Summary

In the Prologue, Izzy, Julie, Link, Harris, Ellen, Kenny, and others get drunk from bourbon and wonder about what is to come. Nineteen people - nine couples, and Izzy - later attend a meeting with 34-year-old Dr. Preston Grind, who explains their children are five years old. It is the first time they will be alone with their children as designated biological parents in years. Izzy, while waiting, considers how she is in love with Grind. Grind reminds the parents that it will be more of an occasion for the parents than the children. When Izzy sees her son, Cap, she is thrilled. Cap is merely curious to know that Izzy made him. Izzy tells him that they all made him, but she made him most.

Part 1

In Chapter 1, the novel steps back in time. Three hours after graduating Tennessee’s Coalfield High...