By early August, Alice narrates a steady rhythm: Nan’s growing independence with short drives to physiotherapy, shared walks and sewing projects with Alice, and frequent afternoons with Charlie swimming or boating. Despite their closeness, Alice notes a pause in physical intimacy since the recent party. Charlie accompanies Nan to choir, and during a long weekend performance, he unexpectedly joins the Stationkeeper Singers, amusing Alice with his enthusiasm.

Charlie often stays for tea and dinner, and one evening he takes Alice and Nan to the Tavern where chef Julien shares stories about Charlie, Sam, and their parents. Through teasing and reminiscences—including Charlie’s early fryer shifts and a walk-in refrigerator make-out—Julien reveals the family-like bond they share and speaks of Sue’s pride in her sons. Alice and Charlie silently comfort each other under the table, holding hands through the evening.

After a Jet Ski outing, Alice and Charlie find Nan on a hushed phone call, likely with John Kalinski, with whom she has recently reconnected. On the shore, Alice basks in news that her Swish swimsuit spread received an overwhelmingly positive response and that editor Willa admitted she was wrong and wants to work with Alice again. Charlie shares he must go to Toronto on Thursday for a doctor’s appointment and a dinner with work colleagues; both admit they will miss each other.

The next evening, Charlie arrives to take Nan to euchre, and Alice reflects on time running out as John has decided to sell the cottage next spring. After dropping Nan off, Charlie returns and initiates a fervent kiss, saying he “wanted [her] too much.” With hours before Nan’s pickup, Alice decides to push boundaries and leads Charlie to the lake.

Alice strips and dives in, inviting Charlie to join her in a midnight skinny-dip that heightens their desire. They swim and float together, touching and teasing until they move to shallower water. Their intimacy escalates in the lake and then spills into the boathouse, where Charlie satisfies Alice and declares he wanted “something” before he leaves. The encounter reaffirms their attraction and trust.

Later, curled on the screened porch, they enjoy quiet together before Charlie retrieves Nan. Charlie scrolls through Alice’s Instagram, praising her work and noting she never posts photos of herself. After some playful banter, he persuades her to let him take a picture on his phone. That night, after saying goodbye ahead of his Toronto trip, Alice sees Charlie post the candid image of her, tagging her with the single-word caption: “Alice,” capturing her at peace.