Overview

In a college-era flashback from Rio’s point of view, Rio tells Hallie he plans to enter the NHL draft a year earlier than planned and asks her to move with him if he is picked. Hallie enthusiastically agrees and they daydream about their future, including buying a house and building a life together. The chapter underscores their mutual commitment, family approval, and confidence in Rio’s career.

Full Summary

At age twenty, after sex and while listening to one of Hallie Hart’s playlists, Rio announces that he has decided to enter the NHL draft that year, earlier than planned. He explains that his agent believes the timing is right and that he still has two years of college eligibility if he is not drafted. Hallie responds with confidence, saying he will be picked early given the attention from scouts.

Rio reflects on their more frequent visits now that Hallie is in college for interior design and can travel to see him in Michigan about once a month. He notes both families already know about their relationship and are supportive; Rio’s mother is thrilled, and while Luke Hart had been furious the previous summer when he found out, he has slowly begun to accept it over the past ten months.

As they listen to music tied to their relationship milestones, Rio asks Hallie if she will move with him if he gets drafted. He tells her he cannot imagine playing in the league without her and wants to start their life together now. Hallie jokes briefly, then commits without hesitation, saying she would go anywhere with him because “it’s going to be us in the end.”

They speculate about potential teams, with Hallie mentioning Boston as Rio’s dream scenario, and she asserts it will happen someday. Buoyed by her faith, they shift into planning a future home. Hallie describes wanting to start with a plain, white-walled house that she can renovate into their dream home as her first design project, with multiple bedrooms for a future family and a location close to downtown but in a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood.

Rio focuses on ensuring Hallie gets what she wants and emphasizes that what he wants most is simply Hallie. The chapter closes with them continuing to lie together, celebrating Hallie’s birthday, and happily discussing details of their envisioned life—home, family, and career—cementing their intention to build a future together.

Who Appears

• Rio — narrator; age 20; decides to enter the NHL draft early, asks Hallie to move with him, expresses long-term commitment and future plans.
• Hallie Hart — Rio’s girlfriend; in college for interior design; supports Rio’s draft decision, agrees to relocate with him, outlines plans to renovate their future home.
• Rio’s mother — referenced; supportive and enthusiastic about the relationship.
• Luke Hart — referenced; initially furious about Rio and Hallie but gradually coming around over the past ten months.