Chapter 24

West wakes to bacon and Skylar’s music, remembering finding Skylar and Emmy asleep together the night before. He reflects on how naturally Skylar has integrated into his routine—meals, errands, barn time—and how drawn they are to each other.

Downstairs, Skylar cooks with Oliver while Emmy performs, and Skylar reveals she’s wearing West’s vintage Skylar Stone T-shirt. Skylar serves West a pancake marked "NUMBER 1 FAN," flipping the teasing onto him. The domestic ease deepens West’s feelings as the kids chatter about camp.

When the kids leave to dress, West confronts Skylar in the kitchen. Tension turns physical as Skylar challenges his secrecy about being a fan. West admits he is her number-one fan and vows to give her space and friendship despite wanting more. Their restraint breaks into a hard, brief kiss, affirming mutual desire even as they nominally continue their breather.

Footsteps interrupt them. Emmy asks for money related to a bet about the town fair’s bachelor auction, revealing West will be auctioned again. The revelation undercuts the intimacy; Skylar’s mood cools while West feels acute guilt.

West explains it’s for charity, but Skylar’s brittle smile and avoidance register as disappointment. The chapter ends with West hating that look on her, aware that his community commitment now threatens the fragile trust and momentum between them.