Peter Kraus: I think Rachel Lindsay would have picked me if I'd wanted to propose

Peter Kraus finished Rachel Lindsay's season of The Bachelorette as the runner-up during Monday night's finale broadcast.


Instead of Peter, a 31-year-old personal trainer and business owner from Madison, WI, Rachel selected Bryan Abasolo, a 37-year-old chiropractor from Miami, FL, at the end of her journey to find love. Eric Bigger placed third.

While Rachel and Bryan got engaged and claim to be living happily-ever-after, Peter left the show completely brokenhearted. He just wasn't ready to propose to Rachel -- although he desperately wanted to continue their relationship in the real world -- and she had made it very clear she wasn't going to conclude The Bachelorette process with just a boyfriend.

In a Tuesday phone interview, Peter talked to Reality TV World about Rachel's final decision and the pair's live reunion. Below is what he had to say. Be sure to check back with Reality TV World soon for more from the call.

RELATED LINK: 'BACHELOR IN PARADISE' SPOILERS: WHICH SEASON 4 COUPLES MADE IT TO THE END? WHO LEFT ALONE?


Reality TV World: I know this would be difficult to admit since Rachel seems very happy with Bryan, but had you told Rachel you were whole-heartedly ready and willing to propose to her, do you think you would have been the last man standing? Do you think you were her first choice?

Peter Kraus: That's a tough question. I felt throughout the entire process that I was the best fit with Rachel. She and I's connection was something very special from our very first date and unlike anything I've ever really experienced in my own life. And I felt like it was reciprocated.

So, I didn't really concern myself with the other guys' relationships as far as their inner-workings, but I did feel like ours was a bit above the rest. Had I been ready at the end, I don't think she would have gone in a different direction. So as far as how it ended, that's sort of where I was at, at that point.

RELATED LINK: RACHEL LINDSAY'S FRIENDS REPORTEDLY FEEL 'THE BACHELORETTE' STAR CHOSE WRONG BACHELOR, RUSHED FINAL DECISION  

Reality TV World: Rachel has said she knew she was going to break up with you and choose Bryan when she went to your hotel room in Rioja. Does that surprise you? Because based on what viewers saw in the episode, Rachel seemed incredibly confused and almost desperate to hear that you planned to propose. Do you personally believe Rachel had her mind made up when she arrived at your hotel?


Peter Kraus: I know myself, and I know that when I'm emotional, things can be very difficult and sometimes be clouded. And huge decisions like that can be really hard to make, so I can't say what she was feeling or what she was thinking.

I don't know if that truly was her plan going into it or not; I just know it had to have been a very difficult decision.

And not having that level of confidence for me going into that final night, I can't blame her for not wanting to pursue a relationship with me already before that night started.

RELATED LINK: PETER KRAUS -- MEET 'THE BACHELORETTE' BACHELOR'S EX-GIRLFRIEND BRITTANY HANSEN (PHOTO GALLERY)

Reality TV World: You offered to propose to Rachel during your last conversation as a way to keep your relationship and not lose her. How might your viewpoint on proposing have changed had Rachel actually said you were "the one" when you asked her flat out if you were the guy she wanted to spend the rest of her life with? Would that have convinced you the timing was right?


Peter Kraus: I don't think it would've convinced me the timing was right, but I think it would've let me know that taking that leap of faith was less of a risk than I was thinking it was at that point.

I did not want to propose at that point. It was a clear fact, and the only reason I was willing to do that was to prove to her that the level of love I had for her at that time was enough for me to make that big of a sacrifice in my life.

And I think we both knew at that point that it wouldn't have been enough. It was too late. But I had to at least put it out there and give her the opportunity.

To read what Rachel had to tell Reality TV World during her happy-couple interview with Bryan following The Bachelorette finale, click here.

RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' COUPLES NOW: WHOM DID 'THE BACHELOR' STARS AND THEIR FINAL PICKS ULTIMATELY END UP WITH?! (PHOTO GALLERY) 


To learn more information about Bryan, click here to visit our Bryan Abasolo page or click here to see our Bryan Abasolo photo gallery.

For additional information about Peter, click here to visit our Peter Kraus page or click here to see our Peter Kraus photo gallery.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski