Title: Diamonds Author: Lady S 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. Summary: All diamonds start out as coal. But under pressure, they begin to shine. Author’s Notes: This one’s been rattling around in my brain for a while now. I took the plot from a song by Kenny Rogers, so I need to tell you it’s got a pre-set direction that it’s going to travel. See if you can figure out which song it is before the fic is done. Author’s Notes 2: This is the Second Chapter, a sequel to Too Soon Lost…Too Late Found. It begins in 1906 to set the stage for the characters. I needed to give you a bit of history behind a few of the characters so you would understand the later chapters. Enjoy! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter One Tennessee State Prison – Cell # 38 - 1906 The boy fought to keep his supper in his stomach at the stench that filled his wrinkled nose. He looked around at the filth that surrounded him and wondered that anything could have gotten as dirty as the little room had. As his deep brown eyes traversed the cell they landed on the giant of a man kneeling before him. Staring back at the little boy was a mirror image of his own eyes, deep brown, but these eyes were filled with sadness, pain. “Listen to me boy,” the man began. “I ain’t gonna be ‘round no more so yer gonna be the man of the family, y’hear?” The ten-year-old boy nodded. Ma had told him that Pa wouldn’t be coming with them when they moved to be near her sister. She had tried not to cry while they walked through the streets but he had seen her tears. He didn’t know why Pa wasn’t coming with them; it didn’t make sense. Before he had left for school Pa had been sitting at the table with Ma, laughing over something his baby sister had done. But then, when he had returned from school Pa was gone and Ma was weeping by the fire. Something bad had happened. “I ain’t always been the best Pa fer ya Tommy, but I always loved ya,” the giant of a man said softly, his voice choking. “So I want ya to promise me somethin’. I want yer word, boy, that you ain’t gonna do what I done. Walk away from trouble if you can. It don’t mean yer weak if ya do as the bible says an’ turn the other cheek. I hope your old enough to understand what I’m sayin’, boy.” The man grabbed his son in an embrace as the jailer approached the cell. “Fightin’ don’t make ya a man,” he whispered into the boys ear as the cell door was unlocked and Jack O’Malley’s only son was ripped from his arms and out of the murder’s prison cell. “Pa!” Tommy cried out as he was taken from his father’s cell. “It’s all right boy, you go to yer Ma and you mind her y’hear?” Jack said, coming to the metals bars of the cell door. “Ye’sir,” Tommy replied, remembering everything his Pa had just told him. “I won’t let ya down, Pa.” “I know, boy.” Jack struggled not to cry as his son was led away from him down the long dark corridor. “I know.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The crowd was larger than anyone had anticipated and the police had given up on trying to control it, letting them all squeeze in for the show. Men of all ages, young and old, had gathered to see the hanging. It had been almost a week and their taste for blood needed satisfying. As the prisoner was led to the hangman’s noose they jeered at him, mocking the man who could do nothing to stop his own death. from the back of the crowd, scooting under their legs and through the tiniest of spaces Tommy wedged his way to the front of the crowd to see what all the excitement was about. He’d never been allowed near this place, his Ma always telling him to stay away from it. But now, this one time, he couldn’t resist. He’d be back before he was missed. Staring up at the wooden contraption in the center of the open yard he recognized it from his best friends drawing during recess at school one day. It was a hangman’s tower. The warden was going to hang someone today. Raising his innocent brown eyes a little higher Tommy stopped still at the sight of his father standing with a rope around his neck. As the executioner’s hand wrapped itself around the wooden lever he realized what was happening and a scream tore from his throat. “PA!” Tommy screamed with all his ten-year-old might. Instinctively he ran towards the tower but two of the nearby men grabbed him before he could take three steps. Holding the struggling boy in their iron grasps they, along with everyone gathered, watched as the lever completed it’s task and the trap door was released. With a sickening snap the body hung limp at the end of its rope, swaying in the breeze. “PA!” Tommy screamed again. His deep brown eyes were wide and filled with tears as he struggled against the two men who held him, refusing to give up, refusing to let them take him away. Refusing to believe that his Pa was dead. From the corner of his eye he saw a large hand swinging down towards him before his world went dark. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Cutter Gap - 1906 “United States Mail!” from her place at the fire in their cabin Mary Allen jumped up with excitement. Running out of the cabin she hurried toward the old hollowed out log that Ben Pentland would have left the letter in. Small envelope in hand Mary ran back to the house before anyone could see her. With all the noise from the mill it wasn’t likely they had heard the call. The letter would make a nice surprise for everyone after supper. Rob could read it to them by the light of the fire before the children headed off to bed. Mary couldn’t stop the smile from spreading over her face. Yes, it would be a nice surprise after a long hard day’s work. Hurrying to finish supper she had it ready to serve when her man came in from the mill and the littl’uns from the yard. Serving up what there was of the stew Mary sat down in her place and, after prayer of thanks, the family ate their meal. Mary brought the letter to Bob just before they were ready to go to bed. Smiling at his wife, knowing she had fought hard to keep this a secret, Bob gathered his family around to read the letter that had come. Rob, the only one of the family that was able to read even the littlest bit, took his seat by the fire and looked at the envelope. “Hit be from Aunt Shannon,” he announced. A gasp rang from Mary. Her sister! After so many years with no news Mary couldn’t wait for Rob to open the letter and read it to her. How she did miss her sister. “Dear Mary,” he began after opening the envelope carefully. Rob knew how much this meant to his Ma and he wanted to keep everything perfect for her. “I had this letter writ to tell ya I’m a comin’ to ya in one month. My man is dead; my young’n’s need kin and yer all I got. I love ya Mary, yer my sister. Signed, Shannon O’Malley.” Rob folded the letter and looked up at his Ma and Pa. Mary’s eyes shone with tears but Bob’s were blank. He’d seen that look before, his Pa was mad. Getting up from his seat Rob shoed his little kin towards their hay pile in the corner of the room so Mary and Bob could talk in private. “Oh, Bob! Shannon be comin’ home!” Bob didn’t speak. He knew how much Mary missed her sister and he wished he didn’t have to do what he was about to do but the fact of the matter was that he did. There wasn’t a choice. “Mary,” he began, pulling his wife a little closer. “I know ya miss’s yer sister but we cain’t take ‘er in, we jes ain’t got th’room nor the way ta care fer her an’ her young’ns too. We can barely feed our young’n’s.” “But Bob…” “I’m sorry, Mary, we jes cain’t.” Mary Allen stared, wide eyed at her man, unable to believe that he wasn’t gonna take her only sister in when she needed her family. “What are we gonna do when she gits ‘ere?” from the shadows little Rob appeared. “Pa,” he began, waiting until he had their attention to continue. “When we was out playin’ we see’d an empty cabin up past MuckBerry Point. M’be Aunt Shannon culd live thar,” he whispered. Bob thought about the old cabin that stood in the middle of the forest past MuckBerry Point. It was an old cabin, would probably need a lot of repair, but it had a hood base to it. Slowly Bob began to nod, it would be a good cabin once the work was done. “Good boy, Rob, ya best git on ta bed.” Smiling, knowing he’d done good, Rob scurried off to bed with his little brothers and sisters. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Two Cutter Gap – 1906 He was so tired. Tommy stumbled over a root as he walked through the forest to his new home. Ma had been trying to keep a slower pace so the young’ns could keep up but her excitement was getting the better of her. It had ten years since she’d last seen her sister Mary, they’d lived in the city from the day she had married Jack O’Malley. City life had been such a change for the woman who had spent all of her life in the mountains, never even dreaming of setting a foot outside of them. And now she was home. “Hallo!” she called when she saw the peak of the cabin sticking out through the trees. Almost immediately they were surrounded and ushered into the cabin by a small troupe of children. “Shannon!” Mary cried when she saw her sister. “Mary!” The two women crushed each other in a hug, ten years of love aching to be given and received. They spent the night catching up on each other’s lives, Mary telling her tale first. When Shannon began she focused on her life up until a few months ago, leaving the bad news for last. “Mary, Bob, I know ya’s bin wonderin’ why my man got kilt.” Both of them nodded. Taking a deep breath, blinking back the tears that stung at her eyes, Shannon told them the tale of theft and murder, the one her husband had told her just before the police had barged into their little room of a home. When she had finished she could see the tears in Mary’s eyes and the anger in Bob’s. “I didn’ know whar’s else ta go, yer all th’ kin I gots.” Sitting in his seat Bob knew he had to tell her. “Shannon, we know ya jes got ‘ere buu we cain’t let ya stay, we jes ain’t got the means. But me an’ the boys been fixin’ up an old cabin out near MuckBerry Point fer ya ta live in. It still need workin’ but its livable fer ya.” Shannon was quiet for a moment as she took in the news. MuckBerry Point was a ways away from here, not too far but far enough. It wasn’t what she had hoped for, but it would have to do. Nodding she tried to smile at Bob and thank him but her mouth would not move. Nodding again she stood and moved over to the spot that had been made for her to sleep in. That night she cried the silent tears of a woman who didn’t know what was going to happen to her and her children. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Standing before the cabin Shannon looked it over. Bob had been right, it did need work but it was livable. But without a man to do the fixing she wondered how the work was going to get done. Trying to focus on the brighter things she smiled at her children and told them what was going to happen, that this was their new home. Eagerly the children scampered off to inspect it, all but one. Tommy stood next to his mother, facing the cabin, seeing the repairs that needed doing. Turning away he headed over to the man who said he was his uncle. With solemn eyes he looked up at the tall man. “It needs lots o’workin’,” he said to Bob. “Will ya teach me what ta do?” Bob looked down at the little boy and saw a young man who knew he was the head of his family now. There was no playful spirit in his eyes, no little boy innocence, and Bob wondered what had stripped it away so early. Nodding he took the boy under his wings and began to teach him everything he would need to know to take care of his kin. From general repairs to planting a field to hunting down meat and protecting the cabin, Tommy soaked it all in like a rag in a puddle. By the time the boy was twelve he was doing the work of a man, taking care of his family. Shannon looked at him as he worked and she knew that she had lost her little boy, he’d been forced to grow up too quickly and it made her heart ache. But she said nothing to him. He was so like his father. Tommy never complained about anything, never allowed others to see he was hurting when he came in from a long day in the field, his little hands blistered from the plow work he’d had to do by hand since they couldn’t afford the plow. The children had stopped over a few times while they were out playing, trying to entice Tommy to join them but he refused. He had work to do. There was one time that an argument almost broke out between the boys when they were making fun of Tommy and his father, the thieving murderer. Just when Shannon thought Tommy was going to pound young John Spencer flat he turned and walked away, shutting the cabin door behind him and going to sit at the table until the boys had gone. She’d asked him that night why he didn’t fight them; he could have easily won the fight with all the muscles he’d built since they'd come to Cutter Gap. “I promised Pa,” was his only response. That was his response to everything, why he worked so hard, why he didn’t play with the children, why he took to staying up until Shannon was asleep. He’d promised his Pa. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Three Cutter Gap – 1910 Ma had ordered him to take a bath; she teased that he was stinking up her cabin. He had only smiled at her, one of his rare smiles, before grabbing the bar of soap and heading out to the river a little ways away. The pond was closer but it was their water source and Dr MacNeill had ordered them to keep it clean, not to wash anything in it. So the river it was. The water was chilly but it always felt refreshing as it rolled over his worked body, cooling his overworked muscles. The fourteen-year-old boy looked every bit a young man. Four years of labor and toil over his family farm, repairing the cabin, doing the work of a family head had built up his body until muscles rippled everywhere. Tommy was tall, big for his age, making him look older than he really was. His hair was long but he kept it pulled back into a tail at the nape of his neck to keep it out of his eyes as he worked. He liked it long, just like his Pa had worn his. Sitting on a rock at the edge of the river Tommy pulled the string off his hair and slipped out of his clothes before plunging into the river. The icy blast took away his breath but he soon grew used to it and began to wash away the dirt and grime that had built up on his skin and in his hair. Washing done he took a few moments to swim around before climbing out of the river and slipped on his pants. Sitting on the large rock, his water drenched skin glistening under the sun Tommy stared off across the river as his mind began to remember. He remembered everything. The smell, the touch, the action, the silence, there wasn’t a bit of his Pa that Tommy didn’t remember. He focused in on the good but he also remembered the bad. He could never forget that his Pa had taken a life with his fists; he had stolen and murdered. And he had died for it, his neck snapped clean when he fell through the trap door four years ago. Running his hands through his hair Tommy stopped his memories and stood to go home. As Tommy turned around he stopped still at the angel who stood before him. A young woman, her long brown hair flowing freely, big brown eyes staring back at him, frozen like a deer caught unaware. She was beautiful. In the distance a cock crowed and she started, shaken from her trance as she had stared at the man who stood before her. Turning to flee she stopped when she heard him call out to her. “Wait!” he cried, struggling to slip his shirt back on and race after her. Stopping she turned to face him and looked up into his deep brown eyes. He was more handsome than any man she’d ever seen before. His long brown hair was soaked through and she knew he had been in the river. from the smell of the soap that wafted on the breeze she also knew he had been washing. Taking the last few steps they stood within arms reach of each other, staring. “I’m Tommy,” he said to her, motioning to himself absentmindedly, his eyes never leaving hers. “I know,” she whispered. “I’m Zady.” Tommy smiled. “That’s a purty name.” Zady blushed and lowered her gaze the ground. She hadn’t meant to stop and speak with him on her way home but seeing him there, shining in the sun atop the rock, her feet had stopped of their own accord. Suddenly nervous under his gaze Zady inched away. “I best be gettin’ home ‘fore Ma starts ta worry.” Not wanting to let her go Tommy inched forward as she moved back. “Can I walk ya?” Zady looked up at him and smiled. “If ya wants ta.” She had a beautiful smile. Falling into place, side by side, they walked through the forest. They were silent but it was a comfortable silence between them, no words were needed. As they drew near the cabin Tommy hung back. Turning to face him Zady smiled and waved before turning and running the rest of the way to the cabin. Watching her leave for a moment Tommy turned and ran, a smile bright upon his face for the forest to see. As he rounded the corner, halfway home, he stopped suddenly at the sight of the three boys who stood before him. Lundy and his two cousins, Peter and James, stood in Tommy’s path, blocking the way. Standing still Tommy knew he was in trouble. “Whal, lookee ‘ere, boys,” Lundy grinned. “It be Yella, ole Yella Belly O’Malley. What’s th’rush, Yella? Ya runnin’ from someone else?” Staying calm Tommy met their eyes. “I ain’t got no quarrel wid’ya Lundy, le’me be.” The Taylor boy shook his head, cackling like an old woman. He was going to have fun beating Yella up; the stupid boy wouldn’t even make a fist to defend himself. Advancing on Tommy Lundy balled up his fist and swung, catching Tommy in the eye. While his cousins held the helpless victim Lundy swung his fists several time before he was stopped by a booming voice. “Lundy Taylor!” Turning on his heel Lundy saw the Doc getting down from his horse, a glare on his face. Motioning to his cousins the three Taylor’s fled the scene, leaving Tommy in a heap on the ground. Glaring after the fleeing boys Neil crouched low beside the boy who was on the ground. He recognized him as Tommy O’Malley, the one everyone else called Yella. The rumors were true, the boy refused to fight, and apparently that included defending himself. Not that he’d had good odds anyway, not with the two boys holding him down. Getting to his feet Tommy looked at the Doc with his one good eye. Nodding to him he began to shuffle off before Neil could stop him, waving the concerned doctor away when he called out to him. Shaking his head Neil watched the young man leave for a moment before climbing back up on Charlie. These children needed something to occupy their time. They needed to be in school. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Four Cutter Gap – 1914 She was sitting at the table when she heard the familiar clomps of boots climbing the stairs to the mission. After not hearing them for nearly two weeks she sorely missed the sound. Raising her eyes to the doorway she smiled when the door was opened and an icy blast hit her. Shivering she tugged her shawl tighter and waited for him to close the door, cutting off winter from within her warm home. He was frozen through. Getting up from her seat Christy approached Neil even as he came towards her. Leading him to the fire she helped him remove his coat, hanging it near the fire to warm and dry out. Turning back to him she removed his scarf while he worked on prying the gloves off his hands. After riding for so long they were frozen onto his hands. Seeing that he was having trouble Christy tossed the scarf aside and turned her attention to his gloves. Her small fingers able to work themselves into the glove and pry them apart she had them off his hands after a few moments. Neil drank in the sight of her as she turned away from him to arrange everything near the fire to dry and warm up again. It had been a long two weeks without the sight of the woman he loved. Briskly rubbing his hands together he waited for her to turn back around before pulling her to him. Her blue eyes snapped with laughter as he lowered his head to meet hers, pulling her into a kiss. Raising one of his hands to the back of her neck he was surprised when she suddenly gasped and pulled away. “Your hands are freezing!” she gasped, her smile was one of shock. Letting her go Neil laughed. Christy disappeared into the kitchen and Neil pulled a chair closer to the fire to warm his bones. Looking towards the kitchen he saw her shadow on the wall and smiled. How things had changed between them. Though it had taken some time they had finally repaired their friendship after last springs awful events. And over the last few months, all through summer, fall and now winter, they had grown closer than even he had imagined. She had said she wanted to get to know him and so he had opened himself up to her, nothing hidden, nothing unanswered. It had been a strange experience for him to allow someone to know him like that but it had been well worth it. Christy had opened herself up to him as well. Whenever they had the chance they would spend hours just talking. Sometimes it was out in the fields on one of their walks and sometimes, like tonight, it was alone by the fire. Speaking of which... “Where is everybody, Lass?” Neil asked as she came back into the room with a tin of coffee for him. “Ruby Mae is sleeping already, Miss Alice went to Big Lick this week, and Eric is off visiting with the Spencer’s. I think he’s going to get stuck there.” Neil nodded. Eric Waverly was a smart man, he knew better than to try and get back to the mission in this weather. The new preacher of Cutter Gap, he’d taken over when David had left, Eric fit in well with the people, they had accepted him almost immediately, his kind heart and willing spirit drawing the people to him. Neil himself spent quite a few hours with him in study of the bible. Since God had answered his prayer to bring Christy back Neil had been filled with questions that Eric had been only to happy to answer. “Are you hungry?” “Starved.” Christy smiled. “I’ll make you something.” Not wanting her to disappear from his sight again Neil followed her into the kitchen, leaning against the counter while she worked. She smiled. “If you’re going to be in here, I’m going to put you to work.” Placing his hand over his heart Neil grinned, “Your wish is my command,” he said. Laughing she pushed a knife into his hands and directed him to the chopping board. Side by side they worked on the meal, talking, laughing. As they sat down at the table to eat Neil took her hands in his before saying a prayer for the both of them. Just as he was spearing a bit to eat an urgent knock rang out on the door. Groaning he put his fork down and moved to answer it but Christy put out her hand to stop him. “Eat. I’ll get it.” Smiling at him as he dug into his meal Christy moved to open the door. A snow-covered figure entered the cabin and she shut the door behind him. Shivering and shaking the man tried to get the snow off him before it melted into his coat making it even wetter than it already was. When he lifted his head Christy saw that it was Bob Allen. “Mr. Allen? Come, warm yourself by the fire,” she pulled on his frosty sleeve. “Cain’t Miz Christy. Is th'Doc here?” “Of course, this way,” leading him into the dining room where Neil was already half way done with his meal. “You really must have been hungry!” she exclaimed seeing his plate tin. Neil smiled. “Good food always bring out my appetite.” Watching the small blush that painted her cheeks he turned his attention to Bob when she had seated herself. “Bob, something wrong?” “Hit be li’l’Darby, she’s real bad off wid a fever. Tommy di’n know whar’s ta find ya so’z I come ‘ere an’ sent him back ta th’cabin.” Nodding Neil stood, meal forgotten. “Let me get my bags and I’ll come right over. Get back to your family before it gets too bad; I’ll go straight to the O’Malley’s.” Bob nodded his head and disappeared back out into the winter storm; it was growing worse by the hour. Turning Neil reached for his coat from beside the fire. It was still slightly damp but not nearly as bad as before. From the corner of his eyes he saw Christy already beginning to button up hers. “Oh no you don’t!” he cried, holding out his hand to stop her. “You’re not coming.” “Yes I am, Neil. You might need help.” “Then I’ll get Shannon or Marie to help me, I’m not risking you out in that storm, Lass.” “I’m not giving you a choice Neil,” Christy countered as she reached for her scarf. “You’ll need help and the mother of a sick child is not going to be able to do it.” With a frustrated sigh Neil stopped his arguments and finished donning his coat. As much as he hated to admit it she had a valid point. When it came to her children Shannon was as protective as a mother hen. She would be too worried to be of any help and Marie was still too young. Quickly he gathered his bags, putting his gloves on again as Christy wrote a quick note for someone to find in the morning. “I want you to ride in front, Lass,” Neil said as they stood at the door to leave. “It’ll make it harder for you, Neil, you need to concentrate on the storm.” “But it will keep you warmer, and besides,” he said, buttoning the top button of her coat, the one she always managed to forget about. “Charlie knows the way, he’ll do fine.” Giving in she wrapped her scarf a little tighter around her neck but it was no use; the wind took her breath away the moment she stepped outside. Already cold Christy was all too ready to welcome Neil’s arms around her as he mounted behind her, their warmth a shelter from the winds. The ride was silent, both of them concentrating on the storm. Before she knew it they had entered a patch of the forest she didn’t know and Christy found herself unable to recognize anything. Glad that Neil knew where they were going she huddled into his chest a little farther and wondered about this family they were going to help. She’d never heard of the O’Malley’s before. If they had children why weren’t they in school? And who was Tommy? The husband? Christy didn’t have anymore time to ponder the O’Malley family as she saw a light glimmering up ahead. They’d reached the cabin. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Five Dismounting Christy hurried into the cabin, Neil right behind her. The door was opened as she reached it and a young girl, no older than eight or nine years old ushered both of them inside. Shaking off the snow Neil immediately went towards the bed where a little girl shivered and moaned under the thin blanket. Sitting by her side Neil pulled back the blanket and examined the little girl while Christy shed her coat and moved to speak with the mother. “I’m Christy,” she introduced herself to the woman, her long red hair hanging around in stringy clumps. Taking the mothers hands into her own Christy squeezed and smiled at the frightened woman. “Doctor MacNeill is going to take very good care of your little girl. Can you tell me about her? I’d like to get to know her.” “She be my youngest young’un, Darby. I also got Marie an’ Tommy, my only boy.” Moving over to the table in the center of the cabin Christy set Shannon down in one of the chairs and turned to make some tea from the water already on the stove. From his place next to little Darby Neil bit back his smile. She was diverting Shannon’s attention from Darby, keeping her occupied with another subject. Thanking God that he hadn’t forced her to stay at home he continued in a thorough examination of little Darby until Neil had no doubts of what plagued the little girl. Tucking the blanket in around her tightly he turned and joined the two women at the table. As if from the shadows a young man joined them and for the first time Christy saw the young man named Tommy O’Malley. “Darby is going to be all right, Shannon. She’s a very sick little girl right now, but with the right treatment she’ll be fine. For the next week she cannot leave that bed. She’ll need to drink plenty of clean water and broth, nothing solid. I’ve given her some aspirin powder for the pain and a dose of quinine for the fever. You’ll need to keep the cabin warm, a fire going as hot as you can stand it.” “Oh thank th'Lord!” she cried, putting her hands to her chest. “My baby’s goin’ ta be alraght!” “I’ll make sure we gots plenty o’wood, Doc,” Tommy said. Shifting her attention to the young man Christy stared at him for a moment. She knew from Shannon that he was only sixteen years old but he looked much older, nineteen or twenty practically. His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail and his arms and chest were well muscled from his work over the past years. But it was the boy’s eyes that held her attention. Those deep brown eyes were so serious, the laughter was almost completely gone except for a small spark of it that was so far hidden Christy wondered if it wouldn’t disappear in a few more years of life in these mountains. It made her heart weep that a boy his age would live a life without laughter. “Ya cain’t raghtly be goin’ out in thi’storm, Doc. Ye an’ Miz Christy best tuck in ‘ere fer th’night.” “I agree Tommy. I’ll help you put the horses in the barn.” Donning their coats, Tommy’s so worn Christy couldn’t help but wonder if it provided any warmth at all, and headed outside into the storm the men left the cabin. Shutting the door behind them Christy looked over to see Shannon wiping the sweaty brow of her youngest child, the fear gone from her eyes though the worry was still present in spades. From the corner of her eyes Christy saw the other little girl, Marie, watching her mother and sister, a hint of jealousy playing in her eyes. The young girl craved the same affection and attention that Christy had seen when she first arrived in Cutter Gap. Smiling she crossed the room and reached out to Marie with a soft hand. Sitting in one of the chairs by the fire she pulled the small young girl into her arms. In her lap Christy stroked her gnarled brown hair with a gentle touch, much the same way she had with little Mountie so long ago. Though stiff at first Marie soon melted to Christy, the soft touch laying claim to a part of her heart that yearned for it. “My name is Christy,” she said softly. “I’m Marie,” the little girl whispered hesitantly. “Is you the teacher that Doc be courtin’?” Despite herself Christy giggled. “Yes, that’s me.” “Cin ya read, teacher?” “Yes I can, Marie. Would you like for me to read you a story?” The brown eyes grew wide with glee before they shrank back in despair. “We ain’t got no book fer readin’,” she said, her voice so sad that Christy's heart hurt. “Well then how about if I tell you a story instead? Would you like that?” “Yes’m,” she breathed, new joy filling her eyes. Wracking her brain for a story Christy thought for a moment before beginning her tale. “Once, a long time ago, there was a young girl, about your age I think, and she lived with her three brother and their uncle in the mountains. Now the brothers loved their little sister very much but their uncle did not. He didn’t like the little girl because she reminded him so much of the girl’s mother and it made him sad. One day the uncle got so mad at the girl that he decided he was going to make her leave. Only he knew that her brothers would never allow him to make the girl leave.” “So the uncle waited until the brothers left to hunt in the forest one morning and he took the little girl far, far away from their cabin. The long walk made the little girl very tired and when they stopped in a cave to rest she fell asleep. While she was sleeping the uncle slipped away, leaving the little girl all alone in the forest that she didn’t know. When she woke up a long time later the little girl looked around and realized that she was all alone in the dark and she got scared. Hugging her knees to her chest the little girl cried and cried and cried until she cried herself to sleep.” “When she woke up again the sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing in the trees. Leaving the cave she wandered through the forest until she came to a cabin. The door was open and the little girl went inside to see an old woman lying in her bed, she was sick. Feeling bad for her the little girl took care of the old woman until she was better. When the old woman heard what the mean uncle had done to the sweet little girl she declared that they would live in the cabin together.” “Years passed and the little girl grew up to be a beautiful woman and though she lived a very good life with the old woman she couldn’t help but remember her kind brothers from so long ago and she missed them very much. Seeing how much she missed them the old woman declared that they would return to her uncle’s cabin so she could see her three brothers again. The next day hey hitched up the wagon and traveled until they came to the cabin. A young man was sitting out front and when he saw the young woman and the old woman ride up he ran inside to get his pa and his uncles.” “When the older men came out they saw the two women and couldn’t believe their eyes. Running to the wagon one of them grabbed the young woman in his arms before the other two also hugged her close. It was their sister, the sweet little girl that had been gone for so many years. That night, sitting by the fire, the oldest brother told the girl what the uncle had told the brothers. The mean old uncle had lied to them and told them that their sister was dead. But now they knew the truth and they refused to let their sister out of their sight.” “The old woman and the young woman came to live with the brothers and they all lived happily ever after as one big happy family.” As Christy had been telling the story neither she nor little Marie noticed that both of the men had come back into the cabin, taking a seat at the table to listen to the story, as well as Shannon and little Darby listening as well. When she finished Christy realized that Marie was asleep in her arms. Smiling she kissed the young girls cheek and stood to put her in the second bed in the corner next to the wall. Laying the quilt over the young girl’s body Christy kissed her cheek before turning back toward the fire. When she saw everyone watching her intently a small blush rose to her cheeks and Christy busied herself at the fire, stoking it to boil some water for tea. Tea made she sat at the table, giving one cup to Shannon, Neil and Tommy each. The four people sat at the table while the two little girls slept. “Shannon, I simply have to ask. Why have I never seen the children in school?” “Oh well I cain’t raghtly afford no school’s tax, ma’am.” Looking to Neil with a confused look on her face Christy saw her and gave a small shrug, he didn’t understand either. “I’m sorry, Shannon. I don’t understand. What tax?” “The school tax,” Shannon explained. “When we was in th'city we had ta pay th' school tax to the teacher. But we ain’t got no cash money ta pay it with.” Reaching out she put her hand over Shannon’s. “Oh, Shannon, there is no tax! Any of the children are welcome, I would love to see Darby and Marie come to school.” Turning to Tommy Christy met his eyes. “You too, Tommy. I have several of the older boys who come to school. If they can’t stay the while day then they’ll come for half a day and then go home to their farms or the mill.” “No, thank you, ma’am. I can read and that’s all I need. But if ya can teach my sisters ta read I’d be much obliged.” “Oh but there’s so much more to learn than just to read a book. There’s arithmetic and history and science and…” “I’m sorry ma’am,” Tommy interrupted her. “I ain’t got n’time fer learnin’, I gots ta take care of m’family.” She opened her mouth to protest but stopped when she saw Neil meet her eyes and give a small shake of his head, ‘Don’t push it’. Closing her mouth she held her tongue, waiting for later to ask him why. It wasn’t until later, sitting on the floor in front of the fire, the rest of the household asleep, that Christy was finally able to ask Neil about his silent comment. “Why did you not want me to try and get Tommy into school?” she asked him. Sighing Neil shifted a little closer to her, taking her hand in his as he leaned back against the wall. In a soft voice he gave his reasoning. “Tommy is very serious about caring for his mother and sisters. He is the head of his family, and he refuses to do anything that will take away even just a little part of that responsibility. I’ve known Tommy since he came to Cutter Gap six years ago and even then, as a little ten year old boy, he has been that way. Nothing that you can say will change his mind and pressing the matter will only drive further away.” “But why?” she whispered back. “Do you know the story of how the O’Malley’s came to Cutter Gap?” She shook her head. “Jack O’Malley was hung for murder and theft, Shannon had nowhere to go so she came home to her sister, Mary Allen. Bob couldn’t support all four of them so he fixed up this cabin and they’ve lived here since. That was six years ago, Tommy was ten at the time, and even then he took over as the man of the household. He told Bob to teach him everything he needed to do and he did it. Hunting, repairing the cabin, working the field… he did it all.” “I asked him once why he was so adamant about taking the lead of the family. I thought that maybe he thought that Bob had told him it was his responsibility as the only male but that’s not what he told me. Tommy told me that he’d promised his Pa. That’s he’ll ever say, he promised his Pa. Everyone thinks of him as a coward because he refuses to fight. Now I don’t know what exactly that promise was but I know that he has put himself through some very difficult situations because of it. Tommy O’Malley is a man of his word and he’ll keep it, no matter what the cost is to himself.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Six Stepping out of the cabin, shutting the door behind her, Christy took a deep breath of the frigid morning air and looked around at the woods surrounding the cabin. Wrapping her shawl a little tighter she stepped off the stairs and into the snow, staring up at the morning sky. There were still a few stars in the sky and the moon hadn’t quite disappeared yet as she walked through the yard, stopping at the forest edge. She couldn’t stop thinking about the story Neil had told her last night, the way Tommy, his sisters and their mother, their life the way it was in Cutter Gap. Though she’d been here for a while now she had never even heard of the O’Malley family and she couldn’t help but wonder why. Why was it that no one had mentioned them? Why didn’t they come to services? How did they get on here with just the four of them, only one man working the entire farm, caring for two little girls and their mother? Shivering against the cold, but questions still raging in her head, Christy hugged her arms tighter and moved to the safety of a large tree, it’s trunk blocking the slight wind of early morning winter. Staring out, seeing nothing, she found her thoughts drifting to the previous night, sitting by the fire, Neil's hand in hers. A small smile graced her face even as a small blush tainted her cheeks. She loved Neil, with every beat of her heart; there was no doubt in her heart about that. Ever since he had lay down next to her in that cave, his eyes searching hers, never giving up on regaining her trust, willing to do what ever it took, wait as long as she needed. She’d never forgotten that and every day since then he’d proven everything to her over and over again. His love for her, his faith in her; every day she saw the way he had crept into her heart farther than she had ever thought possible. Gone were the days that she just wasn’t sure of what she wanted, unsure of what her future held out to her. Christy knew how her life would be. Oh she didn’t know the details, but she knew the big picture. She and Neil would marry, they would have a family, and she would support his research even if it meant leaving the cove some day. She could see it in her mind and feel it in her heart as clearly as she could see and feel the winter around her. “Lass?” Jumping at the sound of his voice Christy turned to see Neil standing a few feet away from her. Smiling, “I didn’t hear you coming.” “I noticed.” Gazing at her his one eyebrow rose in curiosity. “What are you doing out here, Christy?” Shrugging she wasn’t sure what to say. “Just thinking.” “What about?” he asked softly. Staring blindly past him for a moment Christy was caught up in her musings from before. With a small toss of her head she pulled herself out of them again. “Life, I guess.” Seeing her distant eyes, the serious look on her face Neil’s heart dropped as he imagined the worst. “Are you not happy here anymore?” he said, voicing his fear. Blinking Christy stared at Neil for a moment, her brow drawing in confusion. “Neil, what…?”Taking a step closer she reached out and touched his arm. “Why would you even ask that? I love being here, the cove is my home.” Stepping even closer she looked up into his blue eyes and saw the lingering doubt within them. “Oh Neil, there is nowhere I would rather be than right here, in the cove, with my children, teaching at my school and knowing each day how much I love you.” Smiling Neil wrapped his arms around her. “I love you too, Christy.” Lowering his head he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “It’s freezing out here, Lass. You should come back inside where it’s warm.” “In a moment, Neil. I want to enjoy the peace for a moment.” Tightening his hold on her Neil and Christy watched the sun rise through the trees. Their backs to the cabin door neither one saw young Tommy slip out of the cabin and head of into the woods. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Seven Slipping out of the cabin, axe in hand, Tommy saw the Doctor and his girl standing at the edge of the forest, lost in each other. Pausing for a moment he felt a small twinge of envy at the sight of their love, an open relationship for the world to see. Shaking his head he pulled his coat tighter and slipped off into the forest, he was already late. Hurrying he trudged through the snow. When Tommy got to his chopping block he saw her sitting there waiting for him, shivering. Pulling off his coat Tommy draped it over her shoulders. “Sorry I was late,” he smiled at her. “S’okay,” Zady smiled at him. Getting up she moved over to another log so he could begin working. “How’s Darby feelin’?” “Better,” he replied as he set up the first log to be chopped. “Doc MacNeill sez she’ll be fine in a few days. Ma’s still worried but she ain’t afearin’ nearly as much as b’fore.” “I’m sure she’ll be fine, Doc’s real good.” “I know, I’ll jest be glad when she’s better an’ Ma can stop worryin’.” Silence fell for a moment as Tommy split the first log. For almost a year now they had been meeting like this, once a week in the middle of the forest. Zady would slip away from her home and meet Tommy while he chopped wood for his family. It had begun by accident, Zady, wandering through the woods, had stumbled across Tommy. From that day on they had met once a week, talking, laughing. It was the only time they could spend together and it hadn’t taken the two teens to discover they were in love. But with the outcast status of the O’Malley’s there was little chance Jeb would allow Tommy to court Zady. It was a dark cloud that hung, unspoken, over their time together. “I brung one o’ the teachers books. She said I culd read it. I was thinkin’ m’be I culd read it to ya.” Smiling at her Tommy nodded. Opening the book to the beginning page Zady’s soft voice filled the air as she read aloud, the thunk of the axe interrupting every now and then. When his chopping was done Tommy landed the axe in the chopping block and moved to sit on the ground, leaning against the log next to Zady, watching her as she read. It was a story he remembered from school, when they lived in the city. After a few more pages Zady stopped reading and looked down at Tommy. “I guess I best be goin’ ‘fore Ma an’ Pa start ta worry.” Standing they headed off toward the Spencer cabin. Shyly, unsure of her reaction, Tommy reached out and took Zady’s hand in his own. Smiling, as shy as he was, she held onto his hand until they parted at the felled tree, the closest spot to the cabin that wouldn’t allow anyone else to see them. Smiling at each other one more time they split ways, Tommy heading back into the woods while Zady finished her trek back to the cabin, waiting until next week to see each other again. “You been out kinda early, girl.” Glancing up quickly Zady saw her father emerging from the cabin. “I was jest walkin’ Pa,” she replied to him. “Well ya best git on in an’ help yer ma,” Jeb told her, laying a soft hand on her shoulder before heading off towards the beehives. “Yes’sir.” Climbing the stairs into the cabin Zady approached her mother and began to dry the dishes Fairlight had just washed. “I’m sorry I’m late Ma.” Glancing at her daughter Fairlight bit back her grin. She knew full well where Zady had been. “You’re gonna have to start gettin’ back faster, Zady. I cain’t stop yer Pa if’n he finds out whar ya been goin’.” Slack jawed Zady stared at her Ma. She knew, all this time Fairlight had known. “Ma…” “I know what its like to be so young, Zady. I still remember what it was like when yer pa started courtin’ me. I woulda done near anythin’ ta be near him.” Quiet for a moment Zady concentrated on drying the dish in her hands. “I love him, Ma.” Fairlight glanced down at her daughter and read her face like the storm clouds in the sky. She had seen the change in her little girl, had watched her slowly grow up over the last two years, suddenly becoming aware of the world around her. Gone was the innocent little girl who used to stare at the clouds and play in the trees. Her little Zady had grown up. “Why cain’t people jest let the O’Malley’s be? They ain’t been a bother ta no one. Why does Tommy need ta be punished ‘cause o’ what his Pa dun? It ain’t raght!” “I know, Zady,” Fairlight whispered. Reaching out she caressed her daughter’s cheek. “I know.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Eight Christy was standing at the chalkboard when she heard the sound of people climbing the stairs. Turning she was surprised to see Shannon O’Malley and little Marie standing in the doorway. “I did some thinkin’ on what ya said and I’d like fer my girls ta get some learnin’.” Smiling she moved down the aisleway to meet them. “I’m so glad Shannon! How is little Darby doing?” “Better. Doc Neil said she should be fittin’ fer school in a few weeks. I was gonna wait on my Marie but she was real keen on gettin’ her learnin’ so I let her come. My boy Tommy will be here ta fetch her when school gits out.” Christy smiled once more and held her hand out to Marie. Once the two women had said their good-byes Christy turned her full attention to the little girl standing next to her. “Welcome to school Marie, why don’t you come take a seat up front and we can get you all set up with a few of the things you’re going to need?” “Tommy gave me his slate, Miss Christy. He dun said I’d need it fer learnin’ but I ain’t gots no chalk fer it.” The little girl’s voice was filled with a hidden fear. “Well I tell you what,” Christy smiled at her, trying desperately to dissuade the young girls fear. “Why don’t I give you this piece of chalk for your slate board so you can practice your letters and writing but when you hand in your homework why don’t you do it on this paper instead, okay?” Marie nodded, a small smile forming on her somber face. Standing next to the teacher she watched as Christy drew a square in the corner and then in the small square she drew a shape on the slate board. “Do you know what this is, Marie?” She shook her head no. “This is the letter ‘A’. It’s the very first letter in the alphabet. Why don’t you take this piece of chalk and try to copy it?” Handing Marie the chalk Christy watched as she slowly and thoughtfully copied the letter, her lines shaky. Encouraging her Christy could hear the other children approaching the school and knew it was time to get class in order. With a gentle hand she directed Marie to take a seat in the front, next to Mountie’s spot. As the children filled the school no one noticed the young girl sitting up front except the equally quiet and shy little girl who was to sit next to her. “Hi,” she whispered shyly. Glancing up from her slate board Marie looked at the blond haired girl sitting next to her. “Hi,” she whispered back. “You gonna be schoolin’ now?” “Yep.” “Teacher’s real nice.” “Purty too.” “All right children; everyone pay attention!” Standing before the class Christy called out for everyone’s attention. As class began, lessons given, Marie sat in awe, listening to the older students as they recited their lessons. By the time noon recess was called her letter copying was abandoned as she listened to the others. When the children escaped to the outdoors Christy watched as Zady stayed behind, moving towards the front of the school to Marie’s side. Quietly she sat down next to the little girl and began working with her on the letter. Not interrupting, not making a sound, she watched, Zady and Marie, side by side in the bench seat. But it wasn’t until after school let out that she fully understood Zady’s wholehearted interest in Marie. When Christy saw the half hidden look that passed between Zady and Tommy when he came to collect his little sister she knew right away, not a doubt in her mind. They were in love. Gathering her things Christy headed towards the mission and smiled when she saw Charlie tied to the hitching post. Hurrying up the stairs she entered the mission to see Neil hanging up the phone in the main room. “Is school out already?” “Yes,” she replied. “Who were you on the phone with?” “An old friend,” Neil smiled, helping her with her coat. “I just needed to ask him a question.” “Was he able to answer it for you?” Smiling Neil knew she was assuming it was a fellow doctor that he had called. “Yes, he did.” “Good.” Her coat hung up and books set down on the table Christy turned to Neil. “Can you stay or did you need to leave?” “I’m all yours lass.” Raising his eyebrow Neil took a step closer. “What did you have in mind?” Tilting her head up to meet his eyes she smiled. “Science papers. I figure since you’re here you can help me grade them.” Rolling his eyes Neil laughed and pulled Christy into a hug. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Nine Piling the logs high in the corner of the cabin Tommy stepped back and took a moment to tuck in the blanket a little tighter around his little sisters. Both Marie and Darby were sleeping already, Marie finally calming down after the excitement of her first day at school. Tommy could remember when school had been fun for him as well, before the new teacher had destroyed it with his rules and regulations. Smiling he sat down at the table with his Ma while she finished mending his shirt. “Marie was real excited about her schoolin’ today,” he commented. “All I heard ‘bout on the way home was what she had heard an’ seed at the school.” “I’m glad she gits ta go. I been wantin’ my girls ta be readin’ ta me when we be here at night.” “I can read ta ya Ma, all’s ya had ta do was ask.” “No, Tommy, I know ya gots too much work ta do.” “Ma, I’d never tell ya no.” “I know, hon, that’s why I never asked ya. There is too much fer ya to do as is. I cain’t ask no more of ya.” Seeing Tommy open his mouth to protest Shannon raised her hand to stop him. “Listen ta me Tommy, you been doin’ such a fine job o’ takin’ car o’ me ‘n’ the young’uns that sometimes I ferget yer jest a boy. Now I don’ mean that you ain’t a man at’all its jest that yer still so young. You been carin’ fer us since ya was ten years old. I cain’t ask ya to do any more then ya already does. I jest wants ya ta be happy.” Sitting back in his seat Tommy stared at the fire, thinking, his mind wandering aimlessly but always returning to the same angelic face, soft doe brown eyes framed behind hair that was the same color as her eyes. Unknown to him a small smile crossed his face and Shannon smiled at her eldest child. She knew he was in love with that young girl she’d seen a few times. “Is you gonna talk to her pa?” Lifting his eyes to the half hidden smile on his mothers face Tommy couldn’t help but grin back at her. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* >From the forests edge Tommy watched Jeb Spencer caring for the hives, checking to make sure everything was working properly. Taking a deep breath Tommy bolstered his courage and emerged from the shadows. “Mr. Spencer,” he called out. “I was wantin’ ta speak with ya fer a moment.” Looking up Jeb nodded to the young man. “What can I do fer ya?” “I wanted ta speak wid ya ‘bout’s comin’ ta court Zady.” Standing still for a moment Jeb looked at the young man who stood before him. He knew Tommy was only sixteen even though he could easily pass for a man, his looks making him appear much older than he really was. Jeb also knew that he had been caring for his kin since he was ten years old, a role that Tommy took very seriously. Jeb had no problems with him as a man, be it young or not. But courting Zady? It was there that Jeb had one big problem. “No, Tommy,” Jeb said as he shook his head. “I cain’t allow ya ta court my Zady.” “But Mr. Spencer...” “No Tommy. I ain’t gonna say yes.” “Why?” Tommy asked, his tone polite but firm. “Because I ain’t gonna let no one come near my girl who won’t do whatever it takes ta protect her.” Jeb too spoke with an even yet firm tone. Both men knew exactly what he was talking about. Closing his eyes for a moment Tommy reached out to shake Jeb’s hand before turning to leave. With each step he felt his heart sink lower into his chest. No direction in particular Tommy found himself at the large rock by the river. Leaning back against it he crossed his arms over his chest and stared, unseeingly, out into the distance. It was over. The one thing that had brought him pure happiness was over, squashed by the one man who stood between him and Zady. Her father. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Ten “Neil where are we going?” Laughing Neil refused to tell her. “Just wait, Lass. You’ll see soon enough.” Her smaller hand engulfed within his own large one Neil led Christy up the hill to a spot he had prepared earlier that day. Stopping still she stared at the sight before her. A blanket lay on the ground, filled with all sorts of food, a picnic just for two. Smiling at him she allowed Neil to guide her to her seat on the blanket, he dropping down next to her. “Are you hungry?” he asked her. “Not just yet. You?” “No,” he breathed. He was too nervous to be hungry. “Christy, there was another reason I brought you up here.” Smiling at him Christy saw that he was acting nervous and, closing her eyes for a moment to blink back a tear that pricked her eye, Christy knew what was to come next. Taking his hand in hers she met his eyes and waited for him to continue. “Lass, you know how much I love you,” Neil began. “I have since the moment I saw you in the Allen cabin. I know we didn’t get along at first, and I know that we still disagree over many things. We’ve come a long way since that time. We’ve been through some very rocky places but it has only brought us closer. Christy,” squeezing her hands a little tighter, “Will you marry me?” The tear she had been holding back fell, tripping its way past her lashes to rest on her cheek, sparkling in the sunlight. Unable to speak, too overcome by the love that welled up in her heart, Christy brought his hand to her lips and kissed them. Nodding she managed to whisper, “Yes,” before he took her into his arms, holding her close, his heart as over come as hers. “I love you, Neil.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Meal eaten, heart sufficiently calmed down and no longer racing from the excitement of her reply to his question, leaning back on his elbow, Neil gazed up at Christy whose eyes had been caught up in the beauty around them. “It seems that no matter how long I’ve lived here, no matter how many times I see the view of the cove that it only gets more and more beautiful,” she said softly. Watching her Neil could feel the emotions in her voice and see them her eyes, they were tugging on his own heart. She’d been so serious lately, there were times when she would stare off into the distance with an expression he couldn’t read and it worried him. Christy always professed to love the cove, calling it her home over and over again. Neil knew she was happy teaching the children, living at the mission; he knew she loved him and that she would marry him. But at times like this, when she would stare off in silence, her eyes too clouded for him to see the thoughts running behind those blue eyes he loved, he couldn’t help the stab of fear that rose in his heart. That perhaps she was beginning to feel the same way Margaret had, trapped. “Lass,” he began. “Tell me what you’re thinking.” Called back to him Christy turned her head and gazed down in confusion at Neil. “Can’t you read me, Neil? You must be loosing your touch,” she teased. Though a smile flickered on his lips she could see that it didn’t reach his eyes. Something was really bothering him. “Neil, what is it? What’s wrong?” Reaching out she took his hand in hers again. “Tell me.” Sitting up Neil faced Christy, meeting her gaze with his own serious blue eyes. “There are times when I’ll look at you and you’ll just be staring off at something. I can’t read you’re eyes, I can’t see past their color and it makes me wonder what you’re thinking. I can’t help but wonder if…” Neil's voice waned, unable to complete his thought. Staring at him Christy realized what it was he wasn’t saying. She realized for the first time that he didn’t know what she was really thinking, what she was doing when she stared at the world around her. “Oh, Neil,” she breathed. “I’m so sorry, I thought... You always seem to read me so well I forget that you don’t know everything that runs through my mind.” “Neil, I love you, I love the children, I love the cove. I will never... ever... get tired of being here. I’m not Margaret; I’m here because I choose to be here, not because someone is keeping me here.” “Then why do you look so serious sometimes?” “It’s...” Christy laughed with a small shake of her head. “It’s stupid really. I’m memorizing.” Neil’s brow drew in confusion. “You see I knew that if, when, we got married that I would stand by your side through whatever happened. And I also knew that eventually we would leave the cove, that you would have to take your research to a city hospital. But when that happens I want to be able to close my eyes and picture in my mind the one place that I feel connected to like I have never felt before. So I’ve been memorizing what the cove looks like so that when that time comes, I’ll always have a picture of it in my mind.” Neil stared at Christy, speechless at what she had just told him. All this time he thought she had wanted to get out of the cove when in reality she had been trying to keep it with her forever. “Oh Christy,” he finally breathed. Pulling her to him Neil caressed her cheek, wiping the tear from its resting spot on her cheek. “I love you.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Eleven Running through the forest, hurrying to find him, Zady’s tears were rolling down her cheeks. No sooner had she gotten home from school then she’d heard her youngest sister tell her what had happened between Tommy and her Pa, and that Jeb had said no. Up ahead she saw him standing, his back to her. Skirting around him Zady looked up into his eyes. “Why?” she cried. Looking down he frowned. “I had to.” “No, ya didn’t!” she yelled. “Don’t you take that tone with me, young’un,” Jeb replied as he stared down at his daughter, the tears coursing down her cheeks. “I dun what’s best.” “No, Pa!” Zady cried. “I love Tommy, I love him with all my heart and that ain’t nevuh gonna change! Not even if ya try an’ stop me!” Turning, Zady fled from her father and ran off into the woods, away from the man that had, in her eyes, destroyed her life. As fast as she could she ran through the woods until she found herself by the river, stopping at its banks, her tears still flowing as quickly as the river before her. As she stood there crying Zady felt a light hand on her shoulder and turned to see Tommy standing behind her. With a sob she threw her arms around him and he held her tightly as they stood by the river, their wished for future quickly disappearing from before their very eyes. “What are we gonna do?” she whispered after some time. Sighing Tommy stepped back from Zady. “I luv ya Zady, you knows I do. But I got’s ta do as yer Pa says. I ain’t gonna cross him.” “But Tommy…” Zady whispered, her eyes wide and shining. “I luv’s ya Zady. I always will,” Tommy whispered to her. With one last look he turned away from her, walking away before the tear stinging at the back of his eye had a chance to fall. He could hear the tears, the sobs, as he walked and his heart ached that he was causing her such pain but Tommy was a man of his word, and he wouldn’t cross Jeb on the decision. Watching him walk away from her Zady felt her heart break in two. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Twelve Entering the mission with some supplies for Alice’s stock Neil saw Christy standing by the phone, earpiece to her ear, head leaning against the wall. She was a perfect picture of woe personified. Holding back his smile Neil leaned against the doorway to watch and listen to the woman he loved. “Yes Mother... I know… I’ll be sure to tell him... Mother I really don’t think that... Yes Mother… Yes Mother... Fifteen!!! Mother there is simply no room for fifteen guests here at the mission! ... No! I can’t ask them to... Mother please... Mother... Yes Mother... Good bye Mother.” Hanging up the phone Christy sagged against the wall and dropped her head into her hands. “I can’t do this anymore,” she moaned. His smile disappeared instantly. Neil knew Julia had been giving Christy a hard time but she had seemed to be handling it well enough on her own. Now though Neil knew she had simply been hiding how tough it truly was on her. Crossing the distance between them he pulled her into his arms, a comforting hug to soothe her nerves. Laying her head on his chest Christy wrapped her arms around him and tried to soak up his calm nature. He’d been so understanding over the last few weeks that Christy had found herself turning to him again and again for support and stability, especially after speaking with her mother over the telephone. “Let’s get out of here, Lass. No more wedding planning today.” “I have too many things to do,” she sighed, shaking her head as she stepped away from him. “There’s the crate in El Pano that still needs to be picked up, I have to find rooms for fifteen guests that Mother is planning on bringing with her, not to mention the seamstress that mother’s sending a few days before she gets here. Then there’s...” Placing a finger across her lips Neil silenced her outpour of chores. “Not today,” he repeated. Tugging on her hand Neil led Christy out the door and, climbing up first, he pulled her up onto Charlie before riding out of the mission yard. Her arms wrapped around him Christy leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes until they stopped some time later. Opening her eyes she looked up to see a place in the cove she had never seen before. “Neil?” “I wanted you to add this place to your store of pictures of our cove.” Getting off of Charlie’s back Christy moved toward the water, a river with a small waterfall cascading off a few large boulders. Mesmerized by its beauty she didn’t hear Neil approaching until he was by her side, placing his arm around her waist. Smiling she looked up at him. “Tell me about this place.” Grinning back at her Neil led her to a fallen log and side by side they sat, watching the water fall. “When I was a little boy my Pa used to take me here to fish. Ma would get so sick of him standing there with his pole while she was trying to do the wash that on wash day we would come here to fish and Ma would have the river to herself. This is where I caught my very first fish. It was so little that I ended up feeding it to the cat as a snack but I was so proud of my first catch that I talked it up until it was as big as I was. Pa never said a word otherwise, never bothered to tell anyone how small it really was.” Christy laughed. “Do you ever come here to fish anymore?” “No, not since I’ve had the river to myself. Of course, I may have to start making that trek again once you come to do the wash,” he grinned down at her. “I wouldn’t want to get in your way.” “Oh, I think we can work something out.” Silence fell as they sat watching the water rush around the rocks. Leaning her head against his shoulder Christy added the little waterfall to her stash of memories, Neil’s tale with it. After some time Neil looked down only to realize that she had fallen asleep. Smiling he kissed the top of her head and looked back over the river only to see Zady walking the shoreline, arms laced around herself, head hung low. Seeing her reminded Neil of the heated discussion he and Christy had last week, just after finding out that Jeb had told Tommy no. ‘You agree with Jeb?!” she had asked him incredulously, her eyes wide as she looked across the desk at him. “Yes,” he’d replied. “I think he made the right decision.” “Neil, how could you, you’ve seen how in love they are!” “You want them to get married? You, the woman who thinks the children get married too young as it is, actually want them to get married?” “Well no, I don’t want them to get married now, but I don’t understand why Jeb would have flat out said no. Why didn’t he say ‘in a few years’ or ‘give it some time’? Why just ‘no’?” “Lass, you have to see it from Jeb’s point of view. Part of a father’s job is to protect his children, especially his daughter. When a father meets the man his daughter wants to marry he needs to be sure that the man will take care of his little girl the same we he did. As good a man that Tommy is, and you know I’m one of his biggest supporters, he won’t be able to protect Zady if he continues to refuse to fight. Jeb knows that and as a father he’ll continue to do whatever it takes to protect Zady, even if it means not letting her marry Tommy.” She hadn’t liked his answer but she couldn’t argue her way out of it, not even in her own mind. He had watched her sit silently for some time, going over his words again and again in her mind. The wheels turning in her mind he smiled when she frowned and got back to the paper she was grading. His point had been made. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Thirteen Halfway across the mission yard Christy stopped in her tracks at the sight of the three men climbing the second set of stairs to the mission veranda. The hairs standing up on the back of her neck she tried to shake off the feeling but it wouldn’t leave. Continuing across the yard she climbed the first set of stairs and hurried around the veranda to the back door of the mission. Quickly placing her books on the counter of the kitchen she slipped into the main room of the mission to see Miss Alice speaking with one of the three men. “Where is she?” he demanded, his voice rough and his words slightly slurred. “I do not understand what thee is talking about,” Alice replied, standing her ground against the men. When the man took a step closer to her mentor Christy knew she couldn’t remain silent. “What’s going on?” she asked, taking several steps into the room. “What are you doing here?” Turning to look at her Christy saw the man sneer. “Thought ya could hide from us, did’ya?” Taking a few threatening steps towards her Christy backed up as he tried to get closer. “Whar d’you think yer goin’?” “Away from you and I suggest you do the same.” Glancing to the doorway Christy saw Neil filling it, riding gloves held in his hands, a stern look on his face. With two long strides he had placed himself between the men and Christy, squaring off with the man who had been advancing on her. “What do you want?” “He’s the Doc,” one of the men whispered loudly to the others. “I aims ta get what I came fer, so I’s suggest ya’s don’t git in my way, Doc.” Motioning to the other two men to follow him he moved to the doorway. “We’ll be back fer you ya trollop.” Gasping as though she’d been slapped it was all Christy could do to watch as Neil grabbed the man who had spoken and shoved him out the door, throwing him down the stairs. Ready to do more he stopped when Alice called him back, yelling at him to calm down before he went to far. Neil bellowed at the men to get out of the cove before he lost his temper. Only once they had gone from view did he turn back toward the mission building, entering it to see Christy, hand over her mouth, tears in her confused eyes. “What happened, Alice?” Neil demanded as he pulled Christy to him, she too shocked to do anything but stand there. “I don't know,” she said. “They entered the mission and demanded that she present herself, that they knew she was here. When Christy entered the room they turned on her, I do not know what would have happened had thee not come, Neil.” Quiet during Alice’s explanation Christy could picture their beady eyes in her mind and a shiver coursed over her. Instantly Neil’s arm tightened around her and she welcomed the pressure of it digging into her side, a reminder that she was okay. The sight of that man advancing on her, the hate she had seen in his eyes would haunt her for quite some time, of that much she was certain. But what she didn’t understand was why? What had made them hate her so? She’d never seen them before, never even heard of them before so the question begged to be asked... Who did they think she was? *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Fourteen Sitting on the steps to the mission Christy wanted laugh at the sight before her. The men of the cove facing off over a long rope with a neckerchief tied in the middle. She had to bite back a laugh, the men in a serious competition with one another, sweating, pulling, muscles working overtime. Along with the other women she cheered the man she loved, yelling out to him that he was doing well, that his team would win. And when the team lost she swallowed her laugh and headed out to soothe his bruised ego. Once more sitting on the steps, Neil accross the yard talking with Jeb, Christy looked out at the laughing people and her eyes were drawn to the only two people in the large group that couldn’t find it in their hearts to smile. A few yards away, sitting on a stump log by herself, arms laced around her sides, eyes staring out at nothing. Across the yard, feeling much the same way, Tommy leaned against a tree, his face carefully blank. But to those who could read his eyes his pain was as easy to see as the sun in the sky. For everyone else the picnic was going well, a needed break for everyone in the cove. Gathering together, after service, the families had each brought something to share and the picnic had been going on since. Food already eaten, games played, everyone was sitting back enjoying the peaceful late afternoon calm when the peace was broken. “Whar is she?” Knowing that voice Christy automatically searched the crowd to find Neil. Across the yard he was already making his way to her, the voice ringing in his ears as well. But he couldn’t move fast enough, the men had already spotted her. Seeing the look in his eyes, the hate that seeped out from them, Christy stepped back, heading towards Neil as fast as she could without being obvious. As though sensing that something was wrong the crowd moved, opening a line between Christy and Neil while closing off the two men advancing on the crowd. None of them saw the third man coming from behind. “Whar ya’s think yer goin’?” he cried over Christy’s scream as he grabbed her, holding her close to him, a steely arm wrapped around her waist. Several of the men moved to rush forward but a shot fired into the air stopped them in their tracks. “Don’ no one git no closer!” one of the men yelled. Trying desperately to calm her racing heart Christy stood still, her eyes locked with Neil’s. “We come fer this gal an we aims ta git what she dun owed us!” he yelled. “What are you talking about?” Christy cried, her voice shaking with fear. “I don’t know you!” “Liar!” he yelled, squeezing her tighter. Jack O’Malley had had enough of her lying ways. “You know me jest like ya knows my brothers!” “No I don’t!” “Let teacher go!” Zady cried, tears in her eyes for her teacher’s safety. “Shet yer mouth, gal!” One of the men holding a shotgun frowned. “Teacher? Why’d y’all let someone lak her teach yer young’uns?” Jack’s brother Jason asked. “Thee is making a mistake!” Alice cried. “She is the mission teacher!” Advancing on the man who held his fiancé Neil’s hands were balled up into fists, his face set in a murderous scowl. “Leave her be,” he growled at the man. “You stop raght there, Doc!” the man ordered. “This here my be yer gal but she cheated us when we was playing the poker an’ we aim ta git what she owes.” “What are you talking about?” “She knows what I be talkin’bout.” “No I don’t!” Christy cried, straining against his arm. “I don’t know you; I’ve never seen you before you came to the mission!” “Yer li’en! You was thar tha night at th’teahouse!” Meeting his gaze Christy knew, as did Neil, whom she had been confused with. “You’ve got the wrong woman,” Neil said calmly, his tone carefully even. “You’re looking for Margaret, not Christy. You’ve got the wrong woman.” Glancing at each other the three men hesitated for a moment. Shaking his head the man holding refused to believe it. “Yer jest tryin’ ta protect yer gal! Wahl I ain’t gonna let ya!” Wrapping his large hand roughly about her neck Jack pulled on her roughly, dragging her away from the crowd. Seeing the fear in her eyes Zady wasn’t about to let anything happen to Miss Christy again, not after what had happened last time. She could still remember the fear in her eyes when she and her Ma had gone to see the wounded teacher. There were nights that it still haunted her dreams and Zady knew she couldn’t let it happen again. Moving faster than she knew she could the young Spencer woman reached out and snagged a hold of Christy's wrist. Caught off guard by her quick movements Jack didn’t have time to react before Zady pulled her teacher away from him. “That waz a mistake, gal,” Jack scowled, raising his hand to strike the brave young woman. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Fifteen A loud, stinging slap rang out as Jack’s hand connected with Zady’s face, the young girl crying out in pain from his blow. Pulling Zady to her Christy put herself between the two people, a vain attempt to try and protect the young girl. Even as Jack’s hand had connected with Zady’s cheek there was a surge of movement within the crowd. Neil moved toward Christy, Jeb toward Zady but neither man was fast enough. From behind her Jerry O’Malley, the third brother, grabbed Zady, pulling her away from Christy and towards him. As if for no reason Jerry suddenly let go of the young woman. Turning to face him, scared and yet curious as to why he let her go Zady saw Jerry handing his rifle to someone standing behind him. Before her eyes Tommy stepped around Jerry and into view, handing the rifle off to Jeb before turning to face off with the other two O’Malley brothers. Neil also facing them, Christy practically invisible behind the large mountain man, the four men stood silently until one man broke it with his words. “Hit be one thang ta hurt a whore, Jack, but I ain’t gonna touch no mission gal.” Turning to his brother Jason put a restraining hand on his brother shoulder. “Let’s go.” “No!” Jack yelled. “Hit be her! I’d knows her cheatin’ self an’ she knows it too!” Waving his rifle wildly Jack pointed it at the two men, his aim wavering between both Tommy and Neil. In fear of the men they loved both Christy and Zady rushed forward, their cries rising in the air as they moved to stop the madman from hurting their men. In the confusion of the moment Jack’s finger, his reflexes dulled by moonshine, pulled the trigger and a shot rang out. Instinctively everyone moved, the crowd falling to the ground, to safety, Jason pushing his brother so as to force the rifle away from the crowd. Tommy and Neil, realizing that Zady and Christy were in danger, pulled their love to them, turning their back’s to Jack, in an attempt to keep the women safe, and dropped to the ground. Screams rose from the crowd, the men, women, and children fearing for their friends, their family. As the panic of the moment passed everyone began to take stock of what was around them, mothers checking for their children, husbands calling for their wives, each one searching to make sure their kin was alive and unharmed. On the ground, completely covered by his large frame, Christy struggled to check on Neil; her heart stopped cold at the thought that either the bullet or the fall had hurt him in some way. “Neil?” she whimpered. “Neil!” her voice raising when he didn’t respond to her calling his name. Tightening his arms around her for a moment Neil lifted his head to peer down at Christy. “Are you all right, Lass?” he asked, the fear in his eyes mirrored by the terror in hers. Seeing her nod Neil breathed a sigh of relief, the nightmare of what could have happened still very vivid in his mind. “Thank God,” he breathed. Taking a moment to hold her tightly Neil moved, getting to his knees and then his feet, pulling Christy up with him to stand amid the crowd. On the ground, in much the same situation Christy had found herself in, Zady was pinned to the grass by Tommy’s full weight, his arms around her, protecting her. Sore from the fall, but no other real pain to speak of, she knew she was all right and, closing her eyes to stop the tears, hugged Tommy tightly. “Tommy,” she whispered both a thank you and a prayer. After a moment Zady realized that he wasn’t hugging her back. It was at that moment when she felt it, the warm stickiness that washed over her hands. With a ragged breath she forced herself to open her eyes and look at her hands. There, a stark contrast to her pale skin, was the one thing Zady had prayed with all her heart that she would not see. “TOMMY!!!” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Sixteen Sitting in a chair by the fireplace of the mission house Zady stared at Tommy’s face, the only part of him she could see beyond Doc Neil and Miss Alice. Silent tears fell down her cheeks as she watched his face, refusing to look anywhere but directly at him, never looking away, never moving from her seat. Next to her Shannon O’Malley clasped her hands over her chest, rocking back and forth, praying under her breath that her only son would be all right. Out on the porch people waited for some news of the young man who had risked his life to save Zady. Over on the davenport Christy sat with Marie and Darby, holding them tightly in her arms, both young girls crying for their brother. Though her heart ached for Tommy, his family, and Zady, Christy couldn’t stop the relief that was filling her heart, making her feel even guiltier about what had happened. Finally, after some time, Neil turned away from Tommy, letting Alice finish bandaging the boy’s wound while he spoke with the family. “I’ve managed to clean out the wound and remove the bullet. It’s still too soon to tell but so far Tommy’s doing very well. I’ll need to keep him here for a few days to keep an eye on him. Shannon I’ve already spoken with Alice and you and the girls are welcome to stay here as long as you need to.” “Thank ya kindly, Doc. We’d be beholdin’ ta all’s ya,” Shannon nodded to him. Nodding Neil crouched down low in front of Zady and took her hands in his large ones. “He’s going to be all right Zady, you have to believe that.” Never removing her eyes from Tommy the young girl nodded softly to let Neil know she had heard him. Sighing he turned to go back to Tommy’s side but stopped short when he saw Christy sitting on the davenport. The look in her eyes made him stop for a moment but Christy blinked and looked away, breaking away from him before he could fully see what was swimming in her eyes. Busying herself with Marie and Darby Christy didn’t stop moving, working, until well into the early morning dawn. She couldn’t. Searching the mission for something else to do she found nothing, she’d already done everything she could. Unable, unwilling, to sit still she headed over to the schoolhouse, knowing she would find work over there. Sure enough there was plenty of work to be done, cleaning, organizing, scheduling, lesson planning. She worked until the morning sun was peaking through the trees surrounding her little school. Knowing she had to get back to the mission before anyone missed her Christy left the schoolhouse and headed to the mission. Thinking she was the only one up she headed towards the kitchen to begin breakfast. As the water was just beginning to boil she moved into the dining room to grab a bowl only to stop still in her tracks at the sight of Neil sitting at the table, watching her every move though the doorway. Like a deer surprised by a noise Christy stopped still at the sight of him, silent. “Morning,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving her face, taking in the wide eyes and shocked face. “Good morning,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Grabbing the bowl from the table Christy turned on her heel and disappeared back into the kitchen. She couldn’t face him, of all people, right now. And seeing the look on his face she knew that he knew it. He just didn’t understand it. Getting up from his seat Neil stood in the doorway between the two rooms to watch her for a moment in silence. All the night before she’d kept busy, searching, scrounging really, for work to keep herself occupied. Every time they had been in the same room together she found some excuse to leave. If none was to be found she would stay but she could not meet his gaze. Something was wrong. Standing at the fire in the kitchen of the mission Christy knew Neil was standing behind her, silently watching her, she could feel his eyes on her back. Unable to meet his eyes she kept her back to him, working the bread dough until she could work it no more. Placing it in the oven she cleaned the flour from the tables until the wood shone from it’s wet gloss. With nothing more to do Christy had no choice but to turn around and face him. Turning to face him she kept her eyes on the floor. “Look at me,” he ordered softly. Hesitantly she raised her eyes to meet his and in those blue orbs he saw that which she had been hiding from him, the pain, the fear, the guilt. Neil understood why she had been keeping busy all night, through the night, and on into the morning. The emotions runnng through her eyes told him that she was avoiding the pain, the fear and the guilt by staying busy, refusing to focus on anything but her work. Now he only had to find out how it had begun. Not moving from his spot in the doorway Neil’s gaze never wavered from hers; Christy caught up in the trance of his eyes he could see them begin to mist and tear. “Tell me.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Seventeen “It’s noth…” “Don’t say that,” Neil cut her off firmly, his face dropping into a frown. “It is something, something that has gotten to you so deeply you can’t even speak of it. You can’t sleep; you refuse to stop working for fear that you’ll be left alone with whatever it is that’s bothering you. Now tell me,” he demanded, his voice raising a few notches. Staring at him Christy felt herself shrinking back a little. She’d never seen him so demanding of her like he was being right now, ordering her to tell him, not allowing her to back down or take her time, talking when she was ready. Neil saw her shrinking away from him and stepped forward, his demeanor softening. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder he leaned his head down to meet hers. “I can’t help you if you won’t let me, Christy. Please… tell me what’s bothering you so I won’t have to see you in so much pain. Tell me,” he whispered, holding her tightly. “Christy, please, tell me.” Closing her eyes Christy leaned against him slightly, his love for her pouring out through his words, her heart crying out to unleash the heavy, painful burden it had been carrying, even if only for a short while. Unbidden a tear sprang loose from her eye. She wanted to tell him, she wanted to so much but it scared her, the feelings and thoughts that were running through her mind scared her more than anything else ever had. “I…” Taking a deep breath Christy looked up into Neil’s eyes. In those blue eyes that were filled with love unending she found the courage to say the words. “I’m glad.” “Glad for what?” “Not what,” she whispered. “Who.” Tear shimmered in her eyes but Christy refused to look away. “I’m glad that it was Tommy who was shot and not you!” she cried softly, the horror of her feelings finally out for him to know and abhor. Breaching the barrier, the wall she had placed around her emotions and thoughts, Christy couldn’t stop them from rushing out. “I’m terrified that I could have lost you, I’m horrified that I’m glad it wasn’t you. It’s horrible to think such things when Tommy is lying in that bed upstairs, a bullet hole in his back because of me!” Wrapping his arms around her Neil crushed her to him, holding her tightly, the pressure as intense as the love that ran through his heart. A part of him wanted to laugh with joy that he had finally discovered what was bothering her while another part wanted to cry at the guilt she had forced upon herself. He knew that her heart was unable to accept the fact that it was only natural to feel such things in the aftermath of such a tragic event. Such a caring, loving, unselfish heart as hers could never feel any other way. “Lass,” he began to comfort. “No!” she cried, pushing him away. “It’s wrong Neil! He could have died! Tommy could have died. Zady could have lost the one man she loved with all her heart and all I can feel is happiness! Gladness that it wasn’t you! What kind of person does that make me? What kind of person is happy that an innocent young man almost died!” Near hysterics Christy knew she would wake the mission house and, unable to face them, fled though the back door. Chasing after her Neil was amazed at how swiftly she maneuvered through the yard, disappearing into the forest and continuing to run until she stopped suddenly as though she had hit a brick wall. Looking around Neil realized that she had run to the cave, the spot where Margaret had nearly taken her life not so very long ago. Falling to her knees Christy could no longer bear up under the weight of her pain and began to weep. Kneeling beside her Neil somehow knew that he shouldn’t touch her. Like that time in the cave she wasn’t ready for it. Not yet. After some time, her energy spent, her tears still flowing, Christy fell against him and he wrapped his arms around her softly, holding her with all the love he held in his heart. “What’s wrong with me?” she whispered at last. “How can I be so cold hearted?” “Don’t ever say that,” he whispered to her. “How can you call yourself cold hearted when you are kneeling in the forest, crying over a guilt you shouldn’t have to deal with? Feeling glad over the fact that I came out of it alive and unharmed is only natural, Lass. I know that you feel for Tommy because I have seen you caring for Marie and Darby, making sure that they are taken care of so that Tommy and Shannon don’t have to worry about them. I know you wish you cold make it all better but this was out of your control. Flogging yourself over something you had nothing to do with isn’t going to make it better. And it’s not fair to you. Or me for that matter.” “You?” “Seeing you beating yourself up over this is killing me, Christy. I can’t stand to see you in any way but happy, smiling and laughing. If your not then I have to do something to change that. If your not happy, then I can’t be.” “I’m sorry, Neil,” she cried, her tears beginning anew. “I’m so sorry!” “It’s all right, Lass, everything will be all right, you’ll see.” Holding her in his arms Neil closed his eyes and leaned his head down to hers. He hadn’t been lying when he’d told her it hurt him to see her like that. When he had looked into her eyes and seen that she had closed herself off to him Neil had thought he would go insane. His heart had physically hurt at the thought of not knowing what was running through her mind. Never again would he let her do that to him. Never. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Eighteen Sitting beside the bed, where he lay sleeping, Zady held Tommy’s hand in hers, her soft gentle fingers rubbing the rough skin of his work worn hands. She was alone in the room with him, everyone else already gone. With a heavy heart she recalled the words she had spoken to her father. She did love him, with all her heart; he was her father after all, her Pa. But on this point she would not bend. ‘It be time ta go, Zady. Ya best come with us,’ he’d told her, pulling on her arm as she had stood in the doorway, her eyes locked onto Tommy’s sleeping face. But Zady had refused. She would not leave Tommy’s side until he was awake, until his brown eyes opened and met hers. Jeb had pulled on her arm a little harder but again she refused to go. Stepping a few feet away from him Zady turned around to face her Pa, Ma standing right beside him. ‘I ain’t goin’ with ya Pa. I loves Tommy an I know you don’t like it but it ain’t gonna change jest ‘cause ya said we cain’t git married. He coulda died out thar t’day an’ I know he dun it ta save my life.’ Meeting Jeb’s eyes Zady held her head high, her eyes filled with a conviction Jeb had never seen before. ‘I ain’t leavin’im.’ Fairlight had pulled Jeb out of the room after that, making him leave before he could utter a word that was burning his tongue. How dare his daughter speak to him like that? Zady could hear them arguing in the hallway, her ma telling Jeb that he best leave her alone, and they had left shortly after that. Zady didn’t know what would happen to her when she got home. She’d disobeyed her Pa, directly and without a single bit of remorse. And she’d do it again in a heartbeat. Pulling herself from he memories with a shake she focused her prayers on helping Tommy to get better, to wake up so she could know, for sure, that he would be all right. Doc wouldn’t lie about something like that but Zady had to see it for herself. Tommy had put himself between her and the man who had pulled the trigger. He’d saved her life by risking his. Zady could feel the tears beginning to well in her eyes again and she blinked them away. Right now she had to be strong, for the both of them. Before her eyes Tommy’s brow furrowed in what, as she had learned through experience, was the only sign that he was in pain. Tightening her hold on his hand she moved forward, towards him, and watched as he began to blink his eyes. His brown eyes opened to see Zady staring down at him, her own large brown eyes even larger as she worried over him. “Hi,” she whispered. “Zady,” his voice was thick with sleep and pain. “Wha’happ’n’d?” “Ya got shot…” she began but even as the first word left her throat began to close off, the pain and horror of everything that had happened beginning to creep past her barrier. Zady’s eyes filled with the tears she had held back since that awful moment. Seeing her tears Tommy removed his hand from hers and reached up, catching the first tear as it fell from her eye. “Don’t cry, Zady, I’ll be fine,” he told her. “You’ll see.” “I cain’t help’it,” she cried. “Ya could’a died!” “But I didn’t, Zady, an’ I ain’t aimin’ ta.” “Tommy…” she paused. Looking down Zady pulled the courage up from the depths of her heart to say he words she longed to say. “I love you.” Staring up at her Tommy as silent for a moment. He knew as well as she did that he would never cross her father’s decision. But they both also knew that they couldn’t stop what their hearts were feeling. Reaching up he placed a gentle hand to her wet cheek, thumb rubbing away the tears that he could reach. “I love you too, Zady Spencer.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Nineteen With Miss Alice sleeping upstairs, a headache bothering her too much to stay with them, they were sitting in the parlor of the mission house when the knock sounded out on the door. Though it had only been a few days since he’d been shot Tommy was recovering nicely, his youth and strength aiding him with a speedy recovering. He’d be sore for quite some time, but the young man was out of the danger zone. When the knock rang out on the door all heads, his included, turned to look toward the sound. Glancing at each other briefly Neil stood to answer the door while Tommy stood and moved closer to the fireplace. Both men had been told of what was going on in the cove while they were sitting in the mission parlor tonight. They had opted to stay behind while the other men combed the cove, protection for the women who were in danger. Neither Christy nor Zady had been informed of what was happening so neither woman knew the seriousness of the situation. Both Neil and Tommy planned on keeping it that way until the danger had passed. Opening the door just enough to slip out Neil met with Bob Allen on the porch. “How’s it going, Bob?” he asked in hushed tones. “Not good. There been no sign of ‘em anywhars.” Muttering an oath under his breath Neil ran a frustrated hand through his red curls. “Than why are you here Bob?” “I dun stopped by the Spencer’s ta git Jeb an John but they cain’t leave. Leastu’un be real bad off. I come ta git’ya.” “All right,” he relented. “Let me get my saddle bags and we’ll be off.” Striding back into the mission house he made quick work of gathering his things. Seeing the worry in Christy’s eyes at his sudden change in attitude he stopped to explain. “Least’un is sick, I have to go to the Spencer's right away.” Gasping Zady put her hand to her face even as Tommy’s arm tightened around her shoulders. “I’m a comin’ with ya Doc.” Standing she moved towards Neil with a determined look. But in the corner of he eyes Neil could see the fear for her kin that was eating away at her. “All right, girl, let’s go.” Getting up Tommy started to follow but stopped when he realized that there would be no one let with Christy, no one there to protect her. Unsure of why he wasn’t continuing on Christy put a soft hand and urged Tommy to go only to see, from the corner of her eye, Neil shake his head. Seeing the look pass between the men she knew that something wasn’t right. “What’s going on, Neil? What aren’t you telling me?” Moving closer to the Scot she tilted her head back to meet his eyes. In those blue orbs she saw him scrambling for some excuse to tell her. “No lies, Neil. Not between us.” Sighing, “The O’Malley’s escaped earlier this afternoon. The men have been scouring the cove but so far they can’t find any of them. They could be anywhere.” Realizing that the two men had been sticking close by so as to protect them Christy smiled. “And they could very well be long gone.” Taking his hand in hers she brought it to her lips, kissing it gently. “Miss Alice is here, Neil, I’m not alone. You need to go help Least’un and Tommy needs to be there for Zady. I’ll be fine, now go.” Looking down at her, knowing she was right even as he fought to find some excuse to make the young man stay behind, Neil closed his eyes and nodded. “Lock all the doors Lass, and keep out of sight.” “I will, I promise. Now go, Least’un needs you.” Kissing her forehead, gently squeezing her to him for a moment, Neil left before he could change his mind. They’d been gone less than an hour when she heard the heavy footsteps of a man climbing the stairs of the mission house. Just above it she heard the click of a rifle barrel being locked into place. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Twenty They arrived at the Spencer cabin in no time at all, having hurried the entire way. Rushing inside Neil set to work, examining the little boy even as Zady came face to face with her parents for the first time since she had openly defied Jeb. While Jeb remained distanced from them, never moving from his place by the fire, Fairlight hugged her daughter close before smiling at Tommy. Standing next to the doorway, Zady stared at her youngest kin as Neil worked to find out what was wrong. Fearful that whatever was wrong might prove to be fatal her hands and arms began to tremble. Putting his arm around her Tommy held onto her tightly, his strength a comfort to her, helping her to get past her fears and begin praying that it would be all right. Over by the fire, seeing the two young couple together, Jeb was finally able to see what Fairlight had been trying to tell him all along. They were in love. With his minds eye he remembered the scene from the mission yard, the fear that had pulsed through his veins when the man had grabbed his little girl. Before he had been able to move Tommy had moved first, placing his hand on the mans neck, pinching it and forcing him to release Zady. Only moments later the boy had been lying on the ground, his blood soaking the grass. Coming out of his reverie, lifting his eyes once more to look at the young couple, Jeb realized he’d made a mistake. Tommy was a peaceful man; he’d proven it time and again by refusing to fight no matter how bad he was tormented. But now, after the events of only a few days ago, he knew how far Tommy would go to protect Zady. He’d proven that as well. “He’ll be fine.” All eyes turned to Neil who had stood from the bed. “My guess is that he ate too much of Fairlight’s apple cobbler. He’s got a stomachache, nothing more. Keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn’t move around too much and he’ll be fine.” “I been wonderin’ whar it’d gone ta,” Fairlight frowned. “You should’a known better, young’un,” she scolded. Rubbing the child’s head, tousling his hair, Neil stood and gathered his supplies. “We need to get back,” he declared. “I’ll come and check on him again in the morning. Until then do as I’ve told you and he’ll be fine.” Instructions given, supplies gathered, Neil moved to the door only to stop in his tracks and began to back up. Stepping up into the cabin Jerry O’Malley pointed his rifle at Neil’s chest. “Don’t nobody move, or I’ll shoot ya,” he ordered. Scared the little children huddled together. Tommy pulled Zady even tighter to him as Jeb did the same to Fairlight. Meeting the mans gaze Neil’s face hardened. This wasn’t the one that had gone after Christy, so where was he? “What do you want O’Malley?” “Nothin’ you can give me. I’m ’ere fer th’girl.” Waving the gun towards Zady he motioned for her to step forward. “Git over ‘ere gal, my brother wants ta see ya after he’s dun with th’other one.” “She’s not going anywhere.” Jerry shifted his gaze to he young man that had spoken. Moving closer to Tommy Jerry stared at him for a moment before suddenly raising his rifle and butting it into Tommy’s middle. Doubling over in pain his guard dropped and Jerry ripped Zady from his grasp. Pulling her to the door Jerry was already halfway across the yard, dragging Zady with him, before Tommy could recover. Fighting him with everything she had Zady kicked and clawed at him, trying desperately to get away. Getting madder by the moment Jerry lost his patience, slapping Zady to the ground in the process, continuing to hit her as she lay sprawled on the ground. Recovered from the earlier blow Tommy ran from the cabin, tackling Jerry to the ground and pulling him away from Zady. “No one hurts Zady!” he scowled before knocking Jerry to the ground, the man out cold the moment his head hit the ground. Pulling Zady to him Tommy examined her, making sure, proof to his own eyes, that she was all right. Clinging to him Zady’s tears fell, the paralyzing terror of his attack beginning to fall away leaving only a residual fear as she was wrapped in his arms. Watching them for a moment Neil thought over the last words the O’Malley brother had spoken. ‘…my brother wants ta see ya after he’s dun with th’other one…’ “Christy!” he breathed, realizing where Jack, the oldest of the O’Malley brother was heading, if not there already. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chapter Twenty One Frozen in her place Christy listened to the steps on the mission stairs, her heart pounding in fear. With a shake she pulled herself together and hurried to the widow, silently peeking out to try and see who it was. As the man passed through a patch of moonlight she was able to see his face and could barely contain the scream that rose in her throat. As he began to pound on the door, attempting to break it down, Neil’s words rang in her ears. ‘… and keep out of sight.’ She had to hide. With every cell in her body Christy knew she had to hide. Quickly. Running out of the main room she wracked her brain for a place to hide, somewhere that he would not find her. No sooner had she thought of one than another thought entered her mind. Miss Alice. The Quaker lay, sleeping, unaware of the trouble brewing below her. Racing through the mission, still listening to the pounding on the door, Christy climbed the stairs, key in hand, locking the door to Miss Alice’s room so as to prevent Jack from entering, praying he would ignore the door once he found it to be locked. No sooner had she squeezed herself into her hiding spot than she heard the sound of glass shattering, the tinkling that rang out as it fell to the ground, crunching as his boots stepped over it. Closing her eyes she forced herself to slow her breathing and began to pray that he would leave both women alone. “I know yer ‘ere, whore!” he yelled. “Come out ‘ere an face me!” A small whimper escaping in her fear Christy clamped a hand over her mouth lest another one escape as well. Eyes clenched shut she cold hear Jack stomping around the mission house, yelling at her to show herself to him, to pay for her crimes. Heart hammering in her chest Christy heard the tell-tale noise of Miss Alice, over head, trying to open her door and cringed when she heard Jack going up the stairs. There was a loud crash, the sound of wood splintering and then, moments later he was back downstairs, calling out to her, yelling that he didn’t want the old woman but if she didn’t come out he would kill her instead. She was about to emerge from her hiding place, fear for Miss Alice outweighing the fear for herself, when more feet pounded up the stairs, rushing into the mission house. “Get out of here!” Neil roared, grabbing Jack by his coat lapel and dragging him out of the mission into the waiting hands of the men gathered outside. “What have you done with Christy?” he demanded. “Where is she?” “He never found her, Neil,” Alice called as she stepped onto the porch; a robe wrapped around her shoulders, enclosed tightly in her hands. “She must be hiding somewhere.” Leaving Jack with the men of the cove Neil ran back inside searching the mission for the woman he loved, all the while yelling out to her. “Christy! Lass, answer me!” Having the searched the entire mission, top to bottom he stood before the fireplace, his face filled with desperation. “Where are you!” he yelled. from within her hiding place Christy heard him yelling to her, calling out for her to come out, that everything was all right. Tears falling down her cheeks she pushed on the door but it would not budge. With all her might she pushed again but still it would not budge. Unable to get out of her hiding place she cried out to Neil, yelling, hoping and praying he would hear her. Standing in the middle of the mission house Neil took a breath to yell again when he heard it. As though it was coming from someplace far away, her muffled voice barely audible, he heard Christy calling his name. Waiting he heard it again, moving towards it until he found himself standing in the kitchen. “Christy?” His voice was louder, closer, and Christy pounded on the door to the little cabinet under the counter of the mission’s kitchen to get his attention. Hearing the noise Neil bent down and tried to open the cupboard but found them stuck. Pulling on it harder, after a few tries, it finally opened and the light fell on Christy’s teary face. His heart clenched and soared at the same time. She had been in danger but now she was safe again. Reaching in Neil pulled her out of the cupboards and into his arms, holding her, clenching her, tightly to him, whispering to her over and over that it was all right. Whether his assurances were for her or for him, neither one knew and neither one cared. She had him and he had her… and that was all that mattered. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The End! Look for the third part of the Trilogy "Histories Tale"