Bachelor Nation’s Matt James shares a photo with Rachael Kirkconnell…after the two split up

Matt James shared a photo with his girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell to his Instagram account on Thursday.

The 29-year-old former Bachelor lead was pictured making an appearance at a public school with his 24-year-old partner, who was seen hugging a child.

The image seemed to confirm the couple had reconciled following a period of separation that was spurred by the reality television personality’s past attendance at an antebellum South-themed event.

In the shot, James was seen wearing a graphic-printed t-shirt above a pair of short shorts, as well as a black bucket hat.

Kirkconnell sported a patterned blue tank top and a set of form-fitting blue jeans during the visit to the public school.

The graphic designer’s gorgeous brunette hair notably fell onto her backside and shoulders.

The pair were both seen with facial coverings as they spent time around other people.

The former series lead also wrote a lengthy message that included: ‘The gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others.’ 

James and Kirkconnell met during the 25th season of The Bachelor, which initially aired earlier this year, and the real estate broker gained much attention for being the first African-American to lead the program.

The run of episodes ended with the two pursuing a relationship after the cameras turned off. 

However, it was revealed that the two had split up during the After The Final Rose special due to the fact that Kirkconnell had participated in an antebellum South-themed event in 2018. 

Later, screenshots of posts that the graphic designer had liked featuring people standing in front of Confederate flags were circulated on social media.

She eventually publicly apologized for her behavior and admitted that she was educating herself on antiracism, although her relationship with James remained strained.

Franchise host Chris Harrison was also criticized for his handling of the matter and later stepped down from his role due to the controversy.

In April, James and Kirkconnell were spotted together in New York City, although it was later pointed out that the pair were not in a relationship.

A woman later came out and said that she had been dating the real estate broker while he was visiting his former flame, and the revelation drove a wedge between the two.

The couple eventually worked things out and were seen at various locations around the country over the next month.

James’ photo seemingly confirmed that the two had officially resumed their relationship after their extended period of reconciliation.

Earlier this week, a source spoke to Us Weekly and noted that, although the two were invested in their relationship, they were also prioritizing their ‘commitments and work projects.’

However, the insider remarked that the couple was staying in touch and that they enjoy being together when their schedules allow for time off. 

‘They make time for each other and go on trips when they can, but still talk every day when they’re not together,’ the source expressed.

The source concluded by expressing that Kirkconnell and James were attempting to keep things between them centered with the intention of staying together long-term. 

‘Rachael is still head over heels in love with Matt. She…really wants a future with him. They are just soaking up every moment when they are together and want to go steady for a bit before taking the next steps,’ they said.