'Bachelor in Paradise' reunion: Michael Allio says 'I love you' to Danielle Maltby

Episode 14 recap:Michael Allio feels 'more excited than scared' about dating Danielle Maltby

It looks like Copley’s Michael Allio has finally found love, at least according to the final episode of "Bachelor in Paradise."

So far, his journey on the show has kept the Akron area on its toes. Each week sparked new questions: Will he be happy with his romantic decisions post-paradise? What will his son, James, think of his new boo? And now that the show is over, it looks like our answers are here.

But before we get into that, let's recap what's happened since Allio first set foot on the beach.

What happened on the first episode of 'Bachelor in Paradise?'

The first half of the season premiere was used to introduce the main cast of the season, which included Allio. The widower and father was the second person on the beach, following schoolteacher Serene Russell.

Before entering paradise, Allio mentioned that he took some time off from dating since his self-elimination on “The Bachelorette.” He also said his son still wants a mother figure, and that the plan is to find that on "Bachelor in Paradise" so they can take the next steps in their lives as a family.

“I’m coming to paradise with a full, open heart,” he said. “It’s time to take a chance."

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What were the ladies' first impression of Michael Allio?

His first impression on the ladies was quite evident in the first episode. The women described Allio as nice, cute and the most welcoming of all the men. One even said that he “went from wholesome dad to zaddy in 2.0 seconds.” Two female contestants also admitted that Allio was their favorite man on the beach as of yet.

'Zaddy':Michael Allio of Copley makes good impression on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

Recapping what's happened so far on 'Bachelor in Paradise.' Who's gone home?

During the season premiere, Allio said he could see a future with Sierra Jackson, who appeared as a contestant from Clayton Echard’s season of “The Bachelor.” The two talked privately at one point during the episode, where Jackson asked Allio about the hardest part of being a single dad. His response was creating memories, but not having anyone to share them with.

Will Allio find love?Watch out Bachelor Nation: Copley single dad Michael Allio to be on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

A similar, though more teary, conversation happened in episode two between Allio and Jackson, who found themselves talking about the fears of entering a new relationship. The pair lounged on a bed and Allio went more in depth about his hesitation to date after the death of his wife, Laura.

“It’s like I get excited in the beginning and then, when the feelings start to shift, it gets scary, it gets more intense,” he said.

Who is Michael Allio?:Copley single dad and widower who will be on 'The Bachelorette'

The single dad also revealed his fear that he is not ready for love and may unintentionally hurt someone while readying himself for it. Finally, after describing how his sleeping habits changed following Laura’s death (he slept diagonally), the two shared some tears and a first kiss.

After their talk in episode two, Allio told the audience there’s something “really good” between himself and Jackson – a statement that was solidified with the receival of his rose in the following episode.

Their relationship was one of the few that wasn’t on the rocks by the time the rose ceremony kicked off, so his choice didn’t seem to surprise the other contestants. After the ceremony, one contestant even said that Allio and Jackson are one of the island’s most solid couples.

In contrast, three women did not receive roses in Episode three: Kira Mengistu, Hailey Malles and Hunter Haag. All three were on the most recent season of “The Bachelor,” where they vied for the attention of Clayton Echard. The next rose ceremony happened in episode six, with James Bonsall and Justin Glaze leaving without roses. Both were on season 17 of "The Bachelorette" that featured Katie Thurston.

In episodes eight and nine, Allio was in full dad mode, comforting other beachgoers feeling the pressure to cut off old relationships and form new ones. This was especially apparent with Lace Morris (Ben Higgin's season of "The Bachelor"), who was dumped by Rodney Mathews (Michelle Young's season of "The Bachelorette") for island newcomer Eliza Isichei (Clayton Echard's season of "The Bachelor").

Allio also gave advice to his fellow contestants. His most notable nugget of wisdom was during an altercation between Sycamore, Ohio, resident Shanae Ankney (Clayton Echard's season of "The Bachelor") and Logan Palmer (Rachel Recchia & Gabby Windey's season of "The Bachelorette").

“Ohio women, they throw hands dude,” Allio said. “You got to be careful.”

The island's women were tasked with handing out roses in episode 10, which saw the departure of Adam Todd. After Todd's removal from the dating pool, Allio revealed that he felt bad for forgetting both his name and presence on the island. With Jackson and Allio having broken up earlier in the season. It came as no surprise to the other beachgoers or viewers that Danielle Maltby (“Bachelor in Paradise” season four) gifted her rose to Allio during the ceremony.

"It’s amazing to feel alive again," Allio said after accepting Maltby's rose. "Opening up my heart again, getting into this, that is a massive, massive win.”

The single dad was not much more than a background character for the remainder of the episode. The most screen time he received was his conversation with Maltby describing the drama unfolding between Rodney Matthews, Eliza Isichei and Justin Glaze.

Recently on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

Allio has provided the audience with many explanations and nuggets of advice pertaining to couples' squabbles in recent episodes. After episode 11, it was apparent that his unofficial reign as the show's drama narrator and relationship counselor will continue.

Episode 12 saw the departure of four men from the island: Hayden Markowitz and Jacob Rapini (both of Rachel Recchia & Gabby Windey's season of "The Bachelorette"), Alex Bordyukov (Rachel Lindsay's season of "The Bachelorette") and, for the second time this season, Justin Glaze.

Maltby once again gave Allio her rose during episode 12's rose ceremony.

Later on in the episode, the two went on a date orchestrated (or stalked, depending on your perspective) by Wells. The bartender seems to be a big fan of the pair, and even invited them to his wedding (to "Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland) at one point during the date.

After the date card's subjects were announced, another beachgoer said, “Mom and dad are going on a date and I hope they have a great time.” It looks as though James has gained quite a few older siblings from Allio's run on "Bachelor in Paradise."

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Following their trek on horseback, eating chocolate covered bananas and getting some free hats, the two finally settled down for the private portion of their date.

It was at this time that they discussed coming back to the island after the show for a vacation. Maltby also said that she can definitely see a romantic future with Allio.

Allio and Maltby remained background characters for episode 13. The most fans got to see of Allio was during his conversations with various bachelors undergoing rough patches in their relationships.

In episode 14, the pair were shown having multiple discussions about the relationship and the bond they've formed. During their first conversation, Allio told Maltby that when he's alone he feels more excitement than fear, which is a sign that his walls are coming down.

"I know that there's so much more that we need to discuss, but I appreciate you and I hope you feel that because I'm really leaning in," he said.

Maltby asked Allio to the show's first ever '90s themed Sadie Hawkins dance. The two danced, drank and spent some time alone having another talk about what they mean to each other. Maltby revealed to the audience that neither her nor Allio have said "I love you" yet, and that she doesn't think those words will be spoken between them in the immediate future.

"He's just this like, super bright, beautiful human and I've never felt as safe with someone," Maltby said. "It feels like I can breathe. I think we could be really good for each other."

What happened between Michael Allio and Sierra Jackson?

In episode four, Jackson said she feels safe with Allio and is excited to continue pursuing their relationship. She seemed to be eager for not only Allio, but motherhood too. When other contestants stated that she’ll be leaving the island engaged to Allio, Jackson said that she wouldn’t want an engagement until she’d had the chance to meet James, Allio’s son.

While Allio believed that Jackson would make a great mother figure, his feelings about their bond were not synonymous with hers.

Allio confided in island bartender Wells that he was conflicted about Jackson, who earlier in the episode imagined what it would be like to be James’s stepmom. The single dad said the fast pace at which they are moving coupled with his uncertainty about loving someone again scared him.

“Every time I take a step forward, I take a few steps back...because of my traumatic past,” Allio said. “I feel really bad about that.”

Toward the end of the episode Jackson and Allio went stargazing, were she gifted him a star constellation for himself, James and his late wife Laura. After receiving the gift, Allio explained his hesitation about their relationship and broke it off.

Jackson then left "Bachelor in Paradise" following their conversation, stating that she didn’t want to date others on the show or see Allio dating other contestants.

Michael Allio and Danielle Maltby's relationship on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

Things seem to be moving along swiftly in the romance department for Allio. At the beginning of episode six, he was one of four men not in a relationship, which caused him to worry about getting a rose.

“The well has run dry,” Allio said. “I’m going into tonight’s rose ceremony thinking I’m going to go home.”

Luckily, Danielle Maltby (“Bachelor in Paradise” season four) arrived in paradise at the last minute to hand him one. They seemed to recognize each other, much to the confusion of viewers.

Following Allio’s time on “The Bachelorette,” Maltby saw one of his social media posts and reached out to him. The two have been online friends ever since. They also share a similar past, according to beach bartender Wells.

Later Maltby revealed that her fiancé Nick died of a drug overdose 11 years ago. The pair connected about their parallel pasts while on their date.

Allio discussed what he’s looking for in a partner (someone that makes him a better person) while the the two lounged on a boat and Maltby talked about the trauma she faced from the death of her fiancé over their shared meal. When he asked why she returned to the show, she also revealed that it was primarily to connect with him. At the end of the conversation, they shared a kiss.

“Maybe it’s the last first date of my life,” Allio said.

The two returned from their date in episode seven to find the island's original women whisked out of paradise and replaced with five new candidates for love. So far, their dedication to one another hasn't been tested but fans will have to keep watching to find out the end to Allio's love story.

What happened on the 'Bachelor in Paradise' season finale and reunion?

During the first part of the show's two-part finale, Allio gave Maltby his rose and the two shared tears while discussing their future together.

Seeing other relationships end at this stage in the game did make Maltby nervous about speaking to Allio, but the two eventually met up. Amid their conversation, Allio gifted Maltby a compass, one of his most prized possessions that he carries everywhere with him. Just before his late wife, Laura, passed, Allio planned to get compasses for her and James.

Allio said he is excited to introduce her to James and to meet one another's families. Maltby made it clear that she still respects his and James' love for Laura.

"Our losses are very different," Maltby said. "I can’t look back on mine and say it was this beautiful, safe, happy, amazing relationship. I know that when you look back on yours with Laura, that it's just this like unreal love. Just know that I really respect that."

Allio responded with, "[Laura] would love you, I know that for certain. She'd be happy it was you, and so am I."

The two agreed that they weren't ready to be engaged, but left the beach together.

As they kissed on the beach, other contestants yelled to them, saying "Mom and dad!" and "We love you!"

During the reunion, Allio apologized to Jackson for not giving her the love and closure that she needed. After his apology, Jackson responded by saying that at the end of the day she just wants him to be happy.

Later on, it was revealed that Maltby will be moving to Akron, though she will not be living with Allio specifically. In his last remarks about their relationship, Allio also said, "I love you" for the first time to Maltby. While recovering from her shock at the proclamation, Maltby said that she'd already blurted out those three words while walking out the door earlier in the relationship.

Who is the next Bachelor on 'The Bachelor'?

The next Bachelor is Zach Shallcross. Season 27 of "The Bachelor" will air on ABC at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Michael Allio reveals big news on 'Bachelor in Paradise' reunion