Elderly people often have a deep fondness for children. Carol, Emily’s former mother-in-law, was one such person, and Meggie is another. However, there is a significant difference between them.

Carol’s longing for a grandson stemmed primarily from her focus on an heir. The Reed family had only one son, Nathan, and Carol wanted him to marry quickly and preferably have a son. To her, a daughter-in-law was merely a means to produce children.

Meggie, on the other hand, was different. Emily ...