31. Indy

Indy texts Stevie for updates, feeling lonely as Ryan keeps his distance to give her space after her conversation with Alex. She reflects on that meeting, proud she didn’t coddle Alex, told him his cheating freed her, and affirmed she has moved on emotionally and physically. Indy wishes Ryan would let her explain.

Indy joins Ron and Caroline courtside in Phoenix to support Ryan despite only staying for the first half before piloting the hockey team home. She admits to Caroline that Ryan hasn’t said he loves her; Caroline suggests his love shows in actions, not words, prompting Indy to reevaluate what love looks like.

During a pregame kids’ recognition, Ryan is paired with a young deaf girl, Sarah. He carefully signs a greeting, fingerspells his name, and communicates that he’s learning to sign. Sarah beams, and Caroline quietly notes this as “quiet love.” Indy, whose father is deaf, realizes no one else in her life has tried to meet her family in their language.

Overwhelmed, Indy retreats to the bathroom and cries, recognizing how Ryan consistently loves her through thoughtful actions. She resolves to counter Ryan’s insecurities by actively reassuring him and learning whatever “love language” he needs, determined to tell him she loves him.

Returning to her seat with red eyes, Indy exchanges a silent check-in with Ryan, then leaves at halftime for the airport, eager to get back to Chicago and tell him her feelings directly.