Zac Just Became the Frontrunner on ‘The Bachelorette’ & Here’s Why

*Warning: Spoilers ahead*

An unlikely frontrunner emerged on tonight’s episode of The Bachelorette: Zac.

On season 16, episode eight of the popular dating series, Tayshia Adams invited Zac on his very first one-on-one date. Although we haven’t seen much chemistry between the pair, that all changed when they bonded during a mock wedding photoshoot. In fact, we’re starting to think that Zac is a top contender for Adams’s final rose.

The problem with the other contestants is they’re forgetting that Adams has been married before. They’re treating her as if she wants to be swept off her feet, when in reality, all she wants is for someone to offer her a stable future.

Zac, on the other hand, won us over during tonight’s episode of The Bachelorette. First of all, he pays attention to Adams. As a divorcee himself, Zac immediately knows that Adams is triggered by the wedding dress. She doesn’t have to say anything for Zac to know that she needs his support.

Second, he listens to her. Some of the contestants are guilty of making the conversation all about them, but that isn’t the case with Zac. Not only does he hear what she has to say, but he also responds in a genuine way.

Third, he’s honest. Zac could have easily hidden his past, which involved a brain tumor followed by a drug addiction turned “moment of clarity.” Instead, he comes clean and describes it as a learning experience that made him who he is today.

And lastly, Zac tells Adams exactly what she wants to hear. This is important because we’re at a crucial stage of the competition. It’s not too early, it’s not too late—it’s the perfect time to swoop in and solidify himself as a frontrunner. And that’s exactly what happened.

Team Zac, FTW. The Bachelorette returns to ABC next Tuesday, December 8, at 8 p.m.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking Bachelor Nation story by subscribing here.