Jillian Harris, a 29-year-old Canadian, chose 29-year-old technology consultant Ed Swiderski on Monday night’s season finale of The Bachelorette — but not before a emotional castoff tested Jillian’s strength right until the last moment of her decision.

In a shocking twist, just as Jillian was awaiting Ed, newly eliminated contestant Reid — the 30-year-oold real estate agent — arrived to profess his love for Jillian and, ultimately, got down on bended knee and proposed marriage, saying: “I know that you felt what I felt, and I thought just you knowing that was enough….I came back to tell you that and to tell you that I love you.”

Jillian turned down Reid’s proposal, saying she knew her heart was with someone else. “Our relationship is complete….I am 100% madly in love with Ed,” she said.

Finally, Ed arrived, embraced Jillian, and said: “Jillian you may not know how much you’ve impacted me…you’re everything that I could ever ask for in a woman.You’re beautiful, you’re intelligent, you’re funny, you’re confident, and you make me smile when I look in your eyes. I know that I love you, but before we go any further, I need to know if you love me.” Jillian told him she loved him too, and couldn’t wait to tell him that.

Ed then got down on one knee and said: “I want to be with you forever. I want 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,” Jillian shouted.

The Bachelorette: After the Rose Ceremony airs Tuesday night on ABC.