Chapter 28

Dean returns home to find police and EMTs crowding the foyer after Allie panicked in the dark, hurled tomato soup, and struck him with a Gretzky paperweight. Officers initially treat Allie and Summer as victims, despite Dean’s protests, and take Allie’s statement about thinking an intruder had entered.

While the EMT checks Dean for a concussion, the lead cop recognizes Dean from hockey and the conversation veers into team talk. The EMT clears Dean, and the authorities depart, leaving Dean soaked, angry, and threatening a serious talk after he showers. Tucker teases, and Summer feigns boredom.

In the bedroom, Allie owns her mistake and prepares for a reprimand, but Dean’s headache tempers his anger. In venting, Dean accidentally says he loves Allie. Allie catches it, presses him, and he confirms the feeling. The admission transforms the mood from tense to tender.

They exchange explicit declarations of love, their physical intimacy turning slow and affectionate. Dean is careful, Allie ecstatic, and both underscore their commitment throughout. The chapter closes with mutual release and repeated “I love you,” marking a clear milestone in their relationship.