Chapter 31

Contains spoilers

Overview

Wilder meets with Sanders to reflect on the last two weeks, sharing that his relationship with Scottie has deepened and that he feels newfound peace as Mika begins reconciling with their mother. Later, Wilder surprises Scottie with a Central Park paddleboat ride to finish her bucket list and confesses he loves her. Scottie reciprocates, crediting Wilder for helping her grow in confidence. They celebrate by kissing on the lake and envision creating a new list together beyond summer.

Summary

Wilder visits Sanders’s office, where they joke about Sanders’s lack of formal credentials while putting golf balls. Sanders asks about the past two weeks, and Wilder explains he and Scottie have been spending most nights together, cooking, joining a pinochle league, and that he has never been this happy. He says he feels connected to Scottie in a way that surpasses past achievements.

Sanders checks on Mika, and Wilder describes an awkward but ultimately positive brunch with their mother, which Mika completed without using an escape plan. They agree to meet again in a few weeks. Wilder decides it is too soon to introduce Scottie to his mother, prioritizing Mika’s comfort, and notes that he is being open with Scottie about everything.

Reflecting on himself, Wilder admits he has found internal peace, which lets him focus on what Scottie needs and deserves. He observes that Scottie no longer second-guesses herself, accepts compliments, and has improved relationships with coworkers, interpreting this as increased confidence.

Scene shifts to Central Park, where Wilder has coaxed Scottie out under the pretense of a jog. He leads her to the Boathouse to rent a paddleboat, completing the last item on her fun list. As they drift on the lake holding hands, Wilder says he brought her there for a second reason.

Wilder confesses that meeting Scottie transformed his life, helping him face fears and insecurities, and he tells her he is in love with her. Scottie tears up and responds that Wilder helped her see her true self, communicating patiently and helping her grow confident; she says she loves him too. They kiss on the paddleboat, savoring the moment in the middle of the lake.

They talk about creating a new list together, joking about their “till summer do us part” origins and acknowledging that their bond now extends beyond the initial ruse. They reaffirm their love with another kiss and playful banter, sealing the chapter with mutual commitment.

Who Appears

  • Wilder
    narrator; affirms happiness, reports progress with Mika and their mother, completes Scottie’s bucket list paddleboat ride, and confesses love to Scottie.
  • Scottie Price
    Wilder’s partner; shows increased confidence, enjoys the paddleboat, and reciprocates Wilder’s love.
  • Sanders Martin
    marriage-camp counselor (uncredentialed); checks in on Wilder’s progress and Mika’s family dynamics, provides sounding board.
  • Mika
    Wilder’s brother; attends brunch with their mother and agrees to future meetings, signaling progress.
  • Wilder and Mika’s mother
    joins brunch; interaction remains awkward but ends positively with plans to meet again.
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