Chapter 35 (Reese) – Morning After & a Walk-Off Win
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Reese wakes up in Emmett’s arms for the first time since they became intimate. She feels peace rather than regret. They share a tender morning, including Emmett making her coffee exactly how she likes it—a small act that means a great deal because no one has ever done that for her before. They agree to keep their relationship private at work for now. Later, at the game, the team is tied 1–1 in the bottom of the ninth. Milo, the rookie, comes to bat with two outs and a full count. He hits a walk-off home run, his first major-league hit, securing a win. Reese watches from her suite; Emmett, from the dugout, turns and winks at her, sharing the victory with her privately. In the elevator afterward, they share a brief, affectionate moment before separating professionally.
Key Events
- Reese wakes up in Emmett’s embrace; she feels no anxiety, only peace.
- Emmett makes Reese a cup of coffee with cream and brown sugar, a gesture she finds deeply meaningful.
- They agree to keep their relationship secret at work.
- Reese struggles to maintain composure during the game, avoiding close contact with Emmett.
- Milo, the rookie, hits a walk-off home run off Boston’s closer in the bottom of the ninth.
- Emmett remains in the dugout to celebrate the win with Reese by winking at her.
- In the elevator, Emmett embraces Reese and praises her for handling media pressure professionally.
Character Development
Reese – For the first time after crossing a major boundary with Emmett, she feels calm rather than anxious. This signals a shift in her self‑trust and her willingness to accept care from someone else. Her surprise at having her coffee made for her highlights her history of solitude and independence. She also shows growth in handling the press: she plans to kill them with kindness, knowing they know she read their critical articles.
Emmett – His protective, nurturing side is on full display. He makes Reese’s coffee without being asked, washes the spoon, and assures her that he does things for her because he wants to, not because he doubts her capability. He also celebrates Milo’s home run by staying in the dugout so he can share the moment with Reese—a quiet, romantic gesture that prioritizes their private connection over being with the team.
Milo – Though seen briefly, he demonstrates emotional growth. After striking out on the first two pitches, he calms himself, listens to Emmett’s advice, and nails a walk-off homer. This is his first major-league hit and a huge confidence builder.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
The comfort of being cared for – The coffee scene becomes a symbol of Emmett’s love language. Reese notes that no one has ever made her morning coffee; the simple act represents the safety and softness Emmett brings into her life.
Public vs. private celebration – Emmett chooses to celebrate the game-winning homer by locking eyes with Reese rather than rushing onto the field. This reinforces the theme that their bond exists independent of their professional roles.
Risk and reward – Reese reflects that Emmett is “the biggest risk I’ve ever taken and simultaneously the surest decision I’ve ever made.” The chapter juxtaposes the risk of their secret relationship with the reward of Milo’s breakthrough, suggesting that taking chances can lead to victory.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter solidifies Reese and Emmett’s romantic commitment while advancing the team’s storyline. Milo’s walk-off homer ends a rough stretch for the team and proves that Reese’s faith in him was justified. The private elevator moment shows that the couple can maintain professionalism even as their intimacy deepens. It also sets up future tension: the secret must eventually be revealed, and Reese must navigate keeping Emmett on her staff while dating him.
Study Questions and Answers
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What does Emmett’s act of making Reese coffee reveal about their dynamic?
It shows that Emmett wants to care for Reese without making her feel incompetent. He explicitly says he does things for her because he wants her to know what it feels like to be taken care of. This marks a shift from their earlier “enemies/coworkers” dynamic to a nurturing partnership. -
How does Milo’s home run affect the team’s morale and Reese’s personal story?
The win lifts the entire team after a difficult couple of weeks. For Reese personally, it validates her decision to bring Milo onto the roster and gives her and Emmett a shared victory to celebrate privately, strengthening their bond. -
Why does Reese feel “immeasurable pride” during Milo’s home run, and how does she react to the media scrutiny afterward?
Reese is proud because Milo’s success justifies the risk she took in signing him. She plans to face the press politely, making it clear she has read their negative articles without retaliating—a mature approach that Emmett praises. This shows her growth from earlier defensive reactions.