Chapter 39 (Reese) Summary & Analysis
⚠️ 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 returns from Colorado and drives directly to her grandparents' house, but hesitates before knocking. She knows that once she reveals the truth, everything will change. Her grandmother greets her warmly, and Reese asks to speak with her grandfather. Rather than using his study, she requests the living room, hoping he will respond as family rather than as her business mentor. After awkward small talk, her grandfather asks if she is stepping down. Reese clarifies she is not, then admits that the issue involves Emmett Monty. When her grandfather assumes they are not getting along, Reese interrupts to say they are getting along too well. Her grandmother interjects to clarify they are romantically involved. Reese confesses she did not mean to fall in love with him, and her grandfather expresses disappointment but also sympathy. He reassures her that her past with Jeremy was not her fault and that Emmett is a better man. Then he switches to business mode, reminding Reese that she has a responsibility larger than herself and that she does not get to be selfish. He implies she must make an unavoidable choice between love and the franchise. Reese accepts this harsh reality.
Key Events
- Reese arrives at her grandparents’ home but struggles to knock, dreading the conversation ahead.
- Her grandmother greets her warmly, and Reese asks to speak with her grandfather in the living room rather than his study.
- After initial small talk, Reese reveals that her problem involves Emmett Monty.
- Her grandfather assumes a contract issue or ongoing conflict; Reese corrects him, saying they are getting along too well.
- Her grandmother clarifies that Reese and Emmett are together romantically.
- Reese admits she fell in love with Emmett despite trying not to.
- Her grandfather expresses disappointment and worries about the press, but also shows understanding.
- He reminds Reese of her business obligations, stating she cannot be selfish and must do what is necessary for the team.
- Reese acknowledges the difficult choice ahead.
Character Development
- Reese: This chapter reveals Reese’s deep vulnerability and guilt. She is terrified of disappointing her grandfather, whom she admires both as family and as a mentor. Her confession shows her commitment to honesty, even when it threatens her career. She accepts her grandfather’s harsh business logic, signaling that she understands the gravity of her situation.
- Arthur (Reese’s Grandfather): Arthur initially reacts with disappointment and concern for the franchise, but he also shows empathy, telling Reese she cannot apologize for loving someone. However, he quickly shifts to his “grandad hat off” persona, reinforcing the professional boundaries and expectations Reese must follow. This dual role underscores the conflict between family and business.
- Reese’s Grandmother: Though she speaks only a few lines, she acts as a mediator, gently clarifying the situation and offering support. Her presence helps soften the confrontation.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Love vs. Duty: The central conflict of the chapter is the tension between Reese’s personal feelings for Emmett and her professional responsibilities to the baseball franchise. Her grandfather explicitly frames this as a choice between selfishness and obligation.
- Family Legacy: The Remington family photos lining the walls serve as a visual reminder of the legacy Reese is expected to uphold. The fact that she chose the living room (personal space) over the study (business space) highlights her desire to keep the conversation within a familial context.
- Sacrifice: Reese’s grandfather states that she “gave up the luxury of doing whatever” she wants when she took the position. This reinforces the motif of personal sacrifice for the greater good of the team.
- Secrecy: Reese’s hesitation and her earlier lies to her grandmother about being okay reflect the weight of keeping her relationship hidden. Coming clean is both a relief and a risk.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter represents a turning point in Reese’s arc. Her secret relationship with Emmett is no longer private; it now threatens her career and her relationship with her family. Her grandfather’s ultimatum sets up the major conflict for the remainder of the book: Reese must decide whether to follow her heart or protect the franchise she loves. The emotional stakes are raised significantly, and readers see Reese’s vulnerability more clearly than ever before.
Study Questions and Answers
-
Why does Reese choose to talk to her grandfather in the living room instead of his study?
She hopes that the informal, family-oriented setting will encourage her grandfather to respond as a loving grandfather rather than as her business mentor, making the difficult conversation easier. -
How does Reese’s grandfather react when she first mentions Emmett?
He initially assumes there is a problem with Emmett’s contract or that Reese is stepping down. Once she clarifies the romantic involvement, he expresses disappointment and warns about the press, but then shows sympathy by saying she cannot apologize for love. -
What does Reese’s grandfather mean when he says she does not “get to be selfish”?
He means that as the owner of the franchise, Reese has responsibilities that outweigh her personal desires. He implies that she must end the relationship or take other actions to protect the team, even if it hurts her personally.
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Back to Book Hub