Before Jack’s parents arrive, Sam goes for a swim with Gracie. In the water, Sam feels better. Her worries about Jack’s parents’, her job, and Wyatt disappear as she and Gracie swim to the cove. On shore, Sam notices the linden tree, and Gracie remarks that she seems happier.

Jack’s parents Donna and Glen meet Sam and Jack at the Old Sloop. Sam worries that when they see her parents’ house, they won’t approve. At the inn, Donna and Glen agree that it would be a nice place for the wedding. Sam goes along with the plan.

Over dinner later, the families discuss the wedding, insisting that Sam should make the final decision. Sam realizes she doesn’t care either way. Then Wyatt stops over and compliments Glen’s car. They tell Wyatt that Sam and Jack are getting married in Oak Shore after all.

Sam wakes up early and lies in bed listening to the waves and thinking about her wedding. She wonders what her Manhattan friends will think of Long Island and how they’ll respond to seeing this version of her. Out on the deck, she watches the gulls fly over the water and listens to Sam playing “Missy McGee’s first big hit,” a song called “Sam, I Am” (116).