Six months after their first date, Lillian accompanies Ryan to meet his mother, Elise, at Elise's new house. On the drive, Ryan warns that Elise can be particular, and Lillian worries about making a good impression. Ryan casually mentions future children, which startles Lillian; when she asks about Ryan's father, Barton, Ryan snaps, then quickly apologizes and blurts out that he loves her. Lillian says she loves him too, and they continue on to the visit.

Elise warmly greets Lillian, asks to take her purse, and encourages Lillian to call her Elise. Lillian notes Elise's careful preferences around the house and is struck by the strong bond between Elise and Ryan and the long history they share. Elise proudly shows a painting Ryan made of the two of them from his childhood, underscoring his artistic devotion and their shared past.

Outside, as Ryan grills dinner, Elise and Lillian talk about Lillian's promotion, Elise's teaching career, neighbors, and rhubarb pie, while Ryan contributes anecdotes about his childhood. Elise lends Lillian a cream sweater as evening settles, and the visit remains warm and comfortable. Lillian senses the delicate balance of a mother adjusting to her son's deepening romance and the fear of becoming less central in his life.

As they leave, Ryan repeatedly whispers "I love you" and later tells Lillian he wants to keep saying it. The physical attraction between them intensifies, and they rush back to Lillian's apartment, where they have sex. Lillian is moved by Ryan's tenderness and the glimpses of his boyhood and present self, even as she feels pressure from the earlier mention of children.

The chapter closes with Lillian holding back a crucial secret: she already has a child, a fact she believes could break their relationship if Ryan knew.