Chapter summaries Reminders of Him Colleen Hoover

Chapter 36 Summary: Ledger's Parents Discover Kenna

⚠️ Spoiler Notice

This summary and analysis contains full details from Chapter 36 of Reminders of Him. If you haven’t read the chapter yet, proceed with caution.

Summary

Kenna helps Ledger install flooring in his new house. After hours of playful work and kissing, they fall to the floor and begin to undress. Just then, Ledger’s parents, Robin and Benji, appear at the doorway. Kenna panics, and Ledger quickly introduces her as “Nicole,” a new employee. His parents tease him, having bet that he would forget about their visit and his plans for Mother’s Day. Ledger drives Kenna home, and during the ride they share a lighthearted moment about his habit of pointing at things—a gesture Kenna says Scotty also used. Later, back at his parents’ place, Ledger’s mother reveals she recognized Kenna the first time she saw her at the bar. She warns Ledger that the situation won’t end well but asks if he loves Kenna. Ledger admits he no longer hates her. Robin tells him she hopes he does the right thing and gives him permission to leave and be with Kenna. Before leaving, Ledger asks if Robin blames Kenna for Scotty’s death. She answers carefully, saying she felt for everyone involved but understands how Patrick and Grace might feel differently. She adds that if Ledger sees something special in Kenna, there must be something special about her.

Key Events

  • Kenna and Ledger spend hours working on the flooring, stealing kisses and growing physically close.
  • They are caught by Ledger’s parents, who arrive unannounced.
  • Ledger introduces Kenna as “Nicole” to avoid immediate conflict.
  • His parents tease him about forgetting Mother’s Day and claim today is their best Mother’s Day yet.
  • Ledger drives Kenna home; during the drive they share a tender moment about Scotty’s habit of saying “Is that a damn dove?” when pointing.
  • After dinner with his parents, Ledger’s mother, Robin, reveals she knew Kenna’s identity from the day she entered the bar.
  • Robin warns the relationship will be difficult but says she hopes Ledger does the right thing.
  • She gives Ledger permission to leave for the night and be with Kenna.
  • Ledger directly asks his mother if she blames Kenna; Robin avoids a simple answer, expressing empathy for all sides.

Character Development

  • Ledger – He is torn between his feelings for Kenna and the potential fallout with the Landrys. His instinct to protect Kenna by lying shows his deepening commitment. His admission that he “definitely no longer hates” Kenna marks a turning point in his emotional honesty.
  • Kenna – Her fear of being recognized and judged is palpable. She reacts with panic when Ledger’s parents appear, revealing how vulnerable she still feels about her past.
  • Robin (Ledger’s mother) – She emerges as a perceptive, pragmatic, and ultimately supportive figure. She chooses not to shame Kenna and instead trusts her son’s judgment, even while acknowledging the moral complexity.
  • Benji (Ledger’s father) – His brief, teasing presence adds comic relief but his careful attention to Kenna hints that he may also suspect her true identity.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • The weight of the past – Kenna carries the burden of Scotty’s death and the resentment of others. The physical weight of the flooring work mirrors the emotional weight she feels when confronted by Ledger’s parents.
  • Secrecy and exposure – The surprise visit forces Ledger to choose between honesty and protection. The alias “Nicole” and the concealed touch behind Kenna’s back symbolize the clandestine nature of their relationship.
  • Pointing as a motif – Ledger’s habit of pointing at things becomes a bridge between him and Kenna, connecting her to a shared memory of Scotty. It also highlights Ledger’s need to direct attention away from himself and onto the world.
  • Mother’s intuition – Robin’s immediate recognition of Kenna and her quiet handling of the situation shows the power of maternal insight and the moral grey area of loyalty.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter shifts the relationship from private intimacy to a confrontation with the outer world. Ledger’s parents’ appearance forces both characters to face the reality that their relationship cannot remain hidden. Robin’s acceptance, despite knowing the truth, gives Ledger a tentative green light but also underscores the divide between his family and the Landrys. The chapter also deepens the bond between Ledger and Kenna by showing them share a moment of vulnerability and nostalgia for Scotty. It sets up a crucial conversation that must eventually happen with Patrick and Grace.

Study Questions & Answers

  1. Why does Ledger introduce Kenna as “Nicole” to his parents?
    He is trying to protect Kenna from immediate judgment and buy time until he can discuss the situation with her. He does not know how his parents will react, and Kenna is terrified of being recognized.

  2. What does Robin’s reaction to Kenna reveal about her character?
    Robin is perceptive (she recognized Kenna at the bar days earlier) and empathetic. She does not condemn Kenna, instead trusting her son’s judgment and acknowledging that a tragedy of this magnitude involves many valid perspectives.

  3. How does the motif of pointing connect Ledger and Kenna to Scotty?
    When Ledger points at objects, Kenna mentions that Scotty used to say “Is that a damn dove?” in similar situations. This shared gesture creates a loving memory and allows both of them to think of Scotty without sorrow, paving the way for future conversations about him.

Navigation