Wild Side

Back at home after yoga, Rhys and Tabitha have sex. Afterward, they take a shower together.

Tabitha and Rhys have dinner at Ford and Rosie’s house with West and Skylar. They share a pleasant evening, laughing and commiserating about unexpected relationships and unconventional parenting situations. The conversation turns to Rhys’s job; Tabitha is surprised when he comes out and tells everyone what he does. Everyone insists on watching his matches on television. Tabitha listens, feeling happy.

Rhys does an early morning workout, mulling over his situation with Tabitha throughout. When she gets up, he confronts her about their relationship. They talk about their feelings, both admitting that their marriage no longer feels fake.

That evening, Rhys and Tabitha visit Milo, Lisa, and Paul for dinner. They share a pleasant evening. Rhys and Tabitha reveal the truth about how they met, which doesn’t bother Tabitha’s parents.

Tabitha reports to work although she’s sad about Rhys’s departure the next morning. Her mood improves when Rhys and Milo show up for dinner. Throughout the rest of the evening, she reflects on how good her situation is now. After work that night, she, Rhys, and Milo get into bed together. Tabitha and Rhys fall asleep staring into each other’s eyes.

The next night, West, Ford, Skylar, Rosie, Bash, and Cora come over to watch Rhys’s match. Beforehand, Tabitha video calls Rhys to tell him everyone is cheering him on.

Rhys texts Tabitha about his situation at work. Anthony wants him to go through with the onstage relationship with Elle and plans to have Elle unmask him. Tabitha suggests he do it if he wants to. Rhys fights his match, feeling confident and proud of himself throughout. However, Anthony reprimands him afterward for failing to show Elle affection in the ring. Rhys refuses to give in despite Anthony’s plans.

Afterward, Rhys returns home early to Rose Hill again. Tabitha is thrilled to see him. They kiss and then have sex while Rhys is wearing his mask. Rhys feels aroused when Tabitha removes the mask for him. After they orgasm, they profess their love for each other.

Tabitha attends Rhys’s Pure Pandemonium match with Skylar, Gwen, Rosie, and Cora. Throughout the trip, she reflects on Erika’s relationship with Rhys, comparing their dynamic to her love for Rhys. The match begins. Tabitha is overcome by feeling when Rhys makes eye contact with her over the crowd. At the end of the match, he comes into the stands and kisses her in front of everyone, letting her remove his mask.

Anthony scolds Rhys for changing the storyline without consulting him. Rhys leaves, refusing to fight over the issue. He rejoins Tabitha and they spend “the entire night making love” (403). The next night, he has another fight but Tabitha isn’t in attendance. During the match, Will messes up a flip. Rhys can’t correct accordingly and falls and injures himself. He wiggles his finger (a sign he and Will developed) to let Will know he’s injured.

Tabitha panics when she sees Rhys fall on television. She repeatedly texts and calls him but he won’t respond. Finally Will calls her from Rhys’s phone to say Rhys is in the hospital. Tabitha begs Will to stay with him until she arrives. She calls Skylar for help (she has a connection with a private jet) and races to see Rhys.

Rhys’s doctor visits to tell Rhys and Tabitha about Rhys’s condition. He has a concussion and will need surgery to heal his spinal cord and help him regain the ability to walk. After the doctor leaves, Tabitha stays by Rhys’s side, comforting him. Rhys snaps, insisting he doesn’t want Tabitha there and that she should be home with Milo. Tabitha races out crying.

Tabitha runs into a nurse in the hall who encourages her not to give up on Rhys. Tabitha realizes she’s right and returns to Rhys’s room “with [her] composure fully intact” (423).

Rhys feels guilty and relieved when Tabitha returns. She confronts him, insisting he can’t push her away because they’re a team. Rhys agrees. They promise to never abandon each other. Rhys silently reflects on how grateful he is for Tabitha.

Rhys’s surgery goes well. He gradually recovers with the help of physical therapy. Shortly before he leaves the hospital, Ford, West, and Bash visit. Rhys is overwhelmed by their support.

Rhys fully recovers in the following weeks and even rejoins his bowling team. After one match, he drives home, excited to see Tabitha. He can’t believe how their relationship has developed and how much she has brought into his life. Inside the house, Tabitha surprises him with a name-change form and suggests he become a Garrison like her and Milo. Rhys enthusiastically agrees.

In the spring, Tabitha, Rhys, and Milo spend the day outside. Tabitha marvels at Rhys’s recovery and reflects on how happy her family is together. Rhys and Milo give her space so she can scatter Erika’s ashes. She talks to her sister before opening and emptying the urn. Returning to Rhys and Milo, she again marvels at her love for them. Rhys wraps her and Milo in a hug.

Four years later, Rhys fights his last match. He looks into the stands, thrilled to see Milo, Tabitha, and their daughter Minka watching him. While he was once just a wrestler, he’s now a dad, friend, and husband.