After leaving the gala amid heavy snowfall, Dusty carries Cam to her car through the drifts, starts it, turns on her seat warmer, and clears the windows. Cam reflects on how used she is to doing everything herself and how tempting it feels to share the load with Dusty. At Dusty’s suggestion, they look for a place to stay, concluding that the weather makes it unsafe to drive home, and head toward a nearby motel.

On the drive, Dusty presses Cam to talk about her parents and their behavior at the gala. Cam explains her past relationship with Graham: they shared controlling parents and mutual expectations tied to trust-fund approvals, fell into a pragmatic, non-romantic engagement that pleased their families, and she saw marriage as a way to secure an inheritance for Riley. Graham later met someone else and ended it. Dusty reacts angrily, accusing Cam of undervaluing herself, internalizing her parents’ conditional view of love, and nearly settling for a half-life. He emphasizes that Riley already has support and security beyond money.

They arrive at the motel, where only one room with two beds is available. Dusty pays cash, gets snacks and water, and remains distant while Cam showers and gathers herself. When he returns, shirtless and calmer, Dusty apologizes for his anger but admits he has stayed distant for a year because Cam was engaged and he could not be just friends. He asks what he is to her; after initial hesitation, Cam confesses she wants him to be “everything.” Dusty says he is ready, and she says she is getting there.

They share memories and tenderness—Cam reassures Dusty that his tattoos matter, confirms she still has her “T” tattoo, and shows it to him. The reveal sparks an intimate encounter as Dusty and Cam move to the same bed. Dusty proceeds slowly and reverently, focused on consent and communication, asking for her preferences. Cam states a boundary about not wanting him to finish inside her; Dusty agrees and encourages open communication.

Their intimacy deepens as Cam takes an active role and Dusty affirms her, culminating with Cam climaxing while grinding against him and Dusty eventually pulling out and finishing on her stomach as requested. Afterward, Dusty cleans her up, holds her, and praises her, telling her she did well and calling her perfect. In the quiet afterward, Cam admits she missed him; Dusty says he has waited fifteen years to hear it. The chapter ends with Cam thanking Dusty for coming back.