As I arrive home from my day as a middle school physical education teacher on Friday, a rental car is parked in front of Alma’s house. We weren’t expecting company, at least not that I knew of. As I walk up the porch steps, Cameron opens the front door and Liberty toddles out to greet me.

“Momma,” Libby cheers as she wraps her arms around my leg.

I lift her in my arms while walking toward Cameron. “What are you doing here?” I suddenly worry we had an editor’s ...