Chapter 7 Summary, Analysis, and Key Moments
⚠️ 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
The chapter opens at Kai and Miller's house, where Miller confronts Isaiah about marrying Kennedy. She's upset on Kennedy's behalf, pointing out that Kennedy just got out of a relationship and needed time alone. Isaiah tries to deflect, joking that Kennedy might have been the one who begged him, which makes Kai and Miller laugh. Evan Zanders is also there with his daughter Taylor, and he's supportive of the marriage, noting that his wife Stevie thought Kennedy was great.
Isaiah explains that Kennedy is meeting with her lawyer about a prenup — but it's to protect her assets, not his. He reminds Kai that Kennedy is related to Dean Cartwright, her stepbrother, who has been Isaiah's longtime rival since high school. Dean had money and expensive equipment while Isaiah and Kai were scraping by, and Dean also slept with every girlfriend Isaiah ever had.
Isaiah asks Kai to talk outside. He requests their mother's wedding ring. Kai is hesitant, having hoped Isaiah would give it to someone he'd spend his life with, not for a temporary arrangement. Isaiah insists there are things about Kennedy that Kai doesn't understand — that it's different when they're alone. Kai warns him not to get hurt, but ultimately agrees to give him the ring.
Isaiah reveals the wedding happened on Sunday morning, and Kai realizes the significance: Sunday is the same date as Max's birthday and their mother's death anniversary. Isaiah then reveals he met Kennedy on that same date three years ago. Kai softens and agrees to give him the ring.
Later, during a storm, Isaiah's anxiety spikes. He texts Kai, Travis, Cody, and Monty to check on them. He then texts Kennedy, who doesn't respond until he threatens to call her Mrs. Rhodes in front of the whole team. They talk on the phone. Kennedy agrees to the six-month arrangement but insists they will never be more than that. She admits she wanted a choice in her relationships — her last engagement wasn't her choice, and she was looking forward to dating for fun. She wants a normal life.
They discuss rings — Isaiah already got her one, and she'll get him one with diamonds. She admits she's slightly drunk on tequila. She asks why he didn't try anything with her in Vegas. He explains he wouldn't touch a drunk woman, and that he won't try anything unless he knows she wants his attention too. She says good night and hangs up.
Key Events
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Miller confronts Isaiah about the marriage, defending Kennedy.
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Isaiah reveals the prenup is to protect Kennedy's assets, not his.
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Isaiah explains his rivalry with Dean Cartwright.
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Isaiah asks Kai for their mother's wedding ring; Kai warns him but agrees.
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Isaiah reveals the wedding date coincides with their mother's death anniversary and Max's birthday, and that he met Kennedy on that date three years ago.
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During a storm, Isaiah checks on family and friends via text.
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Kennedy agrees to the six-month arrangement but insists it will never be more.
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Kennedy admits she's drunk and asks why Isaiah didn't try anything in Vegas.
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Isaiah explains his respect for consent and his desire for her attention.
Character Development
Isaiah — This chapter deepens Isaiah beyond his charming exterior. His storm anxiety reveals a vulnerable side, and his habit of checking on loved ones shows his care. His request for his mother's ring shows he's treating the marriage seriously. His explanation about not touching a drunk woman reveals his moral code. Kennedy's observation that he smiles even when he doesn't want to suggests his charm is a mask.
Kennedy — She admits fault for getting them into the mess. She reveals she never had a choice in relationships — her last engagement wasn't her choice. She wants a normal life. She's more open and honest while slightly drunk, laughing freely.
Kai — Protective of Isaiah, warns him about getting hurt, but ultimately trusts him.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
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The mother's wedding ring — A symbol of family legacy and Isaiah's hope for a real marriage.
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The date (Sunday) — Connects Max's birth, their mother's death, and Isaiah meeting Kennedy — a motif of fate.
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Storm anxiety — Isaiah's vulnerability and his way of coping by checking on others.
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Smile as mask — Kennedy notices Isaiah smiles even when he doesn't want to.
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Marriage of convenience — The six-month arrangement.
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Consent and respect — Isaiah's refusal to touch a drunk woman.
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Desire for normal life — Kennedy's longing for ordinary dating.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter establishes the terms of the arrangement and deepens both characters. Isaiah's backstory with his mother and his brother's protectiveness add emotional weight. Kennedy's admission about wanting a choice in relationships explains her resistance. The chapter sets up the six-month timeline and Isaiah's hope to change her mind.
Study Questions and Answers
- Why does Isaiah ask Kai for their mother's wedding ring, and what does Kai's hesitation reveal?
Isaiah wants to give Kennedy the ring as a symbol of treating the marriage seriously. Kai hesitates because he hoped Isaiah would give it to someone he'd spend his life with, and he worries Isaiah will get hurt.
- What does Kennedy reveal about her past relationships, and how does it explain her resistance?
She reveals her last engagement wasn't her choice and she never had a chance to date for fun. She wants a normal life where she can date freely. This explains why she insists the marriage will never be more than an arrangement.
- How does Isaiah's behavior during the storm reveal his character?
His anxiety about storms shows vulnerability. His habit of checking on everyone he cares about shows his protective nature. His decision to call Kennedy — now that she's legally obligated — shows his longing for connection with her.
Navigation
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