Chapter 15

Gigi outfits Roe for a cold Halloween and, after decorating Jess’s house to his annoyance, joins Main Street trick-or-treating with Jess and Noelle. While handing out candy, Noelle confides insecurities about motherhood and mentions Ben Coppersmith’s years of Tuesday calls, hinting at his quiet support of Jess.

Driving home, Jess learns vandals are targeting rural houses and sends Gigi and Roe to wait while he scouts the farmhouse. Deputies arrive as Jess catches three teens in the act. He shields Roe from the damage and has Gigi give a statement. The apparent ringleader threatens Gigi, prompting Jess to warn the teen off before the arrests conclude, leaving Gigi shaken.

The next day, Gigi, still rattled by being a target as the sheriff’s girlfriend, learns the kids hit six homes; most will face juvenile charges, but the ringleader’s wealthy, new-to-town parents hire a lawyer, slowing consequences. Light banter about holiday decorations eases tension.

That night, Gigi raises Noelle’s comments about Ben, but Jess explodes, assuming she’s questioning his motives about the farmhouse. Gigi stops him, sets firm boundaries about yelling and being talked over, and leaves. Jess quickly apologizes; they clarify that their relationship isn’t about the house and agree to communicate better, reconciling.

Before sleep, Jess presses gently about Roe’s father. Gigi reveals a one-night stand with Nate Fletcher led to Roe, and Nate’s affluent family harassed her until a paternity test; she refused money in exchange for Nate signing away his rights. Jess responds with empathy and loyalty, strengthening their bond.