Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
As Eloise packs to move into Jasper’s A-frame, their intense chemistry continues and they agree to keep having sex. Griffin and Knox confront them, but Jasper’s calm defense softens the tension, and Eloise is urged to call their parents. After emotional calls and a subdued move-in, insecurity shadows the arrangement.
Summary
Eloise and Jasper pause mid-packing at her house for urgent sex, then debate whether continuing to sleep together is a bad idea. Jasper bluntly decides they will keep having sex, promising an afternoon in bed once the packing is done.
As they sort her clothes, Griffin and Knox arrive unannounced, furious about the secret marriage. Eloise tries to defuse the confrontation, but Jasper steps in, calmly asserting, “You’re yelling at my wife,” which disarms Griffin. The brothers insist Eloise call their parents immediately and, despite anger, offer help moving.
Shaken, Eloise apologizes and places difficult calls to her mother and father, then to Talia, and leaves a message for Lyla. She cries multiple times under the weight of family disappointment and her own guilt.
Jasper hauls boxes to the A-frame while Eloise continues packing. Back at the cabin, the mood is quiet and strained. Jasper takes a run; later they eat, he reads by the fire, and goes to the loft. Overwhelmed by doubt about their plan and future, Eloise opts to sleep on the couch.
Who Appears
- EloiseProtagonist; packs to move in with Jasper, confronts family fallout, makes emotional calls, and wrestles with doubts.
- Jasper ValeHusband; insists on continuing their sexual relationship, defends Eloise to her brothers, helps move, and keeps calm.
- GriffinBrother; arrives angry, confronts Jasper, then softens and urges Eloise to call their parents, offers moving help.
- KnoxBrother; confronts the secrecy, underscores parental hurt, and supports Eloise with a gentler approach.
- MomHeard via phone; hurt by the secret marriage, her reaction prompts Eloise’s tears and guilt.
- DadHeard via phone; disappointed, contributing to Eloise’s emotional strain.
- TaliaSister-in-law; speaks with Eloise, warns that Lyla may not want to talk.
- LylaSister-in-law; receives a voicemail from Eloise amid the fallout.