59.Reconciliation

Howard attends his nephew Howie's wedding on Vulcan, where Bridget reconciles with her son after years of estrangement. The reconciliation is cautiously successful with Howie and his sister Lianne, but Rosie refuses to attend and has cut off contact with her siblings, planning to emigrate to Romulus.

Howard and Bridget prepare for Howie's wedding, which will be attended by a Bridget android. Bridget reveals that Howie has invited her despite missing much of her children's lives, though Rosie has issued an ultimatum not to attend if Bridget or Howard will be there. At the wedding on Vulcan, held at a Catholic church, Howie appears more mature and married to Angelina. The pivotal moment comes when Bridget and Howie embrace in a long, emotional hug at the reception. Lianne also reconnects with Bridget. However, during the reception, Bridget learns that Rosie has taken an extreme stance: she is emigrating to Romulus and has cut off contact with both Howie and Lianne. Bridget questions whether she should withdraw to accommodate Rosie's ultimatum, but Howard argues that Rosie must eventually compromise, and that with their infinite lifespan, opportunities for reconciliation with Rosie's future children may arise. The chapter ends with Bridget finding comfort in watching Howie dance with his bride.