Content Warning: This section includes discussion of domestic violence and mental illness.

A rounded character, Colby undergoes the most growth across the novel. When the novel begins, he is on his first vacation in seven years, which he has taken at the insistence of his sister and aunt. After a brief period of rebellion in his teen years, Colby has settled into a static routine, prioritizing The Bonds of Family and their livelihood over pursuing his own needs and interests. He gave up his dream of pursuing a career as a musician and dedicated himself to running the family farm. Though he has had relationships, he has not been in love.

Being away from his family responsibilities with a gig playing at a beachfront bar to a receptive audience allows Colby to focus on his passion for music, which in turn, opens him up to falling in love. His natural tendency to be reactive rather than to meticulously plan his future initially works to his advantage, as he immerses himself in his relationship with Morgan, the aspiring singer he meets after she attends one of his performances and is drawn to his talent. Over time, however, his reactiveness works against him in love.