Title: A Mother's Love Author: Lady S E-Mail: finger_to_keyboard@yahoo.com Summary: A child comes into Neil's life that brings him closer to his treasured dreams and his dreaded nightmares. Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the Marshall-LeSourd Family, L.L.C. We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the Christy Mailing List. The content of each story is the responsibility of the individual writer. The fanfic here is being posted as a service to the Christy mailing list, Pax Christy Forum and Alt.tv.christy News Group. Author's Notes: This story began as one idea but as I began to write it became something entirely different. I think you'll like it, I know I do. Who knows how long it will be but I have a feeling it will be a long one. I hope you all enjoy! Chapter One Sitting at the desk in her empty school Christy studied her nails with boredom. It had been the most boring day she could ever remember. The children hadn't been able to come to school due to the harvest, David was out in El Pano visiting his flock, Miss Alice was over in Cataleechie visiting the sick, and Ruby Mae was over with the Coburns with Bessie leaning how to can vegetables. And here Christy sat, bored silly, aching for something exciting to happen in the day. She'd corrected all the papers, readied the lessons for when school resumed, cleaned the school, cleaned the mission house, packed her bag for her trip home in three days, and finished reading her book. There was nothing left to do! Sighing she stood up from the desk and headed toward the doors. Maybe she'd go for a walk. Reaching for her shawl from the peg next to the door she shut the doors behind her and headed in the first direction that pulled to her. Walking absently she followed where the path led her until she came to a cliffs edge. Looking around Christy was surprised to find a small waterfall that was hidden in the valley of the cliff edge. Carefully picking her way down she climbed up onto a small boulder that sat next to the edge of the water and looked around. She'd never even dreamed such a beautiful place could exist. Wishing she had brought her sketchpad with her Christy memorized the beauty of the small valley so she could sketch it later. So engrossed in the beauty that surrounded her Christy never heard anyone approaching her until he sat down next to her, his broad shoulder brushing up against hers. Startled she looked up into the smiling eyes of the cove's only doctor. "Hello," she smiled back. "Good morning, Lass. What brings you out to Lover's Falls?" "Lover's Falls?" He nodded. "This little fall is so hidden that many young couples come here to be alone, hence it's name." "Well whatever it's called, it's beautiful here. I'd never seen this place before." "How did you find it?" "I don't know, I was just out walking and I happened upon it. What brings you here?" Neil shrugged. "I needed some time to think about things." "Is something wrong?" "Wrong?" Neil furrowed his brow for a moment. "No, not wrong." Curious Christy turned to look at him. "You just needed to think?" He nodded. "Then I'll leave you to think." Smiling Neil put a gentle hand on her shoulder to keep her where she was. "You don't need to leave, Christy," he smiled. "I'd rather you stay." Before she could stop it a small blush colored her cheeks and she turned her eyes back to the water fall, wondering at the warmth that seemed to fill her at his words. Sitting in silence for some time Christy's eyes caught sight of a small family of bears that came through the brush on the other side of the water, going up to its edge for a drink from the refreshing water. With a small gasp she reached down for Neil's hand resting between them. "Neil!" she whispered. "Look!" "I see them," he whispered back. "Just stay still and they won't bother us if we don't bother them." Grasping Neil's hand tightly Christy watched as the two cubs played in the water, their mother watching on with a mothers amusement. Reaching across she held his arm in hers, watching the scene before her in awe. Sitting on the boulder, her arms linked with Neil's Christy's eyes were wide with wonder, a gentle smile pulling at her lips, her heart soaring with the happiness that filled it. Next to her, also watching the bear cubs playing in the water, Neil's mind wasn't on the scene before him. His skin tingled at the feel of Christy holding his hand; his senses reeled at the smell of her soft silky hair, the touch of her baby soft skin, the glittering smile that lit up her crystal blue eyes. He'd come here to think, but now he could barely remember anything except the sheer pleasure of sitting here alone with Christy, cut off from the rest of the world, surrounded by the beauty of his homeland. They sat there until the trio of bears had left. "Oh my word!" Christy exclaimed. "Wasn't that amazing?" Neil smiled at her excitement. "I usually don't think of bears in a good way but I have to admit it was very unique to be able to watch one like that." Smiling Christy sighed and stood up from the boulder. "I am so glad I came here. Today was turning out to be such a boring day but this made it all worth it." "Boring?" "M-hmm," she nodded, absently bending to pick up a small toad on the ground near her feet. "I'd done everything there was to do at the mission. With all the children out working with their parents I've had too much time on my hands." Neil watched as she stroked the small toad in her hands, the reptile falling under her spell almost immediately. She sat back down next to him and grinned. "I used to be so afraid of frogs and toads. But Creed got it in his head to break me of that fear and every week he'd bring me a frog to hold, usually it was one of his prized collection pieces. If I didn't hold it he would get this hurt look on his face and I couldn't bear it. So thanks to Creed I was cured." She gave a small laugh as she put the toad back down on the ground. When she straightened back up though he could see that her features had become serious, her eyes reflective of the memories in her mind. "As much as I want to go home to see my family a part of me wishes I didn't have to leave. Asheville is my home but Cutter Gap." she shook her head softly. "Cutter Gap is my life. I can't imagine ever living somewhere other than the cove. When I think back to all the times I was so upset I wanted to leave I can only thank God that I didn't." "I know you don't believe in God Neil," she said touching his hand briefly. "But I tell you, it was only by his power that I was able to make it through those first few months. I was so scared and I felt so alone that I probably cried myself to sleep every night." "What happened to change your mind?" "The children, Miss Alice, Fairlight& even you. I came to see the cove as God had wanted me to see it. As the place that I belong." Christy smiled. "My grandmother had a friend who went to visit the mountains one summer and when she came back she would talk about nothing but her beloved mountains. Grandma Huddleston used to say that the "mountain bug" had bitten her." "Neil," she said, meeting his eyes. "I have been bitten." He couldn't help the laugh that burst forth at the sight of her serious face, though her eyes twinkled with laughter. Laughing along with him Christy looked up at the sky and saw that the sun was beginning to set. "I guess time really does fly past you when you're having a good time," she sighed. "I should be getting back to the mission. I need to get dinner started before Ruby gets a chance to." "No possum surprise tonight?" Groaning Christy stood. "Not if I can help it." Grinning Neil stood with her. "You'll never make it back before dark, I'll take you back on Charlie." Waiting for him to mount Christy reached up to take his hand and she was pulled up to sit behind Neil. Holding on to his sides she closed her eyes against the feel of the wind on her face as Charlie moved down the trail. When they reached the edge of a large meadow Christ leaned forward against Neil. "Go faster," she smiled. Grinning himself Neil urged Charlie into a gallop. Holding on tighter, Christy laughed as Charlie raced through the meadow, the wind whipping her hair as they raced. In no time at all they came to the mission and Neil slowed. Glancing over his shoulder Christy saw a man standing on the porch, a small, solemn child at his feet. As they approached the mission, stopping at the rail, the man stood. Letting Christy down first Neil swung down himself and climbed the stairs to greet the man. "I be lookin' fer a man called Doc." "I'm the doctor in these parts," Neil advised him. Nodding the man motioned toward the little boy sitting at his feet. "Then this young'un belongs to you." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Two "What?" Christy glanced up at Neil before dropping her gaze to the little boy. She'd never seen such a solemn little boy in all her life. His big brown eyes seemed almost too large for his face while his blondish hair framed it in a halo of golden curls. He couldn't be any older than two years of age and his grubby little hands rested in his lap in an uncharacteristic stillness. "What are you talking about man? How can this child be mine?" "Yer Doc Neil MacNeill. Yer th'only kin this young'uns got since his parents dun got killed in th'fire." "Who were his parents?" "They was yer cousins I reckon, Thomas and Shannon O'Conlan." "When did they die?" Neil asked, surprised that he hadn't heard anything about it. "Somewhar's bout two weeks ago. Shannon din die right off, she lived long 'nough ta ask my wife ta take her young'un ta her cousin in Cutter Gap. I couldn' let my woman make's the trip so I dun brought the child m'self. But I best be getting' back now." With a nod of his balding head the man was gone, leaving the child behind and Neil staring after him. Unable to stay where she was for a moment longer Christy knelt before the youngster and held her arms out to him. With a small blink he climbed into her arms and laid his head on her shoulder. Christy heart tugged at his trusting silence and she hoped she could find a way to make this sad little boy smile once more. Turning his eyes from the man who was leaving to the little boy in Christy's arms Neil didn't know what to do. He wasn't a father, he may know how to keep a child from being sick but raising one? Christy could see the questions and uncertainty in Neil's eyes as they grew larger in his face. Smiling softly she put a hand on his arm and motioned for him to come inside. "Come on," she smiled. "It won't be that bad." Leading the way into the dining room she pulled out a chair for Neil to sit down on and tried to put the young boy on the table only to find his grip on her neck was stronger than she had thought. Pulling a little harder Christy succeeded in getting him to sit on the table but the moment his little bottom touched the wood his face twisted up and tears began to form in his big brown eyes. "Oh no," she crooned. "Honey don't cry!" Gathering him into her arms once more she rocked him back and forth until his tears abated, whispering softly and kissing his hair with a motherly touch. Watching her calm the little boy Neil began to calm down himself. It couldn't be that difficult, people raised children everyday. "Neil," Christy said quietly, breaking into his thoughts. "Would you please go warm up a small bit of milk? He doesn't look like he's eaten in some time." "Of course." Heading into the kitchen Neil put some milk into a pot and over the fire to warm for the little boy. Coming to his senses as he worked Neil went out to Charlie to gather his medical bags, heading back into the dining room to find Christy gone. Frowning he passed through the empty room to the main room and saw her standing before the fire, swaying back and forth as she rocked the little boy in her arms. "Here," offering her the cup of warmed milk. Smiling she took it from him and put the cup to the little boys mouth, the child drinking hungrily, confirming Christy's belief that he hadn't eaten. When the last drop was gone he closed his eyes and, snuggling into her arms once more, falling fast asleep. Setting the cup on the table she was turning to head upstairs and put him into one of the beds when Neil stopped her. "I need to examine him, Lass. Sit down in the chair, I'll do it with him in your arms so we don't wake him up." Nodding, Christy sat in a chair while Neil knelt before her to examine the boy in her arms. She watched as he examined every inch of the child, from head to toe, until he was satisfied. His large hands were gentle as Neil examined the boy and Christy noticed that he was more than thorough in everything he did. Lifting her eyes from the boy to Neil Christy began to realize that this was the only relative of Neil's that she knew about. Her mind searched for references of another living relative but she couldn't think of one. This little boy was it. "He seems fine. Tired and a little malnourished but other than that he's well enough. Let's put him to bed so he can sleep undisturbed." Up the stairs to her own room Christy put the little boy in her bed and covered him with the blankets, tucking them in to keep him warm. Slipping put of the room she left the door slightly ajar and tiptoed back down the stairs to the main room. Her stomach rumbled slightly and Christy realized she hadn't made dinner yet. Heading into the kitchen she pulled some of the soup from last nights dinner out of the ice chest and put it in a pot to heat through. "I don't know what to do," Neil admitted as he joined her in the kitchen, leaning against the doorjamb as he watched her work. "I don't know how to raise a child." "No one does when they begin, Neil. It's a learning process for any first time parent. You just go with your instinct and take the advice from the parents around you." "And how did you become so wise in the matter of child rearing, Miss Huddleston?" he teased lightly, glad that she was there to help him come to terms with what was happening. Christy smiled at him as she uncovered a small loaf of bread. "I am a teacher, Doctor. I deal with children everyday." "Yes but teaching them and raising them..." "Is two very different things, I know. But they both begin with the same very basic principle." Christy handed him a plate and motioned for him to put it on the table. "Love." "Love," he repeated. "Yes, love. I know they are not my blood," she said. "But I still call them 'my children' because in my heart they are, each and every one of them. It takes love to be a teacher and it's that same kind of love that makes you such a good doctor. I've seen you deal with the children in the same way a parent would. Hugging them when they're sad or hurt, helping them when they need it, just being there takes love, Neil. It's a part of who you are." Turning to stir the heating soup Christy missed the look on Neil's face, the sudden softness in his eyes as he heard the words she had told him, the praise and conviction he had heard in her voice tugging at his heart. When Christy turned back to face him he had managed to school his features back to normal. Handing him a bowl of steaming soup she took her own and led the way out to the table. Waiting out of respect to her Neil didn't pick up his spoon until she had said her prayer of thanks. "What are you going to do?" she asked quietly as she dipped a piece of bread into the broth. Neil sighed. "I don't know yet. He is kin so I know I could never turn him over to another family, but raising a child on my own." she shook his head. "What am I going to do when I get called away to Low Gap or Cataleechie, El Pano or some of the regions even farther away?" "You could always bring him here," she offered, her head bent over her bowl. For a reason even she didn't understand Christy felt an attachment to the little boy who was sleeping in her bed. He had captured her heart the moment she had seen those big brown eyes. Watching her avoid his eyes Neil felt a smile on his face for the first time since they had returned to the mission house. "You would volunteer the services of the mission house like that?" "No," she replied, lifting her head to meet his gaze solemnly. "I would volunteer my services like that." "Why?" He was intrigued. "I'm not sure," she shrugged, dropping her gaze again as she toyed with her spoon. "Maybe it was the way he lost his family or the fact that he is so young, I just don't know. All I can tell you for sure is that I took one look at those big brown eyes and," she shrugged again. "I was lost." "I don't know, you've already got so much to do with the mission and the children." "Neil, I wouldn't make the offer if I didn't want to do it." "If you're sure." "I'm sure." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* She was sound asleep when the scream broke the air, shrill and panicked. Throwing the blanket off her she jumped off the couch and raced up the stairs to her room, getting there just in time to see Neil pick the screaming boy up from the bed. Knowing they needed to get used to one another Christy backed out of the room and stood in the hallways listening to Neil's deep baritone as he spoke to the frightened child. Some time later he emerged from the room and saw Christy leaning against the wall. Hearing him come out she turned to look at him and saw the look of awe on his face. "Neil?" "He was so scared," he whispered. "He must have been having a nightmare or something." "Are you okay?" she said, smiling softly at the look that still covered his face. He smiled back at her light teasing. "I think I'll live." His face lost some of its brightness as he thought back to what had happened. "I had no idea what I was doing," he admitted. "I just thought& I don't know what I thought." "You didn't think," she said. "You acted out of instinct, Neil. It is in there, you just have to give it a chance to come out." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Three Slowly waking to the smell of crisping bacon and perking coffee Christy smiled and stretched out the knots in her legs from sleeping curled up on the sofa. Feeling a weight on her legs she wondered if one of the barn cats had gotten inside again. Opening her eyes she looked down to her feet and was surprised to see a brown eyed little boy sitting in the crook of her bent legs. Smiling she reached out her hands and he willingly came to her, stretching out on his stomach when Christy rolled onto her back. His head resting on her chest, little thumb stuck in his mouth he lay still, his eyes watching the fire dancing in the fireplace. Laying just as still as he was Christy softly rubbed her hand up and down his back, staring down at his soft face lit by the light of the fire, the blond curls practically glowing. "How long has he been there?" Looking up Christy saw Neil kneeling next to the couch. "Ever since I woke up," she smiled. Grinning Neil looked down at the boy. "Are you hungry?" The boy nodded. "Would you like to come eat?" Nodding again he lifted his arms so Neil could pick him up. Taking the small child from Christy's lap he moved off into the dining room while Christy escaped up the stairs to dress. Tucking her shirt into her skirt a thought popped into her head. "Neil," she said as she entered the dining room. "I just realized we don't know his name." Glancing up Neil suddenly realized that she was right. "I have no idea what we should call him, there really isn't a family name and I don't even know where he came from to see if someone else knows his name." "So what are you going to name him?" Sitting back in his chair Neil sighed. "I just don't know." Watching the young boy chew on a piece of bacon Christy thought over the names she might have chosen had he been her child. Trying to find one that seemed to suit the young boy she remembered one from her childhood that seemed to fit the tyke perfectly. "May I suggest one?" Raising his eyebrows Neil leaned forward onto the table. "What is it?" "It was the name of one of my friends when I was a little girl. We used to make a fire at night and watch the flames for hours on end until one of our fathers came to find us and take us home. His mother had named him Theodore but everyone always called him Teddy." "Teddy," Neil repeated, trying the name out. Looking at the little boy, his big brown eyes and golden curls he felt a small smile dawning on his face. It was perfect. "Teddy it is." Looking between Neil and Christy, his big brown eyes gleaming with laughter the boy suddenly grinned, his lips lined with bacon grease. "Te'y!" he cried, laughing out loud at the shock on both of their faces. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Brushing her hair in the early morning light Christy stared out the window at the sunrise, her mind sadly focused on what was missing this morning. Teddy. He'd spent the night with Neil at his new home the night before and Christy already missed the feeling of waking up to him sitting on her legs. Though they had spent two nights at the mission house Neil knew they would need to get Teddy used to sleeping at the cabin. All day yesterday they had let him explore the cabin and woods surrounding it until he was meandering on his own, Neil and Christy following behind him until he had tired himself out. While Teddy had been sleeping in Neil's bed upstairs Neil had been called away to the Allen Cabin, Creed was in need of stitches on his arm from a bad fall. When he had returned Christy had managed to find the makings for a meal within his cupboards while Teddy had played on the floor at her feet. After serving the both of them their meal Christy had flown out the door to make it home to the mission and make dinner for everyone who had returned. Ruby Mae was still at the Coburns but both Miss Alice and David had returned earlier that day. It had been a busy day and Christy had slept soundly that night, waking with a small drop of sadness in her heart that it would be three weeks until she saw Teddy again. With a shake of her head she refused to dwell on those thoughts anymore. Braiding her hair she pinned it around her head and dressed for the travel ahead of her. Thankfully she had a light bag to carry, most of her clothes she had left behind in Asheville, so the walk to El Pano would be easy. Gathering her things she went downstairs for some breakfast and to say goodbye to Miss Alice and David. "Would you like me to drive you to the train station Christy?" David asked, anxious for some time alone with Christy before she left. "Thank you David but I'm going to walk. I want to stop and say goodbye to Teddy before I go." Christy had told them both about Teddy over their dinner the night before. Miss Alice had agreed with taking Teddy while Neil was called away to the other areas for doctoring calls. She was anxious to meet the little one and had declared she would go to the cabin later today in order to do so. With her breakfast finished Christy gathered her cape and bag and headed out the door after saying her good-byes. She saw the glum look in David's eyes but her heart was set on seeing Teddy one last time. Hurrying down the path Christy veered off the path for a moment to check and see if they were at the river before heading up to the cabin. Not seeing anyone on the riverbank she headed up to the cabin and knocked on the door. It swung open under her knuckles and the sight that greeted her brought her hand to her mouth to smother the laughter rising into her throat. There, at the kitchen table, sat Neil and Teddy. One of them was covered with gooey oatmeal. "Oh my word, you need a bath!" she grinned. "Very funny," Neil griped, wiping oatmeal off his cheek. "The little bugger refuses to eat this! He'd rather fling it at me it seems." Struggling not to laugh Christy fingered up a small bit of the goo for herself, nearly gagging when she tasted it. "I don't blame him! Neil this is disgusting." "It's not that bad, my Pa used to make oatmeal this same way every morning." "And did you eat it?" Neil paused, thinking back to those mornings so long ago. "No," he grinned. "It tasted like old socks." Laughing Christy went over to the pot on the stove and stirred in a bit of sugar and some dried apples from the cupboard. Tossing Neil a wet rag she took his seat and began to feed Teddy the new bowl of oatmeal. The flavored goo was gone by the time Neil had finished cleaning the oatmeal off his face and changed his shirt. Satisfied, his stomach full, Teddy climbed down from the chair and toddled over to the small array of wooden toys that were clumped in the middle of the room. Turning her attention from him to Neil she couldn't help but grin at the sight that awaited her. Standing she took the wet rag from the bucket where Neil had dumped it and, wringing the excess water out, dabbed at the bit of oatmeal still sitting at the edge of his eyebrow. "There," she grinned. "Now it's all gone." Giving her a mock glare Neil couldn't hide the twitch in the corner of his mouth and soon they were both laughing at the humor of the situation. Recovering Christy looked at the clock over Neil's mantle and realized that she needed to get going. Going over to Teddy she picked the little boy up and held him in her lap for a moment to say goodbye. Though she thought she would have been able to do it, sitting there with him, seeing those big brown eyes staring up at her Christy felt her resolve weakening. "He'll still be here when you get back, you know," Neil teased gently. Watching Christy blinking away tears as she tried to say goodbye to Teddy, even if only for three weeks, tugged at a spot in his heart he hadn't felt in a long, long time. That scene, she holding him so tenderly, was burned into his mind along side the sight of the little boy stretched out on the divan with her. For a long time Neil had buried the way he felt for Christy deep in his heart, knowing that as long as Margaret was out there somewhere there was nothing he could do. But at moments like these, times when it was all he could do to keep from holding her tightly to him, Neil wished his heart were dead so as to banish the bittersweet pain that filled his heart with the knowledge that she might very well marry the preacher. "You'd better be going, Lass," he said, stopping next to the chair. "You don't want to miss your train." Nodding, Christy stood and gave Teddy to Neil, her eyes misty. Scolding her self for being so foolish she hurried to grab her bags and headed for the door, stopping briefly to glance back and wave goodbye. Never before had Christy wished so much that she wasn't going to Asheville, even for a visit. As the train pulled into the Asheville station Christy's sketchpad was filled with sketches of one little boy and the man that was his only family. Putting her pencils away Christy gathered her bag and departed from the train only to find her father waiting for her on the station. "Daddy!" she cried, overjoyed to see him and yet even still, worried for his health. "What are you doing here? I thought I was going to meet you at the house." "And miss some alone time with my Girlie?" he smiled back, his voice only barely halting. "Never!" Settling into the carriage Christy took her fathers arm in hers and held him tightly. "I've missed you Daddy." "Tell me everything that's been happening Girlie," he said, kissing her temple. "I want to hear it all." Christy told him about the harvest and the news of the cove but most of her tale was of a little boy named Teddy. "You've taken a real liking to this little one, haven't you?" "I admit it Daddy. I couldn't help it. I saw those big brown eyes and I just fell in love with him." The carriage stopped in front of the house and Christy was caught up in her return home. It wasn't until almost a week into her trip home that she was able to slip up to the attic and go through the trunk from her childhood. The treasures she had nearly forgotten about as she had grown older. Pulling out some dolls she remembered painstakingly dressing each one for afternoon tea and being just a little jealous because they were all prettier than she was. Christy pulled out some books that she set aside to take back with her for the children and as she neared the bottom of the trunk Christy pulled out a small, soft, slightly faded blanket. Pressing it to her nose she smelled the scent of rose scented talcum powder and cigar smoke, her heart tugging at the memory it had induced. Memories of the nights she would spend sitting in her fathers lap holding her blanket tightly in her arms as he had read her a bedtime story. Folding the small blanket neatly Christy knew just what she was going to do with it. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Four Walking the length of the mission porch Neil was quickly losing his last shred of patience. For hours on end the child had been screaming, yowling, crying, with no end in sight. He had a sinking feeling that the river had less water in it than the amount of tears the boy had shed in that one day alone. No matter what he tried to make Teddy calm down the boy simply refused to stop crying. Many of the women had tried to off her him help but the moment they stepped within two feet, arms poised to take the youngster, his screams became even more shrill and desperate. 'My thought is the' young'un's teethin',' he'd heard one woman say. 'Best rub some mint on 'is gums ta holp take th'pain aways.' 'He jest be tired,' said another. 'Leave 'im be an' he'll cry 'imself ta sleep.' 'Why I'll betcha he jest be hunrifyin'!' another declared. 'You best git some vittles in his belly for it swells from the hunger.' But nothing worked. For hours on end he had paced the mission porch, listening to the woman of the cove cluck and fuss while the men kept their distance from the screaming child. Only one of the men had dared come close and his only words of comfort to Neil were. 'That be why the woman's the one a'rearin' them young'uns.' Trying desperately to remember Christy notion of love Neil fought to keep his frustrations from boiling over but as they reached the fourth hour of non stop screaming and crying he had almost reached his breaking point. Just when he thought all was lost Teddy seemed to settle down briefly, his scream dying out, his tears drying for the moment. But as Neil turned a corner of the mission house it started up again with a vengeance, this time the young boy began twisting and turning, struggling to get away from Neil with a desperation that would have seemed funny at any other time. Tightening his hold Neil resumed his pacing, fighting the urge to let loose a scream himself. Shifting Teddy in his arms he draped the child up to his shoulder and immediately he felt him reaching his arms out over his shoulders, knees digging into his chest to climb out of the grasp Neil held him in. As Teddy took a breath between screams Neil heard the sweetest sound in the world. "Oh, Honey, don't cry." A gentle hand stopped Neil's pacing and Teddy was lifted from his arms. Turning he looked down to see Teddy lock his arms around Christy's neck, crying his woe's in her ear as she hugged him tightly and rubbed his back. Glancing up at Neil she offered him a brief smile before turning her full attention to Teddy, soothing the child she cradled in her arms. Swaying back and forth, her skirt swishing against the wood planks of the porch she softly crooned to Teddy, whispering for him to tell her what was wrong, that everything would be okay. Some moments later the child had calmed down, his screams long gone, tears beginning to dry, eyes drooping shut as he finally began to fall asleep. "He's exhausted," Christy whispered softly as she moved closer to Neil. "I'm going to take upstairs and away from the noise so he can sleep. Would you get my bag please?" Glancing down Neil saw a carpetbag at the top of the stairs and grabbed it for her, following Christy into the mission house, never noticing the knowing look that passed between Fairlight and Opal. Christy finished tucking the covers in around the sleeping boy and straightened, holding out a hand for the bag that Neil carried. Setting it on the table for her he stood close to her as she unpacked so as not to the wake the sleeping Teddy when he spoke. "How did you do that?" he whispered. "Do what? Neil he was exhausted, he would have fallen asleep eventually." "No," he whispered firmly, shaking his head. "Christy he'd been screaming for the last few hours with no sign of ever letting up. You take him and he is sound asleep in the blink of an eye!" Rolling her eyes at his exaggerations Christy smiled, whispering, "Neil you need to understand that it was nothing personal against you. Sometimes a child just doesn't want to be held by his 'father'." Suddenly realizing the unspoken implications of her choice of words Christy turned her full attention to her unpacking but Neil could see the blush that was staining her cheeks and neck a rosy pink. Grinning to himself he let it go, understanding what she didn't say though she hadn't intended it that way. Watching her take several books out of her bag he scanned the titles and realized they were for some of the younger children but it was the blanket that she pulled out next that raised his curiosity. "What's this?" he asked, his voice still hushed. Her blush deepened but Christy smiled. "This was mine when I was just a little older than Teddy. I used to sleep with it every night." Pressing it to her nose again she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. "I can still smell the rose powder mother would put on me after I'd had my bath and the smell of my fathers cigars that he would smoke as he read me a bedtime story." Gently unfolding it she ran her hands over the faded pattern and smiled an even softer smile. "I thought Teddy might like to have it." Turning she draped it over the young boy, his hands coming up to involuntarily clutch the one corner, his other hand at his mouth, thumb between his lips as he sucked his thumb. Turning away before she accidentally woke him up Christy resumed unpacking her bag until the bag was emptied and stored in her closet once more. Leaving the door slightly ajar they both left the room so Teddy could sleep in peace. "How was Asheville?" "It was nice to see my family again but I was glad when it was over. City life just isn't for me anymore." "And how is William faring?" "Very well," she replied. Neil could see her light up again at the thought of her father. "He met me at the station so we could ride back to the house together. He looks better every time I see him." "And Julia?" Christy smiled. "As motherly as ever. She still tries to entice me to stay but I think she may finally be coming around to the fact that my home is here." Anticipating his next question Christy kept talking. "And George is doing well also. His studies are going very well, he's the top of his class. Father claims he'll make a top-notch lawyer one-day but I think my brother may actually go into the news business. He is the editor of the school newspaper and seems to like it very much." "Who likes what very much?" Looking toward the doorway Christy saw David entering with Alice. Smiling she greeted each of them, offering Alice a small peck on the cheek and a hug as well. Explaining what they had been talking about Christy told them her family was well. "Thy timing could not have been better," Alice told her as they sat down on the porch chairs for a moment. "I believe Neil may have been ready to shed a tear or two himself had thee not been able to calm Teddy when you did." Smiling Christy bit back her laugh. "Then I'm glad I did take the earlier train from Asheville, I wouldn't have wanted our good doctor to be reduced to tears by a child." Alice pursed her lips to keep from laughing at the idea. "I am glad thee is back, Miss Huddleston, thee has been sorely missed." "I'm glad too," Christy admitted. "I missed my home." Pulled out of her chair by Creed and Burl Christy was lost in the crowd, milling with her friends for some time as the cove celebrated the harvest. The winter hadn't really begun yet, the season unusually mild, and the cove was enjoying the late warmth. As she was standing near the food table with Fairlight and Opal Christy glanced up to see Neil descending the stairs with Teddy in his arms, the little boy already having woken up from his nap. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Teddy scramble to get away from Neil the moment he had seen Christy. He walked over to them and greeted each of the women as he handed the little boy the woman he was reaching for. "It would seem he wants you again," Neil griped playfully. Christy smiled, laughing as Teddy locked his arms around her neck. "Well I've missed him too." Handing her the blanket he ruffled Teddy's hair and went across the clearing to talk to one of his patients that he needed to look in on. Still smiling Christy wrapped the blanket over Teddy's back and shifted her hold so that he would be wrapped securely in the blanket. From the corner of her eyes she caught a knowing look pass between her two friends and she turned to face them. "What?" "We jest think it's sweet that the youg'un has such a love fer ya is all." "If you been gone since the boy showed up how you got such an 'tachment with 'im?" Opal asked her. "I was at the mission when Teddy first came. He spent his first two nights here and we got close. I couldn't help but love these big brown eyes of his." Satisfied with Christy's answer Opal moved away to speak with Swannie about that recipe for her plum pie but Fairlight stayed with Christy, her eyes fastened on her dear friend. "That boy's taken to ya like a ma," she said softly. Turning to face her Christy was silent. The joy of having Teddy n her arms began to deflate a little. "I don't mean to be his mother," she said, her voice soft. "I can't help the way I feel for him, Fairlight. It's different from when I had little Iris. Teddy is& he's different." Fairlight smiled. "I know," she said, putting a gentle hand on Christy's arm. "Jest be careful. You got a mothers love, but Teddy& he ain't your blood." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Five They were both sound asleep when there was a pounding noise on the door below. Stumbling out of the bed Neil hurried down the stairs and opened the door to see a man standing there, hat in his hands, a worried look on his face. "Lyle?" "Ya got's ta come, Doc," the man said, his voice strained with worry. "The misses be real bad off. The fever's burnin' her up somethin' fierce." Nodding Neil told him to go on back home and he would come as soon as he could. Shutting the door he hurried to the lab to gather his supplies before taking the stairs two at a time back up to the bedroom, tearing off his nightshirt as he went. Pulling a shirt from one of the drawers he reached for the pants crumpled up in the corner and hurriedly tugged them both on. Opening one of the other drawers he pulled out a tiny pair of pants and shirt and flung them over his shoulder, turning to pick Teddy up out of the bed. "Come on now, Laddie," he called out in a sing song voice. "We're going for a small ride." Back down the stairs Neil grabbed his saddlebags and, juggling all three items in his hands, he shut the door behind him. Once Charlie was saddled Neil took Teddy in his arms again and mounted the horse, spurring him into motion with a quick nudge of his heels. Through the trees and trails they hurried, Neil knew he was racing against time. Finally they broke through the clearing and he pulled Charlie to a stop at the base of the stairs. Hitching his old friend quickly to the post Neil raced up the stairs and inside, surprised to see Alice sitting in the main room. Setting Teddy down he explained the situation to Alice. "Kitty McDonnough from Low Gap has a bad fever, I'm on my way over there now but I need to leave Teddy here, can you watch him?" "Of course," Alice quickly agreed. "Thee knows the child is always welcome here." "Thank you Alice," Neil said. Looking down to say goodbye to Teddy Neil was shocked to see that he was gone. "Teddy?" he called, searching the room for him. "Teddy!" Splitting up Alice went to the kitchen to look while Neil, following a hunch, headed upstairs. Cautiously opening one of the doors he peered inside and his heart jumped up into his throat. He watched as Teddy climbed up into the bed, lifting the covers to get under them, and snuggled down to go back to sleep. Though still half asleep herself Christy shifted to make room for the little one and wrapped one of her arms around the tyke, a small smile drifting onto her face. Smiling softly for a moment Neil knew he needed to go but the sight held him in place as though he was rooted to the floor. Watching for a few more seconds Neil gently shut the door and hurried back down the stairs, letting Alice know that Teddy was safe in the process. Mounting Charlie one more time Neil raced away into the inky black of the night darkness, already counting the minutes until he could return home. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Dismissing the class for the day Christy hurried through her chores in the schoolhouse as fast as she could, wanting to get back to the mission to get Teddy. She had promised him they would go for a walk today and she had no intention of letting the little guy down. Chalkboard cleaned, papers straightened and floor swept she shut the doors behind her and headed over to the mission house. As the two adventurers set out on their romp Christy's mind drifted back over the last few days, the time she had spent with Teddy while Neil was in Low Gap. She remembered waking up that first morning and realizing that Teddy was in the bed with her, not even remembering how or when he had gotten there. That first day they'd had the entire day to themselves. They had gone over to Lover's Falls and picnicked by the falls. The next day though school had begun again and Teddy was forced to stay at the mission house while Christy went to teach. The little boy had been miserable no matter what Alice had tried to entertain him with. When Christy had come home for the noon meal he had clung to her, refusing to let go when it was time to return to school until she had promised to spend the night with him out in the barn playing with the animals that fascinated Teddy. Today had been the same thing but she had promised they would go for a walk and he had let her go away again, a tear resting on his lashes, stabbing Christy's heart with guilt. Shaking her head to clear it of the painful past she smiled when she realized where Teddy was heading, letting him lead the way in their little adventure. "You really like this place don't you?" she smiled when they came to the edge of the cliff. Picking him up Christy and Teddy climbed down the steep trail and came to a rest at the boulders that sat near the water edge. Letting Teddy play on the ground Christy pulled her sketchpad out of her bag and sketched the scene before her, a smile on her face as she watched Teddy playing with the grass and dirt all around him, fascinated by the crickets and frogs that seemed drawn to the little boy. She had almost finished the first sketch when she heard the whinny of a horse and looked up to see Charlie grazing at the top of the ridge and Neil heading down the path. "Welcome back," she smiled, taking in the bloodshot eyes and tiredness that filled his haggard face. "You should go home and get some sleep." Neil grinned a tired grin. "I was going to but I saw you heading this way and figured I'd come and see how Teddy was faring," he said, the excuse sounding weak in his own ears. He wasn't really here to see Teddy, at least not only. "Well fear not," Christy smiled. "We've been keeping each other busy." Catching sight of the sketch in her hands he reached over to pick it up and examine the picture. "Your work keeps getting better and better, Lass," he praised. A small blush colored Christy's cheek but her smile brightened a little. "Practice makes perfect." Neil smiled as he handed it back to her but she could see how tired he really was, the slump in his shoulders, the exhaustion in his eyes and his voice. "Was it so bad in Low Gap?" "Aye," he sighed. "They were stricken with a bad fever from some bad meat they had all eaten. We almost lost one of the children but they pulled around and will be okay." "And you?" Neil looked down at Christy, confused. "Will you be okay?" "Of course I will," he said, confused as to why she would ask that. "Why?" "Because you can barely sit up straight," Christy said. Her tone was light but she was worried. Neil was swaying as he sat on the boulder next to her and he seemed oblivious to Teddy at his knee trying to get his attention. "You need to sleep and more than likely eat as well. Let's get you home so you can do both." Too tired to argue with her Neil nodded and stood, gathering Teddy in his arms while Christy gather her bags and led the way back up the trail. It wasn't until he was sitting at the table, a bowl of stew in front of him that he began to perk up again and realize what was happening. Looking around he saw signs of life in his cabin. There were toys on the floor in the main room; a small bouquet of wild flowers Christy had picked on their way to the cabin; the air was filled with the rich aroma of a home made stew; and there, across the table from him, sat a beautiful woman and a little boy who was as close to him as his own child. "Neil?" Jerked out of his reverie Neil looked up at Christy to see a concerned look on her face. "Yes?" "Are you all right?" "I'm fine." "Is there something wrong with your food?" "No, why?" "Because you're not eating it." Looking down Neil saw that he still held a spoonful of stew in his hand. Quickly he put it in his mouth, trying not to grimace at the fact that it had cooled down while he'd been staring. "It's good," he said thickly, trying to talk around the chunk of meat in his mouth. Frowning Christy shook her head and went back to feeding Teddy his dinner leaving Neil to his own meal. The stew reminding him of how hungry he was Neil spooned up another bite, this one much warmer than the first, and much more delicious. Chewing he looked up again to see Christy watching him, question in her eyes. Meeting his eyes for a second she looked back toward Teddy, readying his next bite. 'Is she worrying about me?' he wondered to himself. The silence remained until Teddy had finished his food and began clamoring to get down. Wiping the food from his mouth with a rag Christy let him go and watched for a moment as he toddled over to the toys he had been playing with earlier. Smiling at the sight she stood and began to clean up, ignoring the rumbling in her own stomach until she could get back to the mission house and eat with Miss Alice. "Aren't you going to eat?" Startled by the suddenness of Neil's voice Christy almost dropped the dish she was drying; catching it just before it hit the stove. "What?" she asked, flustered by her clumsiness. Neil watched her for a moment, confused by her reaction. "I asked if you were going to eat. You fed Teddy and I but you didn't take any for yourself." Waving her hand she waved away his concern. "I promised Miss Alice I would eat with her tonight. Between her trips to Cataleechie, my trip home and everything else we haven't had much time to talk," she explained. "Ruby-Mae is spending the night with the Spencer's and David is still stuck out in El Pano waiting for his shipment so it'll just be the two of us." "Sounds nice." "It will be, but only if I get going now." "I can give you a ride, you'll get there faster." "No that's all right," she said, smiling a 'thank you for the offer' smile. "You're tired and need sleep. Just lock the front door so Teddy can't escape and get lost. I'll be fine." Waving goodbye to Teddy Christy was out the door before Neil had a chance to say anything else. Only when she was a few minutes away from the cabin did she remember that's she had left her bag on the floor by the stairs. Sighing, she shook her head but kept walking, she'd have to get it later. Walking through the woods Christy's mind kept wandering back to the look on Neil's face as he had sat at the other end of the table. At first he'd looked like he was sleeping, his head propped up on one of his hands, but then, after he had begun eating, she had felt him staring at her. Neil had been acting strange for some time now and she didn't quite know what to think. She'd have to talk to Miss Alice about it. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sitting at the table, a cup of tea between her hands, Christy waited while Alice came back in with her own cup of tea to sit and talk some more. The dinner had been nice, sharing their stories of what had been going on in their lives for the last month or so. With no one else there but the two of them Christy felt a sense of peace that she normally didn't feel and she couldn't help but wonder at it. "Christy," Alice said as she sat down again. "I would like to take a moment of seriousness with thee." Furrowing her brow Christy wondered what Alice meant. "Of course." "Thee left the mission with Teddy this afternoon and thee returned without him. I can only assume that thee came across Neil in thy journeys today." Christy nodded. "How does thee feel about our doctor?" "Miss Alice? What do you mean?" "I mean as I said. What are thy feelings toward Doctor MacNeil?" "Well." Christy stammered as she tried to put her feelings into the proper words. "I guess he's a very dear friend. We have many things in common but we also have many different viewpoints on matters. You know as well as I do that we can spring into a fight as though we had been arguing all day but I always know that I can trust him when I need to. I can also trust that he seems to know exactly what to say to get under my skin in the worst way." Alice smothered her smile. She'd seen the evidence of that all too often. But& "Yet thee have not argued for quite some time now have thee?" "Well no," Christy admitted. "I suppose not. He's been a little busy lately. As have I really, especially after going to Asheville and dealing with Teddy." Shifting in her seat Alice leaned forward a little bit in her seat. "And that is something I wished to talk with thee about." Meeting the Quakers gaze Christy felt her heart begin to sink. "How so?" "Christy, I know thee has formed a bond with the little one, and he obviously has with thee as well. But I fear this may end in harm if it continues as it has. Thee spends so much time with thy mission work and now thee has been trying to spend an equal amount of time with Teddy and Neil. I fear that thee will do thyself harm if it continues." "Miss Alice I'm fine, truly I am." "Thee are young and strong but even thee have begun to feel the strain of living two lives." "Two lives?" "Thy life here at the mission and thy life with Teddy. These are two lives that cannot be easily blended, Miss Huddleston." Alice leaned back in her chair and studied Christy. "Thy sleep has suffered thy schoolwork as well, thee rush through thy chores and never stop to slow down. When was the last time thee simply went for a walk?" Christy opened her mouth to remind the woman that she had gone on a walk earlier that day but Miss Alice raised a hand to stop her. "Alone." Sighing Christy put her elbows on the table. "I can't stop, Miss Alice, I just can't. I love Teddy; he's become such a part of my life that I can't picture it without him." "And Neil? Teddy is Neil's family and vice versa. How does thee feel about him?" "Miss Alice I already told you how I feel about Neil." "And it is a proper Christian response. But tell me what thy heart truly says about that man." "Miss Alice I can't," Christy said after a moment. Hanging her head she couldn't meet Alice's eyes. "There is no shame in admitting thee are in love with him." "Miss Alice you know all too well that by law he is a married man!" Alice sighed. "I know this, Christy, just as I know the law holds no domain over a woman's heart." Fighting tears Christy hung her head. "How could I have let this happen Miss Alice? Why didn't I see it coming?" "It has been coming for so long thee could not possibly have seen it, child." "What do you mean?" "Has thee ever heard of the adage 'opposites attract'? Thee and Neil are two very different people but thee have been cut in such a way that thee compliment each other." Alice smiled. "Thee fight horribly but thee have always known that thee could turn to each other if thee needed help. Thee have turned to Neil and he to thee. Thy trust in each other speaks more loudly than any argument thee have ever had." "But there is still a fact that cannot be ignored, Miss Alice. Neil is married to Margaret." "That's right," a voice sounded from the doorway. "He is still married to me." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Six Christy's heart dropped to the floor when she heard the voice from behind her. Glancing up at Alice she could see that the older woman had paled a shade or two, her eyes wide in her face as she stared at the woman in the doorway. Turning in her seat to look behind her Christy could see why Alice was so shocked. The Margaret that stood before her was one so very different from the one she remembered. Her skin was grayish and gaunt, her natural beauty gone. The angry spark of life that had filled her eyes was dimmed. "Margaret thee is not well." "I know that mother," she snapped. "Sit down Margaret, I'll get you some tea," Christy offered, getting up to pull a cup from the shelf. "I don't need any of your tea, Miss Christy Huddleston," Margaret seethed just before she began to cough, her entire body trembling with the force of it. "Yes, you do," Christy insisted. Getting up from her chair she left it out for Margaret to sit in while she went into the kitchen to get some tea for her. Picking up the pot of boiling water she realized that her hands were shaking too much to carry it. Setting it back down the boiling water inside splashed up over the edge, burning Christy's hand. Crying out she shook the water off and tried desperately to blink away the tears that stung at her eyes. But the tears would not leave. Leaning against the counter of the small kitchen she put her hand over her eyes and let the tears come. So long as she had been able to mislead her own heart, to trick into thinking she didn't care, Christy had been able to avoid the pain of loving a married man. But, openly facing the problem, she was unable to keep the truth hidden any longer. Now though& with Margaret sitting in the other room, Christy knew her real trial had only just begun. Finishing the tea preparations she put the small teapot and cup on a tray and headed back out into the dining room. Setting the tray onto the table she poured Margaret a cup of tea and set it in front of her. Glaring at her for a moment Margaret relented and took the tea, pulling the cup closer to her. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a small metal flask and dumped its contents into the cup. Glancing over to Alice Christy saw her face harden and her back stiffened. Watching as her daughter drank herself into yet another stupor Alice decided she'd had enough. It was time for answers. "Why is thee here, Margaret?" Smiling a wicked smile she met her mother's gaze. "Isn't it obvious? I'm dying mother. I've come home to die in the arms of my husband. After all it was Neil who told me to come home so he could take care of me like a proper husband." Christy felt the floor drop out from under her. Reaching for the edge of the table she steadied herself, thankful she was already sitting down. Her mind reeled through the last month as though she were living it again. There had been nothing the entire time, no hint from Neil that he had sent for Margaret. "Shocked?" Margaret sneered. "He is a man after all. Men won't chase a woman they can't have if there's another to take her place." "Enough!" Alice interfered. Getting to her feet Alice looked down at the dying woman she had given birth to so many years ago. "If thee needs a bed thee may take the spare cot in the hall. But be warned Margaret. I'll not have thee making trouble for anyone in this cove." "I wouldn't dream of it mother," she said, her innocence so thin a veil that a simple breath would knock it out of place. Taking her bag and flask Margaret stood and moved toward the hall. "I'll only be here the one night anyway. Tomorrow I will be going back to Mac's cabin where I belong." Margaret disappeared into the hallway leaving Alice and Christy to feel the full force of her message. She was back for good. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* For the life of her she couldn't understand why she was so mad. Since the moment she had set foot in her bedroom that evening Christy had been trying to control the anger that had been rising in her chest. She wasn't sure whom she was mad at exactly, but she was still furious. Christy was sitting up in her bed, sleep avoiding her room at all costs, when she heard the pounding on the door from below. Hurrying downstairs she met Alice in the main room but it was Christy who opened the door. "Isaak?" "I'm sorry I hads ta wake ya Miz Christy but Doc Neil says hit be real 'portant." "Isaak what is it?" she asked. "What's wrong?" "Doc Neil be at th'cabin 'cause Wilmer tuk a bad fall, he said he needs ya ta come an' git Teddy." "All right, you head on back and I'll be right there." Nodding the boy ran into the night while Christy turned to shut the door. Explaining the situation to Alice she hurried upstairs to get dressed. As quickly as she could Christy raced through the woods on Prince to get to the O'Teale's cabin, her mind wandering between hoping Wilmer was okay and the decision that needed to be made about where to take Teddy. Did she take him back to Neil's cabin or back to the mission? She had finally decided to take him back to the cabin, she didn't want him anywhere near Margaret, when she reached the O'Teale's. "Teacher?" Pulling Mountie into a quick hug Christy stepped into the cabin. She could see the children huddled in one corner, Swannie pacing at the fire nervously wringing her hands, while Neil was bent over a young man lying on the bed. Greeting the children first she moved over to Swannie to give her a comforting hug and whisper that everything would be okay. As she approached Neil's side she saw that Teddy was clinging to his legs, refusing to let go, tears resting on his lashes. When the little boy saw Christy though he let go of Neil had toddled over to her, clutching her skirts ad he tried to climb up into her arms. Reaching down Christy pulled Teddy up to rest on her hip and turned to face Neil. "How is Wilmer?" "I don't know yet. He's still unconscious but I'm not sure if it's from the fall or his condition." Getting up from the bed Neil led Christy back outside. "I may have to operate on the boy's head Lass, I don't want Teddy to be here for that." "I'll take care of him." "Thank you." "Be sure to let me know how Wilmer fares," she said as she mounted Prince. Neil handed Teddy up to her but rested hi hand on the boy's leg once he was settled, his blue eyes watching Christy curiously. "Is something wrong Lass?" Christy avoided his eyes. "I need to get Teddy back to sleep or he'll be terrible in the morning." Kicking her heels into Princes side Christy turned the horse to head back into the woods, leaving Neil to stare after her for a moment, confused by the coolness he had heard in her voice and seen in her eyes. Something was definitely bothering her and he had a bad feeling it had to do with him. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Telling Teddy to sit on the hay where she had put him Christy quickly unsaddled Prince, brushed him down, and tied him to the barn post. Turning to gather Teddy she almost screamed when she looked at the hay pile and saw it was empty. About to yell his name she heard a small giggle and, rounding the corner of the barn, saw the little boy toddling towards the river. "F'sh!" he giggled, pointing toward the water. "No, no, no," Christy said, picking him up. "We can go see the fish tomorrow, okay? It's time to sleep, TeddyBear." Smiling at the sound of his nickname Teddy agreed and as she carried him up the hill to the stairs he couldn't stop the yawn that pulled his mouth open and closed his eyes. Up the stairs to the main cabin Christy shut the door and turned to see Teddy already heading up to the bedroom, climbing the stairs as fast as his little arms could move. Letting him do the work, knowing it would tire him out quicker, Christy followed him up the stairs. Tucking Teddy into the bed Christy was turning away when she felt him grab her skirt and pull, trying to keep her there with him. Smiling down at him she told him to close his eyes and go to sleep but he kept his grip on her skirt when she tried to step away again. Giving in Christy settled down on the bed next to him. Laying her head on the pillow Christy hummed a soft tune until she was sure Teddy was asleep. Quiet settled over the cabin and Christy closed her eyes. Burying her face in the pillow she could smell the scents that seemed to follow Neil everywhere; a smoky scent from the fire, the fresh scent of an outdoor breeze, the stinging smell of the alcohol and lye, and the spicy aroma of the tobacco from his pipe. Squeezing her eyes tightly shut Christy couldn't stop the tears of pain that leaked out when she remembered the woman lying under the roof of the mission. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Bone tired Neil slung down from the saddle and led Charlie into the barn. Stopping short he saw Prince tied there and a smile began to form on his face. Leaving Charlie with Prince to share the barn he gave them both some fresh hay and an apple as a treat for their hard work. Slipping into the cabin he searched the main room but didn't see Christy anywhere. Heading toward the stairs he heard feet climbing the outer stairs and turned toward the door instead. "Jeb?" "Sorry ta be botherin' ya doc but Clara arms been hurtin' something feirce. We was hopin' ya might have somethin' ta holp her." "Of course," Neil told him. I'll be there soon, just let me get some supplies." Nodding Jeb hurried back home to be with his little girl while Neil went into his lab to get some medicine for the pain if it was as bad as Jeb was saying. The poor little girl had broken her arm and her childhood energy was making it impossible for her to keep it still. Saddlebags packed once more Neil decided to take just a moment to tell Christy about Wilmer, that the boy was going to be fine. Hurrying up the stairs he softly entered the bedroom and saw Christy curled up on top of the covers, Teddy spooned up against her under the covers. Pulling a quilt off the end of the bed he opened it and laid it over the young woman, gently tucking it in. As he laid it over her shoulders Neil could see shiny tracks running down her cheeks shimmering in the moonlight that was peeking through the window. Frowning Neil realized that she had been crying. Gently wiping away a small lock of hair that rested on her ear he knew he had to get going and quietly shut the door behind him as he left the room, the whole while his mind racing to find an answer to the tears she had shed. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Seven It was the bouncing of the bed that first alerted her to the fact that morning had come. Cracking open one eye Christy looked up to see Teddy, on his knees, grinning down at her. Clapping with glee that she had woken up he laughed and babbled for her to get out of bed. "Okay, okay, okay," she yawned. With lightning quick hands she reached out and grabbed Teddy, tossing him onto his back and tickling his sides until he was breathless with laughter. Sitting up in the bed Christy felt the quilt covering her fall to her lap and she frowned. She didn't remember grabbing a quilt when she had lain down. Shrugging it off to tiredness Christy climbed out of the bed and plodded down stairs with Teddy in her arms to make them both some breakfast. As she was spooning him up the last bite Christy heard footsteps on the porch stairs and she wondered if it was Neil coming home after caring for Wilmer. Wiping Teddy's mouth with a small rag she settled him in the middle of his toys and straightened in time to see the door open. "I can't say I'm surprised to find you here," Margaret wheezed as she entered the cabin. "This must be the child I was told about. Hello there, Eddie." "His name is Teddy." Margaret cut her in two with a look. "Whatever his name is he'll be staying here with me now. You have no place in this cabin." "You're in no condition to take care of a little child, Margaret," Christy declared. "I'll take Teddy with me and leave you in peace." "I am Mac's wife, this is our cousin," she said with a savage tone. "You have no place in his life anymore. Now get out of our cabin." With a sudden burst of surprising strength Margaret pushed Christy out of the cabin and locked the door in her face. Glaring at the locked door she stomped her foot and, willing back the fresh tears in her eyes, stormed away from the cabin. She wasn't about to leave Teddy with that woman for one moment but Christy knew that she could never get into that cabin with someone's help. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Wearily climbing the stairs to the mission house Neil saw Prince at the hitching post and knew he would finally get the chance to talk to Christy. He needed to tell her about Wilmer, and Clara, and he was dying to ask her why she had been crying the night before. He was almost to the door when he heard her voice coming from the inside. "David how can you say such a thing?" "I'm only saying what I know a lot of people in this cove will think Christy! You shouldn't get involved, this has just become a family matter." "I know that David. Believe me I know all too well that Teddy is not my own child but it doesn't matter. You yourself stepped in when you were worried about Lundy being hurt by his father. You never stopped to think consider that it was a family matter." "But you don't know for sure that he is!" "Yes I do! Now are you going to help me or do I have to go get him by myself?" "What's going on here?" Neil said as he stepped into the mission. Looking from one face tot he other he could see that the two people were very differed in their emotional state. Christy looked almost desperate while David was highly agitated about something. "Doctor, I heard there was a problem with Wilmer, is he going to be." "What about Teddy?" Neil said, cutting the preacher off. "Why are you so worried about Teddy? Where is he?" he demanded of Christy when David didn't reply immediately. "Teddy is at thy cabin," Alice said as she entered the room from the stairway. "With Margaret." Silence fell over the cabin like a thick blanket of fog. Neil stared at Alice. Alice stared at the fire. David stared at Christy. Christy stared out the window. For several moments no one spoke until Neil broke the silence. "What?" he whispered in disbelief. "Margaret has returned." Staring at Alice for one brief moment Neil turned on his heel, his exhaustion forgotten, and ran out of the cabin toward Charlie. Watching him mount up and race away Christy's last ounce of hope dropped to the ground, tread to little pieces under the hooves of Charlie's racing legs. Her heat seemed to beat one soft, sad beat, before dying in her chest. "It'll be ok," David said. "You'll see." Both women turned to look at him, their gazes withering, before turning and leaving the room, Alice going to the church to pray while Christy went upstairs to her bedroom to not cry. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Tearing through the woods, pushing Charlie to the edge of exhaustion, Neil raced toward his cabin, rage filling his chest. She'd done it again. That hellish woman he'd once called a wife had found a way to destroy him all over again. Just as he'd picked up the pieces, just as he'd managed to forget all about her and get on with his life, she'd come back to tear it all to shreds. He wasn't going to let her get away with it this time. She was not going to stay in his cabin. If she needed a bed she could sleep at the mission or in the woods for all he cared. Neil was not going to let her destroy his life all over again. It wasn't just his life any more; it was Teddy's too. Jumping off of Charlie as he neared the cabin he let him go to graze and ran up the stairs of the cabin to the front door. Throwing it open he stormed inside and scanned the room, his eyes falling on the sickly figure huddled by the fire. For a moment the doctor in him took over and he examined her briefly with his eyes. He knew just by looking at her& she was dying. "Hello Mac," she said with a raspy voice. "Aren't you going to say hello?" "Why are you here?" "I've come home," she smiled slightly. "I've come home to you Mac, to us." "There is no us," he bit off, his earlier rage coming back to him. "You're not welcome here Margaret." "This is my home." "This stopped being your home the moment you faked your death." "Come on Mac," she pleaded. "We can be a family now. I know you've always loved children. We can raise Eddie as our child, you'll be his father and I'll be his mother, just like you'd always wanted." "Teddy has a mother." "She is not his mother!" Margaret spat, furious that he would mention her mother's new 'daughter'. "She is more his mother than you will ever be." Neil's eyes were cold, his voice frigid. "Get out of my home Margaret. You lost the right to be here a long time ago." "She's a child, Mac," she ground out between her teeth. "She's a God fearing little girl who would never marry a married man." Neil turned to face her and walked a little closer until he stood over her, towering above the woman as she sat in the chair by the fire. Leaning down he lowered his gaze to meet hers and spoke with a quiet, even voice. "She'll marry a widower." Margaret gasped as Neil stood and moved toward the stairs, on up to the bedroom. Not seeing Teddy there either his concern began to grow into true worry. Where was the little lad? It wasn't possible for him to get into the lab, he'd been careful to keep that door locked. The only other place he could be was in the main room of the cabin. Unless he was hiding. Checking every spot the little one could hide in Neil scoured the cabin trying to find him. "Where is he?" "Who?" she said, staring into the fire miserably, her plans failed. "Teddy!" he yelled, barely resisting the urge to shake her. "Where is Teddy?" "I sent him away with her," she finally spat out, knowing he would leave once she said something. Grabbing her shoulders Neil picked her up from the chair and forced her to her feet. "Don't lie to me woman. Where is he?" "I told you!" she yelled. "I was just there and she said Teddy was here with you, now where is he?!" Meeting Neil's eyes Margaret was shocked at the rage they held. She'd seen him angry on more than one occasion, usually because of her, but the anger and rage she saw in his eyes now surpassed all those other times combined. "I& I don't know." "What do you mean you don't know?" "I sent him out to play! He was crying and sitting at the door so I told him to go out and play!" "You sent him outside alone!" Letting go of her Neil took a step backwards and looked down at her with disgust. "If you want medicine take it but I want you out of my home before I get back or so help me woman I will kick you out myself." Turning Neil stormed out of the cabin, calling out for Teddy the moment his foot hit the porch. Walking through the woods around the cabin he headed down to the river first, his heart in his throat as he called out for Teddy. After an hour of searching he knew he needed help and Neil raced back to the cabin to get Charlie. Getting to the mission house as fast as he could Neil ran inside and found David sitting at the table preparing his sermon while Alice worked on a piece of stitch work. "Where's Christy? Is Teddy here?" he demanded. Looking up to see his wild eyes Alice stood, concern beginning to fill her face. "What is it Neil? What has happened?" "I need to find Teddy," he said, moving toward the stairs to check Christy's room. Not bothering to knock or wait for permission to enter Neil opened the door to her room and saw her standing by the window, her back to him. Christy." Christy turned to face him and he could see tears on her cheeks again. Suddenly remembering the night before Neil had a feeling he knew what the tears were about. Crossing the floor to her side he watched as she wiped the tears away with the back oh her hand, though fresh ones took their place almost immediately. "What are you doing here?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper though filled with a pain Neil knew only too well. Putting his hands gently on her shoulders Neil knew this was going to hurt for her to hear. "Lass," he said as he wiped the tears from her cheek. "Teddy is missing." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Eight Christy sighed. "That's not funny Neil," she frowned, turning back to the window. "He's with Margaret and you know it." "Christy," he said, pulling her back to face him. "He's not there. She sent him outside and I can't find him." Neil could read the disbelief in her eyes but he saw it slowly leak out of them as it was replaced by the same sense of panic and fear he felt running through his own veins. "No!" she cried, tears springing into her eyes at the thought of what might have happened. Pulling her into his arms Neil fought to keep control over his own fears for the little boy he'd come to love as a son. Neil couldn't believe it had only been a few months since Teddy had come into his life and yet even though their time together had been short Neil didn't want to imagine a life without the little one. "Teddy." she whispered, her hands coming up to grab his arms. "She& He&" She was speechless for a moment as her mind struggled to accept what he had told her. "The river!" she cried, her hands clutching his shirt in desperation. "Neil he could have&" "Don't think like that!" Neil said, stopping her from completing that thought. Pulling her a little closer he tightened his arms around her. "We'll find him we just need to get out there and look. You need to think of the places he likes to go." Struggling to pull her mind away from the river Christy thought of the places that Teddy liked to go. "He likes it here, especially in the barn. Teddy loves the animals." "All right I'll go check the barn. Think some more Christy, we need to know where to look!" Hurrying downstairs Christy tried to think of places that Teddy would go while Neil went out to the barn to look in there. David had already left to get help from the rest of the cove while Miss Alice was saddling Goldie to head off in the other direction. She was pacing the porch when she suddenly thought of how much he liked to go to Lover's Falls. Telling Miss Alice where she was going Christy picked up the hem of her pale blue skirt and ran off in the direction of the falls. As Christy ran her mind floated back through the last two months, the small amount of time that Teddy had been in her life. She couldn't remember a time when she had been happier than when she had been with Teddy. His little laugh that filled the air when she would tickle him. Those big brown eyes that would stare up at her. She could practically hear the sound of his little sigh when he would finally fall asleep after a long day of playing. Her minds eye traveled back to see Teddy sitting in the middle of a field of tall grass, his little body gone from sight because the grass was so tall. Christy had been lying next to him, watching him play with a small cricket that had sat on his knee. She didn't know how long they had been there but suddenly they weren't alone. Hearing the whinny of a horse she had sat up to see Charlie ambling through the field, neither he nor Neil in any hurry to get anywhere. He had seen her suddenly sit up and a slow smile pulled at his lips. Turning Charlie towards them he stopped a few feet away. Dismounting he dropped into the grass next to them, leaving Charlie to munch to his hearts delight. They'd spent a few hours that day just cloud watching, resting, joking, laughing, and playing until Teddy was nearly asleep. Watching as the little boy had settled down into the crook of Neil's arm she could see that Neil was going to get up to take him home. 'Wait a minute,' she'd whispered to him. Curious Neil looked over at her as he felt her hand come to rest on his arm to hold him still. Her eyes were focused on Teddy, soft eyes that were filled with a love for the little boy that made Neil's own heart swell. Her blue eyes were filled with more than the love of a teacher or an aunt. Those big blue eyes that he could read so well were filled with the love of a mother. Suddenly Neil heard a soft sigh escape from Teddy. 'There,' she smiled. 'Now he's asleep.' Smiling back at her they stood and walked over to Charlie. Holding Teddy while Neil mounted Christy handed the little boy up to him, sound asleep, and waved as they turned to go home. Watching them leave she had turned to head back to the mission and the schoolwork that was waiting for her on her desk. Shaking her head to clear it of the memories Christy was nearly out of breath when she reached the edge of the cliff and what little she had was knocked out of her at the sight she saw waiting for her. "No!" she screamed. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Slamming the barn door behind him Neil stormed out of the building and across the yard toward the mission. Teddy hadn't been in the barn and Neil was beginning to loose the thin hold he had on his patience. As he was nearing the mission house Alice mounted Goldie and turned her horse to face him. "Christy has left for Lover's Falls, she believes Teddy may be there." Hurrying over to Charlie Neil mounted and both he and Alice hurried out of the yard towards the tucked away little fall. As he rode through the forest Neil couldn't keep his mind from dwelling on the sense of panic that was rising in his chest with every passing second. He'd never dreamed that a little boy would find such a place in his heart, and especially not as quickly as Teddy had. Neil had always wanted children; he'd never made a secret of that to Margaret when they had been married. Yet they'd never seemed to be able to have them. They had come close once but she had lost the child after only a few weeks. Neil had hoped they would try again but she didn't seem interested in a family anymore. And not too long after that she had left. At that time in his life Neil had given up on ever having a family of his own. His wife was dead and his life held nothing for him except the demands of the people of his cove. And then one day all of that had changed. Christy Rudd Huddleston had come to the cove bringing a fresh breeze that blew meaning back into his life once more. He wasn't sure when it had happened exactly but at some point he had fallen in love with her. Just when he thought life was getting back in order Margaret had come back. He had recovered and gotten life back in order again but then she came back again, a reminder of her hold on his life no matter how hard he tried to get out from under it. Finally, after nights upon nights of sleeplessness Neil had discovered a vital truth to his recovery from Margaret's influence on his life. He didn't care anymore. His heart belonged to one woman only. The sweetest woman he'd ever known. A woman who loved his cove as much as he did, one who understood his need to leave in the middle of the night and possibly not return for days at a time. She understood it because she felt the same way. Though Christy might not have the chance to help the cove as often, and in such drastic ways, as he did she still found ways to be there for the cove. Be it by teaching the children or even something as simple as baking a pie for a social gathering she told the cove how much she loved them with every day she spent in the cove. That was something Margaret had never been able, nor ever really cared to do. Christy's scream jolted Neil out of his inner thoughts and jerking his head up to look for her he watched as she disappeared from sight, running down the steep path to the little valley below. Urging Charlie on faster he stopped the horse a few feet away from the edge of the cliff and ran to it's edge, his heart beating it's way out of his chest for fear of what he might see below. Every nightmare he could have possibly imagined, every horror he'd ever seen as a doctor had been ill equipped to prepare him for the sight he saw below. "NO!!" he roared. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* He'd been walking through the woods on his way to their second still when he heard someone running through the grasses a little ways away. Curious he'd crouched lower, scanning the open clearing before him and watched as Christy came running up to the edge of the valley that led to the pool below Lover's Falls. No matter how much good she had done Birdseye was still leery of the city gal, never trusting any of them farther than he could throw them. She'd done some good for his family when she'd saved the life of his boy, and his own life of course, but be that as it may she was still a city gal, a mission one to boot. Shaking his head Birdseye was about to continue on his way when he saw her face contort with a sudden, desperate, terrifying fear. Hearing her scream, seeing her disappear into the valley he edged closer and moved to stand at the top of the falls overlooking the valley. So intent on seeing what was happening he didn't realize anyone else was there until he heard the Doc's thunderous yell. Raising his rifle Birdseye squinted, his sight lining up with the rifle, his eyes following its line to the target below. Moving his finger toward the trigger he gently squeezed, the shot ringing out followed by an eerie silence. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* First Christy's piercing scream. Then Neil's thunderous roar. And now, her heart hammering against her breastbone, a single rifle shot echoing through the woods. Pulling Goldie to a stop next to Charlie she inched closer to the cliff to look below. Her legs giving out beneath her Alice fell to her knees in the tall grass at the edge of the cliff, one hand covering her mouth the other stopping over her heart as her face paled to a sickly white. "Dear Lord," she said with a strangled whisper, her eyes riveted on the scene below her. "No!" *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Nine Her heart had stopped cold and yet at the same time it hammered in her chest so hard she was sure it was going to beat its way out. For an instant, though it felt like an eternity to her, Christy froze in place, unable to move, unable to think. Her eyes were glued to the sight she saw before her. There, by the water of a place she had come to love, Teddy played with a small stick in one hand and a slightly larger one in the other. His face was aglow with joy as he beat the two sticks on a rock near the waters edge. Laughing with glee at the music he was making Teddy decided to try other things. He hit the grass, the water, the pebbles, but nothing made the same noise as the rock. Spying a larger one he had toddled over to it and begun to hit it with the sticks. This rock didn't make any sounds at all. Instead it shifted its weight, slowly getting to its feet and turning to face the innocent little boy that stared up at it. Spurred into action by a force she didn't know was in her Christy screamed as loudly as she could and ran down the steep path to get to Teddy before the bear could. Her legs carried her swifter than they had ever moved before and Christy nearly flew down the trail to Teddy's side. Just as she reached the boys side the bear unleashed one of it's paws and moved to strike the boy who had hit it with the sticks. Grabbing Teddy's arms she yanked him out of the bears reach and turned, putting herself between the bear and it's prey. She felt the claws rake against her back as she tried to move away. The force of the blow sent her to her knees, the pain searing up and down her body. Before she could scream another blow knocked her to the ground. The sounds of the water falling from the cliff, the sound of the bears breath in her ear was silenced, muted as though they weren't even there. One small noise rose to meet her senses as from before her she heard the sound of a sacred little boy's whimper. She had to protect Teddy. That was the only thought running in her mind as she fell to the ground. Pulling the little boy under her, knowing he was small enough to be hidden, Christy curled herself around Teddy, hiding him from the bears eyes and claws. As her head hit the ground she felt the sharp pain of her head hitting a rock and the world around her became as dark as a moonless night, her ears unable to hear the sound of a man's cry. A man who's own nightmare was coming true that very moment. Above them, at the edge of the cliff, Neil was rooted to his spot, his throat raw from the force of his cry, his eyes wide at the events he witnessed before him, the sounds of a claw ripping both fabric and skin. He watched as Christy lay motionless on the ground, the bear continuing its attack on her though she lay as still as a log. The ground beneath her became red as her blood ran forth, mixing with the water turning it a murky color. At that moment Neil wished he were dead, there was no life without Christy. It was the bang of a sawed off rifle that brought him out of his stupor, releasing the hold on his heart and allowing it to pump blood back to his muscles and limbs, enabling him to move to the edge of the trail, recklessly running down it's steep rocky path to get to the woman he loved. He never saw Alice as she sank to her knees, her skin paler than the moon. At the top of the ridge Alice watched as Neil raced down the pathway. Following his line of sight she saw a big bear lying still on the ground, a single bullet right between its eyes. But peeking out from under the bear she saw the hem of a pale blue skirt, torn and soaked with blood. It was Christy! Reaching the bear Neil pulled at it, unable to budge the bear until Birdseye came to help him. When the animal was rolled away they could all see the slashed, bloody back of an unconscious young woman. Needing to get down there to help Neil Alice shakily rose to her feet and hurried down the path to his side, praying all the while that she was okay. "Christy," Neil cried, his hands shaking as he reached for her neck, his fingers searching for a pulse. "Lass please," he whispered, his voice strangled. "Please don't leave me, not like this!" Though his fingers trembled Neil could feel the weak pulse of her heart and his body sagged with relief, tears stinging at his eyes. She was unconscious, her head resting on a small rock. Neil knew he shouldn't move her but at the same time he realized he had no choice. "Why?" Alice cried. "Why would she come down into the valley if she knew there was a bear here?" Grasping her shoulders gently Neil pulled at Christy until she rolled onto her side, her body resting against his legs, revealing the small, trembling, scared little boy who had nearly been crushed beneath her. "It was fer the young'un," Birdseye said, revealing the same truth that Neil had uncovered. "She dun pet 'erself b'tween her and the b'ar." "Alice get my saddlebags and then pick up Teddy, I don't want him near this," Neil ordered. "Birdseye get back to the mission and find me a large sheet to carry Christy in. We have to get her back to the mission. Hurry man!" Jumping to his feet Birdseye did as he'd been told, still slightly shocked at the scene he had witnessed, leaving Neil alone with Christy. Shakily he tried to examine her for more wounds but Neil couldn't make his mind work, he couldn't focus on anything but the blood, the claws, the sound of the bear ripping into the woman he loved. Staring down at her, his vision blurred and Neil, for the first time in many years, couldn't maintain a professional detachment as his tear slipped down his cheeks. "Neil," Alice said as she set the saddlebags by his feet. "I can't lose her Alice," he said. Lifting his eyes from Christy he met Alice's stricken gaze. "I can't." "Then thee must work to save her," she said. "Her life rests in thy hands. With God guiding thy skill we will not lose her." "But I don't believe in your God," he despaired. "Christy has faith in God and she has faith in thee as well. If thee can believe in her then God will believe in thee." Alice watched as Neil began to examine Christy again, this time his focus more certain, his hands moving surely as he looked through the blood to the wounds beneath. Closing her eyes Alice crushed Teddy to her and prayed that Christy would be well, she had told Neil to trust in God and Alice knew she needed to as well. But the sight of the young woman lying there on ground that was soaked by her own blood& Shuddering she stood and moved away, remembering Neil's demand that Teddy not see anything more than he had to. "Lord," she prayed. "I beg of thee& keep thy daughter with us." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sitting on a chair next to the bed Neil couldn't move. His back was sore, his arms too exhausted to move, and his eyes bloodshot from the hours he had worked on the young woman lying on the bed. Birdseye had come back from the mission at a run, a sheet in hand that they used to transport Christy back to the mission, making sure she was lying on her front so as to keep her back from receiving any more damage. Alice had rode ahead to prepare the table and to boil his instruments so that he could get to work as soon as they had arrived. Neil had gotten to work immediately, sending Birdseye out one more time to fetch Dan Scott. For hours they had worked together, closing off arteries that had been nicked, stitching the wounds shut, and double-checking their work to make sure they hadn't missed anything. Now he sat by her side, unwilling, unable, to leave. Alice brought in some soup for him to eat but it went untouched as he sat in a bedside vigil, watching over Christy as though his will power alone would keep her alive. Day merged into night and back into day as he sat there, waiting, wishing, hoping. She didn't wake up; she didn't move a muscle. With each passing hour Neil could feel his hope slipping further and further away. Finally, after nearly four days of waiting Neil knew he couldn't put it off any longer. "William& this is Neil." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Ten Sitting in his study William was reading an interesting article on a recent trial when he heard the phone ring. Remembering that Julia wasn't here to answer it he put his paper down and slowly rose out of his chair. Walking over to the phone, leaning slightly on his cane he walked. Reaching the phone he took a breath and picked up the receiver, hoping he didn't sound as out of breath as he felt, today had not been a good day. "Hello?" "William? This is Neil." "Neil," William smiled. "How good to hear from you. Checking up on your long distance patient?" There was a pause. "No." The hesitant voice he heard responding to him put a boulder in the middle of his stomach and William prayed the answer he was going to receive would remove it. "Is everything all right?" There was a pause again and this time he heard the man on the other end swallowing as though trying to work something out of his throat. "No," came a strangled whisper. Closing his eyes William felt his heart freezing. "Is it Christy?" he asked praying with all his might that he was wrong. The air between the two men was silent and William knew before Neil could say a word that he had been right. "Yes." "Dear God," he whispered, falling against the wall next to the phone. "What's happened?" "I&" There was silence but William could hear the sound of a skirt shuffling in the background and when a voice came on the line again Neil was gone. "Mr. Huddleston?" "Yes, who is this?" "I be Fairlight Spencer." "Mrs. Spencer, please, tell me what's happened to my daughter," he pleaded. "She was attacked by a bear," Fairlight told him. "Doc Neil's fixed her up as best he can but she hit her head an' she ain't waked up yet." "A bear!" he cried, gripping the table next to him to keep from falling over. "My daughter was attacked by a bear!?" he yelled. "How did this happen?" Explaining what she had been told by Miss Alice Fairlight waited when silence reigned on the other end of the phone. Staring at the telephone box hanging on the wall he tried to take in the information that he had just been told. Teddy. Christy had told him about the little boy when she had been home for a visit. He'd been able to see how much she cared about the little one and now he knew exactly how much that really was. Closing his eyes he knew he had to do something. "Tell Miss Henderson that I shall be out as soon as I can and please, Mrs. Spencer," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Please give my little girl a kiss and tell her I'll be there as soon as I can." Promising she would they hung up and William gently placed the earpiece back on the hook, his mind numb as he stared at it. Sinking down into the nearest chair he put his head in his hands and, tears in his eyes, prayed with everything he had in him that God would watch over his little girlie and keep her safe. They'd lost one daughter, he couldn't live with losing another. "Sir?" Lifting his head William saw one of the maids standing there, Rebecca, a concerned look on her face. "Shall I call someone?" "No," he said, shaking his head to bring himself back into reality. "Hurry, you must pack a bag for Mrs. Huddleston and I to leave tonight. Take as many people as you need to do it but hurry woman. Find Richard, tell him I need him immediately." "Sir?" "Just do it, girl!" "Yes'ir!" Scurrying away the young woman hurried into the kitchen to grab the other maid and together they packed a bag for their employer, both Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston, gossiping between themselves as to what this was all about. They finished packing and brought the bags downstairs, setting them in the study before hurrying back to the kitchen. There, surrounding the island in the center of the room, they saw everyone gathered, each one with a look of dread on their faces. "What's going on?" Rebecca asked. "Mr. Huddleston just informed me," Richard said, his face grave. "He and the Misses will be leaving for El Pano on the first train possible." "But why?" Rebecca interrupted. "I'll tell you why," the second maid replied, a grin on her face. "She's finally gonna marry that doctor they're always arguing about. That mountain man." "Stop it," the cook cried, silencing their laughter with a slice of her hand. "Richard," she said, motioning for the butler to continue. "Mr. Huddleston has just been informed that Miss Christina has been seriously injured." "How?" the maid gasped. "She was attacked by a bear." Sinking down into a chair Rebecca put a hand over her heart. "A bear!?" she whispered. "I'm sorry, Becca," Richard said, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I know how close the two of you were." Getting up from her chair Rebecca hurried to find William, running down the hall to his study. "Sir," she said when she found him. "Sir please, I have to come with you to see Christy!" Looking up to see her standing there William found that he couldn't look in her eyes and tell the woman no. "All right," he said softly. "Pack a bag, we leave as soon as Julia returns." As Becky hurried up the stairs towards the servant's room she heard the front door open and the Mrs. Voice float into the house as she returned from her shopping trip. "Mrs. Julia," Richard said as he took her bag, directing the boy who carried her boxes to set them on a table around the corner. "Mr. Huddleston is requesting you join him in the study immediately." "Of course Richard, tell William I'll be there in just a few moments." "I'm sorry ma'am," Richard said, taking her cloak from her. "The matter is too important to wait." Frowning, curious and confused, Julia headed toward the study to see William sitting at his desk, his head resting on its polished surface. Seeing the paleness of his skin she rushed to his side and fell to her knees. William!" she cried, pulling at his arm to try and see his face, scared he may have suffered another stroke. Raising his head to look at her William took his wife in his arms and held her close. We need to leave for El Pano right away," he said softly, trying to find a way to tell Julia the news she needed to hear. "Lifting her eyes to his Julia read the fear in his and the same fear gripped her heart. "What's happened?" "Neil called here today. He couldn't talk about it; the poor man was so choked up. But one of Christy's friends told me what had happened. Do you remember Christy taking about the little boy that had been brought to the mission?" Julia nodded slowly. "He was missing and when they went off in search of him Christy found him near a fall they like to play at. There was a bear that Teddy had disturbed and when it tried to attack Teddy Christy put herself between the boy and the bear." Julia felt herself swaying on her knees and she reached out to grab William's arms. "No," she cried, tears stinging at her eyes. "Is she&?" "No!" he said quickly, trying to dispel as much of the fear from her eyes that he could. "She's still alive but Neil felt we should come out. Christy hasn't woken up yet, darling." Burying her head in his chest Julia let her tears fall, knowing she couldn't do so one they reached El Pano. Letting her cry on his chest William saw Richard in the doorway, motioning to him that they were all set to go. Waiting a little while longer he gently pushed on her arms so he could see her face. "It's time to go," he said. "Let's go be with our daughter." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Eleven It took a moment for her to realize she was lying on her stomach. She felt as though a horse as sitting on her back, the pressure was making it difficult to breathe. Moaning under the pressure she heard the scraping of a chair over a wooden floor and seconds after she had moaned she felt a warm hand on her forehead. "Don't move too much Lass," he said. "You don't want to disturb the stitches." "Neil?" Christy whispered hoarsely, her throat parched. "I'm right here." Opening her eyes Christy saw a pair of worried blue eyes staring back at her. He was down on his knees next to the bed, she could smell the scent of his pipe, the mixture of the alcohol and lye that pricked at her nose. Blinking she tried to keep her eyes open but they felt as though they had been weighted by steel. "Tired." she whispered. "Go back to sleep, Christy," he whispered. As she closed her eyes and drifted off Christy could feel a soft hand brushing her hair back and from somewhere far, far away she heard a man whisper "Thank you God." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Bringing Neil a plate of stew that she had cooked up for dinner, though she doubted he was going to eat it anyway, Alice opened the door and was shocked to see Neil on his knees by the side of the bed. When she heard his word of thanks she nearly dropped the plate she held in her hand. "Neil?" "She woke up, Alice!" he smiled, turning to look at her. "It was only for a few moments but she woke up and spoke." A large smile broke out on Alice's face and she leaned back against the doorway, sending up a prayer of thanks to the One who had been watching out for His daughter. For almost two weeks now they had been waiting, praying that she would wake up. It had been an anxious time for the small group of people now living at the mission, each one wondering if the young teacher was ever going to open her eyes again. At first there had only been a quartet of people waiting inside the mission walls, but after the arrival of William, Julia, and Rebecca their number had jumped up to seven. Setting the plate down on the nearest table Alice hurried downstairs to find the others. The first person she ran into was RubyMae. After telling her the good news the red haired girl scurried off to tell the cove, a bright smile lighting her way through the early evening dusk. Heading towards the kitchen Alice came upon two more people and told them as well. "Christy has woken up," she announced to Rebecca and David as they worked together to finish cleaning the small kitchen. "She has fallen back to sleep but she was awake for a moment and she spoke as well." "That's wonderful!" David beamed, a shadow lifting from his face as he smiled at Alice's good news. Leaving again to find the Huddleston's Alice left the kitchen, unaware of the stillness of the young woman she'd only just met. Turning to look at her David realized she hadn't spoken or even moved since Alice had told them the great news of Christy's awakening. Moving a little closer he peered around her shoulder and saw that there were tears running down her face, her eyes closed, as she leaned against the wash barrel. "Rebecca?" he said softly. "It's okay now, Christy's awake. She's going to be all right, you'll see." The young woman nodded. "I know that," she whispered at last. "I knew God wouldn't let me down." "How so?" David asked, wondering where she had come up with an idea like that. Wiping away the tears from her face Rebecca turned and offered David a wobbly smile. "When Christy first left Asheville to come here we promised each other that we would always keep each other in our prayers. The day she stepped on the train I prayed that God would keep her safe. Christy is the closest thing I've ever had to a sister and every time I would get a letter about something bad that had happened in the cove I knew God had answered my prayer all over again because she was still safe." A soft smile formed on David's face as he reached out to gently touch her shoulder. "He always watches over the sheep in his flock." Nodding Rebecca took a deep breath and turned back to the wash barrel to finish the dishes. As she did so though from the corner of her eye she caught sight of a woman hurrying through the other room and knew that Alice had found Julia. Getting up the stairs as fast as she could Julia opened the door to Christy room and saw Neil on his knees, head lowered on the bed, silent. "Doctor?" she said, taking a few more steps into the room. Jerking his head up Neil saw the older woman standing there and he tried to smile. "She's sleeping now but I believe she's going to be all right." Swaying with sheer relief for just a moment Julia moved to the other side of the bed and sat down next to her daughter. Ignoring the bandages that covered her back she focused on the sleeping face of her only little girl. "Thank you," she said after several moments. Lifting her head she looked at Neil. "Thank you for saving my daughters life." Looking back at her Neil didn't know what to say. This was a side of Julia he'd never seen before. Even when William had been under his care she had kept a politeness between them, her eyes and her very stance were reserved. But now, now it was different. He could read the pain, the sadness, the joy that filled her and Neil knew that whatever barriers had stood between them were now gone. Nodding he got to his feet and left the room so that Julia could be with her daughter. Neil himself had a pressing need to be with his own little boy. Down the stairs and out onto the porch he found William approaching, Teddy in his arms. Taking the little boy from him Neil moved out to the veranda while William went inside to see his daughter. Sitting down on the stairs to the small enclosure he wrapped his arms around Teddy. "I've missed you little guy," he said softly when he had relaxed his hold a bit. Setting the boy down onto his lap Neil looked down to see a solemn look on his face. "Teddy? What's wrong?" "Mama," he said. "Mama?" "G'na see Mama?" he asked, a hopeful lilt to his voice that was reflected in his eyes. Neil's heart leapt at his words. He considered Christy his mother. "Not yet," he said at last. "She's sleeping." "Sleep?" Neil nodded. "Wake up, Mama!" "No, no. She needs to sleep." "Sleep?" "Yes," Neil said carefully. "Mama needs to sleep." "Mama sleep," Teddy repeated. "Papa play?" Despite himself Neil smiled. "All right," he replied. "I'll play." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The pair was sound asleep on the couch in the main room of the mission. One was stretched out, his legs nearly reaching the fire, head tilted to one side and sure to be stiff when he woke. The other as curled up in his lap, thumb stuck in his mouth, blanket clutched in his small hands. As he slept his face began to scrunch up as though he was afraid. Seconds later a sad wail erupted from his mouth, waking the man who had been his pillow. "Teddy, wake up," Neil soothed, trying to bring the little boy out of his nightmare. When he cracked his eyes open, tears already forming in them, Neil smiled down at him. "It's okay, wee one, I'm right here." Climbing up to wrap his arms around Neil's neck Teddy clung to him tightly. "Mama," he cried. "Te'y want Mama." Sighing Neil decided that maybe it was time to let Teddy see Christy, just for a moment or two. Getting to his feet he climbed the stairs quietly. Stopping outside Christy door Neil hushed Teddy's tears. "We can go see her for a moment Teddy but you need to be quiet okay?" Teddy nodded and Neil opened the door. Crossing the room they sat down in the chair next to Christy's bed and both of them could see her clearly in the moonlight filtering in through the window. "Mama sleeping," Teddy whispered as quietly as a child can. Stirring in the bed Christy opened her eyes to see them both there and a small weak smile tugged at her lips. "Teddy," she whispered. Slowly, painfully, she moved her one hand up to touch his leg. Excited that she was awake Teddy bounced up and down, the movement causing Christy's arm to move as well. Wincing from the pain of the sudden movement she closed her eyes and fought to keep from moaning in pain. Recognizing the situation at once Neil moved Teddy out of the way and helped her to put her arm back in a more comfortable position. "Go back to sleep, Christy." "No," she whispered. "Teddy. okay?" "He's fine, there's not a scratch on him. Lass you need to rest. Go back to sleep." Her body not giving her a choice Christy closed her eyes and was asleep in a matter of seconds. Taking a moment to brush an imaginary lock of hair off her face Neil gathered Teddy in his arms and left her to sleep undisturbed. No one had noticed the man standing on the porch outside her room. Stepping into the room William stared at the door for a moment before turning his eyes back to his little girl, Teddy's word's ringing in his ears. 'Mama.' *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Twelve Waking up slowly Christy lay in the bed and stared out the window on the wall before her. She could see the brightly-lit sun shining in through the window and she wondered what time it was. Questions rang in her head and she tried to put them into some semblance of an order. She remembered everything. Margaret, Neil, Teddy, the bear. her memory was fine up until the moment the bear attacked. What had happened then? How had she ended up lying face down in her bed at the mission? How long had she been here? Obviously it had been long enough for her parents to arrive but even so& how long had they been here? She felt so confused. With slow purposeful movements she moved what she could, testing the range of motion she had, seeing what hurt and what didn't. Though it hurt too much to try to stand Christy found that she could roll onto her side with only a small amount of pain. Letting her body settle into its new position Christy took a deep breath and examined the changes in her room. The table next to her bed was loaded down with rolled bandages and bottles of alcohol. There were a few other bottles she didn't recognize but she was sure Neil knew what was in them. Lying there looking at the walls in her room Christy heard the door open and tried to crane her head to see who was entering the room. Not seeing anyone she furrowed her brow in a curiosity that was satisfied when she saw Teddy at the foot of the bed. Reaching out her hand she let him climb into the bed with her. "I've missed you," she told him as he spooned up against her, blanket clutched in his hands and thumb stuck in his mouth. Removing his thumb Teddy rolled over and patted Christy's cheek gently. "Mama hurt?" "Mama?" "That's what you are to him," said a soft voice from the doorway. Looking up Christy saw Neil approaching them. "You little bugger, I thought I told you to leave her alone." Closing his eyes Teddy rolled over to face Christy and buried his head in her chest to escape from Neil. Smiling Christy slowly reached up to stroke his back. "Well I'm glad he didn't listen." Shaking his head Neil couldn't help but smile. "How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, pressing a warm hand to her face to check for fever. "All right, I guess." "I'm surprised to see you on your side." "I don't really like lying on my stomach." "Well hold still, I need to make sure you haven't pulled any stitches." Watching Neil stand and move to the other side of the bed Christy suddenly realized how exposed she was under the blanket that covered her. She could feel a petticoat around her waist but above that there was nothing. Mortified Christy could feel her skin turning scarlet at the thought of Neil seeing her practically naked. "Neil don't." Seeing her blushing furiously Neil couldn't help but smile. "Christy it's okay, I promise. I just need to make sure you didn't pull any stitches, it will be over in a few seconds, you'll see." "But Neil." "Lass, listen to me." Sitting on the edge of the bed he waited for her to turn her eyes to see him. "Right now I am a doctor and you are a patient. There is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about." "In my mind I know that, Neil," she replied after a moment. "It doesn't change the way I feel." "And that," he said, gently brushing her cheek with his fingers. "Is one of the many reasons I love you." Eyes widening Christy was too stunned to realize that Neil had already begun his examination of her back. Watching him work, the pull of his brow, the set of his jaw, Christy kept hearing his words repeating in her mind. 'I love you.' Finishing his exam, satisfied that her stitches were fine, Neil looked down to see Christy still staring at him. He could read the surprise in her eyes and a small grin tugged at his lips. His first instinct was to say something, to tease her or make her smile to lessen the impact of what he had said a moment ago. But he didn't. Ignoring the strain it put on her back Christy moved her hand away from Teddy and reached behind her, taking Neil's large hand in her own small one. "I love you too, Neil." Suddenly he remembered how to breathe. Filling his lungs with much needed air Neil couldn't stop the smile from filling his face, pulling at his lips and sparkling in his eyes. She loved him back. After so many sleepless nights of wondering if she was going to marry the preacher after all he finally knew the truth. She loved him! Tired of lying still and listening to them talking Teddy quickly climbed to his feet and pounced on Christy, his pudgy little arms knocking her onto her back. Pain seared up and down her back as she felt it hit the bed, soft as it was, unable to stop the impact. Crying out from the pain she closed her eyes against the tears of pain that were forming. "Teddy, no!" Neil cried, grabbing thew little boy and lifting him away from Christy before he could do any more damage. Setting him on the floor next to the bed, ignoring the tears forming in his eyes, Neil turned his full attention to Christy. "Lass?" "It hurts," she whimpered, her face scrunched with pain. "I need to roll you over to see your back," Neil explained. Grasping her gently, one hand on her shoulders and the other on her hip, Neil rolled Christy onto her stomach and moved the blanket so her could see her back more clearly. Frowning he saw that several of the stitches had been pulled and she was bleeding again. "Lass, several of the stitches have been pulled out, I'm going to need to re-sew them. Lie still, I'll get Alice and we'll take care of it right away." "Okay," she whispered, focused on trying to deal with the burning pain that she felt on her back, at though someone had taken a hot knife and laid in on her skin. She felt the bed shift as Neil stood, heard his boots crossing the floor. Opening her eyes for a moment she saw Teddy standing there, tears staining his cheeks as he clutched his blanket. "Oh, honey, come here," she said, trying to reach him with as little movement as possible. Teddy inched closer but he refused to let her touch him. "TeddyBear don't cry," she soothed, pushing the pain to the back of her mind. "I'm going to be just fine, you'll see. You're Daddy's going to fix me all up so I'm good as new." "Papa fix Mama?" In too much pain to correct him Christy simply smiled at him. "Yes Teddy, Papa fix Mama." Somewhat soothed he inched closer and rested his head on the bed next to Christy but refused to climb back into the bed with her. Lying there in silence Christy was trying so hard to keep from crying out in pain that she didn't realize Neil had returned until he moved Teddy over to wait with Rebecca, the young one too young to witness a surgery. Sitting down in the chair next to the bed he looked down at her face and Neil could see the strain in the paleness of her skin, the sheen of perspiration on her forehead. Frowning he realized she was in more pain than she was letting on. "Lass I'm going to give you some ether, it will put you to sleep so you don't feel anymore pain, all right?" "Okay." Her voice was so small he barely heard it at all. Moving quickly Neil sterilized his equipment in a pot of boiling water Rebecca had brought up with her and, placing a cloth over Christy's nose and mouth, waited for her to fall into a drug induced sleep. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Thirteen ".And then you had to be the brave one and go pull off her wig!" Lying on her side again Christy struggled to keep from laughing at Rebecca's story from their childhood days. "Please, Becca, please! Don't make me laugh too hard!" Gasping for breath herself she could only nod until they had both calmed down enough to continue talking. "You were such a wild one," she smiled, finally calm enough to resume her stitchwork. "You held your own against me too you know," Christy reminded her. "Or did you forget which one of us it was that switched the sugar for the salt when Mother had her tea party that summer?" Grinning Rebecca ducked her head and focused on her stitchwork. Taking the moment to study her friend Christy noticed that there was something different about her. Her hair was the same style she usually wore, her clothes as well. But she still got the feeling that there was something different. "So what have you been up to while I've been stuck in this bed?" she smiled. "Exploring mostly," Rebecca answered. "There's not nearly as much work to do here as there is in Asheville. Yes it's harder work than just cleaning up after your mother and father but for some reason it doesn't seem as arduous." "I know what you mean." "Christy when I would get your letter's and sketches of this place I knew it was beautiful, but to actually come here and see it." Becca shook her head. "I don't know how to describe it." "I'm glad you like it here." "Oh I do! David was showing me the place you called God's Fist. It's so beautiful up there. Thankfully we rode up on Prince, what a hike that must be. He also showed me this little place called&" Listening to Becca talk about her time with David Christy began to realize what the change in her old friend actually was. She'd fallen in love& with David! A smile began to creep over Christy's face until she knew she was grinning like a fool. Seeing the smile Rebecca stopped her story to ask about it. When Christy refused to say anything she pressed her about it but her old friend still refused to talk. Before she could demand an explanation the door opened and Alice entered. Leaving the two of them to their conversation she slipped out the door and headed down the stairs. "Miss Alice," Christy smiled. "How was your trip to Low Gap?" "It went well, though I must confess I was worried about thee while I was gone." "You've no reason to fear," Christy reassured her. "I have more people watching over me than a bird does feathers! No one will let me move an inch." Alice smiled, relieved that Christy seemed okay. "I was not worried about thy physical health," she said softly. "I was afraid for thy emotional health." Christy frowned. "Thee was attacked by a bear, has thee had nightmares?" "Yes," Christy admitted. "But not like I expected. I keep dreaming that I didn't get there in time and I had to watch," her throat constricted and Christy paused for a moment, the emotional pain so rough it felt physical. "I had to watch Teddy get attacked." Tears dripped from her eyes as she remembered those awful dreams. She'd woken the sleeping mission a few times with her screams but she could never tell them what she had witnessed, the pain too much to talk about. Neil had sat with her once, her mother another time, but usually it was her father that had sat by her side, calming her down until she had fallen back to sleep. "I'll be okay eventually, Miss Alice," Christy assured her. "I suppose it will just take time." Watching Christy for a moment Alice was silent. She couldn't help but wonder why she was taking the attack so well, why she wasn't scared. Alice was tempted to ask but she didn't want to force the issue with the young teacher. Taking some time to visit, catching up on their time apart Alice knew she had chores to get to and left some time later. As she was leaving Teddy slipped into the room and stood at the edge of the bed for a moment, watching Christy carefully before climbing into the bed with her. "Well hello Teddy," Christy smiled at him. "Did you have lunch already?" "Yes." "And what have you been up to all day?" Sitting on the bed with her Teddy told hr about his day, the trip to the barn he had taken with David to see all the animals, helping Rebecca make lunch and then getting to eat it too. He told her about going for a ride on Goldie with Miss Alice to go and see the Spencer's about some honey. Teddy also told her about going outside to play on his own while his Papa had gone to the school to help teach. Babbling on about his many adventures today Teddy was oblivious to the sudden change in Christy's face. As he was finishing his story the door opened and Neil came in with a bowl of soup for Christy. Setting it on the table he sat down next to the bed and smiled down at the both of them. His smile slipped though when he saw the look on Christy's face. Furrowing his brow he lifted Teddy from the bed and set him on his feet. "Why don't you go and see if David is going out to the barn again, Teddy?" he said, patting his bottom with a gentle pat in the direction of the door. Waiting until the child had left the room Neil turned to face Christy, to ask what was wrong, but he never got the chance. "You let him play outside? Alone!" she accused, her eyes wide and furious. "How could you do that, Neil?" "Christy, calm down!" Neil said, holding out his hands against her accusations. "Lass he was fine, I could see him from the window of the school the entire time." "No!" she cried. "It takes two seconds for a child to get into trouble and even less for them to get hurt. He could have been dead before you even got to his side, Neil! A snake or some wild animal could have killed him and you never would have." "Lass stop it!" Neil cried, grabbing her shoulders as he fell to his knees by her side. Fighting the urge to shake her he stared into her wild eyes. "Just stop it!" Falling silent Christy stared at Neil and she could see her own fear mirrored in his eyes. Tears began to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry Neil." Taking her into his arms, careful of her back, Neil held her while she cried. "I would never let anything happen to Teddy, Christy," he promised her. "I know," she said softly. "It's just." "What, Lass?" he asked when she didn't continue. "My nightmares," she explained. "I keep having these awful nightmares that I can't get to him! I can't get there in time and I have to watch him get attacked. Oh Neil! I keep seeing it! That big bear towering over his tiny little body. Those claws&!" A sob tore at Christy's voice and she tightened her hold on his arms, trying to forget the nightmares that had been plaguing her since she had woken up. "They won't stop," she cried. "I know," Neil said after she had calmed down a bit, his hand gently stroking her hair. "I've been having some nightmares of my own, Lass." Looking up at him Christy could see the fear that was still haunting him. "Tell me." "It's not important right now." "Yes it is, Neil. Please, please don't keep them to yourself. I want to help you." Sighing Neil described what he sees every time he closes his eyes. "I see you, lying on the ground, the bear ripping your back to shreds. Only this time there's no one else around. No one to shoot the bear, no one to run and get help. I can't move, my feet are buried in a rock and there's no way to get out of it no matter how hard I try. All I can do is watch as you lie there on the ground bleeding to death." Her own nightmare forgotten for the moment Christy held Neil tightly, her heart swelling when she thought of how much he loved her, and she him. "It's okay now, Neil," she soothed. "You did save my life, I didn't die. I'm still here." "I know that, Christy, just like you know that Teddy is fine. It just takes time to get over the nightmares. Eventually they'll stop, we both just need to give it time." Agreeing they sat together on the bed for a little while, Neil telling her about the goings on in the cove while Christy ate her lunch. Leaning against him Christy stared out the window, picturing the people and places he was talking about. As she listened Christy grew restless, listening wasn't enough anymore. "No." "What?" she asked looking up at him. "You're not getting out of this bed." "I didn't say anything." "You didn't have to. I could see it in your eyes." "Neil." "No." "But." "No." "Neil! I've been lying in this bed for almost a month now. Please let me out before I go absolutely crazy. I promise I won't try to do anything. I just need to get out of this bed." Relenting Neil agreed to let her sit in the main room by the fire so long as she promised not to move from that spot. Giving her solemn promise Christy smiled as Neil brought her a shawl to wrap around her shoulders. She was thankful they had let her wear one of her nightdresses this past week, her back healed enough to be grazed by the soft cloth. With Neil supporting her every step Christy made it down to the main room of the mission and sat down on the small rocking chair Neil had cushioned for her. Leaning back slowly Christy felt the pressure on her back and was grateful for the cushioning. In her many hours in the bed Christy had discovered that she could lie on her back so long as she made sure not to move. There were even times when the pressure from lying on her back helped with the pain. "Christy!" Julia exclaimed as she entered the room. "Why are you out of bed?" "We thought it might be good for her to have a slight change of scenery. After all she has been in that bed for nearly a month," Neil advised. Glancing up at him Christy shook her head. "I wanted to come and join the rest of the world for a little while mother." "Oh dear, I wish I had known. I promised Reverend Grantland that I would go with him and Rebecca to see the O'Teales." "Don't worry about it mother," Christy smiled. "I'll be fine here." "Of course she will," William smiled as he entered the room behind his wife. "I'll be keeping my daughter company while she's up and about." "Up," Neil corrected. "But not about." "I gave you my word didn't I?" "Just making sure. I need to go back to my cabin for a few things. I think its high time I went home for a bit." Surprised Christy looked over at him. "You haven't been home in all this time?" Squatting next to her Neil smiled as he took her hand in his. "Did you really think I was going to leave your side, Lass?" Kissing her hand softly Neil winked and stood, leaving the room with Julia while William sat down on the chair next to Christy's. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Fourteen Sitting with her father in the main room of the mission house Christy sighed with sheer joy at being out of the bed. It felt nice to sit up for a change. "Glad to be out of bed, eh Girlie?" "Oh yes," she smiled. "I feel as though I haven't had much time at all to spend with you. Between helping out at the school and watching you sleep we haven't really talked much at all." "I know, Daddy. I wanted to say thank you, for everything. You've been such a help these last few weeks. I know you didn't come here to teach the children but I truly appreciate it. I'd have hated to have had to cancel the school, the children love coming so much." "So I see. I've never seen such a group of students so eager to learn. So very different from you when you were younger." Christy laughed. "I hated going to school when there were always so much more interesting things to do." "And to think, now you teach." Smiling she shrugged her shoulders lightly. "What can I say, I guess I grew up." "That you did, sweetheart, that you did." Looking over at her father Christy could see that he was preoccupied by something. One hand was draped across his stomach while the other was absently stroking his beard. "Daddy? Is something bothering you?" "Not bothering me, no," he replied cryptically. "I was just thinking about how much you've changed since you came to live here in Cutter Gap." "What do you mean?" "You've really grown up, darling. I think back to they person you were before, so innocent, eyes wide open and ready to see the world. You knew what you wanted but you were content to take what you were given back then." "There was this one time when you were eyeing a doll in the window, I think you were about ten years old, maybe eleven. You wanted that doll so much but when your mother went to buy it they were sold out. She bought you one that was similar but still very different. When you unwrapped that doll I could see the disappointment in your eyes but you smiled and kissed your mother's cheek, thanking her for the doll, telling her that it was just what you wanted." "Then there was the time, a few years later, when you had your heart set on getting a book from the bookstore that was across town. You were all set to go, you had your coat and hat on, boots laced up tightly and money in your pocket. Then you mother asked you to stay home with your brother since he was sick and she had an appointment to get to. You'd been waiting so long for this book but all you did was unbutton your coat and put it back in the closet." "Daddy, I was just being nice that's all." "True, but what about the time you got into that argument with your teacher about the grade she had given you on a paper you had spent all week on. You knew the paper deserved a better grade, so did I, but you refused to argue the point any longer with her." "I'd forgotten all about that." "Back then you never used too put up much of a fight for something you wanted but now. I've seen a big difference in you honey." William smiled at his daughter. "Especially when you deal with the children. You have so much love to give. The children are always telling me about all the things you've done for them. Finding ways to get the supplies they need, the books, the shoes, the work you've done is amazing." Smiling, a small blush creeping up her cheeks, Christy reached out for her father's hand. "Thank you Daddy." "No, Girlie," he smiled softly. "Thank you for making me such a proud father." Watching her father for a moment Christy spoke up. "Was that all that was bothering you?" William laughed. "You would have made a good lawyer, Girlie. You always seem to know when I'm not telling all of the truth." Shifting in his seat William looked over to Christy and examined his daughter briefly. Her skin was pale, she'd lost quite a bit of weight, and her body sat in the chair as stiffly as a board. Yet even through all of that he could see something that was sparkling in her eyes, the same thing he'd seen in Julia's many times before. "Tell me about Teddy." "What do you want to know?" "Anything." Confused Christy tilted her head to the one side and began with the first thing that popped into her head. "He carries my old blanket with him when he's tired. I wasn't sure if he was going to like it or not but he really does. And he sucks his thumb just like George, with his one finger hooked over his nose. You remember how George used to do that?" William nodded, smiling at the memory of his son's childhood habit. "The first time I met him was here at the mission. Neil and I had just come back from Lover's Falls and there was a man standing on the porch. Neil started talking to him but all I could do was stare at this little boy that was sitting on the porch next to him. He had the biggest brown eyes I'd ever seen. I lost my heart to him right then and there." Suddenly Christy laughed, her mind caught up in her memory's. "There was one time, I guess it was about a week before the attack, when I realized Teddy needed a haircut. His hair was so thick and wild it was becoming unmanageable. So Neil and I sat him down on the table after giving him a bath and Neil held him while I cut his hair. You'd have thought I was trying to cut of his arms! Teddy started screaming and crying, he was trying so hard to get away. It was a goof thing Neil was holding him or he probably would have gotten away!" Laughing at the thought William chuckled along with her. "Of course there was also the time when he decided he was going to help me make dinner here at the mission. Neil had to go to El Pano, Mrs. Conly had fallen and broken her leg, so Teddy came to the mission to stay with Miss Alice and I. We were making dinner and he wanted to help so I told him to wash the dirt off the potatoes so I could cut them up. When I looked down a few minutes later his shirt was absolutely soaked and the filthiest thing I'd ever seen. I watched him for a minute and he was dunking the potatoes in the bucket of water before wiping them dry on his shirt!" Laughing together William waited until they had both calmed down a little to ask Christy one more question. "How long has he been calling you Mama?" Sobering Christy tried to think back to when it had begun. "I'm not sure really. The first time I'd heard it was when I woke up after the attack. Neil told me that is had started while I was unconscious." Thinking for a moment Christy looked at her father. "I know that Teddy isn't my son but I love him. I'm not sure if it's right for him to call me his mother but every time he does it I get this feeling in my chest. It's as though& it feels like my heart is just going to explode." "You love them." Christy smiled at his choice of words. "Yes, Daddy. I love them both." "Does Neil love you?" "Yes." "Then why hasn't he begun to court you?" Looking down at her hands as they were clasped in her lap Christy's face lost all of its joy. "Because of Margaret." "His dead wife? What's she got to do with it?" "Oh dear," Christ sighed, unsure of how to tell her father what had happened. "Daddy, Margaret isn't dead." "Excuse me?" Choosing her words carefully Christy explained the many events that had transpired since she had come to the cove. She told him of Margaret's supposed death, her first appearance back to the cove and the second time as well. And she told him about her latest visit. "Neil says he wants nothing to do with her and I know he doesn't. But they are still legally married and that means that we can not go any farther right now." "So you're going to wait for her to die?" Christy winced at his bluntness. "Would you rather I didn't?" she asked with equal candor. "Sweetheart you're too young to pine away for a man who is not in the position to marry right now." "I'm not pining Daddy. I'm waiting." "There's no difference." "Yes there is, there's a big one. Neil loves me as much as I love him. I don't want anyone else. No matter how long it takes Daddy I'm going to wait." "Christy." "Can you imagine ever loving someone other than mother?" William was silent as he considered her question. "No." "Then you know exactly how I feel about Neil. 'Love never fails' Daddy." Sitting in his seat, staring at the fire, William thought over everything Christy had told him. He knew his daughter well enough to know when her mind was made up about something but it still bothered him that she was going to wait. Who knew how long it would be until this woman died, as morbid a thought as it was. But if she truly loved him&? "Are you sure, Girlie?" "I'm sure, Daddy." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Fifteen Climbing the stairs to his cabin Neil opened the door and stopped dead in his tracks, staring at the scene before him. The inside of his cabin looked as though a windstorm had come through, tearing the place apart. Down on his knees he was picking up a shirt from under the table when he saw a familiar looking bag sitting under the table. Picking it up her realized it was Christy's bag. As he was getting to his feet the flap fell open and a large pad fell out. Recognizing it as her sketchpad Neil opened the cover and smiled at the sight of Teddy's grinning face. As he flipped through the sketches Neil recognized many different places and people but there were two that caught his attention. The first was one of Teddy and himself; the both of them sound asleep on the couch at the mission. Teddy was snuggled in close to his side, blanket in hand and thumb in mouth. Neil had his head propped on one of his hands, eyes closed, sound asleep. He remembered that night, he'd just gotten back from El Pano after working through the night and he'd been exhausted. The second picture was just of him. Sitting at the desk in his lab Neil was studying a medical journal, one hand turning the page, the other twisting a strand on hair between his fingers. She'd captured the background perfectly; he could pick out everything in his lab that was there. Christy had even managed to catch the details of the book, the diagram of a heart that he had been studying on the page. Thinking back to when he had been reading that book Neil wondered when she had shown up. He didn't remember seeing her at all that day. Curious Neil stared at the picture as he walked into his lab. Setting the sketchpad up on a shelf he knew it was something he had to keep. He'd buy her another one next time he was in El Pano. Looking around his lab Neil could see that there was a medicine bottle missing and he realized Margaret must have taken it. Sitting down on his chair for a moment he thought about the choices that were staring him in the face. He had to do something. Making up his mind Neil looked through his records until he found the piece of paper he was looking for. He had a call to make. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* She was lying on her side, almost asleep, when she heard the door open, the swishing of a skirt as someone entered the room. "Christy?" she heard whispered. "Are you asleep?" Before she could answer she heard another voice calling out. "Becky?" "David, what are you doing here?" "I wanted to see if you'd talked to her yet." "No, not yet, she's asleep and I don't want to wake her." "Oh," he whispered back. "Maybe later then." "I guess so." "You don't want to?" "No! I mean yes, of course I want to. It's just& I feel rather strange about it that's all. What if she still "She doesn't, trust me on that one. Christy is in love with the Doctor." "Are you sure?" "Aren't you? You've seen them together, it's very obvious how much they are in love." There was a slight pause. "Just like us." "Just like us," Rebecca repeated. "We should leave, she needs to sleep." Knowing she shouldn't be listening in, but unable to stop, Christy heard their conversation and a small smile grew on her face. David and Rebecca? There couldn't have been a better match. Christy thought back over the years she and Rebecca had spent together growing up. It had always been her dream to marry and have a family but she'd never found anyone who she could fall in love with. Until now. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sitting on the edge of the bed Christy slipped her arms into the shirt Alice was holding up for her and waited while Alice shifted it over her head to fall down into place. It was a shirt that the Fairlight had made for her, a simple design that was meant to be loose so it wouldn't touch her back. The quilting circle had come together to make it for her and their gift touched Christy's heart deeply. "I'll be glad when I can dress myself again," she sighed. "Thee will be able too soon," Alice told her. "Thy back is healing very well. So long as thee does thy stretched Neil has told thee to do thee should be well again in no time." "I know," she said. "I'm doing them it just feels like they're not doing anything." "But they are, darling," Julia said as she knelt to slip Christy's shoes onto her feet. "We all heard the Doctor's explanation of what the stretching does for you. It slowly works your muscles so that your back won't hurt and will get back to the way it is supposed to be." "Well I still feel helpless. But at least I get to go to the school today." "Well there is a sentence I never thought I'd live to hear," Julia teased, glad that Christy's spirits were beginning to lift. "My daughter actually wanting to go to school." Grinning at her mother Christy stood up from the bed and carefully straightened her back. There had been some remarkable improvements in the last week or two, which she was all too well aware of. It no longer hurt to stand up or sit down and she could walk freely. As small as it was progress was still progress. As she entered the school she saw that all the children were listening with rapt attention to the man standing at the front of the classroom. Sitting down in a chair by the doorway Christy listened in on his lesson. " so when you take the red juice from the berry and mix it with the blue juice from the other berry what color will you get?" Hands raised in the air several of the children were clamoring to give the answer. Raising her own hand Christy met Neil's gaze and smiled. Pointing to her he called out, "You, there in the back." "You'd get a beautiful shade of purple." The children turned to look and an excited air filled the schoolroom when they saw her sitting in the back of the school. Some of the children tried to get out of their chairs but a shrill whistle from Neil kept them in their seats. Standing Christy moved to the front of the classroom and turned around to face her class. She could see the smiles and grins of all her children waiting for her to speak, happy beyond words that she had finally come back to the school. "Good morning children," she smiled at them. "Good morning, Teacher!" "What have you been up to all morning?" "We've been learning about the colors and how we can make them from things in nature," Neil answered for her. "Then Doc Neil said he was goin' ta let us paint on some o'that fancy paper he bought in El Pano!" Burl announced, excited about the painting that was too come. "So why don't we begin. You all know how to make your colors. Everyone come on up here and get what you need and you can take them back to your desks to pound the berries for their juice." The children swarmed to the front of the school, some reaching for the berries and leaves, others reaching for their teacher. Greeting all of them one by one Christy breathed a sigh of relief when they had all gone back to their desks, some of them had hugged her a little too hard. "Lass?" Neil said softly, touching her sleeve with concern. "I'm fine. Some of them hugged me a little too hard," she whispered to him as they moved toward the desk. Pulling out a chair for her to sit in Neil pulled another one close and sat down next to her. "Are you okay?" Christy nodded. "I'll be fine. I don't want them to know about it so please don't do anything. I just need a minute for it to stop hurting." "All right but I want to examine you later." "Okay." Watching them work for a moment Christy had to smile. There had been many changes made to her school. New pictures and projects hung from the walls, there was evidence of the older students lessons on the chalkboard, written in writing Christy recognized as her father's. The younger students had been busy copying letters onto paper; those papers scattered all over the desk. "It looks like they've really been keeping busy," Christy said softly, not wanting to disturb the concentration in the classroom. "Aye," Neil grinned. "Between your father, Grantland, and myself they've been getting a rather diverse education, though I'm afraid it might not be quite according to your schedule." "Any schooling is better than none." "Spoken like a true teacher." Watching the children for a few moments Christy was surprised when she felt Neil slip his hand into hers, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. Glancing up at him he saw that his eyes were keenly watching the children work, it was as though he was unaware of what his hand was doing. Despite being in the school Christy found that she was so focused on the feeling of her hand swallowed by his that she forgot the rest of the schoolroom seemed to disappear. But the world came back with a vengeance, as one thought intruded on her bliss. "Neil," she whispered. "Where's Margaret?" For a split second his hand stilled but resumed just as quickly. Looking down at her Neil studied the sweet face turned up to look at him. "I don't know," he whispered back, neither one of them wanting the children to hear their discussion. "When I finally got back to the cabin she was gone." "But where did she go?" "I don't know." "What are we going to do?" Neil sighed. "I don't know." Though it broke her heart Christy slowly removed her hand from Neils. "Neil, I can't& not like this." "All right," he whispered. He could feel an ache in his chest at the sight of her withdrawing from him but Neil knew better than to try and press the situation. "Teddy is probably bother Rebecca," he said, offering her a way out of the situation that was making her uncomfortable. "I'm so sorry, Neil, it's just Neil gently touched her hand to stop her. "You don't need to explain, Christy. I already understand." "But it's not fair to you." "It's not fair to either of us, Christy." Watching her leave Neil found himself cursing the woman whom was plaguing his life even in her absence. Crossing the mission yard Christy was about to climb the stairs when she saw that Teddy was contentedly playing with her father near the footbridge. Leaving them alone she headed out to the woods, her heart heavy in her chest and her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Not seeing where she was going, only walking, Christy was to see herself suddenly standing at the foot of the stairs to Neil's cabin. Not knowing why, well aware she should turn around and head back to the mission, Christy climbed the stairs and entered the cabin. All around her she could see the cabin she had come to know very well. She knew every nook from having to chase Teddy around the room to get him to take a bath. The smell of tobacco smoke and lye was as familiar to her as the rose powder and cigar smoke from her childhood days. Sitting down in the chair by the fire she smiled when she saw that Neil had left it cold, knowing he wasn't going to be spending much time here while she still needed him. Leaning back in the large chair she stared at the door of the lab, her mind dwelling on the man who worked within it's confines, never realizing the tears that were coursing down her cheeks were there. Not realizing how tired she was from the emotional and physical turmoil she was trying to deal with Christy's eyes slowly fell shut, the young teacher falling fast asleep. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Sixteen Standing in the doorway to the cabin she stared at the sleeping woman with a scowl. She had ruined the life that belonged to her. With her perky attitude and smiling eyes she had taken the cove by storm, sweeping both her husband and her mother along with her. Scowling, Margaret knew she was going to get even with the young teacher no matter how many people she had to hurt to do so. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Neil could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He felt all the same fear and desperation as he had felt that awful day over a month ago. For nearly three hours now they had been searching the cove, trying to find her. No one had seen Christy since she had left the school. She hadn't returned to the mission, she hadn't been seen by anyone. Julia was nearly hysterical with worry for her daughter and William had to practically be restrained form leaving the mission to look for her. With the two Huddleston parents guarding Teddy at the mission the rest of them, Alice, David, Rebecca, and RubyMae, went off to search the cove, gathering help as they went. Neil had been racing through the woods trying to check the different places he knew she liked to go when he wondered if she would have been crazy enough to go to Lovers Falls. Turning Charlie towards the small valley he pulled up to it's edge and dismounted from his old friend's back. Walking towards the edge he suddenly stopped, his feet unable to move another inch. He was terrified. His nightmare of seeing her there again, seeing the blood that was soaking the ground, was playing out in his mind. Though his heart was racing in his chest it beat ice through his veins at the thought of what he would see on the floor of the valley. Closing his eyes for a moment he took a deep breath and pushed his fears to the side, forcing his feet to move. Opening his eyes Neil lowered his gaze to the floor of the falls and he swayed with sheer relief. She wasn't there. His relief was short lived when he realized that he still didn't know where she was. As he was stalking back to Charlie a thought came to Neil and he wondered if it was possible that she had gone to his cabin. She knew he had been occupied at the school, Teddy had been in good hands, and she'd been free to go where she pleased. Spurring Charlie in the direction of his cabin Neil pushed the mount faster and faster until the trees were whipping by like the view from a train window. As the cabin loomed into view he urged Charlie to give all that he had and, as though he sensed the urgency of what was happening, Charlie gave it all he had in him. Dropping to the ground the moment Charlie stopped Neil ran up the stairs to the cabin and threw open the front door. There, sound asleep by the cold fireplace, was Christy, curled up in the chair to block the cold chill that filled the cabin. Startled out of her sleep by the slamming of the door against the wall Christy jumped up from the chair, wincing at the sudden movement on her back. Looking toward the door she saw Neil standing there, staring at her as though he hadn't seen her in years. His eyes were wild, his chest heaving with exertion, hair in complete disarray. Christy watched as he crossed the floor to her, dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms around her middle. "Lass," he cried hoarsely, his voice thick with the emotion that filled his heart. "You've scared the life right out of me." Her arms automatically circled his shoulders as she tried to think of what she could have done to make him so scared. "Neil, I don't understand," she said after a moment. "Lass you've got the entire cove searching for you!" "Why?" Getting to his feet Neil held her face between his hands and fought the urge to shake her for such a stupid question. "Why? Because it's been nearly four hours since anyone has seen you and with everything that has happened lately we were worried sick!" "Four hours!" Christy was astonished. "I only meant to go for a walk." "But you're all right?" Neil confirmed, remembering the slight wince as she had stood up. "Is your back hurting you?" "Yes, Neil, I'm fine," she assured him. "I just stood up to fast, that's all." "What are you doing here?" "I'm not sure," she shrugged, turning to get her shawl from the chair where it had dropped. "I was just out walking and I ended up here." Neil looked as though he wanted to speak but Christy cut him off. "I'm sure my parents are nearly sick with worry. I should be getting back to the mission." Her arms wrapping the shawl around her shoulders a little tighter as she headed towards the door Christy couldn't meet Neil's eyes, the memories of their conversation in the school coming back to her. Neil could feel her withdrawing from him and it hurt. "I'll take you back." They walked in silence for some time, each one lost in their own thoughts, Christy trying to fight back the feeling of hopelessness that was filling her heart and Neil trying to figure out how to get her talking to him again. It wasn't until they were almost at the mission that he finally decided on what to say. "Christy," he began. "Have I done something to bother you?" "No," she replied softly, her voice flat. "It's nothing that either of us has or hasn't done, Neil." "Then what is bothering you? I can't stand seeing you so down, Lass, please let me try and help." Stopping Christy looked away for a moment. When she finally brought her gaze up to his Neil could see a tear resting on her lashes. She stared at him for several seconds, her eyes searching for something. "Neil, I told you that I love you and that will never change. But right now, being with you is more than I can handle." Neil felt as though he'd been kicked in the chest. "Please try to understand. It hurts too much too see you every day and know that& Breaking off Christy knew she was quickly losing control over her emotions. Reaching up she gently kissed his cheek before running for the mission, needing to get away before it was too late. Pausing before she entered the mission she wiped away the tears and splashed a bit of water from the pump onto her face to clear away any signs of the salty sadness. "Christy!" Rebecca exclaimed when she saw the young woman enter the mission house. Breaking away from the small group of people that had gathered she hurried to her friend's side and hugged her close. "We were so worried!" "Indeed!" Julia exclaimed, hurrying to her daughter's side. "You should have known better than that. Especially after everything that's happened to you." "I'm sorry mother," Christy said, trying to calm her mother down. "I'm fine. I just fell asleep that's all." "I don't know how you could even have gone out into the woods alone like that!" Julia proclaimed, her initial fear beginning to turn to scolding her daughter. "You could have been attacked again." "Mother I can't go around living my life in fear that I'll be attacked again. The cove is my home and I'll not let one bad thing ruin it." "Well regardless of anything I'm glad you're well and safely back home," her father interrupted, knowing Julia was still in a scolding mood. She would be until she had a chance to work out the fear of her daughter's disappearance. "Come Julia, it's time for our walk." Taking his wife by the arm William kissed his daughter's temple as he passed. Smiling at her father in appreciation Christy turned to face Alice. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to cause any problems." "Thee are well?" Christy nodded. "Then that is all I need to know." Hugging Christy for a moment Alice sent up a silent prayer of thanks that the young woman was safe. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Sitting on the bed facing each other Rebecca and Christy giggled with their hands over their mouths like two little girls of so long ago. Having snuck into Christy's bedroom one more than one occasion as children Rebecca was able to tell when her friend was sleeping and when she was just lying there. They'd shared the events of their day as well as reminisced about the old times for nearly an hour before Christy'd had enough. "So are you going to tell me or do I have to keep pretending like I don't know?" "How did you know?" Rebecca asked, shocked at having been found out. Christy told her about the time that they had thought she was sleeping. "Shame on you!" she teased. "Listening in on a private conversation like that. Why I ought to not tell you a thing!" "Okay," Christy agreed, shrugging her shoulders. She knew only too well that Rebecca was dying to share the details with her. "Oh all right," she grinned. "You know I can't keep this to myself anymore." "So& "Well I guess it began when he met us at the train station. He seemed so concerned about you and he was so polite and courteous. And strong! He lifted your mother's trunk all by his self. But he was so worried about you that I thought he must be the one you'd chosen. Then, on the morning you woke up, he was helping me with the dishes when Miss Henderson came to tell us that you had woken up. I told him that I knew God wouldn't let me down and that was when we started to really talk." "Oh Christy, it's so easy for me to talk to David. We have so much in common and so many things we feel the same way about. He wants to get married and stay here in the cove for a few years but then we'll be going back to Boston to raise a family. He's been offered a pulpit there; it's the same church he went to as a child." "Christy," she said, inching a little closer to grab her friend's hand. "Does it bother you? I know that there was a time when he fancied you and I thought you did him too." "I admit there was a small time when I did fancy him, Becca. But I was never in love. I think of David like a brother who is very dear to me. And to see the two of you married would make me so happy." "Oh I'm so glad! We were worried what with you and the doctor& I mean& well it's just that "It's okay, Becca," Christy said with a small smile. "Just because things aren't going well for me doesn't mean they don't have to go well for you. I love you, you're one of my most dearest friends and all I want is for you to be happy." "Oh thank you!" she whispered, hugging Christy close. "We wanted to be married before your parents left next week, will you stand up with me? It would mean so much to me!" Assuring her that she would stand up with her friend Christy watched as Rebecca hurried off, too excited to wait until morning to tell David. Shaking her head she laughed at her friend and settled down into her bed to get some sleep. But as she began to drift off Christy couldn't help but wonder if there would ever be a time when she too would get married to the man she loved. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Seventeen Standing at the top of the stairs Christy heard Jeb's fiddle begin and she began her walk to the gazebo. She could see the entire cove gathered before her, their faces filled with smiles and romantic thoughts. The young girls were glassy eyed with their own dreams and the boys fidgeted, wondering which one was dreaming about them, while husbands and wives remembered their own weddings. Smiling back at them Christy took her place at the head of the aisle and turned back to see Rebecca, on William's arm, heading down the aisle behind her. The young woman was beautiful in the wedding dress her mother had sent for her, wishing she could have been there herself to see her daughter marry the preacher man. Stopping at the head of the aisle William gave her a fatherly smile and transferred the young woman to David's waiting hands before taking his place next to Julia. All eyes turned to Alice as she began the ceremony, reading from the bible the virtues of love and the qualities of a capable husband and wife. Try as she may though Christy couldn't focus on the wedding, her mind drifting back to the man standing at the back of the crowd, standing out from the rest in his dark suit and crisp white shirt. Her heart fluttered at the thought of how handsome Neil was even as it wept for the knowledge that they could not be together. Before she knew what was happening the wedding was over. She looked to see David lean down to kiss Rebecca, their hands as joined as their hearts. Smiling for them Christy opened her arms to hug her old friend when she turned to gather her bouquet of wildflowers they had picked together that morning and tied up with a ribbon. Her own bouquet in her hands Christy followed David and Rebecca back down the aisle and was almost to the end when she felt something tugging at her skirt. Looking down she saw Teddy reaching up for her. "I've missed you sweetheart," she smiled when she picked him up into her arms. Kissing his cheek she was swept along with the crowd, everyone eager to get on with the celebration. "What have you been doing lately TeddyBear?" Finding a seat on the stairs of the porch Christy listened as Teddy told her all about his time with the Spencer's and the Allen's, playing with the other children in the cove and quickly forming new friendships with the ones his own age. She was so intent on listening to him that she didn't realize that dinner had been served, everyone already eating, until a plate was set down next to her and a roll handed to Teddy. Looking up she saw Neil towering over her for a moment. "May I join you?" he asked. "Yes please," Christy said. "I was hoping I could talk to you." "I wanted to talk to you as well but perhaps we should save that conversation for a less crowded moment," he smiled, looking around at the crowd of people surrounding the area. "Of course," she smiled back, knowing all to well this was not a matter she wanted to share with the cove just yet. "To be honest it feels as though I haven't talked to you in forever," Christy admitted. Neil felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from his chest. He hadn't seen her since the day she had fallen asleep in his cabin. When he had heard her asking him to leave her alone, that his presence was hurting her, his heart had nearly broken in two. But as he had walked home that night Neil had come to realize that she wasn't saying she didn't ever want to see him, she had been telling him how much she wanted to be with him. She loved him so much that it hurt to not be able to be with him. "I know how you feel," he replied. "We've both missed you." Having finished his roll Teddy was reaching for the piece of meat Christy had picked up from the plate. Grinning she let him have the small piece and grabbed another one for herself. Neil watched as she played with him, waving his food all through the air before bringing it to his laughing mouth. Giggling at her antics Teddy was enjoying his time with her until he was full and felt the urge to go exploring on his own. "You stay where all the people are, do you understand me Teddy MacNeil?" she ordered as she set him on his feet. Nodding the little boy scampered off to find his friends, leaving his parents behind to talk. Neil was about to suggest that they go somewhere a little less crowded when Fairlight and Opal came over to steal Christy away for a little bit. Having no choice but to let her go Neil watched as she was pulled away toward the kitchen. Alone in the mission kitchen the three friends were cutting up some pies to be served, chatting about how beautiful the wedding had been, when Opal looked at Fairlight and she back at Opal. Nodding to each other they both looked at Christy. "Miz Christy," Opal said as she began to cut into a persimmon pie. "We's be real glad yer back up an after that bear we was all a'fearin' fer ya somethin' fierce." "Thank you Opal," Christy said with a smile, glancing up from her pie. "I'm feeling much better now." "Bet yer glad ta see Teddy safe too," Fairlight chimed in. "Yes. I have never been so scared as I was at that moment," she admitted. "But he's okay and I'm getting better and soon everything will be all right." "Christy, while ya was healin' up Teddy did some stayin' out at our place," Fairlight said softly. "Kept on wakin' up at night callin' fer his Ma. At first I was a'thinkin' he was looking fer his dead Ma but when he started getting' closer to the mission he would start kickin ta git down and run to ya. The boy thinks yer his Ma." Pausing in her cutting Christy looked up at Fairlight to see her watching her closely. "That's right Fairlight, he does." Examining Christy for a moment Fairlight could see that the young woman had made her mind, and heart, up about the matter. Teddy was hers; she loved him and would do anything for the boy, that much they had all seen. "So when will you and Neil be making it a real family?" Fairlight teased. Christy tried to smile but she failed. "That is something we still need to talk about," she said. "Excuse me." Putting the knife down Christy left the kitchen, Opal and Fairlight watching her with curious glances, and found Neil still sitting on the porch stairs. Looking at each other he stood and together they moved to the school, shutting the door to give themselves some privacy from the rest of the crowd milling in the yard and the mission. Motioning for Christy to sit own at one of the desks he slid in next to her and took her hand in his. "I've got so many things that I want to say but no idea where to begin." Pulling his hand into her lap Christy grasped it tightly and laid her head on his shoulder. "I know." Turning his head Neil gently kissed the top of her head and sighed. "We both know that she's still out there somewhere," he began. "I have a friend of mine from Philadelphia looking for her. Lass, I know that it's not something people approve of but I've talked to the courts about getting a divorce from Margaret. There are more than enough legal grounds for it, by both the secular law and the biblical one. You try to live by what the bible says Christy and while I know it doesn't approve of divorce I did some research into it and found that there are grounds for divorce if there has been adultery in the marriage." "You did research on the bible?" Christy asked, surprised. "Well, Grantland helped," he admitted. "Since he found Rebecca the man has become a little easier to stomach." Despite herself Christy smiled. "That's just because you don't have to worry about him trying to steal me away anymore." "True," he grinned. Their mood lifted for a moment but Neil knew they had to finish taking about the unpleasantness of Margaret. "Lass, could you love a man who's divorced his wife?" "Neil," she said after a moment. "I love you for who you are right now and as much as it pains me to admit it Margaret played a part in making you the man you are now. She hurt you and Alice and, I'm sure, many other people who've come into her life. You deserve so much more than she ever gave you. I know you don't believe in the bible and God but you knew how much it means to me so you did research to make sure I would be okay with your decision to divorce Margaret. Neil, I love you and whatever it will take to give us our chance I will do." "I don't know how long it will take to get everything in order," he advised. "I'll wait." Closing his eyes Neil wrapped one arm around Christy and held her close for a moment, his heart swelling with love for the woman sitting with him. His other hand reached into his pocket to pull out a small item, brushing it gently against his leg till it shone. "Christy, I know that things still need to be worked out but I wanted you to have something. This has been passed down in my family from one woman to the next for more generations than I can count. My mother left it to me when she died to give to my wife. I suppose I should have given it to Margaret but it never felt right to do so." Picking up her hand Neil laid the ring in her palm and watched as she picked it up between her fingers. "Neil it's beautiful!" she exclaimed as she examined the ring. It was made of engraved silver polished but antiqued with age so that it was black in the grooves, the silver and black a perfect contrast against each other. The stone set in its setting was a brilliant blue sapphire, wording carefully etched all around the stone. "Neil what does it say?" "It means Love Never Fails'. When I was a little boy my mother would always tell me the story of the beginning of out family many generations ago as she tucked me into bed. A man and woman had fallen in love from another clan but before they could get married her father learned about it and took her far away from him. For years he searched for her until he finally found out she had been forced into a marriage with one of the warriors from a neighboring clan. My ancestor fought and killed the man so that he could be reunited with the woman he loved. They married and began my family line." "Love never fails," Christy smiled as she slipped the ring onto her finger. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The End Stay tuned for the Second Part of the Love Trilogy... A Woman's Love