James Allen News Center

In season 5 of "The Bachelorette", Jillian Harris surprised many viewers by choosing former workaholic Ed Swiderski, who had, at one point, left the show.  Polls showed that viewers favored Kiptyn Locke, a surfer-type from Encinitas, California who had an obvious physical chemistry with Harris.  But Swiderski, a 29 year-old technology consultant who had dropped out during filming to rescue his job, later returned.  As soon as he was back, he said that he had made a terrible mistake and proclaimed his love for her.  

In the show`s finale, Swiderski got down on one knee, saying, "I`ve never felt this positive about being with someone, ever.  I want you to be with me forever," and presented her with a diamond engagement ring.  She jumped into his arms and said, "Absolutely!"

But that finale was not so simple.  Third-place Reid Rosenthal, a 20 year-old realtor from Philadelphia, showed up at the filming after Harris ended it with Locke but before Swiderski`s proposal.  He approached her, saying, "I was just an idiot.  I came back to tell you that I love you and hopefully you feel the same way."  He then presented her with an engagement ring.

But Jillian Harris`s heart and mind were made up.  She explained to him that he was in love with someone else.  Rosenthal was, once again, sent away. 

Harris was in the final three in last season`s "Bachelor" fiasco, and was lucky to have avoided being in the final two.  She was a fan favorite because of her clearly open heart and love of life.  She was the clear choice for this season of "The Bachelorette", and is obviously ecstatic with the results.

"Not only am I happy," she told ABC News, "but as every day goes by, I wake up more and more excited."

The couple is scheduled to appear on "Good Morning America", and plan to discuss their future together in a TV special called, "After The Final Rose".