Mistakes Were Made Summary by Chapter | Lucy Score

Key Moment: Opal Mallory reveals herself as a secret literary genius.

Chapter 10: So many nipples

Zoey arrives late to review her town publicist contract with Gage, bringing coffee as apology. While petting Nana, she’s disturbed by the dog’s multiple “nipples.”

Gage patiently explains the contract “legalese.” Zoey hesitates to commit to twelve months, so Gage offers flexibility.

He takes her upstairs to show the renovated apartment. Zoey is shocked to discover he customized the closet and bathroom specifically for her. She gives him a “smacking kiss” on the cheek in thanks.

Key Moment: Gage’s thoughtful renovation reveals he’s been paying more attention than either wants to admit.

Chapter 11: Vodka splatter

Zoey attends a publishing industry gala in NYC, hoping to make her former colleagues jealous. She attempts to poach Earl Wiggens but finds him repulsive.

When Jim Whitehead insults her and Hazel’s talent, calling Zoey a “talentless child,” she throws vodka in his face. The drink splashes Navya, president of Hazel’s new publisher.

Navya follows Zoey to the restroom and encourages her, calling her a “champion.” Zoey leaves feeling unstable but determined.

Key Moment: Zoey’s impulsive drink-throwing earns her unexpected respect from an industry titan.

Chapter 12: Step away from the lady’s underwear

Zoey moves to Story Lake with a massive hangover and broken Mazda Miata. Hazel and all the Bishop brothers help unload the moving truck.

Gage helps assemble her bed, and they share a vulnerable moment lying on the mattress together. Outside, Goose the eagle perches on her car with her expensive crystal bra in his beak.

Gage attempts bribery with dog treats, but Goose flies away with the underwear. Pep Bishop consoles Zoey that “new chapters start in disaster.”

Key Moment: The town eagle steals Zoey’s favorite bra in front of the entire Bishop family.

Chapter 13: Don’t say sperm

Three hours later, the “small army” of Bishops has mostly unpacked Zoey’s apartment.

Pep and Frank Bishop announce they’re turning their farm into an animal sanctuary and want Zoey’s publicity help. The family discovers Gage’s boring dating app profile and mocks him mercilessly.

Hazel and Cam reveal they built Zoey a colorful home office. Zoey gives Gage a “platonic” kiss that feels like “fire” to him. Later, Gage flees when Zoey mentions “sperm” in reference to his “wife hunt.”

Key Moment: Gage realizes having Zoey upstairs threatens his carefully controlled plan.

Chapter 14: Sexy swamp beast

Laura’s teenagers give Zoey a farm tour for her new publicity role. Zoey overcomes fear to pet “Fart Blaster 2000,” a therapy cow, and meets Pepe the headbutting miniature donkey.

Gage arrives and takes over the tour. At the pond, he admits he found her “unsettlingly attractive” from their first meeting—the reason he fell off the roof. Nana jumps in the water, forcing Gage to dive after her.

The dog then rolls in mud, splattering them both.

Key Moment: Gage finally admits his roof fall was because of Zoey.

Chapter 15: You sure you’re not the one?

Gage takes the muddy Zoey to his converted barn home. She showers while he cleans the dog, then emerges in his sweatpants and T-shirt.

They share wine while discussing the rumors their “showering together” might generate. Gage admits he’s looking for “the one” while Zoey insists she’s a “happy for now” person.

They almost kiss on the porch when Gage asks, “You sure you’re not the one?” Zoey breaks the tension by mentioning her laundry.

Key Moment: Gage nearly crosses the line by suggesting Zoey might be his “one.”

Chapter 16: They’re breasts, not rabid wolverines

Gage tries avoiding Zoey for days but is constantly reminded by noise from upstairs.

Hearing a “muffled screech,” he investigates and finds Zoey stuck in a sweaty sports bra—topless with arms trapped overhead.

Despite trying to remain a gentleman, he must cup her breasts to free her, eventually ripping the bra in half.

After a tense exchange where Zoey offers sex, Gage retreats to her shower. He tells her he wants “a lot more” than just sex before leaving.

Key Moment: Gage is forced to touch Zoey’s bare breasts, shattering professional distance.

Chapter 17: Routine butthole maintenance

Zoey and Hazel discuss the incident at the cat-themed cafe. Zoey visits Opal Mallory, who reveals she was a renowned psychologist for forty years.

Opal correctly identifies Zoey’s struggles as ADHD symptoms and gives her books to read.

Zoey is overwhelmed by the realization there’s a reason for her “brokenness.” She discovers a drawer of “romantasy” manuscripts in Opal’s apartment and promises to help sell the series.

Key Moment: Opal diagnoses Zoey with ADHD, providing the first real explanation for her lifelong feelings.

Chapter 18: A brick to the face

Gage meets with high school friend Audrey to finalize her divorce from alcoholic husband Gerald.

His sister Laura arrives at his office with a gaunt woman and toddler—Valerie Hillport, the driver responsible for Miller’s death. Laura “commands” Gage to defend Valerie.

Gage is volcanic with rage, pointing out Valerie killed his brother-in-law. Laura reveals Valerie held her hand in the ditch after the accident and they’ve bonded over shared trauma.

Key Moment: Laura Bishop demands Gage represent the woman who killed her husband.

Chapter 19: A big ol’ but

Gage goes on a first date with Jill, a woman from a dating app who matches his “logical” criteria for a partner. The date quickly turns into a clinical interview as Jill demands his sperm count and blood type while presenting her own fertility data points.

Gage realizes he is completely distracted by his feelings for Zoey and the moral dilemma involving Valerie Hillport. He admits to Jill that he is “a mess” and cannot pursue a relationship with her, leading to an abrupt end to the date.

Afterward, Laura calls Gage and uses “family loyalty” to guilt-trip him into finally calling Valerie. Gage visits Valerie’s cramped townhouse and witnesses her struggling as a gaunt, stressed single mother to two young girls.

Despite his initial rage, he officially agrees to represent Valerie for free as a personal favor to Laura. The chapter ends with Valerie’s daughter, Molly, gifting Gage a drawing of a “dragon spider.”

Key Moment: Gage Bishop officially commits to defending the woman who killed his brother-in-law after seeing her humanity and her children.

Chapter 20: I can’t believe I thought you’d be polite in bed

Zoey finds a morose Gage drinking bourbon at the Fish Hook on a Saturday night. They use their “Disco” safe word to discuss their bad days. Gage reveals that Laura is “blackmailing” him into representing Valerie.

Zoey explains her own ADHD diagnosis and her fear that treatment might not “fix” her brokenness. Gage comforts her, explaining that his nephew Harry went through a similar “shame spiral.”

They decide to “forget” their problems for one night and have sex at Gage’s house. Outside the bar, Gage pins her against a wall and kisses her with an “aggressive” confidence.

Zoey is shocked by how “unpolite” Gage is when he’s being sexual.

Key Moment: Gage and Zoey decide to abandon their “not-my-type” rules and have an intentional “mistake” night together.

Chapter 21: Holy fucking penis

At Gage’s house, they barely make it inside before Gage drops Zoey on the mudroom counter to perform oral sex. Zoey is “tectonic-plate-shifting” impressed by his performance.

They move to the bedroom where Gage reveals an “impressive” endowment that leaves Zoey whispering “holy fucking penis.” They have intense, communicative sex, with Gage demanding she “get used to” his dick so he can give her all of him.

The encounters are frantic and destructive, resulting in a broken lamp and an exploded nightstand drawer. Gage realizes Zoey is a “runner” and tries to get her to stay for snacks.

Zoey jokes that they should “slow clap” their spectacular performance.

Key Moment: Gage and Zoey have their first full sexual encounter, which is described as “volcanic” and “violent” in its intensity.

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Chapter 22: Needy anaconda of lust

Zoey wakes up “wrapped around Gage like some kind of needy anaconda of lust” and panics. She decides to sneak out to avoid an awkward “morning after” conversation, as she has never spent the night with a man before.

While sneaking out in his hoodie, she is startled by a braying miniature donkey, Pepe.

She falls down the porch steps and breaks her wrist. Gage’s mother, Pep, discovers them and realizes they were “sneaking out after having sex.”

Gage takes a “humiliated” Zoey to Dr. Ace for an X-ray. They go to a diner afterward where Gage cuts up her waffles and calls out her “fear of vulnerability.” They agree to continue their arrangement as a “landlord-tenant with benefits.”

Key Moment: Zoey breaks her wrist while attempting to flee Gage’s house after their first night together.

Chapter 23: The Fighting Vampires

Zoey starts her first day on ADHD medication and feels “normal” and focused for the first time in her life.

She goes to Hazel’s house and cries with relief, feeling the weight of all the years she didn’t know about her condition.

Hazel has an interview with Thrive magazine, which goes so well the editors decide to visit Story Lake for the book launch.

Zoey meets with the high school marketing club, who are the “Fighting Vampires.” She discusses signage and social media for the town’s Reader Weekend. During the meeting, she experiences a “midafternoon crash” as her medication wears off.

She learns the mascot was chosen via a town vote during the Twilight era.

Key Moment: Thrive magazine commits to covering Story Lake’s Reader Weekend, significantly raising the stakes for Zoey’s publicity plan.

Chapter 24: Everyone is pissed off

Gage attends Valerie Hillport’s preliminary hearing at the run-down county courthouse in Dominion.

He is met with an “ice cold” reception from DA Tarini, whom he previously pressured to file charges. Laura shows up to support Valerie, which shocks Gage and their parents.

Tarini tells Gage he is an “idiot” for switching sides and uninvites him from “PowerPoint Night.” In the courtroom, Valerie is trembling with guilt, but Laura reaches across the railing to hold her hand.

Gage observes the reactions of the judge and his parents to this show of forgiveness. The chapter ends with a chaotic family group text where they all realize the “secret” Gage was keeping.

Key Moment: Laura publicly holds the hand of the woman who killed her husband during a court hearing, signaling a massive shift in the family dynamic.

Chapter 25: Corners

Gage brings salads to Zoey’s apartment, hoping to escape his “pissed off” family. They discuss their respective “disaster” days and Zoey’s experience with her first day of meds. Pep Bishop tracks Gage’s phone and crashes their “salad date,” demanding they attend a family meeting.

At the farm, the Bishop siblings engage in a physical fight over Gage’s representation of Valerie. Pep forces all her adult children into “corners” of the kitchen to “use their words.”

During the argument, Pep announces to everyone that “Gage and Zoey are having sex.”

Zoey flees to the barn to visit the donkey while the Bishops finish their meeting. Gage joins her and suggests they “get it right” this time without sneaking out.

Key Moment: Pep Bishop punishes her adult children by putting them in literal corners and reveals Gage and Zoey’s sexual relationship to the entire family.

Chapter 26: Ten percent off Bikini Night at the Beaver Dam

Zoey mans an informational table at the “Ultimate Bingo Draft” by the lake. She is struggling with the logistics of Reader Weekend and realizes she needs a website.

Gage suggests she hire Felicity, but Felicity initially turns her down due to a deadline. Rump Roast the pig “chooses” Zoey to be an ultimate bingo team captain by smearing pink paint on her jeans.

Nina Vampic, the “evil” mayor of Dominion, arrives on a bus full of shirtless men to announce a rival “Booze Flugtag” festival on the same weekend.

Nina insults the town and hands out coupons for “Bikini Night.” Zoey retaliates by hurling a baked potato at Nina’s face, which leads Felicity to agree to help with the website.

Key Moment: Zoey “potatoes” Nina Vampic in public, inciting the town to rally behind her for Reader Weekend.

Chapter 27: Koi daddy

Gage builds a koi pond in his backyard as a way to “blow off steam” and handle his restlessness. His brothers, Cam and Levi, help him move boulders and discuss his burgeoning feelings for Zoey.

Gage admits that he’d rather have sex with Zoey than find a “future Mrs. Bishop” right now.

They discuss the case against Valerie and their upcoming meeting with her. Levi reveals he had “the talk” with Laura’s teenage sons about consent and boundaries.

The teenagers, Wes and Harry, tease Gage about being a “hot koi daddy” and offer him dating advice. Zoey texts Gage about a “leak” in her sink, which he knows is a “booty call.”

Key Moment: Gage’s brothers and nephews realize he is “finding out” about the power of an attraction he previously dismissed.

Chapter 28: A sexy warlock

Gage arrives at Zoey’s apartment with wine and a tool tote to find her doing “yoga” in black lace lingerie. Before they have sex, Zoey reveals that she cannot have children due to a medical crisis in college.

She expects Gage to be disappointed since his goal is a family, but Gage comforts her and says she’d be a “fucking great” mother regardless of biology.

They have unprotected sex after Zoey confirms she has a “clean bill of health” and an implant. They watch their reflection in a mirror as they engage in “merciless” thrusting.

Afterward, Gage refuses to let Zoey run away and insists they stay wrapped in each other’s arms. He invites her back to his house to do laundry and have dinner.

Key Moment: Zoey discloses her infertility to Gage, and he responds with unwavering support, deepening their emotional intimacy.

Chapter 29: You ridiculously practical sex god

Gage and Zoey do chores on his farm together, including putting the cows and alpacas in the barn.

Zoey becomes “Dr. Dolittle,” easily managing the miniature donkey and therapy cow. Gage realizes that Zoey fits into his farm life better than he expected.

They meal prep steak tips and peppers while dancing to pop music in the kitchen. Gage learns that Zoey panics about gas when her tank is three-quarters full due to a college trauma.

Zoey “nests” him on the couch with pillows and makes him watch New Girl reruns. Gage realizes he doesn’t want her to see anyone else and asks for a “monogamous casual sex” arrangement.

They spend the night together, with Gage promising to “take care” of her.

Key Moment: Gage and Zoey settle into a “monogamous casual” rhythm, acknowledging their deep compatibility despite their different goals.

Chapter 30: Skunk stank

Zoey wakes up at Gage’s house to Nana the dog trying to “murder” her with affection.

She takes Nana outside at sunrise and witnesses the dog getting sprayed by a skunk. Gage and Zoey spend the morning naked in the mudroom, washing the dog with a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution.

They eat breakfast on the deck, and Zoey gives Gage a “verbal ass-kicking” about his priorities regarding Valerie’s case.

She tells him to “just do the damn thing” and stop trying to make the world fit into neat boxes. Hazel sends Zoey a string of frantic texts, worried that she has been “kidnapped by Dominion.”

Key Moment: Zoey uses her “human disaster” expertise to help the “perfect” Gage navigate a legal crisis by emphasizing present action over future worry.

Chapter 31: A common enemy

Zoey hosts a Reader Weekend strategy meeting at Felicity’s house, which is packed with Story Lakers. Felicity uses her “laser wand” to assign tasks in a project management program, revealing her organizational genius.

The “Kick Dominion’s Ass” committee forms, with various businesses offering discounts and events.

Story Lake Haven residents decide to host a “Family Day” during the weekend. Zoey realizes she has a partner in crime in Felicity and a support system that manages the details she usually forgets.

Felicity shares the story of her agoraphobia, and she and Zoey bond over their shared sense of not being “like everyone else.”

Key Moment: The town of Story Lake fully mobilizes for Reader Weekend, transforming Zoey from an outsider to a community leader.

Chapter 32: Boxed wine

Zoey hunts down a missing Opal Mallory in the town square with the help of a “Bishop Butthole” family group chat.

She yells at Opal in the general store for skipping their meeting about a potential book deal. Opal admits she was “spiraling” out of fear that her stories weren’t good enough.

Zoey secures three boxes of wine for her upcoming “accessibility panel” at the funeral home. She discusses her broken car with Laura, who suggests Gage could fix it.

Zoey insists their relationship is “just sex” and doesn’t cover car maintenance.

Key Moment: Zoey manages a difficult author-client crisis and coordinates a major town event simultaneously, proving her growing competency.

Chapter 33: Man parts jiggling

Gage watches the “Expert Accessibility for Your Business” panel at Pushing Up Daisies.

The crowd signs “thank you” in ASL to the speakers, leaving Gage impressed by the community’s engagement.

The “Kick Dominion’s Ass” committee presents Zoey with an envelope of cash they raised for her. Gage takes Zoey to Levi’s cabin for a private, “date-like” dinner of egg rolls.

Zoey convinces a reluctant Gage to go skinny-dipping in the 60-degree lake. They have to flee naked into the woods when Levi arrives home early.

Levi catches Gage’s dog at his house and demands an “interrogation” via the family chat.

Key Moment: Gage and Zoey’s naked escape from the chief of police becomes a legendary addition to their shared “disasters.”

Chapter 34: Literally under the sea

Zoey finds out that Opal Mallory’s fantasy series has three major publishers competing for it.

Opal admits she wrote the books for her late wife, Alice, and hasn’t written a word since Alice’s death. Zoey challenges Opal to start living again for Alice’s sake. Gage takes Zoey as his “date” to the high school prom, where they are chaperones.

The theme is “Literally Under the Sea,” and Zoey helps a heartbroken student named Ruby regain her confidence by fixing her hair and sabotaging a bully.

Gage and Zoey dance together, and Gage tells her she is “something special.” Mrs. Blumenthal notices they are “head over heels” for each other.

Key Moment: Zoey realizes she is falling in love with Gage after he tells her she brings “light and color” to his life.

Chapter 35: Dimes

Zoey and Hazel endure a grueling workout with Laura’s personal trainer, Manny. Laura performs a pull-up while strapped into her wheelchair, leading the gym to erupt in cheers. Zoey and Hazel realize that Laura and Manny are flirting.

During cardio, Laura explains how she and her late husband, Miller, used to flip dimes to each other as a romantic gesture.

Zoey has a revelation when she realizes Gage has been hiding dimes for Laura to find to give her comfort. The shock of realizing Gage is “the one” causes Zoey to trip and fall on the treadmill.

Key Moment: Zoey discovers Gage’s secret “dime” tradition for his sister, confirming his deep goodness and making her realize she is in love.

Chapter 36: Penis-to-the-eye meet-cute

Hazel breaks into Zoey’s apartment at midnight on her 35th birthday to bring a cupcake.

She accidentally sees a naked Gage Bishop, which gives her a “meet-cute” book idea.

Zoey explains that she hates her birthday because her parents are “terrible.” Hazel encourages Zoey to consider staying in Story Lake permanently.

Zoey admits she “hasn’t been hating” her time there as much as she expected. They drink champagne and discuss their shared fears of losing the happiness they’ve found. Gage kisses Zoey through the bedroom door while she eats her birthday cupcake.

Key Moment: Zoey spends her birthday with the people who truly love her, though she still fears the “rejection” she expects from her parents later that day.

Chapter 37: Little Theo stands next to a boy who has a solo

Zoey’s parents arrive for a birthday lunch, bringing a “midlife makeover” influencer named Brinsley along. They are immediately critical of Zoey, bringing a smashed cake and insulting her “lasagna” skills. Gage arrives with flowers and announces himself as Zoey’s “boyfriend” to protect her.

At lunch at Angelo’s, Zoey’s parents spend the entire meal complaining about what a “burden” Zoey was as a child. Gage reaches his limit and tells them they are “narcissistic assholes.”

He pays the bill and kicks them out of the restaurant in front of the entire town. The Story Lake Warblers sing them out with a “mouth fart” version of “So Long, Farewell.”

Key Moment: Gage Bishop defends Zoey against her emotionally abusive parents, telling her she was “never too much” for them.

Chapter 38: But my shorts fell off

Gage takes Zoey on a “cake cruise” on the Tiki Barge with his entire family. He surprises her by having disco balls hung on the boat for her birthday.

Gage reveals he had Zoey’s car fixed, inspected, and cleaned by Gator. Zoey is overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness and tells him he “pulled off a miracle.”

They return to his office and have sex on his desk, which results in the desk shifting and a “ransacked” look. Zoey tells him she loves “this” during the encounter. Declan sends a text asking if he should call the police about the ransacked office.

Key Moment: Gage Bishop proves he can be both the “responsible hero” and the “sexy warlock” Zoey needs.

Chapter 39: Moving to Bolivia with my corneas

At 3 a.m., Gage finds Zoey frantically searching for a missing envelope of cash for the Reader Weekend band. He helps her look and correctly identifies that her “end-of-the-world” panic is related to her impending period. Gage has a “sucker punch” realization that he is in love with Zoey.

He finds the money and her missing driver’s license under a table. Gage asks Zoey to “show him” the “dumpster fire” version of herself and give their relationship a real shot.

Zoey admits she is “freaking the fuck out” and afraid he will eventually find her “too much.” Gage promises that her “too much” will never be enough for him.

Key Moment: Gage Bishop professes his love and asks Zoey to stay in Story Lake for him.

Chapter 40: Shenanigans

Reader Weekend begins, and the town is “booked through mid-August.” Nina Vampic attempts to sabotage the event by dumping fourteen “sick” shelter animals in the lake parking lot.

Zoey turns the disaster into a last-minute adoption fair at the Haven. She adopts a silver pit bull named Buttercup.

Nina’s “Boozetag” event is shut down by a surprise safety inspection based on an “anonymous tip” from Zoey. Zoey realizes she is done “thinking” and wants a future with Gage. She plans to give him a “grand gesture” that evening.

Key Moment: Zoey outsmarts Nina Vampic and successfully launches both a major literary event and a community animal adoption drive.

Chapter 41: Gosh darn delight

Zoey tells Hazel that she is staying in Story Lake “as long as Gage still wants a future” with her. They perform a “bouncy, screamy victory dance” in the back room of the bookstore. Hazel’s signing is a sell-out success, with readers coming from across the country.

During the event, Zoey cuts her leg with a box cutter, and Gage arrives to provide “first aid and wardrobe” support.

Hazel tells Cam that Gage and Zoey are getting married, though Zoey tries to temper her expectations. Thrive magazine’s coverage of the event is a “certified hit.”

Key Moment: Zoey commits to her new life in Story Lake, sharing the news with her best friend before her planned evening with Gage.

Chapter 42: The shit show

At the celebratory bonfire, the “good vibes” are shattered when Audrey’s ex-husband, Gerald, appears. He grabs Audrey by the neck and threatens her with a knife.

Zoey is the first to react, sprinting toward the danger and tackling Gerald. Gage and his brothers intervene, and Gage punches Gerald repeatedly. Zoey is injured, having been hit in the face and stabbed in the arm.

In a state of intense fear and panic, Gage lashes out at Zoey, calling her “stupid” and “reckless.” He tells her he “can’t be with someone who would be that careless” and says he’s “done.” Zoey, feeling abandoned again, walks away, stating that “it feels like the end.”

Key Moment: Gage Bishop’s trauma-induced fear causes him to dump Zoey in front of the entire town after she heroically saves his client.

Chapter 43: Shithead McCrapFace

Zoey wakes up at Hazel’s house, sharing a bed with a dog, a cat, and Bertha the raccoon. She and Hazel decide to nickname Gage “Shithead McCrapFace.”

Hazel plans to “murder him on the page” in her next book. Cam brings Zoey breakfast in bed and admits he was “right” about Gage being an idiot.

Zoey feels that her belief that she is “too much” has been confirmed. She plans to move back to NYC and leave her new dog with the Bishops. Hazel’s editor sends a text that book sales are “astronomical.”

Key Moment: Zoey retreats into her “rejection armor,” deciding that her relationship with Gage was a mistake she should have seen coming.

Chapter 44: Puke in the petunias

Gage is suffering from a massive hangover and a deep sense of regret. He shows up to family brunch at the lodge with sunglasses on. Hazel throws a glass of orange juice in his face, and Cam drags him out to the patio.

His brothers point out that he “imploded his relationship on purpose” by using Zoey’s fears against her. Gage vomits in the flower bed upon realizing he lost the woman who was going to stay for him.

Zoey arrives and publicly tells Gage that if she is “too much,” he should “go find less” before throwing more juice at him. On his way home, the Rumps “potato” him with a baked potato to the chest.

Key Moment: The entire town of Story Lake turns against Gage Bishop for breaking Zoey Moody’s heart.

Chapter 45: Howdy fucking doo, dumbass

For three days, Zoey avoids Gage completely. Gage is a mess, having “forgotten to shower” and being the victim of regular “drive-by potatoings.” Zoey drops off a notice that she is breaking her lease. Gage intercepts Hazel’s SUV in the middle of the street to talk to Zoey.

Zoey tells him he is “not enough” for her and leaves for a book tour. Levi arrests Gage for creating a traffic hazard and takes an “official mug shot” for the family chat.

Gage joins a “raccoon stakeout” with his brothers and realizes that “you can’t argue your way to forgiveness.” He visits Valerie and finally forgives her for the accident.

Key Moment: Gage Bishop learns the difference between justice and forgiveness, realizing he must earn his way back to Zoey.

Chapter 46: It’s not a wedding gazebo

Gage sends Zoey a long, vulnerable “Disco apology” email, admitting that his fear of not being able to protect her made him act like a “moron.” He continues to send her updates and photos of their dogs while she is on tour.

Gage secures a plea deal for Valerie that involves “no jail time,” proving he can be the “miracle” Zoey called him. He helps Cam build a “wedding pergola” (not a gazebo) in the backyard.

Goose the eagle swoops over Gage and drops Zoey’s missing sparkly bra onto his boot. Gage takes this as a “sign” and asks Hazel for her expertise in winning Zoey back. Zoey finally agrees to a “groveling dinner.”

Key Moment: Goose the eagle “returns” the stolen bra to Gage, signaling a turning point in his quest to reconcile with Zoey.

Chapter 47: Emergency poop would not be my legacy

Zoey returns to Story Lake after a #1 bestseller tour with a seven-figure deal for Opal Mallory. She finds her apartment “robbed” of all her belongings, including her dirty laundry.

Cam and Hazel lead her on a “parade” to the lake sports court, where she is wearing an ultimate bingo shirt.

Gage intercepts her in front of the town and kisses her, declaring “I love you.” The town bestows on her the “Zoey Moody Excellence in Public Service Free Space” in ultimate bingo.

Zoey chooses “Sparkle” as the action players must perform for her square. Opal agrees to the book deal, telling Zoey that “mistakes were made” but don’t have to define her.

Key Moment: The town of Story Lake honors Zoey Moody by naming the ultimate bingo free square after her.

Chapter 48: Stop with the grand gesturing

Zoey drives to Gage’s house for their “groveling dinner” and finds a roll of dimes hidden in her car door. Gage admits his mistakes again over steak and baked potatoes.

He reveals that he hung a giant spinning disco ball in his living room for her. He takes her to the closet he finished, which is now a “continent” of shelves and islands filled with her “stolen” clothes.

Zoey realizes she found the “neon sign from the universe” she was looking for. They reconcile, and Gage tells her she is “so easy to love.” He promises to build her an entire library and find her the “sparkliest” ring.

Key Moment: Gage Bishop builds Zoey her dream shoe closet and hangs a disco ball, finally proving he can handle all her “chaos.”

Epilogue

Months later, Zoey is the maid of honor at Hazel and Cam’s lakeside wedding. She and Gage are engaged to be married in the fall on his parents’ farm.

Zoey is thriving professionally, managing the careers of both a #1 bestseller and a “seven-figure” debut author. She has learned to manage her ADHD with “more grace,” using noise-canceling headphones and “strip body doubling” with Gage to finish tasks.

Gage has “loosened up” under her influence, participating in outdoor sex adventures and accepting the chaos of their shared life. The Story Lake community remains central to their lives, with Goose the eagle continuing his reign over their garage roof.

Key Moment: The Story Lake community remains central to their lives as they build their future together.

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