In a press release promoting next Monday's Bachelorette finale, in which Ali will choose between sensitive hunk Roberto or other sensitive hunk Chris (the fan favorite up in here), ABC teases that this finale will lead to a "shocking outcome," and "for the first time ever, an unexpected turn of events leaves her risking it all for love," continuing fan and spoiler speculation that Ali may indeed leave Tahiti having chosen neither man as her future husband.

Bachelor host Chris Harrison, who's always willing to stoke the fires and promote each season's finale as the "MOST DRAMATIC EVER," is doing that job well once more, this time in an interview with E! Online, in which he says that this season's finale is "different than what our fans have seen in years past," and that it is not necessarily a happy ending for Ali.

"People will be surprised. Whether it's good or not, Ali's happy with it and she's sticking by it. It'll be interesting. I really just want to sit back and watch the fan reactions, what the comments are and how they feel it all played out."

Are ABC and Harrison trying to play us for fools, and Ali actually will end up engaged to Roberto or Chris? (I mean, these two are probably the two hottest and best liked finalists in Bachelorette history. Wouldn't she be a crazy woman to pass up both?) Or do these hints actually say what we think they do--that Ali ends up alone? That would certainly explain why we don't see either guy at the final rose ceremony in this Bachelorette finale preview, though Ali sounds oh so in love:



The full ABC press release is below, with all its dramatic language about Ali's "rocky road." I took the liberty of bolding the important parts for you:

In this gripping special conclusion, Ali, who began her search for love with 25 bachelors, has survived a dramatic, rocky road and found herself falling in love with two wonderful men, Chris L. and Roberto. As she prepares to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, she invites the two remaining bachelors to Bora Bora, Tahiti to meet her family. Then the men have one last chance to lay their hearts on the line, each trying to guarantee that he will be the one to get Ali's final rose. But Ali, who has risked everything for a second chance at love, has always feared that she might fall in love but not be loved back. When she finally lays it all on the line, will she find love or leave paradise with a broken heart, on the Season Finale of "The Bachelorette," MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

With Ali's search for her soul mate over, she talks to Chris Harrison about her final three bachelors this season in "After the Final Rose" special. She'll take viewers back to exotic Tahiti when Frank dropped his bombshell announcement: He was in love with his ex-girlfriend and was breaking off his relationship with Ali. She will share how Frank's decision not only left her completely heartbroken, but questioning herself and what she was looking for in a man. Ali will discuss her different relationships with the final two men and the last minute, heart-wrenching decision which changed all of their lives forever. Both Chris L. and Roberto come back to sit with Ali and talk about the shocking outcome of the series. It's an emotional conclusion to Ali's heartfelt journey to find true love, on "The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose," MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET).

Ali's relationships with final two men evolved differently - with Roberto, it was hot and steamy from the start, and with Chris, it grew out of friendship. When Ali arrives in Bora Bora, she's in love with both men and ready to introduce them to her family.

A life-changing decision is quickly approaching, and Ali looks to her family for input on which incredible man they think would make the best match for her. When Roberto arrives bearing gifts, he makes a great impression. He has a heart-to-heart with Ali's mom, who says she's never seen her daughter so happy. After having a serious talk with Ali's dad to ask for her hand, Roberto is ready to get the entire group up to dance and have a good time.

When Ali's family find out that Chris L. is from their home state, he is an immediate hit. They're especially impressed with his devotion to his family, especially during difficult times. He, too, asks Ali's dad for her hand, and then the group has a great time laughing and splashing in the clear blue water. In the end, Ali's family offers glowing reviews about both men, and they encourage her to trust her heart and do whatever she feels is best for her in the end. Ali has to hope her last chance dates with these final to men will bring clarity to an impossible decision.

Ali's date with Roberto starts a fun day in the sun - jet skiing, swimming with stingrays and picnicking. However, with the sunset, their date turns more serious and Roberto takes this last chance to tell Ali exactly how he feels.

On another beautiful day in Bora Bora, the mood becomes emotional and Ali goes to her date with Chris L. with a new perspective. She meets the excited bachelor to start their fantastic day together, and their relationship takes a surprising turn.

From the very beginning of her journey, Ali has been open about her feelings, emotions and even her insecurities. For the first time ever, an unexpected turn of events leaves her risking it all for love. Ali has laid it all on the line and the end is here. But will she find the man of her dreams and get her happily ever after?

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? What would actually make this Bachelorette ending "surprising" to you? You know what would "shock" me? If ABC actually DID shock me with the outcome. (Did that make sense? No, I don't think so.) Anyway, share your hopes, theories and predictions in the comments below.


(Image courtesy of ABC)