For several weeks on "The Bachelorette," it's been pretty obvious that Meredith has some pretty strong feelings for Ian, despite his reticent nature, intimidating brother and less-than-stellar communication skills.

Wednesday night's (Feb. 18) episode of the show, in which Meredith had overnight dates with the three remaining guys, confirmed all suspicions, and how.

Our girl's chief hangup about Ian has been his failure thus far to open up very much about what he's feeling about Meredith and the weird "Bachelorette" circumstances. On their date in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he finally did. Sort of.

It wasn't so much that Ian talked a lot about his emotional state; rather, he finally seemed like he was open to being open. To his credit, he was honest about how he might handle things if he became Meredith's final choice. Because he's a private person -- the hell you say, Ian -- he wouldn't propose on national TV. We get the feeling, though, that he wouldn't pull some goofy Bachelor Bob-promise ring stunt either.

Speaking of Bob, let's pause a moment to consider the remarkable feat Meredith is pulling off: remaining likable for the entire run of the show. Bob had long since used up any Oprah-fueled residual goodwill by this point, and Trista and the other Bachelors had pretty well jumped the shark by this point in their sagas too. From what we've seen, though, Meredith has kept her wits and her convictions about her.

Okay then. Back in San Juan, Ian and Meredith agree that they should take advantage of the fantasy suite. I know, you're as shocked as I was to find out that Ian, Chad and Matt all decided to forego their individual rooms. Meredith and Ian give a further glimpse into their feelings by kissing as soon as they enter the suite, rather than ogling their plush surroundings.

They do some more kissing later, and the taped portion of the date ends with Meredith saying "I'm so into him."

Chad arrives next, and Meredith has relocated to nearby Isla Verde. Her nervous laugh has gone with her. Chad doesn't help matters by being a little awkward in a romantic setting.

Both of them tell the camera that they're looking for a better indication about the chemistry they share. To paraphrase the Magic 8 Ball lingo, signs point to no as Meredith and Chad get into an extended conversation about when he might go for a big, romantic kiss. Chad later realizes he whiffed and wishes he could have the moment back, but no.

Finally, in the suite, he does give her the passionate kiss. Meredith's response: "I'm glad he did." Don't get too carried away there, girl.

Matt is last to arrive, and he and Meredith spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach in Dorado, drinking stuff from coconuts and cuddling. Meredith admits that sometimes, she's "in awe" of the lanky Texan. "It's like, Where did you come from?" she says.

Matt only helps his cause by telling Meredith that what he most hopes to get out of "The Bachelorette" is an idea of whether he can spend the rest of his life with her. (The Magic 8 Ball's response: "Most likely.") Meredith sighs a serious over-the-moon sigh, saying that's exactly what she wanted to hear.

She's so enthralled, in fact, that she pulls out the suite card ahead of schedule, and dinner comes via room service instead of at some contrived location. During another extended cuddle, both say how much the experience has exceeded their expectations, while Meredith says Matt is usually the kind of guy she pushes away. Not this time, though.

Rose night comes, and there's not a lot of suspense. Matt and Ian clearly have a stronger hold on Meredith's heart than Chad does, and the unemployed pharmaceutical salesman is sent shuffling back to Buffalo (yeah, I used it last week, but when will I have the chance again?).

Chad has a hard time understanding why he's being booted, saying on the way out that the other guys couldn't possibly have the same strong connection he felt with Meredith.

We don't doubt he was speaking from the heart. But he didn't see the rest of the show.