Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
At a boozy, celebratory evening, the group falls into old traditions while Parth shares how he and Sabrina finally agreed to marry after her father’s house sale pushed her to face her fears. In private, Harriet and Wyn admit their original plan won’t work; to protect the week and wedding, Harriet puts her ring back on, and they agree to sustain the engagement lie with a cover story.
Summary
Harriet surveys the luxurious, privacy-challenged “big bedroom,” grabs a solitary shower, and joins friends on the patio where Sabrina unveils a week of traditions, including bookstore visits and the competitive “Grocery Gladiators.” Harriet and Wyn keep up their affectionate façade, even as Harriet struggles with jealousy and hurt.
During a swim and poolside chaos, Parth privately explains the proposal timeline: he asked Sabrina a year ago and she refused; after learning her father would sell the cottage, Sabrina proposed from fear of losing her anchor, and Parth initially declined. Weeks later, Sabrina proposed again—this time for love, not panic—and Parth accepted, planning his own proposal so she knew he wanted it too.
Overwhelmed, Harriet retreats inside. In a dark hallway bathroom, Wyn corners her to talk. They agree their plan to confess tomorrow won’t work because it would overshadow the farewell week and the wedding. Despite frustration, Harriet insists they protect the group’s joy.
To solidify the ruse, Wyn gives Harriet back her engagement ring and presses her to wear it so no one notices. Reluctantly, Harriet puts it on. They coordinate details: they last saw each other “a month ago” in San Francisco. Brief banter about Wyn’s Montana life and his mom’s water aerobics breaks the tension.
They rejoin the others by a fire. Harriet sits beside Cleo, accepts warmth and a blanket, and tells herself she’s in her happy place as the lie deepens.
Who Appears
- HarrietNarrator; struggles with heartbreak while faking her engagement, puts the ring back on, and chooses to preserve the group’s perfect week.
- WynEx-fiancé; keeps up affectionate act, pushes for practicality, returns Harriet’s ring, and agrees on a cover story to maintain the lie.
- ParthSabrina’s fiancé; reveals their proposal history and motives, determined to make the farewell week and wedding perfect.
- SabrinaPlanner and bride-to-be; organizes a full itinerary and poker night, her fear of divorce reframed into commitment to Parth.
- CleoFriend; sober observer, plays poker, offers Harriet quiet comfort by the fire.
- KimmyFriend; comic relief in the pool antics, enthusiastic about games, keeps the group’s energy high.