Out on a Limb

This section develops the emotional bond between Bo and Win, an evolution spurred by their domestic arrangement and the Twenty Questions card game. In introducing the game, which foreshadows the developing romance, Sarah plays the role of Win’s guide and mentor in the world of committed partnership, a role she continues in these chapters as she sets up the moment when Win finally admits how she feels about Bo. Much of the action in this section draws out the suspense around that final confession, building uncertainty around whether Win will choose bravery and what Bo’s response might be. The author continues to employ the forced-proximity trope in this section, such as when Win invites Bo to share her bedroom because his father is staying in his room. In this increased proximity, they tell each other that they each matter the most to one another. While Win can’t see inside his head, due to the first-person point of view of the narrative, and she chooses to divulge her love while Bo is asleep, Win has every indication that Bo reciprocates her feelings. Cutting off the moments of possible confession in the ultrasound exam room and afterward perpetuates the narrative tension, keeping the reader waiting for that all-important moment of the romance novel’s arc: the declaration of love.

Bonam-Young also continues to develop Win’s character arc in these chapters. Inspired by Bo and Cam to take steps in developing a vision for her summer camp, Win now sees that dream becoming ever more possible with the addition of a possible financial backer. Moreover, this opportunity directly results from her teaching ability, turning her limb difference into a strength as she instructs Henry in how to master a new skill. In doing so, the author continues to explore the theme of Perceptions About Disability and Ableism. This moment with Henry and his parents demonstrates the kind of community that Win reflects on at her ultrasound: the community that results when those living in a world not designed for them learn how to adapt to, listen to, and support one another. 

While jokes about hands or Bo’s leg reflect the protagonists’ use of humor as a coping strategy, Win’s hand is the focus of real insecurities as she contemplates her impending parenthood, further developing the theme of The Challenges of Expectant Motherhood. The many seemingly casual expressions about mothering requiring hands reflect Win’s concerns that her limb difference will make her inadequate for this all-important task. Importantly, Bo believes in and reassures her of her capabilities. Win also sees her capabilities in action when she works with Henry. This small success with teaching helps restore the sense of faith in herself that Jack shattered but Bo is slowly repairing. 

While the protagonists share a friend group that provides further emotional support, like the way Kevin helps feed Win’s pregnancy craving, the introduction of Bo’s father offers a way for Win to learn more about Bo. Bo’s relationship with his father puts all his best qualities on display, and through Robert, Win comes to a deeper appreciation of Bo’s character. Further establishing his direct contrast with Jack, Bo doesn’t identify Win by her limb difference when talking about her to others; he never even mentioned that fact to his father. In their discussion in the ultrasound room, after the technician confirms that Gus has 10 fingers and toes, Bo reconfirms that he sees Win as whole and perfect, just as she is. Following other moments where he has kissed or held Win’s hand, this demonstration of admiration on Bo’s part confirms that his love is of the mature, humble, wholly accepting quality that the romance genre promises. This continues to develop the theme of The Healing Power of Healthy Relationships for Win and Bo. Win is giddy while thinking about a future with Bo, reflecting, “I can’t help but grin, all the while imagining what could be. The best-case scenario, for once. The version of life where Bo and I walk hand in hand into something new for us both” (242). The chief allure of the contemporary romance genre is that the love developing between the leads is substantial, enduring, and complete on all levels. All that remains is for the characters to let down their guards and confess their love, which will occur in the closing set of chapters.