Southern, blonde beauty Emily Maynard will reprise her role as the sweet-natured, single mom looking for love on next season’s The Bachelorette. The twenty-six-year old won her season of the Bachelor and became engaged to two-time loser Brad Womack. The couple who promised to be together forever broke up shortly after filming citing Brad’s temper, along with his commitment issues, and Emily’s difficulty handling what she saw on the show.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Emily discusses her decision to return to television to find a man and admits it’s a little intimidating! “It really hasn’t hit me, what I’ve signed on to do,” she reveals. “I’m scared to death.”

Emily surprised fans when she agreed to do the show, since she initially turned down ABC’s requests. Ashley Hebert was famously cast in her place, much to the dismay of some of the guys. Emily says she she “genuinely” meant it when she told producers she had no interest. “At the time I was dealing with a breakup,” which factored into her decision to decline the opportunity. “I feel like the biggest hypocrite because I said that and now I’m doing it.”

What changed her mind? “I know it can work.” That’s what they all say… “I fell in love the first time and no, we didn’t end up getting married, but in the end just falling in love, for me, is a success,” Emily shares. Well, at least she still believes in finding fame love.

One of the biggest reasons Emily finally agreed to sign onto the show, besides the obvious of wanting to get married, is that ABC agreed to film in her hometown of Charlotte, NC so she can be near her six-year-old daughter, Ricki.

“She’s not going to be involved in a lot of filming and certainly not meeting the guys,” Emily says of Ricki’s participation. “But she’s really excited to go on vacation with Mommy.” Does that mean Emily’s season will include the typical jet-setting adventures? Wow! Good for Emily that she’s not willing to leave her child for two months.

Another reason Emily agreed to participate in the show is her difficulty meeting decent men. “My schedule is very different than a normal single guy’s schedule. I can’t go out every night of the week,” she explains. “They just kind of fizz out before they ever have a chance to become anything. I have to take things slowly because I have a daughter, so that makes it really hard.”

With ABC willing to make so many sacrifices on Emily’s behalf she claims she couldn’t say no! “I would be crazy to pass it up.”

And speaking of guys that were pretty bummed about last season’s Bachelorette, the infamous Bentley Williams may be making a return to vie for the heart of the woman he wanted to woo all along! When asked if she would give Bentley a chance, Emily believes everyone deserves a second (or third) chance! “He would really have to show remorse,” she admits. “But one thing I have learned is to never say never.” How much do you want to be he’ll be back with bells on?

IS EMILY CRAY FOR WANTING TO GIVE BENTLEY A SECOND CHANCE? ARE YOU SURPRISED SHE AGREED TO DO THE SHOW?