Summary

Emma and Jesse married “at Jesse’s family’s cabin in Maine” (64). Though they discussed “a destination wedding,” Emma decided she only wanted to marry in New England (64). She had formed a newfound appreciation for her home. The wedding location surprised but pleased Colin and Ashley, and Jesse’s parents, Francine and Joe. For years they had blamed her for ruining Jesse's swimming career, but marrying at the cabin appeased them. The wedding “was the happiest day” of Emma’s life (69). One year later, Jesse “was gone” (69).

The day before their one-year anniversary, Jesse left for “a freelance assignment . . . in the Aleutian Islands” (70). Suddenly overcome by “travel fatigue” and eager to be settled, Emma decided not to join him (70). She had started to miss Acton, despite the adventurous life she and Jesse had created.

Shortly after Jesse left for Alaska, Emma learned that...