Chapter summaries This Could Be Us Kennedy Ryan

This Could Be Us Chapter 48: Soledad – Family Dinner and a Surprise Ride

⚠️ 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

Soledad nervously prepares for the first dinner gathering of her and Judah’s families. She speaks with Judah’s mother, Margaret Cross, who reassures her. Soledad’s daughters help set the table. Inez, who has been distant, apologizes and promises to be nice to Judah and his family. During the dinner, the meal is a success: Aaron, who is picky, eats and enjoys the macaroni and cheese. Inez bonds with Aaron over a Rubik’s cube. The evening goes smoothly, easing Soledad’s anxiety. Afterward, Judah reveals a surprise: a purple 1981 Honda CM400 motorcycle—an item from his Me List—painted in Soledad’s favorite color. They take a ride together, and Soledad tells Judah she loves him. He responds, “I adore you, Soledad hermosa.” Soledad reflects that she has saved herself and feels reborn. The chapter also reveals that Soledad has learned from Brunson that Edward is due for early release and has a son with Amber; she plans to tell her daughters herself.

Key Events

  • Soledad video-calls Margaret Cross for cooking advice and reassurance.
  • Inez apologizes to Soledad for her previous behavior and says she will be kind to Judah’s family.
  • The blended-family dinner goes well: Aaron eats the homemade mac and cheese, and Inez plays with a Rubik’s cube alongside Aaron.
  • Judah surprises Soledad with a purple motorcycle he restored with his father, painted in her favorite color.
  • Soledad tells Judah she loves him; he declares his adoration for her.
  • Soledad learns from Brunson that Edward will be released early and that he has a son with Amber; she resolves to tell her daughters.

Character Development

  • Soledad: Demonstrates her growth by confidently hosting the dinner and not deferring her happiness for her daughters. She chooses to handle the difficult news about Edward herself, reflecting her strength and responsibility.
  • Inez: Moves from resentment to acceptance, apologizing sincerely and engaging with Aaron. This marks a turning point in her relationship with Soledad’s new life.
  • Judah: Reinforces his attentive, loving nature by painting the motorcycle purple because it is Soledad’s favorite color, showing he listens and cares deeply.
  • Soledad and Judah’s relationship: Solidified through public affection, family acceptance, and mutual declarations of love. The motorcycle ride symbolizes their partnership and freedom.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Blended family: The successful dinner represents the merging of two families, highlighting acceptance, patience, and effort.
  • Self-salvation: Soledad explicitly notes that she has saved herself; she doesn’t need a prince to rescue her. This reinforces her journey of self-empowerment.
  • Motorcycle (symbol): Represents freedom, trust, and the joy of partnership. The purple color symbolizes Judah’s attention to Soledad’s preferences.
  • Macaroni and cheese: Represents Soledad’s effort to connect with the boys and her willingness to try despite possible rejection.
  • Rubik’s cube: A tool for connection between Inez and Aaron, bridging their differences.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a significant milestone in Soledad and Judah’s relationship: their families accept each other. It also reaffirms Soledad’s transformation from a woman defined by her marriage to one who lives authentically. The motorcycle surprise and love declarations deepen their bond, while the revelation about Edward’s early release plants a new conflict for future chapters.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Inez’s apology reflect her character growth? Inez admits she was a “jerk” and acknowledges she misses the way things were with her father. By promising to be nice to Judah’s family without coercion from her sisters, she shows maturity and a willingness to accept Soledad’s new happiness.

2. What does the purple motorcycle symbolize in the context of Soledad’s Me List? The motorcycle is an item from Judah’s Me List, but he paints it purple—Soledad’s favorite color—demonstrating that he integrates her desires into his own goals. It symbolizes their mutual care and the blending of their individual journeys.

3. Why does Soledad decide to tell her daughters about Edward’s early release and his other son herself? Soledad has learned to handle difficult truths directly rather than relying on others. She believes Edward will not navigate the news carefully or honestly, so she steps up to protect her daughters and give them the tools to process the betrayal.

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