Bellinger Sisters, #1
It Happened One Summer
by Tessa Bailey
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
Dominic joins Rosie and the Just Us League at Wes’s home, where Rosie confidently organizes meal support. Overwhelmed by guilt, Dominic slips away and decides to sell the new house. In an urgent final therapy session, he admits he’s held Rosie back but can’t fully open up. Armie declares their marriage won’t survive, and Rosie, hurt and uncertain, refuses Dominic’s outstretched hand.
Summary
Dominic accompanies Rosie and the Just Us League to support Wes Daniels and his young ward, watching Rosie command the effort with confidence. Seeing her thrive, Dominic confronts how little he encouraged her dreams and how he may have held her back. He quietly exits, calling a realtor to sell the new house.
Inside, Rosie loses track of time organizing meals and coaching volunteers. When she finally asks after Dominic, Georgie reveals he left but said he was proud of Rosie. Stung, Rosie suppresses the hurt and pushes through the evening.
The next morning, Rosie arranges an emergency session with Armie. Dominic arrives closed off, offering no explanation for leaving. Pressed, he admits watching Rosie lead made him realize how long he’s limited her, and his guilt runs deeper than he can articulate.
Armie urges honesty, but Dominic can’t continue. Concluding the fourth and final session, Armie bluntly predicts their marriage won’t make it. Dominic pleads for Rosie to leave with him, but her trust is shaken by his silence; she stays seated.
Dominic withdraws in disbelief and departs, devastated, leaving Rosie reeling from Armie’s verdict and Dominic’s unresolved confession.
Who Appears
- Dominic VegaHumbled by Rosie’s leadership, flees overwhelmed with guilt, calls to sell their house, then shuts down in therapy and leaves devastated.
- Rosie VegaConfidently organizes community meals, hurt by Dominic’s disappearance, seeks urgent therapy, and refuses to leave with him after Armie’s verdict.
- ArmieTherapist; pushes for honesty and declares, after the fourth session, that their marriage likely won’t survive.
- Bethany CastleClashes with Wes at the door, helps Rosie coordinate supplies, inadvertently showcases chemistry with him.
- Wes DanielsGuardian of Laura; wary of charity but allows the group in, sparring with Bethany.
- Georgie CastleSupports Rosie, admits Dominic left, tries to soften the blow with reassurance and cookies.
- LauraWes’s young ward; breaks tension by likening Bethany to Elsa and brings warmth to the scene.