Pritchard Fisk’s home, across the street from the Magnolia Arms, is always in perfect order, not only because “Pop” is a retired Marine, but also because he is a widower and seldom sees his children. His daughter, an ambassador’s wife, lives in Europe. His son, who bears his name, harbors lingering resentment over Pop’s long and frequent deployments, and has not been home since the death of his mother.

One evening late in May, Pop opens his door to find Rich has arrived with his fifteen-year-old stepdaughter Libby de Winter. Rich is on his way to Georgia, where Libby’s mother Penny, missing for several days, is under arrest for drunk driving. Rich asks Pop to take care of Libby while he is gone. Pop agrees, and soon discovers that keeping Libby safe will be the toughest battle he ever fought.