Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
Allie spends the holidays with Dean’s welcoming family, then returns to Brooklyn where her father warns Dean isn’t reliable long-term. Allie rejects the pessimism and chooses faith in Dean, who later surprises her with salsa lessons. Back at Briar, Dean juggles hockey and mentoring Hunter before the team learns Beau Maxwell has died.
Summary
Allie spends early winter break with Dean’s family in Connecticut, finding them down-to-earth despite their wealth. She bonds with Dean’s parents, Lori and Peter, and enjoys time with Summer. Reluctantly leaving, she heads to Brooklyn to spend the rest of the holidays with her father.
At home, Allie’s dad voices harsh doubts about Dean’s reliability during life’s hardships, citing his own marriage’s struggles and warning that men like Dean avoid “ugly” realities. Hurt but resolute, Allie recalls Dean’s support after Sean’s attack and decides to trust her relationship rather than let fear spoil their time.
Allie celebrates Christmas Eve—also her birthday—with her dad, cherishing his presence over presents. When Dean returns from St. Bart’s, he drives her to Newark and reveals a birthday surprise: salsa lessons. He frames it as doing what he wants by making Allie happy, deepening their mutual commitment.
After break, Dean’s schedule fills with classes, hockey, and coaching the Hurricanes, while he continues one-on-one development with Hunter amid a failing season. Returning home from extra ice time, Dean finds his roommates somber. Garrett relays a call from Coach about a message via football coach Patrick Deluca: their friend Beau Maxwell has died.
Who Appears
- Allie HayesNarrates the holidays, meets Dean’s family, rejects her father’s doubts, and embraces Dean’s thoughtful dance surprise.
- Dean Di LaurentisLoving boyfriend; surprises Allie with salsa lessons, mentors Hunter, and is devastated by news of Beau’s death.
- Allie’s DadWarns Allie that Dean won’t withstand hardship; his blunt concern strains but doesn’t derail her resolve.
- Lori HeywardDean’s mother; casual, kind, and welcoming during Allie’s visit.
- Peter Di LaurentisDean’s father; easygoing, spends time with his kids over the holidays.
- Summer Di LaurentisDean’s lively sister; bonds with family during holiday activities.
- Hunter DavenportTeammate mentored by Dean in extra ice sessions despite the losing season.
- Garrett GrahamDelivers the call informing the house that Beau Maxwell has died.
- John LoganIs visibly shaken when the group learns of Beau’s death.
- John TuckerPresent and quiet during the devastating news about Beau.
- Patrick DelucaFootball coach who relays the news of Beau Maxwell’s death.
- Beau MaxwellFriend whose unexpected death shocks Dean and his roommates.