"It's so surreal" — The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Mariah gushes after Caleb pops the question in the finale

The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3 released the finale and the reunion on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The finale featured the remaining four couples facing the moment of truth where they decided whether to marry or move on. While some parted ways, others got engaged, hoping to build a future together. Among the couples who left the show engaged were Caleb and Mariah.

Earlier episodes saw Mariah issue an ultimatum to Caleb, hoping they could align on marriage. While Mariah wished to tie the knot, Caleb hesitated, fearing she would miss out on a better companion. Throughout the experiment, the couple realized they needed to rework themselves and address unresolved feelings.

Despite facing challenges during their journey, the couple successfully found their way back to one another. Episode 9, Ultimatum Day, saw Caleb propose to Mariah, pleasantly overwhelming her. She gleefully accepted the ring and told the cameras:

"I'm... I can't... It's so surreal right now."

Before heading to the ceremony, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star expressed that she was unsure about Caleb's state of mind. Although she deeply cared for him, she was not ready to compromise on her decision to wed. As a result, she feared the outcome of their meeting. However, contrary to her worries, Caleb went down on one knee and promised to see a future with her.

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"I see the woman you are" — The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On star Caleb praises Mariah in a heartfelt letter

While preparing for the Ultimatum Day, Caleb revisited his trial marriage with Aria and stated that it helped him self-reflect and learn more about his own identity. The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On cast member confessed that he realized marriage was the "ultimate partnership."

"It's your teammate. It's your best friend. I definitely see it," he added.

Meanwhile, Mariah reflected on her journey, detailing how difficult it was after her trial marriage partner, Micah left the show mid-way. The time alone helped her realize she had "so much internal work" left to do. However, Caleb's blooming connection with Aria added to her worries.

In another segment of the episode, Caleb confessed he was a "fun and light" person, unlike Mariah, who was a "very serious girl." While he realized what he wanted from the relationship, Mariah hoped Caleb considered marriage since it was something she was sure of.

"We're going to be either committing ourselves to one another or venturing off alone," Mariah said.

When The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On couple came face-to-face, Mariah thanked Caleb for participating in the show, even if it was "grudgingly." She stated that she looked forward to spending forever with him.

Mariah then appreciated his honesty and transparency, adding that those traits made for a "great husband." Although she wanted to marry Caleb, she knew they could break up if he thought differently.

However, Caleb had other plans. He took out the letter where he had penned his feelings and started reading from it. As he read, he thanked The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On female cast member for showing him what he lacked, admitting that he could not imagine life without her.

Caleb expressed gratitude for celebrating his victories and reassuring him through difficult times. He added that Mariah's unconditional love often scared him because it was more than what he felt for himself. However, his stance changed over time.

"As I look at you today, I'm no longer afraid. I see the woman you are and how you've shown up for everyone around you. If you allow me I'll show up for you in the same way," Caleb said.

The cast member vowed to love and care for her, "both physically and emotionally." He confessed that his love for her grew over the past two years and prepared him to begin forever. As Caleb pulled out the ring and proposed, Mariah accepted. The couple hugged each other and kissed.

An emotional Caleb told the cameras it felt good to know that the person he cherished would not leave. Despite feeling overjoyed, he asked Mariah never to issue ultimatums again.

"Don't do this again. Yeah, I don't like Ultimatums. But I love you, so here we are," he said.

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The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On season 3 is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.