Evelyn tells Harry about Max’s proposal and he is supportive. He believes she deserves to be in love and promises that nothing will change between them. With Harry’s blessing, Evelyn speaks with Max about the sincerity of his proposal. He describes his love for her and the creative inspiration he derives from her. Hearing his words ignites passion in Evelyn. They make love and she accepts him.

Evelyn and Max have an intimate ceremony in the desert and spend the next few days in a cabin. Max quickly becomes agitated and bored, so they return home to New York. As Max becomes excited about the press coverage of their wedding, Evelyn thinks of Rita Hayworth’s quote, “Men go to bed with Gilda, but wake up with me” (297). Months later, Evelyn realizes that Max fell in love with Evelyn Hugo, not the real her. She’s heartbroken to realize that another one of her marriages is meaningless.

In 1988, Celia wins another Oscar. Evelyn watches from home with Harry and Connor while Max attends the show alone (he’d been angry that she refused to go). As Celia accepts the award, she warns “anyone tempted to kiss the TV” (300) to not chip a tooth.