Chapter Ten

At twilight on a quiet dock, Dominic studies the waterfront house he secretly bought for Rosie a year ago, remembering their shared dreams but fearing he chose a home over her restaurant ambitions. He imagines features Rosie would love yet cannot pick renovation plans, his confidence eroded since returning from service.

Stephen arrives and urges Dominic to reveal the surprise, insisting it could end the separation. Dominic refuses, believing he waited too long and that the house might worsen matters. Haunted by comrades’ lost futures and his own feelings of inadequacy, he leaves without committing to any plan.

Meanwhile, Rosie hosts the expanding women’s “Just Us League,” serving alfajores while Bethany leads their Positivity Board. Georgie announces she and Travis chose Oheka Castle but confesses panic about being judged and mismatched to the grandeur.

Travis bursts in, reads Georgie’s anxious texts, and reassures her he’d marry her anywhere, even a shed. His devotion calms her, and their public kiss leaves the room swooning, prompting Rosie to ache for Dominic’s presence and touch.

Rosie admits to the group that therapy has a no-sex rule and shares that Dominic’s love letter helped her feel like herself again. Spurred by the group’s support, she calls to schedule a tour of the old diner on Cove Street for her restaurant dream.

Though everyone cheers, Rosie senses something missing—Dominic’s hand in hers—and, unsettled, retreats to the kitchen to bake another batch, holding excitement and longing in uneasy balance.