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J.P. Rosenbaum really stepped up to the plate Monday.

In the aftermath of Ashley Hebert being crushed by Bentley Williams emotionally, J.P. was there to pick up the pieces – and by being a rock she could lean on (and wear pajamas in front of), he emerged as a top contender.

How long will J.P. last this season? We’ll point you to The Bachelorette spoilers page on THG to answer that if you want to know, but we will say this now: He’s not going home anytime soon, and it’s easy to see why.

Michelle Young, Pre-Rose Ceremony
(ABC)

A 34-year-old construction manager from Long Island, J.P. Rosenbaum was handed a chance to shine with a laid-back date after the Bentley debacle.

He never could have guessed what had just taken place when he showed up, flowers in his hand, but not for a second did he appear disappointed.

Instead, he rose (pun intended!) to the occasion.

“I know that Bentley going home couldn’t be easy for her – I do want to know that she’s OK,” J.P. said Monday just before he met Ashley Hebert.

 
“Tonight is about me and Ashley. I’ve got to find a way to help her put that aside and focus on the two of us,” he said, and delivered in a big way.

He didn’t have to sweep her off her feet. What she needed was a guy who loves her without judging her, and who is there for her no matter what.

When his big date consisted of Ashley complaining about another dude she was way more into, J.P. could have turned around and walked away.

He didn’t. Without hesitation, he welcomed the chance to get to know her – the whole package – regardless of the circumstances of that night.

Talk about a silver lining.

By the end of the date, Ashley felt the chemistry as well, and noted that he kisses better than Bentley: “J.P. over Bentley in the kiss department.”

And every other department.

[Photos: ABC]