Fans of both the Duggars and the Bates are hoping for a union between the two reality TV families, a union that will finally turn their friendship bond into a permanent family bond. With so many kids in line, there's a good chance that a wedding may just happen somewhere down the road. 

It is no secret that the two families are long-time friends. They not only know each other, they also share the same Christian faith. Therefore, it makes sense if the Duggars nod to a union with the Bates and vice versa. According to The Stir, a Duggar-Bates wedding is inevitable. 

The talk about the union of these two loveable families started when Joseph Duggar left his home in Arkansas to study at Crown College in Knoxville, Tennessee. Apparently, Tori Bates also goes to the same school. Hence, people immediately speculated that there's a possibility that the two could be dating or may date soon. Not to mention, Joseph stayed with the Bates earlier this year, too. 

When this dating rumor came out, Radar Online was able to dig up old dating news between the Duggars and the Bates. According to the report, Zachary Bates courted Jana Duggar with dad Jim Bob's permission, but that was as far as it went. Zachary later married Whitney Perkins in 2013 while Jana is still waiting for the right guy to come along. 

Nonetheless, there are still more kids in line for a possible Duggar-Bates wedding. The Stir speculates that 22-year-old Lawson Bates can date either Jana or Jinger. Then there's Nathan Bates, who can date either Jinger or Joy Anna. The ages of the kids are actually so close together that if anyone does the math, there's tons of possibilities for coupling. But for now, everyone has to wait and see which ones will actually stick.