Before Barbara had time to speak, Emily raised her index finger like a student wanting to ask permission from the teacher.

"Auntie, can you give me a little sister? I promise I won't cry if it turns out your child is also a boy. But, can you try? Maybe there are rules to planting baby sisters. How deep should they be put or how much should they be watered? Like Grandma Susan planting plants in the greenhouse."

Everyone laughed amusedly at Emily's request. Barbara was at a loss for words. ...