The exposition of the story starts as
Wilson wonders if he can change—he still loves his wife, but believes he has taken her
for granted for much too long, something that becomes glaringly clear when he forgets
their twenty-ninth wedding anniversary.
The
rising action of the story tells about the year that follows the missed
anniversary. Jane decides to visit their son, out of town, and alone. This convinces
Wilson that their marriage is in crisis. Wilson goes to visit Jane's father, Noah, who
had a wonderful marriage until his wife Allie died. It is Wilson's intention to change
how he acts towards Jane so that she will know how he feels. So Wilson decides he will
begin change how he acts towards her.
About a week before
their thirtieth anniversary, their daughter announces that she and her boyfriend want to
get married on her parent's anniversary. As the quick plans are made, Wilson can see
that Jane has regrets about their wedding: it had not been what she had hoped
for.
As the plans for the wedding progress, Wilson is much
more attentive to Jane. He also spends time with Jane's father, Noah, and even puts
time and energy into bringing the family home back to its former glory, even though Noah
lives in a nursing home. It is also decided that Anna's wedding will be held at Noah's
house.
Wilson does all he can to be supportive of Jane
during this time, and to help with the wedding plans. His is generous with his time and
money. Noah ends up in the hospital when he falls and hits his head, and the family
visits. Through all of this, Wilson is involved in deep introspection, remembering
things he unfairly asked of his wife, that he never made up to her or even conveyed that
he appreciated.
Wilson courts Jane now the way he did when
they fell in love. Jane asks him if he is having an affair—all this special attention
is confusing her. He assures Jane that he is not having an affair. The next night,
Wilson plans a special date, complete with limo and a secret destination, which turns
out to be Noah's house, now completely renovated. They spend a romantic evening
together, and it seems that their relationship is back on
track.
The climax of the story occurs
when the wedding day arrives. Flowers, caterer and family start to appear at the house.
Finally Anna enters, not in a wedding dress, but in a bridesmaid's dress, with a veil
behind her back—the veil is for Jane, and for the last year, Wilson has been planning
Jane's wedding as surprise so she can have the wedding she never had. He has done all
of this out of his love for her.
The falling
action occurs when Wilson decides that a man can change,
if he really wants to. He makes up his mind to continue to show Jane how much she means
to him, making sure he never takes her for granted again.
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