Anne Nelson's Visit

While Noah and Allie are doing dishes, there is a knock at the door. Noah opens it to find Anne Nelson, Allie's mother. She asks to come in. Allie is shocked. Anne explains that she saw the article too and knew Allie would come. She tells Allie that Lon called her the night before, asking about Noah, and that he is on his way to New Bern. Anne says she did not tell Lon where Allie was, but he will find her. Anne gives Allie the bundle of letters Noah wrote, which she had hidden all those years. She apologizes for keeping them. Anne tells Allie she must make her own decision, but that she loves her. She whispers, 'Follow your heart,' and leaves. Noah watches her drive away, recognizing her strength. He goes to the back porch to give Allie space. Allie joins him, and they talk. She says she wants to stay with him but is afraid of hurting Lon and her family. Noah tells her she cannot live her life for other people. He asks her to stay, but she says she does not know if she can. They embrace, and Allie cries. She goes inside to get her things, leaving Noah on the porch.