Allie Reveals Her Engagement

As they walk along the riverbank, Allie tells Noah she is engaged to Lon Hammond Jr., a lawyer from a powerful family. Noah feels a sinking feeling but offers congratulations. Allie says the wedding is in three weeks. Noah asks if Lon treats her well, and she says he is a good man. They walk in silence to the top of a hill overlooking the oak tree where they once spent a day. Allie asks if Noah still reads poetry, and he says yes. She tells him he is the only poet she has ever met. They circle back to the house, and Noah asks how long she is staying. She says maybe a day or two, and that Lon does not know she is here. Noah asks if she loves Lon, and she says yes, but he hears uncertainty in her voice. He tells her that if she is not sure, she should not go through with the wedding. She insists she is making the right decision. He apologizes for making it hard, but she says she is glad she came. They agree to be friends for the few days she is there. Noah invites her to dinner at his house, offering to cook the crabs he caught. She accepts.