Chapter 55: Ryder – The Father-Daughter Problem and a Shocking Reveal
⚠️ 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
Hannah Graham visits Ryder a few days after the Briar women win the Frozen Four. She assures him she supports his marriage to Gigi and welcomes him as family. Touched, Ryder breaks down and cries in her arms. Later, at a team dinner, news of his marriage spreads, and Colson reacts with disgust. That evening, Garrett texts Ryder to meet; they step out and accidentally walk into a bookstore where Dan Grebbs—the nature-sounds artist Gigi loves—is signing. Ryder gets a signed headshot for her. Garrett opens up about his regret and fear of losing his daughter. As they return to the hotel, a reporter confronts Ryder with a question about his father’s upcoming parole hearing.
Key Events
- Hannah visits Ryder and reassures him she considers him family.
- Ryder breaks down crying over his lost mother and Hannah’s kindness.
- Team dinner where Colson and Trager show disapproval of Ryder’s marriage.
- Garrett asks Ryder to meet, and they go to a nearby bookstore.
- Ryder spots Dan Grebbs signing and gets a headshot for Gigi.
- Garrett admits he didn’t give his blessing out of fear, not anger.
- Garrett says Gigi no longer “belongs” to him but clarifies he means it emotionally.
- Ryder promises to keep talking to Gigi on Garrett’s behalf.
- A reporter appears and asks Ryder about his father’s parole hearing.
Character Development
Ryder shows deep vulnerability when Hannah comforts him—raw grief over his mother surfaces. He also demonstrates thoughtfulness by securing the signed headshot for Gigi. His loyalty to both Gigi and her father is tested.
Hannah emerges as a maternal figure. She intentionally reaches out, fills the gap left by Ryder’s foster-care upbringing, and offers unconditional acceptance.
Garrett humbles himself, admitting he acted from fear of losing his daughter. His willingness to ask Ryder for help marks a shift from hostility to tentative alliance.
Gigi remains off-screen but her stubborn refusal to speak to her father drives the conflict.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Father-daughter conflict – The central rift mirrors earlier generational tensions. Garrett’s fear of “losing” his daughter echoes real parental anxiety about children growing up.
Found family – Hannah’s embrace of Ryder, despite his marriage to Gigi, reinforces the theme that family can be chosen and rebuilt.
Grief and healing – Ryder’s tears over his mother show that unresolved loss remains; Hannah’s hug offers a surrogate maternal bond.
Nature sounds – Dan Grebbs represents Gigi’s private comfort. Ryder’s effort to get a signed photo proves he pays close, specific attention to what she loves.
Hockey as identity – Ryder still sees the ice as his truest self, but now marriage rivals that feeling of belonging.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens Ryder’s emotional arc and sets up the next major plot twist. The reconciliation between Garrett and Gigi is still unresolved, but Ryder acts as a bridge. The final line, a reporter’s question about Ryder’s father’s parole hearing, introduces a new source of conflict that will likely dominate the coming chapters. It also reveals that Ryder’s painful family past is about to resurface.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Garrett admit he didn’t give his blessing for the marriage?
Garrett says his anger was actually fear—he realized he had “lost” his daughter. He was not ready to let go of the role of protector and primary figure in her life.
2. How does Hannah’s visit affect Ryder?
Her offer to be a mother figure triggers a breakdown. Ryder cries, finally processing the loss of his own mother and the lack of maternal care in his foster homes. Hannah’s hug provides the comfort he never had.
3. What is the significance of Ryder’s act of getting the signed headshot?
It shows he understands Gigi’s quirks and goes out of his way to make her happy. The scene also forces Garrett to witness Ryder’s deep love, which changes Garrett’s perception of their marriage.