This Summer Will Be Different
by Carley Fortune
Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
Back from Green Gables, Lucy prepares to confront Bridget about her secret before the wedding. Bridget refuses to explain but confirms the flower order. Lucy recognizes how her own secrets—especially about Felix and the farm—have strained their friendship and resolves not to leave PEI until they both come clean.
Summary
Driving back from Green Gables six days before the wedding, Lucy enjoys easy conversation with Felix but refocuses on Bridget’s mounting secrecy. They agree Lucy should talk to Bridget before the oyster-shucking competition. At Summer Wind, Felix goes to nap, and Lucy seeks out Bridget.
Lucy finds Bridget by the fire pit and leads her to the beach. Lucy says it hurts that Bridget hasn’t shared what’s wrong. Bridget counters by asking whether Lucy would respect her privacy if roles were reversed, forcing Lucy to confront her own mounting secrets.
Lucy presses only for a decision on the wedding flowers. Bridget quietly agrees to proceed, but offers no explanation. They continue walking in silence, arms linked, with Bridget subdued and distant.
Lucy reflects on the widening rift: she has concealed her flower-farm dream, her doubts about Carter, and her ongoing intimacy with Felix. She recognizes that withholding even small things has eroded their once-easy closeness. Lucy resolves that she cannot leave PEI until Bridget tells the truth—and until Lucy confesses hers.
Who Appears
- LucyNarrator; confronts Bridget about secrecy, secures approval to order flowers, and resolves to stay until both share truths.
- BridgetBride-to-be; remains tight-lipped about her problem but agrees to proceed with the wedding flower order.
- FelixLucy’s secret lover and Bridget’s brother; supportive, preparing for a shucking competition, urges Lucy to talk to Bridget.