Love is in the air for former Bachelor star Ben Higgins who gushed that getting engaged is still on his radar. He recently revealed a few weeks ago that he’s officially exclusive with a woman named Jessica Clarke, the first person he’s publicly dated since ending things with his ex-fiancée, Lauren Bushnell, in May 2017. It sounds like their relationship is going very well and Ben can’t wait to get down on one knee again someday.

“I would definitely be excited about that possibility when the time is right,” the Bachelor Nation stud, 29, admitted exclusively to Life & Style when asked if there was going to be an engagement in his future. He added, “It’s an exciting step in life.” To give a little insight about his new lady love, Ben divulged that “confidence and empathy” are the two biggest qualities he looks for in a partner.

On February 20, the reality star shared the news about his relationship with his Instagram followers. “I’ve been selfishly keeping this girl to myself for too long! Hey friends meet [Jessica Clarke]!” he wrote beside a cuddly photo of him and his smiling girlfriend. Surprisingly, the Colorado resident admitted that he connected the brunette beauty through social media. He explained, “I successfully slid into her DMs a few months ago. I took a risk and I am glad I did. She is someone special, and I look forward to where life is going to take us. Stay tuned for the journey.”

Jessica shared the same photo and took the opportunity to rave about her new beau. “My secret boyfriend, Ben! He has one of the biggest hearts and kindest spirits, I got to share Honduras with him this past week and I’m excited for many more adventures!” she wrote. The photos on her feed confirm that she’s taken volunteer trips with Generous Coffee, a company that Ben founded, so it seems that these two make a great match.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this adorable duo!

Reporting by Diana Cooper.