'The Bachelorette' Chooses Ed Swiderski
Jillian's heart was won by the reformed workaholic who couldn't stay away.
July 27, 2009 -- On the season five finale of "The Bachelorette," Jillian Harris professed passionate feelings for three suitors: Kiptyn, the sweet surfer; Ed, the workaholic who realizes he's missing out on love; and Reid, the one who said "I love you" just a little too late.
While she had undeniable chemistry with soft-spoken business developer Kiptyn Locke, she wasn't quite as sure of his feelings for her.
Ed Swiderski, the 29-year-old technology consultant, had bailed on the show in an earlier episode to rescue his job but came running back, professing his love for the plucky 30-year-old Canadian brunette.
Just when she was about to make her choice, the show threw her an emotional curveball: Noncommital realtor Reid Rosenthal reappeared with a ring and a proposal.
Ultimately, she chose the one who never had the problem saying how he felt.
"There is no doubt in my mind that I love you," she told Ed tearfully. "I wanted to tell you for so long."
Ed got down on one knee and presented her with a diamond engagement ring.
"I want you to be with me forever," he said.
She accepted with glee and jumped into his arms, shouting, "Absolutely!"
Ed had surprised her by flying his parents out to Hawaii for a meet-and-greet, sending Jillian into a giddy rush of emotion. Jillian loved Ed's parents, who reassured her he is very much ready to settle down.
Harris, who made it to the final three in last season's "Bachelor" with Jason Mesnick, became a fan favorite after her bubbly personality and honest remarks about love and life captured America's heart.
Jillian Harris will appear live on "GMA" Wednesday. Click here to send in your questions to Jillian Harris.
Harris told ABCNews.com earlier that the finale would be "dramatic," but with a "brilliant and positive" ending.
"Not only am I happy, but as every day goes by, I wake up more and more excited," Harris said.
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"I'm a real girl and I will be making a decision that will affect my life positively," Harris said. "What fans should be happy about is I've made a decision that I am extremely happy with."
Her journey through love has been a dramatic one, staying true to franchise history.
Other memorable testosterone-filled men vying for Jillian's heart included Tanner ("the one with the foot fetish"), Juan ("the one hated by all the men"), David ("the frontrunner turned aggressive one") and Wes ("the one with the alleged girlfriend.")