"Grief opens doors, sometimes unexpected ones, as Caroline Davies, a 29-year-old event planner, is about to discover. In Chicago to bury her father, Caroline has orchestrated the funeral down to the makeup on his face. Why, then, does she feel so blank? After indulging in a few too many - strong drinks, harsh words, taboo kisses - on the night of the wake, Caroline runs away.

Her partner in crime is 58-year-old Virgil Harris, her uncle - and possibly the love of her life - who's on the run from secrets of his own.".

"Their journey of discovery takes them across America, in search of true connections and much-needed healing. Life intrudes on their escape, however, and the trip takes an unexpected southward turn when Virgil's heroin-addled son, David, goes missing. Unable to find him in New Orleans' darker warrens, Caroline calls in a favor, and in the process, mortgages her newfound freedom. In exchange for David's release, she must head to Dallas to plan the society wedding of the year.".

"From Dallas they head west toward the Grand Canyon, and Caroline continues to wrestle with her obligations. The story plays out its tragic yet hopeful conclusions under the enormous southwestern sky, as Caroline makes an important promise to Virgil - and to herself."--BOOK JACKET.