The chapter opened with a note Dusty Tucker wrote to Cameron Ashwood after graduation, inviting her to spend a rare parents-free weekend with him and promising to try cooking for her. Cameron arrived at Dusty’s house, reflecting that her parents had given her a BMW on the condition she stop seeing Dusty, a rule she was secretly breaking. With Dusty soon leaving for guide school in Montana and Cameron headed to Vanderbilt in the fall, she was determined to make the most of their time together.

Inside, Cameron and Dusty’s reunion quickly turned physical, but Dusty paused when things escalated. Cameron worried he did not want to have sex with her, and she pulled away in embarrassment. Dusty reassured Cameron that he wanted her deeply but was hesitant because he feared their imminent separations would make their first time feel wrong; he wanted it to be special and respectful.

After reaffirming their love and commitment to staying together long-distance, Dusty led Cameron outside with her eyes closed to reveal a backyard surprise: an open tent of sheets under an oak tree stuffed with blankets and pillows, a picnic spread, and a sheet-and-projector setup for a movie. The gesture moved Cameron, and they resumed kissing with renewed tenderness.

As intimacy built, Dusty asked for explicit consent and admitted he was inexperienced; Cameron confirmed she was as well. They agreed to communicate and go slowly. Dusty removed his shirt, and they continued, both emotionally grounded and careful with each other.

They had sex for the first time, with Dusty cradling Cameron and promising, “I’ll love you until we’re dust, Camille Ashwood,” underscoring the depth of their bond despite the looming physical distance.