here. I went based on looks. I said, "I’m going to go based on looks, and then when I get to sit down next to that person and have a real conversation with them, I’ll figure out if something’s there." I remember the first time I saw Lace on Ben’s season, and I thought, "Wow, that girl is gorgeous!" I never thought I’d be on The Bachelorette or be here. So that was my first impression of her. She was definitely on my mind when I came here. I voiced to many people that I was looking forward to meeting her, and I did.
Glamour: Let’s go back the looks comment. I kind of admire the honesty because it’s what many people think, but most will never admit to.
Grant: I’m not going to try and give you some philosophical answer because that’s what you have to do at first. If there’s not an initial attraction there, then it’s harder to build a relationship. I’m not saying that you can’t, but it’s a little bit harder.
Glamour: Looks can only carry someone so far, so what was it about Lace’s personality that won you over?
Grant: That’s definitely true. There are a lot of pretty people in this world, and that only gets you so far. You’re exactly right. What drew me in to Lace was the fact that she’s very straight to the point, and she’s not afraid to tell it like it is. She’s a little bit sassy, and I like that. She’s the type of girl who's the first person to admit when she makes a mistake, and that’s hard to find.
Glamour: Lauren H. said you manage her crazy. Do you think that’s true?
Grant: I do. I wouldn’t call it crazy, but I definitely know how to handle her. I feel like a lot of guys don’t know how to handle a girl like Lace. I think she appreciates more than anything that I’m that guy.
Glamour: On a scale of 1 to 10, what are the chances that you and Lace can succeed as a couple?
Grant: On a scale of 1 to 10 with the experience I’ve had so far with Lace, I’d put it at a 10.
Glamour: You got matching tattoos the other day—obviously you’re in it for the long haul—but what about when you get back to reality? Are you going back to being a fireman? What about the logistics?
Grant: San Francisco is where I live now, and one of the first things Lace said to me was that that’s one of her favorite cities.
Glamour: So she might move there?
Grant: If things work out in the end, and everything works out, yeah, that’s something that’s very exciting.
Glamour: And you’ll go back to your job as a fireman, right?
Grant: Yes, of course.
Update: Here's the ring that Grant proposed to Lace with! Click here to see it up close.
Tonight's the finale of Bachelor in Paradise and multiple couples will get engaged. For more exclusive interviews with the contestants, click here.
