Sally Redfern and Phae Lewis, poets and partners, are leisurely driving from Murphy to Manteo when their vacation takes an unexpected detour. When the two set up camp next to Emerson Chadwick at Jordan Lake, the chance meeting at first seems fortuitous: Phae wants a baby to complete their family and Emerson, a fellow writer, is an ideal candidate. Emerson achieved fame with his signature novel, but failed to come up with the promised sequel. His inner demons, fueled by alcohol, have cost him his family as well as his career. But, after meeting Phae and being considerably cheered by their...