On a quiet September afternoon, Felix allowed Vinson to join Elson and Esther for a small picnic. The three of them often spent their days that way, especially since Esther loved helping her household cook, and the boys were always the first to taste whatever she made. They chose a spot by the river, not far from the farm. Usually, Felix would watch over them from a distance.

But that day he was needed elsewhere. A cow was struggling through labor, and Felix had to assist in the birthing ...