Chapter 13

The narrative returns to the present day and this chapter begins with the same words as the Prologue: “When I was seventeen, my life changed forever.” He asserts that he wanted to marry Jamie because he loved her and not because he pitied her. The wedding is officiated by Hegbert; Landon’s dad serves as his best man, as per the Southern custom. The church is filled with guests, just like Jamie had imagined.

Wearing the white gown from the Christmas play, Jamie walks down the aisle with her father. According to Landon and the guests, it is, indeed, “a walk to remember.” The narrative closes with the image of their wedding and Landon’s promise to love Jamie in sickness and in health. Finally, he mentions that he now believes in miracles.

The final chapter creates more questions than it answers, which is Sparks’ intention. Landon assures everyone that he is marrying Jamie out of love and not pity. He asserts that Jamie helped him become the man he’s today. In the final two paragraphs of the chapter, Landon reflects on the forty years that have passed since their wedding. He says he has never removed his ring and that he continues to love Jamie. He also reveals that he now believes in miracles. Thus, the novel ends on an ambiguous note, unclear what is the “miracle” that Landon is referring to.