IN THIS ISSUE: Brad Womack — What He is Hiding

Brad Womack faced a roomful of doubtful women on the first episode of The Bachelor. “If he doesn’t choose someone this time, he should just go live in a cave,” one of the 30 new contestants commented. Now, insiders reveal to OK! that, yes, indeed, Brad does find love.

OK! POLL: WOULD YOU TRUST BRAD WOMACK WITH YOUR HEART?

During November — long after the last episode of the reality dating series was filmed — Brad reportedly joined Chantal O’Brien, the 28-year-old divorcée who slapped him in the first episode, for a trip to Palm Desert, Calif. While Brad’s travel to see Chantal suggests she’s his choice, anything is possible until viewers see the final rose ceremony. Brad is also rumored to have developed strong ties to Emily Maynard, Shawntel Newton and Ashley Spivey, who received the first impression rose.

OK! NEWS:  BACHELOR BRAD WOMACK WEIGHS IN ON CHANTAL O'BRIEN SLAP

Though it’s always kept quiet, it’s not unusual for The Bachelor’s final couple to see each other for dates after the show wraps. “You don’t want them to fall in love and then tell them, ‘Okay, for the next six months you can’t see each other,’ ” one insider says. “He’s in love! He really is. He and the winner make each other laugh; they have chemistry.

OK! VIDEO: BRAD WOMACK IS THE BACHELOR - AGAIN

They really think they can make it work,get married and start a family. They can’t wait for this all to be over so they can walk out of the house holding hands and tell their family and friends.” But it must be a difficult secret for Brad and his future bride to  hide. “I sat next to Chantal at Thanksgiving dinner,” her grandmother, Bonnie Jean O’Brien, says. “She seemed very happy, but she didn’t have a ring on. But I’m happy to wait and find out.”