Maybe Next Time

Emma’s husband and love interest, Dan Jacobs is a central character whose anniversary letters to Emma contribute another point of view. A white British man, he’s a few months younger than Emma, around 41 in the novel’s present. Dan has a relaxed and calm temperament and doesn’t get angry easily. He grew up with loving parents and a sister, Hattie, with whom he remains close. He works in sports marketing in a business run by a friend, a job he found after leaving an earlier position that had caused undue stress for him and his relationship with Emma. Dan is an organized person; he likes sorting and color-coding things, making lists and scrapbooks, and keeping binders of information. His love for organization balances Emma, who tends to be untidy and chaotic. Dan loves to cook and typically makes meals for the family.

An attentive, understanding father and a devoted husband, Dan adores Emma and tells her so repeatedly in his letters. He also uses the letters to articulate the more difficult things he needs to say, like to point out when Emma seems inattentive or he feels lonely in their marriage. Dan is likewise protective of his sister and doesn’t like her husband, Ed, who he senses isn’t kind to Hattie. Dan does his best to be supportive of Emma’s work and takes over many household jobs, making renovations when they first buy their house and overseeing maintenance, like fixing appliances.

Though Dan cares for his job and his children, his first priority is clearly Emma, the most important person to him. This was true even when they were apart. At their first meeting, Dan seemed somewhat hapless, a little goofy, and awkward. He seemed surprised that someone as cool and sophisticated as Emma was attracted to him. Though he said he was excited about the birth of their first child, Dan had a hard time relating to Poppy when she was a baby, frequently feeling bewildered and daunted by the activities of childcare; during that time, he was also grieving the loss of his mother. However, nearly dying in an accident jolted Dan into a different frame of mind, enabling him to act on the things he wanted. When he reconnected with Emma, moved back in with her, bought a house with her, and eventually married her, Dan felt as if his life was on the right track. His biggest wish was more time with Emma, and he secretly felt that this was the reason he didn’t die after falling from the balcony: The universe granted his wish.

Dan’s character arc in the novel isn’t as pronounced as Emma’s, but he does go from being hurt and frustrated by their emotional distance—sentiments he expressed in his first 2021 letter—to being soothed and nourished by his stronger emotional connection with Emma when she starts paying more attention to him. His final 2021 letter reflects on how much he has enjoyed their life together. Ever the planner, he leaves instructions for Emma on handling the logistical and emotional impacts of his passing but still wishes for more time. Dan is Emma’s anchor and shelter, and though she’ll survive without him, he knows she’ll be unmoored.

Dan’s sister, Hattie Jacobs, is a supporting character in the novel who is a mentor and friend to Emma but also plays the roles of foil and antagonist in the story. Like Dan, Hattie is white, British, and lives in London. She works remotely for a company in California. Hattie has been a big part of Emma’s life and was especially supportive during the months when Poppy was small and Emma and Dan were separated. Hattie has had an erratic relationship with Ed, whom she eventually married, and they have a house together. The novel’s emotional background describes a Sunday when Emma’s family was at Hattie and Ed’s house and Ed made a remark about Hattie being underfoot, which offended Dan and roused his protective instincts. Emma initially thought it was funny but later realizes that this comment indicates a cruel side to Ed.

Hattie dyes her hair, which is naturally dark blonde, and one reason Emma realizes something is going on with Hattie is that her roots are showing. Another indication is Hattie’s repeated attempts to get in touch with Emma, which includes driving to their house one evening when Ed says something deeply cruel. Hattie has been struggling to have a baby and is devastated by a recent miscarriage. When Ed shrugs off her emotional distress and remarks that they can try for a boy next time, Hattie reaches a breaking point and leaves.

Hattie is practical, so she tries to find a logical reason for why Emma is reliving the same day, but she’s also deeply attached to the people she loves, including her niece and nephew. Like Dan, Hattie finds Emma’s conciliatory efforts soothing and heartening. What begins as a distressing day ends happily for her when she spends the evening with Emma and her family, safe among people who love her.