These chapters bring Briana and Jacob's relationship to a breaking point before ultimately solidifying their bond. Briana's past trauma leads her to push Jacob away after learning she is pregnant, but Jacob's unwavering love and a grand gesture of vulnerability allow her to confront her fears. In the end, they reconcile, ready to build a future together based on honesty and mutual support.
Chapter 46: Jacob
The days leading up to Jacob's kidney transplant are filled with anxiety as Briana isolates herself. When Jacob visits her, Briana confesses she's pregnant but immediately breaks up with him, convinced she will miscarry again and inevitably ruin their relationship. She feels "broken" and demands the impossible: to see into his soul.
Jacob is devastated but pleads with her, professing his love. He drops off his dog with his mother, Joy, and confesses everything. As a therapist, Joy recognizes Briana's behavior as a trauma response, explaining that she's likely sabotaging the relationship to control the outcome. Joy advises Jacob to be patient and consistent, urging him to "show up" for Briana.
Chapter 47: Briana
On the day of the surgery, Briana is consumed by fear. Her best friend, Alexis, identifies Briana's fear as "the flinch"—a defense mechanism preventing her happiness—and urges her to be brave and trust Jacob's love. Before the surgery, Jacob tells Briana his only fear is that she won't be there when he wakes up, saying, "love shows up, Briana. And even if you keep me away from you, my heart will still be where you are."
As Jacob is wheeled away, he gives Briana his personal journal, marked to the day they met. The journal chronicles their love story from his perspective: his immediate attraction, his gratitude for her letters, his decision to donate his kidney for her, his agony over her connection with another man, and his excitement about the pregnancy. The final entry is a letter promising they will be together decades from now, signed "Yours truly, Jacob." This unfiltered look into his soul is the proof Briana needs. She realizes she must let go of her fear or lose the best thing in her life and decides to be brave.
Chapter 48: Jacob
After the surgery, Jacob wakes up to find Briana by his side. She reveals she was allowed in because he listed her as his wife on the intake forms, to which Jacob replies, "I’m trying to manifest the things I want by speaking them into the universe." Briana suggests they move in together, and Jacob proposes they find a new place that can be theirs.
Briana confirms that her brother, Benny's surgery was a success, calling the kidney a "perfect match." Looking at Jacob, she adds, "This one is," referring to their relationship. Jacob suggests the name Ava for their baby girl. Briana apologizes for her fear, and Jacob responds with empathy, framing their dynamic as a partnership. Just as she helps him with his social anxiety, he will help her learn to trust again. Briana reassures him the moment is real, echoing his words: "Because love shows up. And here I am."
Key Events
- Briana's Pregnancy and Breakup: Briana reveals her pregnancy, triggering her fears and leading her to break up with Jacob.
- Jacob's Journal: Jacob gives Briana his journal before surgery, offering her a glimpse into his soul.
- Briana's Realization: Reading the journal, Briana sees the depth of Jacob's love and decides to overcome her fear.
- Reconciliation: Briana and Jacob reconcile after the surgery, committing to a future together.
Character Development
- Dr. Briana Ortiz: Briana confronts her deepest fears and chooses to trust Jacob, marking a significant step in her healing process.
- Dr. Jacob Maddox: Jacob demonstrates unwavering love and vulnerability, solidifying his role as a supportive partner.
- Joy Maddox: Jacob's mother provides crucial insight into Briana's behavior, offering guidance and support.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Mental Health and Anxiety: The chapters explore the impact of past trauma on present relationships, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.
- Healing and Second Chances: Briana actively chooses to accept a second chance at love, beginning her journey of healing from past wounds.
- Communication and Misunderstanding: Jacob's journal bridges the communication gap, fostering understanding and intimacy.
Symbols
- The Journal: The journal symbolizes Jacob's soul and the unfiltered truth of his love for Briana, unlocking her trust.
- "Love Shows Up": This phrase represents love as a consistent action of presence and support, embraced by both Jacob and Briana.
Key Quotes
"Every single thing that matters to me in this world is in this bed. I love you."
Jacob's heartfelt declaration emphasizes the depth of his feelings for Briana and his commitment to their relationship, even in the face of her fear. This quote encapsulates his unwavering love and desire to be with her, despite the obstacles they face.
"love shows up, Briana. And even if you keep me away from you, my heart will still be where you are."
Jacob's words highlight his belief that love is not just a feeling but a consistent action. He promises to remain devoted to Briana, regardless of her attempts to push him away, showcasing his steadfastness and unwavering support.
"Because love shows up. And here I am."
Briana's response to Jacob signifies her acceptance of his definition of love and her commitment to showing up for him in return. This quote marks a turning point in her character development, demonstrating her willingness to overcome her fears and embrace a future with Jacob.
Significance
These chapters represent the emotional climax of Yours Truly, resolving the central conflict of Briana's inability to trust love. Jacob's gesture of sharing his journal solidifies their relationship, transforming it into a committed partnership built on honesty and support. Briana's decision to be brave marks a turning point, ensuring their path toward a lasting future.
Analysis
Jimenez masterfully uses alternating perspectives to build tension and provide emotional insight. The journal serves as a potent narrative device, offering a concise retelling of their courtship from Jacob's point of view. The resolution is satisfying because it is earned, with Briana's healing being a conscious choice after confronting the truth. The novel's central theme comes full circle, with Jacob's plea that "love shows up" answered by Briana's final line, creating a powerful thematic bookend.