"I'll be so glad to get this over," Lisa muttered, readjusting herself in the stiff wooden chair. Jack clasped her hand, and Lisa ran her hand over the back of Amelia's hair. They were in family court this afternoon, ready and waiting for the judge. The lawyer who had drawn up Ben and Lauren's will was next to them, ready to handle the custody situation for Amelia. Once this was taken care of, they were clear to leave with Amelia for home. Further proceedings, if needed, for her guardianship, could take place in Alberta.

Neither had wanted to bring Amelia to this, the little girl traumatized enough with everything, but the lawyer had said she needed to be there as well. Lisa had brushed her hair and while had planned to pull it back with clips, found out that Amelia didn't want that at all. She wanted her long brown hair left alone, just like Lisa's hair for the day. She was currently eating a snack of crackers on Lisa's lap, and both Jack and Lisa looked up when they heard the door to the room open.

"We thought you were headed home," Jack gestured to Amy and Lou, who had Katie and Lyndy in tow.

"We were, but we changed things to this evening when we heard about this. Dad would have come too, but he's dealing with some things at the condo. Someone was picking up quite a bit of the furniture," Lou explained.

"Lisa, you have supported all of us countless times," Amy leaned over their chairs to give her a hug where Lisa wasn't able to move well with Amelia on her lap. "It's about time we start to repay that. Family shows up," she shrugged.

"Hi, Katie!" Amelia waved. "Hi Lyndy!" The little girl had a big grin and looked up at Lisa who smiled back at her with a shrug. All eyes turned to the judge as he entered the room.

"Good afternoon," he said once everyone was situated. "I see we have a guardianship approval here for one, Amelia Stillman," he said eyeing Lisa and Amelia. "Are you Amelia?"

Now suddenly very shy, Lisa prodded her to look up, and Amelia just nodded her head.

"Hi there, Amelia," he said to her. "I'm a judge. Where we are is called Family Court, and I get to work with all kinds of kids and families. I work here in this room called a courtroom, and right now I want to talk to you a little. Is that okay?"

"Yes," she said very quietly, looking down.

"Amelia, I am very sorry to hear about your mom and dad. Since they can't take care of you anymore, it's my job to find someone who can. Now, your mom and dad said they wanted ahh," he paused a moment to make sure he checked his paperwork, "Lisa and Jack to do that." He looked at them, "Lisa Stillman? Jack Bartlett?"

"Yes," the said in unison with a nod.

He nodded too, eyeing his paperwork, "And you are married, correct?"

"Just over 10 years," Jack explained to him. "Amelia is our great-niece."

"I'm very sorry for your loss," he said, meeting their gazes. They returned it with a nod at him. "Looking at the paperwork your lawyer supplied and reading the briefing submitted, your nephew, his wife, and your sister, Mrs. Stillman, were all involved in the same tragedy?"

"That is correct," Lisa told him.

"With that, I always make sure we are doing what is in the best interest of the child. Now, you are listed in the will, which is always a huge hurdle. You plan to take her to Alberta where you live, is that correct?"

Lisa gave a nod to Jack, and he nodded before speaking, "Yes, we do. We have a 600-acre cattle and horse ranch there where we live. Lisa has a family horse breeding business nearby with an additional operation of a large stable and its own ranch."

"Okay, so Mr. Bartlett, you raise cattle?"

"Heartland Beef, yes."

"Mrs. Stillman," and Lisa looked up from where Amelia had dropped a cracker. "You travel with your horse breeding business?"

"Ahh, some," she said with a forced smile. "I don't travel nearly as much anymore. One of my horses won the Kentucky Derby a couple years ago, and I was busy traveling quite a bit then, but I'm starting to slow things down. Amelia will change that, and I have no problem with that."

"At your ages," he eyed them, "I have to ask if you are up to the task of raising a small child?"

"Yes, we both are," Lisa said, reaching to clasp Jack's hand again. She smiled at him.

"I am, and we are both healthy," Jack offered. "You'll see in the paperwork I had a heart attack over 10 years ago, but I've been in good health since. Family always takes top priority for us."

"At your ranch, do you have any help? Anyone else work there or live there?"

Jack gestured behind him, "Our family all lives there," he nodded. "Lou and Amy," he pointed at them, "are our granddaughters, and then Katie and Lyndy are our great-granddaughters. We have plenty of help, plenty of room, and we are all happy to have Amelia come live with us. As you can see," Jack explained, "I had custody of Amy when my daughter died. Lisa and I together have helped the girls and their families for the last almost 18 years."

"Very well, and I see from your attorney that the financial paperwork is in order and is not an issue. You seem to have no problem providing for her, not even including the trust she will inherit from her own parents." He glanced over at them.

"That is correct," Lisa offered. "Our finances are solid and not at all an issue."

"Going through this," he continued to glance at his notes, "the last section here, whether you would consider adopting her in the future, you stated you would."

Jack glanced at Lisa, and she nodded to him and then to the judge. Before she could speak, both Lisa and Jack turned their heads toward Lou who seemed to gasp at the mention of that. Lisa frowned slightly at Lou and turned back to the judge.

"Yes, we would and are more than willing. We don't care what she calls us, but we believe she should know she has a family, is wanted, is part of a bigger family, officially, and we are okay with that going forward. We both realize life is short." She gave Jack a sad smile, and he squeezed her hand. "We've both lost a lot of people in our lives, very special people. Jack and I know that no day is a guarantee, but we want to provide the best life we can for Amelia. I owe that to my nephew. He spent several months, what, close to 20 years ago, living in Alberta, both with me and then with Jack, well before we were married. He loved being there, learning about the ranch, working with his horse. I find a lot of comfort knowing he wanted us to raise her if my sister could not, and I think he would be very happy to know we plan to raise her on the same ranch where he really matured."

Lisa felt Jack squeeze her hand again, and she gave him a soft smile. She missed the judge asking something to their lawyer, and quickly, she turned her attention back to the proceedings.

"I see no issues with this petition. You age, particularly yours, Mr. Bartlett, is somewhat of a concern with you being 81, but you are both correct, that life has no guarantees. I am satisfied you have support at home, know you have the means to care for and support her, and I will grant you both guardianship of Amelia. Now, as far as adoption, that is another step, and that can proceed in Alberta. I will have my notes on this with that as your petition proceeds."

Lisa gave Jack another smile and kissed the top of Amelia's head. Neither expected there to be any problems, but it was still another hurdle, another issue they had to deal with before leaving. She turned her head again back to the judge.

"Amelia," the judge said, and Lisa leaned closer and spoke to Amelia. She looked up at the judge.

"Yes?"

"Do you like Lisa and Jack?"

She nodded, looking to her crackers, "Lisa's hair is pretty. Jack is wrinkly, and his face is scratchy, but he likes to carry me. I like that." Everyone started to chuckle at her honesty, and the judge smiled too.

"Amelia, you are going to go and live with Jack and Lisa on their ranch where they have horses, cows, and other animals. I think they will take care of you, and I'm going to let them take you to their house. I understand you are going on an airplane."

She made a face, "I've never been on an airplane. It's scary."

He nodded at her, "I think they will make sure you are not scared. I hope you are a good girl for them and like living with them." He looked up at everyone, "As far as this, guardianship of Amelia June Stillman is granted, and I wish all of you good luck." At that, he collected his things and stood. Jack turned to Lisa and grimaced.

"How have I not noticed her middle name is June?"

"I'm sorry," Lisa sighed. "I was kind of glad you hadn't noticed yet. I knew if you had, you would have said something. I know that has to be hard on you, Jack. I remember Ben saying that June was the name of Lauren's favorite foster mother, and she wanted to honor her that way. You know that Ben's dad took off when he was not even one, and back then, Beth divorced him, which was her first divorce and changed their names back to Stillman. The divorce when Ben came to live with both of us was her second." Lisa reached for his hand again and met his gaze, "I know it doesn't bring your sister back, but it is pretty special we have her name back in your life. Are you okay with that?"

He nodded, dropping his head briefly, but then looking to Lisa with a shake of his head, "Life is funny sometimes. I have a feeling June is up there just laughing at all these girls, women," he winked at Lisa, "in my life. She's surely laughing at the feisty, younger one I married who kicks my tail when needed and keeps me in line." Lisa smiled softly at him, but both then heard their lawyer and turned his way.

"Okay, folks," they both turned to the lawyer, who was collecting his paperwork. "I'll get all of this together, and I'll make sure you are sent a certified copy. You already gave me the name of your lawyer back in Alberta, Mrs. Stillman, and I'll get all of this sent there. You will be receiving paperwork in the mail as well. As far as things here are concerned, you are cleared to leave with Amelia. I'll be in touch about everything else in the estate." He reached over, and both Jack and Lisa shook his hand. All of them stood, Jack reaching for Amelia from Lisa, and he put her on his hip. The girls stood too, and when they were left alone with just the girls, they all looked at one another.

"So, Amelia June?" Amy nodded, eyeing Jack.

"Yeah," he chuckled lowly, shaking his head.

"We are heading to the airport from here," Lou explained. "We have all the bags in the car, three of Amelia's, and we will start to get things ready."

"Her bedding was in one of those bags," Lisa explained. "She really wanted the bunny bedding she has, and I think we are trying to make this as easy a transition as possible."

"You two really are thinking about adopting her?" Lou asked, shaking her head. "Grandpa, your age-"

Jack put up his hand, "Don't eve say it, Lou. I didn't question you and Peter taking on Georgie. Amelia is family," he stated. "Family sticks together. She deserves a family, and we can all be that. Lisa and I just want her to know she belongs, that we want her, and that there is no question about that."

"I'm surprised you are surprised by that," Lisa gestured.

Amy and Lou exchanged a glance, and Amy spoke this time, "Well, I guess we just figured that being her guardian is the legal way she belongs, that you didn't need anything more."

"We're not discussing it," Jack pointed at them, "other than to say whatever Lisa and I decide is for us to decide. She needs to know she has parents, and yes, as Lisa said, we don't care what she calls us. We're not trying to replace Ben and Lauren, but at the same time, she is very young and needs to know she has people who do love her and care for her. Her parents are not coming back, and I have to say, you both know that it's important to have someone in your corner."

"Grandpa, Lisa," Lou jumped in, putting her hand in to almost calm things. She looked at Amy before looking at them, "We know this is all a lot, and we are here to help. I know we are all looking forward to having all three of you at home. Now, we are going to head to the airport. I'm glad we could be here this afternoon. At home, what do you need us to do?"

"Umm, well," Lisa glanced at Jack, who had Amelia with her head on his shoulder, visibly tired, and Jack gave Lisa a nod. "We will have Amelia's things coming in the next week or so. Until they get to the house, she will need somewhere to sleep."

"Ahh, what is the plan for the sleeping arrangements?" Amy gave them a quizzical look. "I hadn't thought about that yet, to be honest."

"Girls," Jack frowned, "we know things are tight at home. Amy, we're planning for Amelia to bunk with Lyndy. The girls are closer in age, and Lou," he gave her a glance, "Lisa and I had discussed a full change for all the girls. I know Katie likes her big room up there, bigger than any of our rooms," he chuckled lightly. He continued, "It would be helpful, though, if the girls all did a shift. We know Katie is older and wants her privacy, but if we move her to the back room, that would give the bigger room upstairs for Lyndy and Amelia."

"Lyndy upstairs?" Amy's eyes widened. She shook her head, unsure.

"Honey, she's still in the house, not that far, just up the stairs. Trying to cram the two of them into the back room," she paused and sighed. "Yes, it can be done, but this seems to make the most sense."

"I'm not sure Lyndy will want to share," Amy pointed out.

Jack rolled his eyes at Lisa and gestured to Amelia, "Yeah, well, I'm not sure she wants to move, but we're all adapting and doing the best we can for everyone."

"Honey, what's the issue? Where would you suggest Amelia stay?" Lisa asked Amy. Amy frowned, giving it some thought and shrugged.

"I guess that part hadn't crossed my mind. I mean, she can't stay with you-"

"No, she is not staying in our room," Jack stated adamantly. "For one, it's not that big. This is our house, and we aren't asking your girls to stay with you. We thought this was as easy as we could make it. Short of suggesting she stay out with your dad and Jess in the barn, which is not an option," Jack pointed at them, "this is the way it's going to be. Lisa and I had hoped we could see this was best for all three girls."

"We can figure this out when everyone is home," Lou gave a nod at them. "For now, I know Katie adores here, and there is room to put an extra cot out upstairs. Yes, it is the largest room, and if you are thinking she will stay up there anyway, it might be good to get her settled for now. We'll," Lou looked at Amy, "get things ready."

"Thank you," Lisa said with an almost irritated tone, glancing at Amy, but giving Lou a small nod and smile. "Amelia mentioned how much she liked both Katie and Lyndy, so I hope they will all get along well. It will be nice they have each other around to grow up."

Once the hugs were exchanged, and the girls were on their way to the airport, Jack, Lisa, and Amelia were left in the courthouse hallway. Lisa reached over and took Jack's hand in hers.

"Thank you for that," she smiled softly at him.

"What?"

"For making it clear what is in the best interest of everyone at home," she told him. "I really appreciate that."

"Hey," he turned to her, Amelia still on his shoulder, "this isn't going to be easy for anyone. All of our lives are changing. Amelia will have some adjusting. I have no doubt, and the girls will too. I hope things will go smoothly, but there may be some bumps. At the end of the day, we're all family, and that house has a good problem-full of family who live there. We probably can't take in many more," he winked at her, and she finally dropped her head in a low chuckle.

With her head dropped, she gave it a shake, "It does feel surreal we are here, flying home tomorrow, with a three-year-old."

At that, Amelia picked up her head, "I'm three."

"Yes, Honey, you are," Lisa smiled. "Well, we have everything done to take you back to our house. Would you like to fly on an airplane tomorrow? Jack and I will be with you, and I promise it won't be scary."

"Can I sit with you?"

Jack kissed her cheek, "You can sit next to one of us. Lisa booked really nice seats, first class," he winked at Lisa. He glanced back at Amelia, "Can I tell you a secret?" Amelia nodded, and Jack continued, "I really don't like to fly either, but I only enjoy flying with Lisa. I hadn't flown in a really long time, and my first flight since that really long time was to go see Lisa." Jack eyed Lisa when she groaned at that memory. "So, maybe you can sit with me some since neither of us are too excited about the airplane, huh? Now, Lisa," he gave her a nod, "she loves to fly. I love Lisa, so I'll fly but only with her, and I hope since you like both of us, you'll fly home with us. Can you try it?"

"Yes, I'll sit with Jack," she stated, looking at Lisa.

"I've been replaced," Lisa winked at Jack, leaning up to kiss his cheek and as she did so, she squeezed Amelia's foot. Jack chuckled lightly. Lisa gave him a nod and shook her head while she grinned at him, "I mean, I thought I'd be the youngest woman to capture your heart."