Understanding mingled with disbelief. “I can’t blow my nose on your tie.”

“You really can. I don’t like it. I hate wearing the thing.”

He was . . . he was . . . she didn’t know what he was. She only knew she had to leave. Now. Another sob wracked her body as she bolted toward the counter and reached for her purse. She had her keys out in seconds. She needed to lock up before she left. Turn the Open sign to Closed. And oh, the lights—

“I’m not sure you should be driving.”

Still there. “I have to go. I’m sorry. It’s a family emergency. If you’re really interested in the wardrobe, I can hold it for you.” Why was she even taking the time to say this?

“I-it’s just . . . you’re shaking. You’ve already had one shock and now . . . I just don’t think it’s safe.”

She slung her purse over her shoulder. “I don’t have a choice. It’s not as if I can walk. Muir Harbor’s almost an hour away.” The words scrambled from her as she wound her way to the front door.

“Muir Harbor.”

There was that tone again. But she didn’t care anymore. And if he wouldn’t leave, fine, he could just stay here. He could make off with every last piece of furniture in the place if he wanted. She had to get to Maggie . . . had to see her before—

“I can drive you.”

She stopped at the front door, streaming tears nowhere close to slowing. “What?”

“I know you must think I’m bananas—hiding in that closet like I did. And I know you have no reason to trust me.” He cleared his throat. Fourth time. “But I’m a safe driver. I can get you to the hospital in one piece.”

He was right. She had no reason to trust him.

But he was also right that she was shaking and crying and probably in no shape to drive. She swiped the back of one hand over her eyes. Should’ve accepted his tie. “You’re a complete stranger.”

“My name’s Philip West. I’m thirty-two. I’m a history professor. I teach at Thornhill College here in Augusta. More importantly, I’ve never had so much as a speeding ticket.”

And The Magician’s Nephew was his favorite Narnia book. Why that fact should be the one that pushed her over the edge, she didn’t know. And it didn’t matter. All that mattered was getting to Maggie.

Maggie, who’d given her everything.

“Okay, Philip.” She handed him her keys. “But we’re taking my car.”

Read the rest of Indi and Philip’s story in A Seaside Wonder, releasing in early 2022.

Author Note & Acknowledgements

Years ago, I sat in a hotel ballroom during a writing conference gala, watching a friend win an award . . . and I’ve never forgotten how, in her acceptance speech, she called her novel “the book of my heart.”

As I clapped and teared up in happiness for my friend, I remember thinking, “Hmm, I’ve loved every book I’ve written but have I written the book of my heart yet?”