That Girl captures the humorous and tumultuous early days of a young couple’s marriage, blending romance, challenges, and growth in a way that is both heartwarming and relatable. The chapter opens with the couple’s excitement for their honeymoon in the Bahamas, anticipating a perfect getaway. However, their plans are quickly thrown into disarray when their luggage gets lost upon arrival in Nassau. Left with only winter clothes and the tropical heat, Jeffrey, the groom, urgently approaches the airport manager to retrieve their bags for the short stay. The manager, swayed by Jeffrey’s charm and desperate plea, offers him $300 to purchase essential items for the time being. This gesture of goodwill sets the tone for the couple’s ability to adapt to the unexpected, while Jeffrey’s quick thinking helps mitigate the situation.

At the hotel, the couple, with their new-found cash, celebrates by tossing the money into the air with childlike joy, only to later be told that their luggage has finally arrived. Seizing the opportunity, Jeffrey buys his bride a pink cashmere sweater set and pearl earrings, fulfilling a long-held dream of hers that had seemed out of reach. The couple’s honeymoon may not have been perfect, but these small moments of joy during their time together were meaningful. As their time in the Bahamas ends, they head back to real life, with Jeffrey resuming his military training and the narrator returning to Syracuse University, ready to continue her education.

The narrative takes a comedic turn as the narrator, struggling to manage unforeseen expenses, faces the reality of being newly married and in school. Among the unexpected financial burdens is a fur blanket she had ordered months prior. With finals approaching and no immediate funds to pay for the blanket, the narrator devises a plan to make extra money by selling donuts door-to-door in her dorm. This resourceful move, born out of necessity, reflects her burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and foreshadows her future ventures into the food business. It also illustrates her determination to balance the pressures of school with the financial demands of married life.

As the couple settles into Fayetteville, North Carolina, they face the realities of starting their married life in a new city. Their first housing arrangement falls short of expectations, leading the narrator to take quick action in securing a more suitable place to live. This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in their journey, as they navigate through the ups and downs of starting over in a new environment, one that will be far more conducive to their needs and desires. It also marks the couple’s ability to adapt to unexpected challenges, learning from each experience, and evolving as a unit.

Throughout this chapter, the themes of independence and personal growth are explored as the narrator grapples with the expectations of her new life as a wife and student. Jeffrey encourages her to pursue her goals beyond domestic life and urges her to follow her passions, giving her the confidence to push herself toward new opportunities. The support she receives from her husband reflects the healthy balance they are developing, one where both partners respect each other’s individual aspirations while working toward shared goals. The narrator’s reflections on her past ambitions reveal her desire to strike a balance between personal fulfillment and her relationship, something she has yet to fully embrace.

This chapter ultimately portrays the couple’s journey through the early stages of their marriage, marked by unexpected financial challenges, personal growth, and the dynamic shift in roles. The narrator’s ability to navigate these obstacles—both in her marriage and in her academic and professional pursuits—emerges as a powerful testament to resilience and adaptability. The chapter reflects the evolving nature of their relationship, where love, humor, and support allow them to weather the early stages of married life and build a stronger foundation for their future together. Through all the uncertainties, they manage to find joy in the simplest of moments, learning valuable lessons along the way that will shape their future.