Chapter 26: Tabitha – Grocery Store Drama and Domestic Moments

⚠️ 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

Tabitha accompanies Rhys and Milo to the grocery store for their first public outing as a married couple. The small town is buzzing with news of Erika's death and the sudden wedding, so Tabitha feels self-conscious. Rhys handles Milo's brewing tantrum with calm authority, earning Tabitha's surprised admiration. Inside the store, Rhys flirts openly and acts possessively, kissing her when they encounter Terence (Stretch), Tabitha's ex-boyfriend. To taunt Terence, Rhys buys two copies of the Rose Hill Gazette—one for their wedding album and one to rub in Terence's face. After checkout, Rhys gives Milo a joyful pony ride through the parking lot, softening Tabitha's heart and making her reconsider her initial judgment of him.

Key Events

The chapter opens at the grocery store entrance; Tabitha feels the weight of small-town gossip.
Rhys stops Milo's escalating tantrum by setting firm, calm boundaries and promising to play later if Milo behaves.
Tabitha observes Rhys's parenting style and sees glimpses of his influence on Milo.
Rhys fills the cart with chicken breasts and teases Tabitha by saying they are his favorite.
A confrontation occurs at the checkout when Terence (Too Tall) scowls at Rhys.
Rhys flashes his wedding ring, mentions the marriage, and kisses Tabitha deeply in front of the other man.
Rhys buys two copies of the Rose Hill Gazette—one for their wedding album and one to deliberately give to Terence.
Rhys gallops through the parking lot with Milo on his shoulders, showing a playful, soft side.

Character Development

Tabitha begins to question her long-held negative view of Rhys. She notices his patience with Milo, his protective gestures, and his ability to laugh and be silly. Her internal conflict deepens as she wonders if Erika left out parts of the story.
Rhys reveals a nurturing side. He handles Milo's defiance without anger, uses firm kindness, and later becomes territorial in public—not out of aggression, but as a performance of their fake marriage. His willingness to play with Milo shows emotional vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior.
Milo mimics Rhys's mannerisms, such as the eyebrow quirk. He responds well to Rhys's structured discipline, indicating the bond forming between them.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Performance of marriage: The grocery outing is advertised as a “show” for the town. Rhys's kisses, touches, and territorial behavior are exaggerated displays meant to convince onlookers and, especially, Terence.
Small-town scrutiny: The whisper network and the parents' paid announcement amplify the pressure on Tabitha to maintain the facade.
Parenting through patience: Rhys's approach to Milo's tantrum contrasts with Tabitha's expectation. He uses calm explanation rather than punishment, teaching a lesson in respect.
Shifting perception: Tabitha repeatedly re-evaluates Rhys, moving from resentment to admiration. The chapter uses her internal questions to signal potential character growth and romance development.
Territorial jealousy: Rhys's response to Terence—highlighting the wedding ring, kissing Tabitha, buying the Gazette as a taunt—suggests that their fake relationship may be crossing into real emotional territory.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in Tabitha's view of Rhys. Their first public outing forces her to confront the reality of their arrangement and raises doubts about her previous assumptions. Rhys's gentle handling of Milo and his petty yet protective gesture toward Terence hint at deeper feelings beneath the contract. The scene also strengthens the family unit they are building, as Milo begins to accept Rhys as a father figure. For readers, the chapter deepens emotional investment in the relationship and sets the stage for future intimacy.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Rhys buy two copies of the Rose Hill Gazette?
Rhys keeps one copy for their wedding album and gives the other to Terence as a deliberate taunt, emphasizing the marriage and his claim on Tabitha.
How does Rhys handle Milo's tantrum, and what does this reveal about his character?
Rhys kneels to Milo's level, explains why now is not the time, and promises to play later if Milo behaves. This reveals Rhys's patience, emotional intelligence, and willingness to build trust rather than assert dominance.
What internal conflict does Tabitha experience during the grocery trip?
Tabitha struggles to reconcile her preconceived negative image of Rhys with the caring, playful man she witnesses. She questions whether Erika's stories were incomplete or biased, leaving her feeling adrift and increasingly drawn to him.