Miles Lam: The Catalyst of Change in This Summer Will Be Different

Overview

Miles Lam is Bridget Clark’s fiancé and later husband in Carley Fortune’s This Summer Will Be Different. Though he appears primarily off-page during the Prince Edward Island sections, his career-driven decision to relocate to Australia sets the novel’s central crisis in motion. Miles is characterized through other characters’ observations as a dependable, loving partner—described as “solid as granite” in Chapter 6 and “hopelessly in love with Bridget” in Chapter 13. His steady presence contrasts with the turbulent secret romance between Lucy and Felix, making him both an anchor and a catalyst.

Plot Role

Miles’s move to Australia triggers Bridget’s emotional breakdown and her impulsive flight to PEI at the start of the book. His absence during the island weeks allows the tension around Lucy and Felix’s hidden relationship to simmer beneath the surface. As noted in the ending explained, Miles reappears in the final chapters for the wedding in Toronto, serving as the emotional anchor that brings the friend group together. His move also forces Lucy to confront her fear of losing Bridget—a key emotional thread that drives her own self-discovery.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Miles’s motivations are never spelled out in his own voice, but his actions reveal a man deeply committed to Bridget and generous toward her loved ones:

Devotion: He arranges a surprise anniversary trip to Australia for Bridget, showing attentiveness to her need for escape (Chapter 13). Lucy notes that he “worships Bridget, supports her career, cleans up” (Chapter 13)—a rare mix of romantic and practical care.
Generosity: When Lucy admits jealousy over his time with Bridget, he responds with grace, calling her reaction “the only logical response to having to share the best woman on the planet,” and then pours her more wine (Chapter 13). This act defuses tension and builds trust.
Unwavering trust: He supports Bridget’s need to go to PEI alone without demanding explanations, as indicated by Bridget’s dismissive “Sure” when Felix asks if Miles is okay with her being there (Chapter 6). That trust allows Bridget space to process her emotions.
Playfulness and vulnerability: At the wedding reception, Miles sings “Un-Break My Heart” at the top of his tone-deaf lungs—a moment that captures his willingness to be silly for Bridget and become a memorable part of the celebration (Chapter 33).

Chronological Arc

Pre-novel: Miles meets Bridget; their relationship progresses at “warp speed.” He becomes a fixture in Lucy’s life, cooking lamb with her aunt Stacy and earning family approval.
Early novel (Chapters 6‑13): Miles is absent in PEI; his move to Australia is hinted at but not revealed. Bridget’s distress is directly linked to his decision, though she keeps the news from Lucy.
Mid-novel: When the truth emerges, Lucy feels devastated about the impending separation. Felix comforts her, promising they will face the future together (Chapter 32).
Wedding (Chapter 33): Miles and Bridget marry in Toronto. He performs his off-key song, and Lucy delivers a tearful speech asking him to “take good care of her.”
Post-wedding (Chapter 36): Miles is already in Sydney house hunting when Bridget flies out in October, six weeks pregnant. The novel ends with the couple starting their new life abroad, and Lucy learning to cope with the distance.

(The novel’s non-linear structure presents earlier scenes in flashback; this arc is reconstructed from the chapter outline and retrieved evidence.)

Relationships

With Bridget: Their bond is portrayed as unshakeable. Miles is the steady force in Bridget’s life, and she reciprocates with fierce loyalty. The move to Australia tests their ability to balance careers and friendship, but the wedding scene affirms their commitment.
With Lucy: Initially, Lucy resents him for “stealing” her best friend, but Miles wins her over with kindness and patience. By the wedding, she trusts him enough to say, “Miles, take good care of her.” Their relationship evolves from rivalry to mutual respect.
With Felix: Felix and Miles share a cordial, respectful dynamic. Felix is protective of his sister but never doubts Miles’s integrity. In Chapter 13, both agree that Miles would not cheat, underscoring their shared trust in him.

Key Decisions and Consequences

Decision to move to Australia: Accepting a job overseas sets the plot in motion. Consequence: Bridget’s emotional crisis, Lucy’s hidden secret nearly exposed, and a redefinition of the friendship.
Decision to let Bridget go to PEI alone: He respects her need for space without prying, which allows Bridget to process her feelings and ultimately recommit to the marriage.
Decision to sing at the wedding: This humorous, heartfelt act reinforces his unique love for Bridget and becomes a defining memory for all attendees, illustrating the novel’s idea that love can be both serious and playful.

Theme and Symbol Connections

Miles’s character illuminates several key themes explored on the secrets and honesty, forbidden love and loyalty, belonging and home, self-discovery and growth, and friendship vs. romance pages:

Secrets and honesty: Miles is the character most in the dark about Lucy and Felix’s affair. His trust in both Bridget and Lucy highlights the theme of deception and its consequences.
Forbidden love and loyalty: Miles represents the “safe” love that Lucy envies. His presence makes Lucy’s desire for Felix feel more transgressive, yet his own unwavering loyalty to Bridget complicates any simple moral judgment.
Belonging and home: Miles’s move to Australia forces the characters to reconsider where they belong. Bridget must choose between her best friend and her husband; Lucy must find a home beyond her friendship.
Self-discovery and growth: Miles’s decision catalyzes Lucy’s journey toward independence and eventually her own romantic commitment. His absence creates the space for her to confront her feelings for Felix.
Friendship vs. romance: Miles embodies the tension between romantic partnership and deep friendship. Lucy must learn that loving Bridget does not mean losing her—a lesson reinforced by Miles’s inclusive attitude.

Author Carley Fortune reveals in the “Behind the Book” chapter that she wrote Bridget moving to Australia as a metaphor for her own longing for a best friend who lived far away. This creative choice aligns Miles with the novel’s exploration of how life changes can test—and ultimately strengthen—human connections.

Questions and Answers

What precipitates Miles’s move to Australia?
Miles accepts a job opportunity in Sydney, prompting him and Bridget to relocate. This decision is the novel’s inciting incident, as it causes Bridget’s grief and Lucy’s fear of losing her best friend (Chapter 32–36).
How does Miles respond to Bridget’s unannounced trip to Prince Edward Island?
Based on Felix’s inquiry and Bridget’s evasive “Sure,” Miles appears to trust Bridget enough to let her go without demanding explanations (Chapter 6). Lucy’s earlier observation that Miles is “as solid as granite” suggests he offers unconditional support.
What is the significance of Miles singing “Un-Break My Heart” at the wedding?
The off-key performance symbolizes Miles’s willingness to be vulnerable and silly for Bridget. It also contrasts with the polished wedding, injecting genuine emotion and humour—a moment that reflects their unique bond (Chapter 33).
How does Lucy’s perception of Miles change throughout the novel?
Initially jealous of his time with Bridget, Lucy grows to like and respect him after he responds kindly to her confession of jealousy (Chapter 13). She eventually entrusts him with Bridget’s happiness in her wedding speech, saying, “Miles, take good care of her” (Chapter 33).
Does Miles ever learn about Lucy and Felix’s secret relationship?
The novel does not explicitly state that Miles discovers the secret. His role remains that of an unknowing figure, which underscores the theme of hidden truths and the cost of keeping secrets from loved ones. Readers can discuss this ambiguity using the discussion questions at the end of the book.