Later that day everything was calm as though what happen this morning had never happen. I still can't believe what Martha said about Joe's mother or my mother.

I still feel bad for how I acted toward her but Pa said that I don't need to be but that didn't help. Despite what Martha was doing to my family she was still my Aunt and I loved her.

We were having a nice quiet evening Pa was reading the paper, Adam was doing some book work at Pa's desk and Hoss and Little Joe were playing a game of checkers and I was cleaning the dishes for Hopsing in the kitchen.

Then there was a knock on the door. Figuring that everyone was focus on what they were doing didn't hear it. I walk through the dining room and living room and over to the door.

I opened it to see that it was Marvin, a local boy from town. "Hi Miss Amelia, Judge Longworth asked me to bring this to you" he said.

I took the envelope from him and I thanked him before shutting the door. I open the envelope as my father walks over to me. "What is it darling?" he asked.

I read the letter again and it made me even madder. "Why that stupid Judge!" I blurted out angry causing my brothers and Pa to look at me surprised.

"I have been served to court" I said to them. Pa takes the letter out of my hands and reads it. "Martha has a court order against me and wants both Amelia and I to serve in court for custody of Amelia" Pa explained.

"We knew this was coming" Adam said. "This can't be happening Pa what if she wins and I have to leave the Ponderosa?" I asked.

Pa looks at me and I could tell he was worried to. "Everything is gonna be ok" he tells me.

The next morning I was in my room getting ready for court. I was so nervous that my hands couldn't stop shaking. It didn't help that I couldn't sleep at all last night.

I kept waking up from nightmares of being taken away from Pa and the boys. I walk over to the mirror after putting on my best Sunday dress.

I look at my reflection and I saw the fear on my face and felt it in my heart. I take the hair brush from the table and brush my hair until there was a knock on the door.

The door opens and Hoss walks in. "Pa wanted me to see if you were ready" he said trying to sound cheerfully.

He knew that today was a difficult day not just for his sister but his family especially his father. He could tell how nervous she was and how shaky her hands were.

I smile at him trying to show him that I wasn't nervous but inside I was terrified and had butterflies in my stomach. "Are you nervous?" he asked.

I nod my head as I stood up. Hoss walks over to me and hugs me. "Don't worry baby everything is gonna be alright" said Hoss.

"And what if it's not?" I asked him as we pulled apart. "What if I have to live with Martha? I don't want to leave the Ponderosa, Hoss. I love it here I was born here and I want to help take care of it just like you guys. This is where my future is not living with a bitter woman like Martha"

There was a knock on the door and Adam and Joe walk in. "What's with the hold up?" asked Adam. "Yeah Pa is a nervous wreck and waiting for you too isn't helping" added Joe.

"I'm ready" I told them. I look at the three of them for a long time in case I never saw them again I would want to remember what my brothers looked like.

"You alright shortcake?" asked Adam. "I just wanted to let you all know how much you mean to me. I couldn't ask for better big brothers than you guys and I am so very lucky to have you. I love you all very much" I told them trying not to cry.

"We feel the same about you sweetheart" Joe said. I smiled at them and we walk out of the room.