Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell have no way of knowing whether their love story will end happily ever after, but as of right now, they are happier than ever.
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The latest episode of Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? featured Higgins suddenly calling off the wedding because he didn't feel ready to take that next big step in life, leaving Bushnell -- who was already picking out bridesmaid dresses -- blindsided and hurt.
So in light of rumors the couple is headed for a split, Higgins assured Entertainment Tonight, "We are together, happier than ever -- no plans to break up!"
Higgins suggested it's natural for couples who get engaged on The Bachelor to struggle navigating their relationship in the real world afterwards.
"That's one of the things that's great about doing a show post-Bachelor, it really does highlight the confusion that life is and trying to get to know each other post-show, and trying to figure out how to get married and make everything work in everybody's best interest," Higgins explained.
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Higgins and Bushnell have been dating for about one year, but several months were spent in hiding. The pair went public with their romance once The Bachelor's Season 20 finale aired in March.
Higgins revealed that marriage counseling truly helped the situation despite tough conversations and tears.
"We're in one of the best places we've ever been in our relationship -- probably the best place," Higgins told ET. "We're feeling less stressed. We're feeling less pressured. We're able to laugh and smile more... that decision at that point led us to every decision we've made to get to today."
The pair reportedly just returned from a vacation to Turks and Caicos, which marked their first camera-free trip as a couple.
"We both came back just clearly refreshed, at ease and we really needed it," Bushnell admitted.
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"Sometimes you have to listen to your relationship, listen to each other and yourself, and know, 'Hey, we need some time here.' Thankfully we're blessed enough that we get to take a vacation... It was exactly what we needed. The adventure aspect of it all and doing things together, paddling, snorkeling -- we kind of hit the reset button."
Just two weeks ago, Bushnell posted an adorable photo of the couple embracing on a beach together.
"So thankful I get to spend life with you," she captioned the image.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski