Jet notes that Shauna has mentioned Kendi’s new job in Houston, but Jet and Kendi have not spoken since their fallout in Palo Duro eight months earlier. In December, Jet decides to text Kendi to see if he will be home for Christmas, and they arrange to meet at Cowtown Cup the day before Christmas Eve.

They order drinks—Jet a hot chocolate, Kendi a decaf coffee—and step outside to avoid the crowded café. As they walk the block repeatedly, Jet updates Kendi about Davis, the half brother who contacted her, and about her plan to apply to nursing school; Kendi responds with surprise and support. Kendi describes his satisfaction with his entry-level aerospace design job in Houston and mentions living with a friend, Jerome, who will soon move out.

When Jet asks if Kendi is seeing anyone, he says he is dating Anna but provides few details. The conversation shifts to Shauna and Michael’s new Labrador puppy and to the idea of parenthood, prompting Jet to imagine Kendi as a father and to ask if he wants children. Kendi says he wants children someday, shaped by Shauna and Michael’s unsuccessful attempts to conceive after marriage; Jet replies that she does not plan to have children, not because she dislikes kids but because she fears the pain of loving and potentially losing them.

They finish their drinks and continue their loops around the block, passing roadkill each time. Kendi does not ask about Jet’s dating life, and Jet reflects that they can move forward separately: Kendi with his job and Anna, Jet with Nana and her own path. As they part by their cars, Jet mentions she has a wedding photography job in The Woodlands in March and proposes lunch; Kendi agrees and congratulates her on breaking into weddings.

Kendi offers Jet the use of Jerome’s soon-to-be-empty room during her trip if needed, and they settle on that plan, agreeing to coordinate by text. They exchange well-wishes—Jet asks him to tell Shauna and Michael “Merry Christmas”—and they leave without a hug, which Jet still considers progress after Palo Duro.

As Kendi gets into his truck, Jet catches herself admiring his body and is embarrassed. She insists to herself that the attraction means nothing and resolves not to jeopardize their renewed friendship, despite acknowledging Kendi’s physical appeal and the possibility of him becoming a father someday.