Episode 3 of Love Story: JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette unfolds with John and Caroline escorting Jacqueline on a tranquil walk following her recent hospital visit. As they stroll, John engages his mother in a conversation about work, while Jacqueline candidly advises John that he should not let his surname be a hindrance to his progress.
Jackie notices the relentless pursuit of reporters and requests to return home before they uncover her deteriorating health condition. The Kennedy residence is currently adorned with an abundance of floral bouquets from friends and well-wishers, expressing their fervent wishes for Jackie's swift recovery. Caroline's gaze falls upon a bouquet from Daryll, prompting her to bring up the news reports featuring John alighting from a plane with Hank's ashes.
John reveals his decision to obtain his pilot's license to evade the paparazzi at airports during such vulnerable moments. As he pedals off to work on his bicycle, Carolyn displays a Calvin Klein billboard featuring photographs of him and takes Michael out for breakfast. However, her composure falters when John unexpectedly drops by. Michael observes the flirtatious banter between John and Carolyn, who mentions John's mother, to which John appreciatively responds. Once John departs, Carolyn refuses to discuss the awkward interaction with Michael.
At home, Jacqueline sits by the fireplace, methodically reading and incinerating letters from her celebrity friends. John discovers her in this ritual and expresses his concern. Jacqueline reveals her desire to simplify her life, anticipating the worst.
The mother-son duo engages in a heartfelt discussion about John's romantic life, where he mentions "someone special." He confides in Jackie about Carolyn, describing her as vastly different from his past lovers. John articulates that Carolyn makes him feel like he's discovering himself anew. Jackie laments that the world views her solely as America's widow, an identity that has even permeated the news reports on her failing health. She no longer feels recognized as an individual.
John invites Carolyn to meet him at a park, where they engage in a heartfelt conversation about his family. Carolyn commends Jackie for being a dedicated single mother, expressing her admiration for the sacrifices mothers make, which often go unnoticed. As John attempts to delve into Carolyn's relationship with her father, she again avoids the topic. The mention of Carolyn meeting John's mother causes her to retreat, prompting her to question why John wanted to see her then and whether he had ended things with Daryll.
As they part ways, John walks Carolyn home, discussing her friendship with Michael, who also models underwear. Upon reaching her doorstep, Carolyn enters without the customary goodbye kiss.
The following day, Jacqueline suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital, surrounded by flashing cameras and media attention. At the hospital, the doctor informs Jackie, Caroline, and John about the progression of her cancer. He suggests treatment, but Jackie declines.
Caroline, Ed, and John brainstorm ways to convince Jackie to undergo treatment. However, Jackie requests a meeting with a priest for her final confession.
Meanwhile, John finds himself in church, praying for his mother's wellbeing. Jackie confides in the priest about how she protected her husband, JFK, throughout the years and her desire to pass away after his assassination.
Returning home, John reads aloud to his mother as she lies beside him. As he breaks down in tears as Jackie passes away, he exits the room to embrace Caroline, who also weeps upon learning of their mother's death.
The following day, John delivers a message to the press and media, announcing the demise of his mother. In private, Caroline confesses to John her resentment at being unable to mourn their mother like ordinary people, forced to put on a brave face. Daryll shows up at the wake to offer her condolences, where she tells John that she is willing to forget their differences with Jacqueline and that she wants to be there for him.
At the wake, John is left talking to the guests with no time to mourn his mother. Daryll engages John in conversation about Hank's death while bringing up their relationship status. John goes looking for Caroline, who is in Jacqueline's room. The siblings reminisce fondly about their mother before John goes outside to greet the locals gathered to mourn Jackie.
Carolyn watches the news reports and live telecast of Jackie's funeral. She breaks into tears, hearing the eulogy given in Jacqueline's honor. One night, John reads a letter that Jacqueline had written to him before her death. He gets on his bicycle in the pouring rain and shows up at Carolyn's apartment, wanting to see her.
In her apartment, Carolyn helps John through a panic attack and calms him down. He tries to kiss her, but Carolyn pushes him away before pulling him close. The two start kissing, bringing the episode to an end.
