Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell Say They Want Kids but 'Have a Few Steps Until Then' (Exclusive)

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell aren't ruling out becoming parents in the future.

The Bachelor nation couple chatted exclusively with PEOPLE at the Club SI party in Las Vegas during the F1 Grand Prix Race, where they said they are always looking ahead in their relationship.

When asked if they ever have marriage or babies on their minds, Kirkconnell, 27, said, “I feel like we honestly talk kids more than ever, but we have a few steps until then.”

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Kirkconnell and James, 31, first met during filming for season 25 of The Bachelor in 2020, when James made history as the first-ever Black male lead on the show.

The pair split before the After the Final Rose special aired, but got back together not long after.

At the 2021 ESPY Awards. Kirkconnell and James walked the red carpet together for the very first time, and a month later, James and Kirkconnell opened up about their rekindled relationship, telling Extra, "It was a bit of a journey."

As for the secret to their long-lasting relationship currently, James told PEOPLE, "I think we do a good job of just focusing on ourselves."

“I don't think we're going by a rulebook or a playbook like some couples coming off the show,” Kirkconnell added. "We’re just doing our own thing.”