Canadian beauty Jillian Harris finally found what she was looking for a lover and a best friend when she giddily accepted a proposal from Chicago computer software consultant Ed Swiderski on the season finale of "The Bachelorette" Monday night.
After Harris had assured him that he was indeed the one (“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m madly in love with you,” she enthused), 30-year-old Swiderski got down on one knee and placed a $60,000 Neil Lane platinum and diamond ring on Harris’ finger. The mild-mannered Swiderski piqued Harris’ interest early on in the series. He left in week five after feeling pressure from his job, causing Harris to sob uncontrollably. Then, confessing to Harris, 29, a restaurant designer, that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, he returned. As the season continued, Harris was concerned that neither she nor Swiderski had met each other’s families. Hoping to allay her doubts, Swiderski flew his parents to Hawaii, the couple’s final romantic destination, for a meet-and-greet. Still, the deal was not yet done. Harris’ parents gave their daughter a big thumbs-up on the two remaining bachelors on Monday night’s episode, leaving the final decision up to her. People.com: Jillian sees potential in both finalists
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Dressed in a strapless ivory gown, Harris stood on an outdoor platform waiting for Encinitas, California, business developer Kiptyn Locke to arrive. After politely breaking the news to him that he wasn’t the one, she waited for Swiderski to arrive. But in true “Bachelorette” fashion, it’s not over until all twists are revealed: Philadelphia realtor Reid Rosenthal was the next to arrive. People.com: Who should Jillian pick Dismissed a week earlier, the third runner-up was back, pouring his heart out to Harris and falling to one knee to propose. Harris was visibly moved by the gesture, but had to send Rosenthal away again. “I have fallen in love with somebody,” she explained. “I can’t let them go now.” That person, of course, was Swiderski. People.com: I couldn’t NOT take Ed back He arrived in a white limo and strode confidently towards Harris, then declared, “I want to be with you forever. I want to have a family with you. I want you to give me a hard time when we’re 80 years old. Jillian, will you marry me” “Absolutely!” Harris gushed. The couple, who toasted with champagne at the end of the night, will reunite for the “After The Final Rose” episode, which airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. EST. People.com: Did Jillian make the right decision What do you think of Reid And who should be the next ‘Bachelor’
