Overview

Two months after choosing Chicago, Rio and Hallie host a housewarming party to unveil their fully renovated shared home and celebrate their found family. Rio invites teammates, friends, neighbors, and both families; reconciliations deepen, futures are discussed, and Rio reveals to friends he plans to propose to Hallie that night on their roof.

Full Summary

Rio welcomes teammates and friends into the formerly frat-like house, now transformed by Hallie’s design into a warm, family-ready home they intentionally tailored for their future. Hallie proudly tours the kitchen and features for the players’ partners, and she and Rio savor calling it “our home” after she officially moved in post-renovation.

Outside, Rio checks in with his mother, who has grown close to Hallie again and visits often. He gently proposes that his mother move to Chicago, but she reveals she is happily seeing Uncle Mikey (Rio’s father’s brother) and plans to remain in Boston with her established community and history in the family house. Rio accepts the news and her choice, and she expresses hopes that Rio and Hallie will someday bring future grandchildren to the Boston home.

Friends gather around the firepit, including Ryan, Indy, Kai, Miller, Isaiah, Kennedy, Zanders (Zee), Stevie, and Wren, along with Wren’s brother Cruz Rhodes. Wren shares she hands over her house tomorrow and will drive home to California with Cruz, and invites everyone to visit the Rhodes family property. The group teases Ryan about fanboying the Wilder brothers, and the party atmosphere remains relaxed and affectionate.

Hallie and Rio reflect on their future in the home as the sun sets. Rio tells Hallie about his mom and Mikey; Hallie observes that Mikey looks at Rio’s mom with love. The moment is interrupted by the arrival of Hallie’s father, Mr. Hart, and her brother Luke with Luke’s family. Rio and Hallie watch Mr. Hart and Rio’s mom reunite warmly for the first time since learning of their spouses’ past affair, signaling healing between the families. Hallie gives her family a tour to showcase her work and dreams fulfilled.

Back with the guys, Rio privately shows his close friends the engagement ring he plans to give Hallie that night on their roof, the place symbolically tied to their childhood love. They celebrate the plan, discuss children someday, and toast to Rio having the house and the girl. Hallie blends seamlessly with the friend group’s women, reinforcing how naturally she fits into their chosen family.

As the evening deepens, the ten friends share affectionate banter. Indy prompts Ryan to finally tell Rio he loves him, which the group turns into a playful moment before Rio expresses love for all of them. The chapter closes with Rio’s reflective gratitude for witnessing each friend’s love story and finally earning his second chance with Hallie, confident that their home, their circle, and Chicago are where they belong. The end note confirms Rio’s intent to propose after the party.

Who Appears

• Rio DeLuca — narrator; Chicago Raptors player; co-hosts housewarming, reconciles more with his mother, learns she is dating Uncle Mikey, plans to propose to Hallie on their roof.
• Hallie Hart — Rio’s girlfriend; designer of the renovated home; moved in; hosts tours; reunites with her dad and brother; supports Rio and their found family.
• Rio’s mother — reconciled with Hallie; declines moving to Chicago; reveals she is dating Uncle Mikey; warmly reunites with Mr. Hart.
• Uncle Mikey — Rio’s paternal uncle; new relationship with Rio’s mother; present at the party.
• Mr. Hart — Hallie’s father; arrives healthier; reunites warmly with Rio’s mother; tours the house with pride.
• Luke Hart — Hallie’s brother; visits with his wife and son; reconnects with Rio; praises the house.
• Hudson — Luke’s young son; meets Rio.
• Ryan Shay — Rio’s best friend; attends with Indy; jokes about fandom; finally tells Rio he loves him.
• Indy — Ryan’s wife; close friend; encourages Ryan’s declaration; previously helped with ring appointment.
• Kai — friend; attends with Miller and their children; toasts Rio; jokes about Vegas.
• Miller — friend; integrates Hallie into the women’s group; attends with Kai.
• Isaiah — friend; asks about the proposal; toasts Rio.
• Kennedy — friend; present with Isaiah; part of the women’s circle.
• Zanders (Zee) — teammate/friend; has seen the house during renovations; examines the ring; offers moving help.
• Stevie — friend; part of the women’s circle; chats with Zee.
• Wren — Hallie’s former roommate; selling her house and moving to California; invites visits.
• Cruz Rhodes — Wren’s brother (new); helps Wren move; invites group to their family property.
• Max, Taylor, Navy, Iverson, Emmy — friends’ children; play during the party; Emmy naps upstairs.
• Neighbors and teammates — guests at the open housewarming party.