Chapter 15: A Conversation about Adoption) Judge Garth, is there a way I could make Ellie like my own kin? If you mean legally adopting her, yes. How would I go about it? Well, a lawyer would have to draw up the papers and the court would have to approve them. Does she have any other family? No, her pa said he was alone and didn't have any kin left. If you want to do it, you should as a precaution. Precaution to what, Judge? In the event that relatives do turn up and they are not all that they should be. If you understand what I mean. I sure do, Judge. I know a lawyer in town who can draw up the papers for you. Thank- you, Judge. It's the least I could do, Randy. How does she feel about this? She wants it, Judge. I think she's very lucky to have you,Randy. Too often children her age lose their parents and end up in an orphanage full of strangers. I know what it is to lose parents,too. I wasn't much older than you were when you first came here when my father died. And then I lived with my uncle until I enlisted in the army during the war. And then I settled out here and Betsy came along. And then the others and you. And if this adoption goes through, I'll be happy to welcome Ellie as part of the family. Because Betsy and I have always thought of you as family. And because of that she's as much a granddaughter of mine as Betsy's daughters are. I thank you for that, Judge. You and Betsy have always been like kin to me,too. I think we should go see what Josie and Ellie are up to, don't you? I reckon so, Judge.