Did Brendan Morais and Pieper James go on BIP for all the wrong reasons? The Sept. 6 episode finally united the couple and revealed the truth about their intentions. Looking back, these clues point toward the fact that Brendan was waiting for Pieper to join the show all along.

Brendan’s 1-On-1 With Demi

After making out with Demi during their date, Brendan quickly shut things down by saying he didn’t want to get serious with her. Innocent enough, but in hindsight, it was def a sign of what was to come.

Demi’s Confusion

Following her awk date with Brendan, Demi said in a talking head interview that she didn’t understand where that conversation had come from. It’s almost as if Brendan wanted to nip any other potential relationships in the bud...

Wells’ Dirt

When talking to the Paradisians, Wells said he “heard Brendan might have a boo thing outside of here, and he’s hoping that she comes here.” Next time just @ Pieper, why don’t you?

Brendan’s Silence

When Demi and Brendan chatted after their date, Demi said it wasn’t fair for him to go to the beach if his mind was on someone else. When Demi said she felt like he was waiting for Pieper, Brendan didn’t directly respond.

Mari and Serena C.’s Tea

During Episode 2, Mari said she thought Brendan was “holding out” for Pieper. Serena C. agreed by saying, “They went to hang out together. Just like, them two.”

James’ Confirmation

As the Brendan-Pieper rumors spread across the beach, James said he noticed their interactions on social media. “They were a thing,” he said.

Brendan’s Quotes About Pieper

Brendan told Natasha he and Pieper “didn’t have any labels on things,” but also didn’t say they’d ended whatever they had.

Brendan and Natasha’s Slow Burn

Natasha told guest host Lance Bass that while she had been building her connection with Brendan, it lacked intimacy, and she suspected it had to do with Pieper.

Brendan and Natasha’s Kiss

After Lance encouraged Natasha to make the first move with Brendan, she proceeded to give him a back massage. After she kissed his back, Brendan finally gave her three quick pecks on the lips — which, in Paradise, is basically a friendly handshake.

Pieper’s Date Card

When Pieper arrived to Paradise, she got a date card that read, “Choose someone you feel a spark with,” and then immediately asked Brendan without talking to any other guys. Natasha said it was “very fishy,” and I agree.

Brendan’s Convo With Natasha

After getting asked on Pieper’s date, Brendan told Natasha that the situation was “purely a coincidence”... but that he was def going on this date with Pieper.

Pieper’s Hints About Their Relationship

During her date with Brendan, Pieper said she was there to “pick up” where they left off. After the date, she called Brendan her boyfriend and said she was on Paradise to “continue” their relationship.

Brendan And Pieper’s Hints About Their Paradise Plan

During the 1-on-1 date, Brendan said there were “certain things that had to be done” and “certain ways [he] had to navigate this” to bring them to that particular moment. Pieper then thanked Brendan for “playing the game.”

Brendan’s Quotes About Their Relationship

During their first 1-on-1 date, Brendan told Pieper, “You know how I feel about you. You know what we’ve talked about. I hope you can trust me and trust what we built prior to this ... We have to have each other’s back.”

Brendan & Pieper’s Convo About Followers

During their date, Brendan mentioned their plan to “take advantage of what Paradise would promote for them together.” The Sept. 6 episode ended with the couple talking about their Instagram follower counts growing. Aww, true love!