That night, Christine called a family meeting. Everyone gathered in the living room. Austin, Lexi, and Molly all sat on the couch. James was about to climb in next to them, when his wife signaled that he should join her standing in front of the television. He looked a bit confused.

"Your father and I have been talking and we think it's time for our family to take the next step," Christine said. The siblings all eyed each other warily.

"Oh, Yes,' James said, "Right. That is, your mother and I think we've all been doing pretty well." He looked pointedly at Molly when he said this.

"Agreed," Christine said,...