On Sunday morning at the grocery store, Alice runs into Charlie, who is sleep-deprived and hovering over pickling cucumbers. He admits he is considering making his late mother Sue’s dill pickles, despite never having pickled before. Alice volunteers herself and Nan to help, and Charlie agrees.

That afternoon at Charlie’s house, Charlie looks refreshed and helps Nan up the porch steps. The kitchen is set up for canning, and Nan directs the process while Alice slices cucumbers and peels garlic. Alice photographs the day with her Pentax, capturing tender moments between Nan and Charlie while reflecting on the fleeting nature of summer.

After the canning, they drink tea on the deck overlooking the lake as neighbor kids use Charlie’s raft. Nan remarks on how lovely it was for Charlie to grow up there, prompting Charlie to talk about Sue’s hard work and her love of feeding people. He confirms he has been trying her recipes because he misses them. Despite Alice and Nan not liking pickles, Charlie thanks them sincerely for their help.

A text from Heather interrupts the calm: she cannot bring Bennett up north due to work and suggests next month instead. Alice masks her disappointment, but Nan is displeased with Heather’s timing. Charlie adds that he finished the tree house and had wanted Bennett to see it before the big reveal, which intensifies Alice’s emotions and she excuses herself to compose herself.

In the hallway, Charlie comforts Alice and calls out her attempt to hide her hurt. He offers to drive to Toronto to pick up Bennett and return her later, an offer Alice appreciates but doubts Heather will accept due to safety concerns. Charlie remains willing if Alice can persuade her.

Charlie then explains he had planned to surprise Alice: he finished the tree house with help and imagined Alice and Bennett camping there, aligning with Alice’s list item about sleeping under the stars. Alice admits she has never slept in a tree house, and Charlie playfully invites her to sleep in his anytime, escalating into mutual flirting. The scene ends with Alice teasing that she might come by at dusk so Charlie can see what she sleeps in, leaving him unsure whether she is joking.