Chapter 8: Sheriff Abbott's News]
A week passed after Lottie came to Shiloh. She and Josie and Jamie became well acquainted with one another. Everyone on Shiloh and off it found Lottie to their liking and Judge Garth had the plans for her adoption all ready. And Josie and Jamie grew even closer than before. ''Only two more days until Christmas, Lottie. I know, Josie. And this is the last of our baking for Christmas. Finally! I never knew baking was such work! That's what I said once, too. And we've got the Christmas dance in town tonight. Won't that be fun? I've never been to a dance before, Josie. I think you'll enjoy it, Lottie. The whole town and then some will be there. And Randy and Ellie? Them too, I'm sure. Now I've got to go get ready now. And I'll help you get ready as well. Is your uncle coming, Josie? No, it'll just be us and Jamie and the Virginian. Now, lets get a move on because they'll both be here in a little while. You look beautiful, Josie, Lottie said a while later. So do you, Lottie. That's Sheriff Abbott riding up, Lottie. I wonder what brings him calling. Well, Lottie, lets go downstairs and let him in. Hello, Sheriff. What can I do for you? Hello, Josie, is your uncle home? Yes, he's in his study. It's a pleasure seeing you again, Lottie. You as well, Sheriff. You can go right on in, Sheriff. Thank you, Josie. Judge Garth? Hello, Mark. Do come in. What can I do for you? I found the evidence you were looking for, Judge. There was a family Bible, this picture and one of Lottie, and this wanted poster on her father. I'd say this one was taken on her mother's wedding day. Why, that's Jamie's mother in that photograph. He showed Josie and I her picture. And this child is most certainly Lottie. Look in the Bible, Judge. Elizabeth Grant Kertzer. Jamie's mother was Charlotte Grant Cole. There is not a doubt about it. Lottie is Jamie's cousin. When will you tell them, Judge? On Christmas, Mark. I could'nt think of a better Christmas gift to give either of them. Will this change the plan much, Judge? No, Lottie will live here with us on Shiloh. I know Jamie cares for my niece and they will be here to take care of her when I am not. When the time is right, I'll give them both my blessing. That's wonderful, Judge. Well, I'd better be getting back. Goodbye, Mark. Thank you for dropping these by. You're welcome, Judge. Let me know how everything goes with Lottie. I will, Mark.