Cam and Riley shop at the craft store for embroidery thread so Riley can make friendship bracelets for Christmas. Riley chooses green for Gus, rainbow for Teddy, Auntie, and Ada, and yellow for Papa because he misses the sun. When Riley asks about Dusty’s favorite color, Cam immediately answers blue, surprised but accepting that Riley wants to make one for him since he "lives in our backyard."

They walk to The Bean coffee shop on a cold, clear day. Cam senses people still watching her after the recent not-wedding. Riley proposes they split two pastries, confidently places her own order for a vanilla steamer and chocolate cake, and they also get a latte and coffee cake for Cam.

While they eat, Riley talks about her last week of school before break—movies, cookies, ornaments, and lots of coloring. Cam recalls Riley’s rocky adjustment to full-day first grade and how honesty and comfort at home helped Riley express her feelings. Riley notes she likes library time and math, partly because finishing early lets her do other things she enjoys.

Cam privately contrasts Riley’s carefree joy with her own childhood under parents who were present as a pressure rather than a support. She lays out her hopes for Riley to feel loved, be kind and curious, and pursue her own dreams, without being overshadowed by Cam’s expectations.

Cam reflects on Dusty’s parents as the first example she had of engaged parenting. She wonders if, as a teen, she sometimes used Dusty to defy her parents after her mother caught them kissing, whereas Dusty felt like a shield for her. She resolves to raise Riley without needing either a weapon or a shield.

Back in the moment, Cam tells Riley she loves her, and Riley responds with playful confidence. They discuss dishes for the new house, with Riley lobbying for colorful mismatched plates and Cam agreeing to consider pastels. They finish by sharing bites of each pastry and clinking forks in a light, affectionate moment.