Michelle Young took her final contestants to a farm date; Credits: Just Jared

Season 18 of The Bachelorette is finally closing in, and it can not be any more difficult for Michelle Young than to pick one final suitor from her list of the 'final four.' 

The bachelorette has narrowed down her options to a chosen array of four men as of the November 23 episode of the 18th season of the reality TV dating show. The ABC show has now taken the contestants to their hometowns, along with Michelle setting up a few dates in her native city. 

The date was also attended by a few of her fifth-grade students from the elementary school where she teaches. The four children handled the dates for their beloved teacher and paired her with the suitors from the show. Hence, by the end of the episode, Michelle ended up cutting short her long line of suitors from the original eight from the beginning of the episode to the final four at the end. 

The day's activities included a lot of fun for the children. The episode begins with the array of suitors trying to come up with activities that could appease the little kids. The men had to appease the kids with interesting activities while the kids just sat by and asked the contestant the most embarrassing questions ever, including, “Have you been grounded before? Have you farted in front of Ms. Young?”. They then choose the best of the men, who now continue to enjoy the attention of the Bachelorette. 

Amongst all these proceedings, the one contestant that truly made a lasting mark was Clayton Echard. The former suitor of Michelle Young has already been selected for the lead of the Bachelor season to be aired next year, which has already begun with its production. 

Echard helped the fifth-graders build a giant pillow fort and was granted a date for his efforts by Michelle. He also received a limo choke-full with snacks that equate to a toddler's version of heaven! The two also went on a museum date in the locality, where they spent the entirety of the day frolicking around like little children, chasing each other around and playing in the museum corridors. The efforts come prior to familiarizing the audience with Clayton Echard as he will soon host his own group of young ladies wishing to win over his attention.

Obviously, Clayton and Michelle did not connect on a higher level as gouged from Michelle's reaction when Clayton tried seconding his case and revealing the depths of his emotions to the Bachelorette. However, she had to put him down as she stated that she found better relativity with the other men from her mob of suitors and hence, could not repay Clayton's feelings to the magnitude he felt them. But, she also made sure that there were no hard feelings in between the two and that she cleared enough about her other relationships and the men she dated on the show. 

Brandon Jones presented his mother's bracelet to Micelle, Credits: ABC 

Still, Clayton at least scored the best marks where the kids were concerned who lovingly wrote him letters stating all the reasons for which they liked him. They brought out his strong endearing character and also wished him the best for his upcoming endeavors. Clayton read the letters on camera, which moved him so much that he shed a few tears on the sets. Apparently, he conceded that it was the first time he cried in years. The producers did a great job of cementing Clayton's sweet guy next door persona that is going to help him when he finally takes over the reins of the Bachelor Nation TV show the next season. 

After Clayton took his leave from the series, the rest of the men headed to a farm date with Michelle and took part in several challenges. The men played against each other, and Joe Coleman stood out as a great tending figure amongst the men. Nayte Olukoya kind of fought to get a good foothold in the competition but had to be put out owing to a back injury. Still, he got to earn the honor of a rose making him one of the men that will continue in the competition for the next week's hometown visit dates. 

Another man sent packing home this week is Martin Gelbspan, who was already on the verge of a fallout with Michelle Young. His behavior during the cocktail party was less than satisfactory, and Olu Inajide shared that the former had called Michelle "immature." Hence, on the basis of "miscommunication" between the Bachelorette and Martin, the contestant was asked to pack and head home.

One man who actually had the better end of the things this past week was Brandon Jones, who got to make out with Michelle, meet with her parents, and confess his love for her all in one episode! The two started their date with an ice cream date, followed by Michelle taking him to her home, where they made out in the pool. Unfortunately, they had to cut their make-out session short by Michelle's parents coming home, but fortunately, Michelle got to introduce him to her parents.

The young man impressed her parents in a jiffy and even gathered up his guts to ask her parents for their permission to marry Michele if the two ever get to that point. Totally charmed by the men and wowed by Michelle's interest in him, her parents confirmed that the couple would have their blessings if they chose each other. 

Brandon also got to the point where he told Michelle during a dinner date that he has been falling in love with her for a while and also presented her with a bracelet from his mom. Michelle revealed that she also reciprocates his feelings and eventually presented him with a rose securing his position for further dates. 

Now that Nayte and Brandon are secured for hometown dates, it was easy for Michelle to choose her remaining two suitors for the final four. She gave the two remaining roses to Joe and Rodney Mathews during the cocktail party and sent Olu and Rick Leach home. 

Michelle Young eliminated two men in the cocktail round, keeping four contestants for the final run, Credits: Just Jared

Furthermore, Clayton will also get to find his own love of life in the next Bachelor season. A student of Michelle said, “I want Clayton to find a wife. He’ll be the next Bachelor.”