Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
Fern resolves to tell Will she wants a future with him at the Sunday dance and finds a perfect red dress. After an intimate evening, she reads Margaret’s final diary entry about early pregnancy and Europe, which triggers grief. Will comforts Fern and reveals he spoke to Margaret before the accident, reassuring Fern of her mother’s happiness. Fern falls asleep hopeful but wakes to find Will gone.
Summary
Jamie sends Fern home, where a cool wind signals relief from the heat. Thinking about Whitney’s call and unspoken truths about Margaret and Peter, Fern decides to tell Will at Sunday’s dance that she wants to be part of his real life. She searches the guest-room closet and discovers an orangey-red dress that fits perfectly, sealing her decision.
Will arrives early, and the two share playful intimacy that turns serious when Fern nearly mentions his impending Sunday departure. They agree to pretend, for one night, that he isn’t leaving. They order dinner from the restaurant, watch TV, and take shelter from a storm while Fern protects Margaret’s diary from the rain.
Later in bed, unable to sleep, Fern reads the final diary entry from September 1990. Margaret writes that she is nearly through her first trimester, plans a six-week Europe trip, and feels supported by Peter. She’s certain her baby is a girl whom she already loves fiercely, and she imagines a loving community for her child.
Overwhelmed, Fern sobs and Will comforts her. Fern fears Margaret died without knowing how much Fern loved her. Will reveals he spoke to Margaret shortly before the accident, told her about meeting Fern and Fern’s love for the resort, and that Margaret said he had no idea how happy that made her. Reassured, Fern drifts to sleep planning to tell Will everything at the dance. In the morning, Will is gone.
Who Appears
- FernDetermined to confess love at the dance; finds a red dress; reads Margaret’s final diary entry; grieves; is comforted by Will.
- WillSpends the evening with Fern; tries to ignore his Sunday departure; comforts her; reveals he spoke to Margaret before the accident.
- Margaret BrookbanksIn her 1990 diary, reveals early pregnancy, Europe plans, deep love for her unborn daughter, and reliance on Peter.
- PeterMentioned in diary as supportive, bringing prenatal info and offering help as Margaret plans Europe.
- JamieSends Fern home early from work, prompting her reflection and plans.
- WhitneyReferenced phone call contributes to Fern’s resolve to be brave.
- LizDiary mention; decides to travel alone for a year after Margaret’s news.