Summary

In Chapter 3, Grady describes the park behind their house. It included a tiered fountain that was usually devoid of water, a memorial to those who died in World War I, tennis courts, a pool, and 15 acres to explore. On the Fourth of July, Grady's family is among those who gather at the park. Vivian jumps up to introduce a man named Hugh. While it seems a chance encounter, it had been orchestrated to allow Hugh and Bethie to meet. He does not stay long. When he is gone, Vivian seems happy, but Bethie seems flustered. Grady feels this is the beginning of something important, though he does not know what or why he feels that way.

When a plane flies over, dropping balloons, Emmett is about to panic. Big Dan grabs his shoulder, helping ground him. Frank catches a balloon for Grady. When...