Chapter Thirty-One: Aurora

Jenna accidentally walks in on Aurora and Russ in Aurora’s cabin. They scramble to dress as Russ spirals, and Aurora calms him, insisting they are consenting adults and that the worst outcome would be leaving together. Jenna then informs them both their parents have arrived: Russ’s father and Aurora’s mother.

Aurora sends Russ off with reassurance to walk away if his father is cruel, then meets her mother. On a tense lakeside walk, Aurora’s mother admits she came because she expected Chuck to hurt Aurora and wants to support her. She describes Chuck’s change over the years, his distance, and how Aurora’s and later Elsa’s acting out reflected attempts to win his attention.

Aurora’s mother reveals she once feared Chuck doubted Aurora’s paternity because Aurora didn’t resemble the Roberts family, but concludes the real issue is Chuck’s character, not Aurora. She apologizes for their parenting failures, affirms her love, and advises Aurora that Chuck is legally obligated to fund her education and living costs until her trust unlocks, without requiring contact.

After leaving her mother with Emilia, Aurora goes to face Jenna. Expecting to be fired, she begs Jenna to spare Russ. Jenna, disappointed but compassionate, admits she suspected their relationship since the storm and decides not to report them.

Jenna declares Honey Acres is Aurora’s family, instructs them to keep their relationship discreet until camp ends, and assigns both to muck out the horses for the week. The chapter closes with relief, affection, and Jenna’s wry refusal to share others’ hookup gossip.