Landon and Jamie begin to date. On New Year's Eve, he takes her to a fancy restaurant on the advice of his mother. He first receives Reverend Sullivan's blessing, however, and when he does, Landon notices that Reverend Sullivan cries as Landon leaves his office. Landon also notices that Jamie appears more fatigued than she used to.
The two begin to incorporate each other into their lives. Jamie spends time on the river, at the beach, and at Cecil's Diner — Landon's hangouts — and Landon visits the orphanage. Landon draws the line, however, at attending Bible study with Jamie so as not to accentuate his lack of Biblical knowledge.
One day, near the end of the holiday school break, Landon notices a large bruise below Jamie's ring finger. After hugging her, he also notes that she is thinner than even two weeks before.
After Landon tells Jamie for the first time that he loves her, she cries and asks him not to say that. She then gives Landon the stunning news that she is dying.
