Between Sisters

Back in Hayden, Meg meets with a wedding planner named Roy Royal. She tells Roy that Claire wants a simple wedding but that she’s not worried about the budget. Roy enthusiastically takes the job.

Joe is working at the garage when a local man stops by with his truck. He recognizes Joe and ridicules him for returning to Hayden. He throws insults at Smitty for hiring Joe, too. Smitty demands that he leave. Afterward, Smitty reassures Joe. After work, Joe tries calling Gina, but she doesn’t pick up. Feeling alone, he stops at the tavern.

Meg feels uncomfortable about Claire’s bridal shower that evening. While getting ready, she considers backing out but decides to go. She shows up at Gina’s place overdressed. She tries participating in the party games but ends up offending Claire again. Guilty and upset, she leaves the party early. On the verge of tears, she stops into the tavern.

Inside the tavern, Meg searches for a young man with whom she might go home. She gets a drink and joins a group of young men at their table. They immediately get up and leave when she sits down. She tries a few more men without luck. Feeling embarrassed, she sits down by a shaggy-looking man. She’s surprised when he turns around, and she sees his attractive face. He says she’s not going home with him, but the two end up chatting and heading back to his place. On the way home, Joe considers ending the night before it’s too late but invites Meg in after all. They have sex and both orgasm. He feels uncommonly comforted, but when he wakes up, Meg is gone.

After having sex with Bobby that morning, Claire gets up and makes breakfast for Ali. Meg joins them. Claire asks why Meg left the shower early and demands an answer despite Meg’s caginess. Finally, the sisters start talking about their differences. Meg apologizes for being too opinionated and admits that she’s in therapy. She also opens up about the past and her jealousy of Claire and Sam’s relationship. Claire feels momentarily “like the stronger sister” (221). A call from Mama interrupts their conversation. She got Claire’s message but can’t come to the wedding because of a hair appointment. Finally, she agrees to try to make it up. Off the phone, the sisters joke about their mother’s antics. The conversation turns back to the wedding and catering.

Meg tries focusing on wedding planning but can’t stop thinking about Joe. She genuinely enjoyed their night together and couldn’t make sense of her feelings. One day, she sees him from across the street and considers greeting him but decides against it.

Joe can’t stop thinking about Meg either. He’s momentarily excited when he sees her across the street but feels relieved when she doesn’t say hello. Then Gina calls and invites him to Claire’s wedding; he declines.

Claire goes for a regular checkup with Diana’s father, Dr. Henry. He congratulates her on her wedding and assures her everything is normal.

Claire stays late at the resort office, feeling nervous and unsure of what she’s doing. She can’t stop wondering if she’s making a mistake with Bobby. Finally, she returns home and finds Meg waiting for her with two margaritas. They drink and chat about relationships and love. Meg agrees to stop pestering Claire about a prenup. Then Claire asks Meg to babysit Ali while she and Bobby are on their honeymoon. Sam returns home and joins the sisters. He tries to engage Meg despite her bristles. Then he gives Claire his grandmother’s yellow diamond ring.

Meg struggles through Claire’s rehearsal dinner. All of Claire’s friends keep asking her about her relationship status and if she has children. Feeling overwhelmed, she snags a bottle of champagne and shows up unannounced at Joe’s door. She’d considered the tavern but only wanted to see Joe. When Joe doesn’t answer, she lets herself in. He’s confused when he finds her in his house looking through his photos but agrees to let her stay. They have a drink and talk. Joe tells her the photos are of his ex-wife, who divorced him; today is the anniversary of their divorce. Meg understands his sadness and suggests they have sex.

On the day of Claire’s wedding, Claire and Meg get dressed together. Meg does Claire’s hair and makeup for her, too. She worries Claire doesn’t like it, but Claire is moved and thanks her. Before the ceremony, Sam gives Claire a note from Mama and shows her the two-seater convertible she sent as a wedding present. Claire is annoyed as the car won’t fit Ali.

The ceremony progresses without snags. Claire feels overwhelmed by love and happiness. Then Mama bursts into the church. Meg is furious with her for always having to steal the show. She confronts her about her behavior on the way to the reception.

Claire dismisses her frustrations with Mama to enjoy the rest of the evening. She’s overwhelmed by joy when she sees what Meg did to Riverfront Park. The place is transformed. She thanks Meg for everything as she’s made her dream come true. Then Claire and Bobby dance. Afterward, she dances with Sam and Ali. She studies the scene throughout, thankful that Meg gave this to her.

After the reception, Meg returns to Joe’s. Joe seems hesitant to let her in but tells her she can stay if she promises not to sneak out of his bed again. They spend another nice night together having enjoyable sex. Afterward, Meg lies awake next to Joe, reflecting on her feelings. She’s glad not to be alone, too. However, she feels sad when she imagines having to leave Joe behind.

Joe wakes up holding Meg in his arms. He worries about betraying Diana but also feels something close to happiness. He wonders if he and Meg might have a future after he gets over his past. He realizes that to do so, he has to see Diana’s parents.