Emma wakes before dawn in Justin’s room after another secret sleepover. For the past two weeks, Emma has been sneaking in after Justin’s siblings go to bed and leaving before they wake up, because Emma does not want the children to get attached if the relationship fails. Emma and Maddy have also extended their contract at Royaume by six weeks and moved off the island into Justin’s small apartment while they search for a better rental. As Emma thinks about the future, Emma avoids deciding what comes next with either Maddy or Justin, and Emma also reflects with growing disappointment on her mother’s neglect and coldness.

Justin tries to persuade Emma to stay, teasing and flirting with her as they get ready in the bathroom and then return to bed. Emma feels deeply happy with Justin, loving his humor, care, and the sense of safety she has with him, even as the lack of sleep starts affecting Emma’s work. Their private morning is interrupted when Chelsea wakes from another nightmare and cries in the hallway for comfort.

Because Chelsea wants the security of her mother’s room, Justin cannot calm her in the hall. Emma offers to help, takes Chelsea into her arms, and the little girl immediately settles. Emma, Justin, and Chelsea lie down together until Chelsea falls asleep between them, and this tender moment leads directly to Emma remaining in the house long enough to be present for breakfast instead of slipping away unseen.

Downstairs, Emma joins the family in her pajamas while Justin cooks breakfast, fills Emma’s coffee, and moves around the kitchen in an easy domestic routine. Emma is struck by how naturally Emma fits into the household and by how much Emma likes seeing Justin in his caretaker role. Sarah and Alex then reveal that they already knew Emma had been staying over because they could hear Emma and Justin laughing, and they make clear that they do not mind because Justin is happier when Emma is there.

After the older children leave, Justin pulls Emma close in the kitchen. When Emma worries about affection in front of the children, Justin says it is good for them to see a healthy relationship and casually refers to them as "two people in love." Emma realizes Justin has found a gentle way to say what they have both avoided, and Emma admits to herself that Emma loves him too, even though Emma is still afraid to say it aloud because love has always felt dangerous and temporary. Justin then speaks about how timeless being with Emma feels, confirming the emotional depth of their bond.