The chapter begins with the characters leaving Tom Lake for Traverse City by car, after a morning of rain.
During the ride, they pass fruit stands, and one of the passengers, Duke, dismisses the idea of purchasing from them.
Pallace, another passenger, sings show tunes, catching Sebastian's attention.
The protagonist wants to stop at an antique store to purchase a gift for an upcoming lunch, despite Duke's protests against antique stores.
Inside the antique store, the protagonist finds and buys a set of linen napkins as a gift.
As they continue their journey, the group engages in guessing games based on show tunes and dialogue lines.
Upon arrival at the Nelson farm in Traverse City, a sense of tension is present because the protagonist has brought along uninvited guests.
The protagonist narrates experiences on the farm, highlighting the warm reception from their host Nelson and his family.
The Nelson farm emanates a picturesque, tranquil charm that noticeably relaxes the protagonist.
Duke, one of the guests, demonstrates a sharp memory and an eagerness for acting opportunities, joking about owning his own farm one day.
The chapter intersperses segments of a future conversation, where Emily and her siblings listen to the protagonist recounting the past events that occurred during that summer day.
Nelson explains the financial struggles of running a cherry farm, highlighting the volatility of farming as a livelihood.
The characters enjoy a hearty meal with Nelson’s family, sharing personal stories and connecting over common backgrounds and dreams.
After lunch, the protagonist and guests tour the farm, discuss the challenges of farming, and consider the uncertain future of the Nelson family's land.
The chapter reveals more about the relationship and dynamic between different characters, showing bonds forming between them.
As the group explores the property, they come across a Nelson family cemetery, adding a historical and emotional depth to the land.
The day concludes with a visit to Lake Michigan, a peaceful and reflective moment for everyone.
In the woven narrative, questions arise about Joe and the protagonist's relationship, and whether there was a romantic past between them at Tom Lake.
The protagonist and Joe clarify to their daughters that although they had met at Tom Lake, they did not fall in love until many years later.
The chapter closes with Joe going for a swim, leaving the daughters to ponder the story they have been told.