***SPOILER***
Sorry, I have to disagree with you two ladies on this....
It's okay to disagree
Either they are together, or they're not. It's about time Ennis got off the pot on this, IMO.
It was already a topic in the afore chapter (19), when Jack is talking to Lureen. I, personally, think Jack is too impatient. Not only with Ennis, but also with himself. He achieved a lot in just one year. A complete new start: new job, new town, found a place for him and Bobby, made friends, did right by Bobby, told Bobby he's gay (and Bobby slowly accepting it). That's a whole lot in only one year, a complete new life, he did it all by himself and he succeeded.
Ennis made a lot of progress, too. They made progress
together.
And now Jack breaks the deal
Maybe this a personal thing, but breaking a deal, breaking a promise is something I can't stand. He promised Bobby and he promised Ennis two years. He wouldn't break his promise to Bobby. Just for the sake of the discussion: imagine Ennis offering living together with Jack in Riverton. Right now, after one year. --> Jack would not do it. Not now, not before Bobby's two years of school are over.
He wouldn't break his deal with Bobby. But he does with Ennis. And with himself.
Ennis needs that bit of angst to make him think - and to help him be honest with himself. After that, maybe he can make some steps forward. He really has come a long way, already.
Maybe that's the way the author writes it. It's up to her, it's her story. I like the story very much, no matter how she will continue.
Can't wait for the next chapter.