Wild Side Chapter 17 Summary – Tabitha’s Desperate Proposal

⚠️ 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

Chapter 17 finds Tabitha in a hazy routine, filling her days to avoid dwelling on the grief of losing Erika. She has opened up about her death to Rosie and Skylar, which brought some relief. Rhys has been coming and going without explanation, leaving Tabitha walking on eggshells. He sends a company to install a security system; Tabitha initially refuses but Bash convinces her to let people help. In retaliation, she adopts a cat named Cleocatra. When Rhys finally arrives, he looks worn and delivers bad news: border officers flagged his overstay, and his lawyer recommends taking Milo with him because without a legal guardian, social services could get involved. Panicked, Tabitha blurts out a proposal. After a stunned silence, Rhys agrees—for Milo’s sake. They decide on a quick “real” wedding to satisfy immigration, complete with guests and a convincing performance. Rhys insists the wedding happen next weekend, without his family present. Tabitha feels a sting of disappointment and realizes that while she can lie to others, lying to herself about her feelings will be harder.

Key Events

Tabitha’s day-to-day life is a blur of busywork to avoid grief.
Rhys arrives after being flagged at the border for overstaying his visa.
His lawyer recommends taking Milo with him because the boy has no legal guardian in Canada.
Tabitha, desperate not to lose Milo, proposes marriage on the spot.
After a long silence, Rhys accepts the proposal “for Milo.”
They agree to a real wedding with guests to make the marriage appear legitimate for immigration.
Rhys reveals he is not allergic to cats, just hates them; Tabitha named the cat Cleocatra.
The wedding is set for the following weekend; Rhys declines to invite his family.

Character Development

Tabitha: Moves from passive grief-stricken avoidance to active, impulsive problem-solving. Her proposal shows a willingness to sacrifice her dignity and future for Milo. She also admits her own vulnerability by allowing Rhys to steady her hand.
Rhys: Steps beyond his usual guarded, stoic role. His acceptance of the marriage—despite his clear dislike of surprises—shows a deeper commitment to Milo’s well-being. He softens slightly, offering Tabitha reassurance about her capability.
Bash (small role): Reinforces the theme of accepting help, mirroring Tabitha’s reluctant openness.
Milo: Remains off-page but is the catalyst for every decision. His presence forces both adults to set aside their animosity.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Marriage of convenience: The chapter pivots on a practical, emotionless proposal, contrasting with romantic ideals. The arrangement is a transaction for Milo’s safety.
Grief and avoidance: Tabitha’s busyness is a coping mechanism; the proposal forces her to confront the real stakes of her life.
Control vs. surrender: Tabitha loses control over Milo’s custody and reacts by trying to control the marriage narrative. Rhys surrenders his usual distance to agree to a public charade.
Surprise and revenge: Tabitha’s cat is a petty revenge against Rhys’s security system, symbolizing her need to reclaim agency in small ways.
Lying to oneself: Tabitha’s closing thought about the challenge of self-deception points to unresolved feelings beneath the practical arrangement.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is the turning point of the novel. The marriage proposal shifts the relationship from temporary, hostile co-parenting to a binding legal and social contract. Tabitha and Rhys must now perform affection for an audience, which will force them to confront their real attraction. The threat of Milo’s removal raises the stakes and eliminates the option of maintaining distance. The chapter also deepens the emotional conflict: Tabitha’s disappointment at Rhys’s lack of enthusiasm hints that she wants more than a transactional arrangement.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Tabitha propose marriage to Rhys?
She panics when Rhys explains that his lawyer recommends taking Milo to the U.S. because Milo has no legal guardian in Canada. Tabitha sees marriage as the only way to keep Milo in her life.

2. What does Rhys’s agreement “for Milo” reveal about his character?
It shows that Rhys prioritizes Milo’s stability over his own comfort. He is willing to enter a marriage he did not want and to publicly pretend to be in love, all to avoid social services involvement.

3. How does Tabitha’s reaction to Rhys’s refusal to invite his family affect the reader’s understanding of her feelings?
Her disappointment reveals that, beneath the practical arrangement, she wishes for genuine enthusiasm or connection. It suggests she cares about Rhys’s personal investment in the union, not just the legal outcome.