NOVEMBER 13, 1861

Samantha saw Jedidiah, his three sisters and Jaslyne coming out of the saloon. They were smiling, so she knew the adoption hearing must have gone well. Jedidiah called to her and she joined them. “Do you get to adopt Jaslyne?”

“Well not exactly,” Jedidiah replied.

“What do you mean, not exactly?” She was puzzled.

“She gets to stay with us until the Judge comes back to town and decides if we can adopt her or not.” Melissa answered before her older brother could.

“I think this calls for a celebration.” He glanced over at the Silver Spoon. “Lets all have lunch at the restaurant.” His sisters smiled, and Jaslyne nodded. “Samantha you’re invited to join us, too, to help celebrate.” She nodded and all of them went over to the restaurant and found a table. Charity took their orders.

Throughout their meal, Jacy could see that Samantha wasn’t really in the mood for a happy event. She felt sorry for Samantha. She also missed Justin, and felt that it was partially her fault for what had happened. She wondered if Samantha blamed her. She would have to ask her brother about it when they could be alone to discuss it. She pushed the thoughts back into her subconscious. She didn’t want to put a damper on Jaslyne’s celebration lunch.

After lunch Jedidiah walked Samantha back to the livery stable, and the others went to the PEG. Now that Jaslyne was part of the family, the girls wanted her to be familiar with the newspaper office. After the newspaper for today was printed, Melissa and Jaslyne scampered around town selling them. Jaslyne felt great. She had a family.