Disclaimer: The LeSourd Family owns Catharine Marshall’s “Christy.” I am continuing the story for my own amusement and am in no way seeking profit or credit. Title: “Finding Home” Author: Emma O. Summary: This story is meant to take place during “Choices Of The Heart,” the recent mini-series on PAX Television. I like to think of it as the “missing scenes” which begin just after Christy returns David’s ring and the two embrace. Chapter 1 As Christy pulled back from David she felt conflicting emotions. The pain in his eyes was weakly masked by a tight smile. How could she hurt such a wonderfully understanding man as David? Her heart went out to him. And yet, despite her tears, she was surrounded by a special peace. She knew that marrying David was not the path God had chosen for her. She had discovered only last night how much Neil needed her and how much she needed him. She took a deep breath of the cool night air to refresh her weary soul. “Good night, David,” she said as she gave his hand one last squeeze. His silent nod spoke volumes. As she looked into his eyes she knew that with time their friendship would be stronger than ever. She whispered a silent prayer for him as she slipped from the porch of his bunkhouse. And as she pulled her shawl more tightly about her shoulders and glanced up at the starry heavens, she felt the Lord’s reassurance that her friend would indeed be comforted. ** ** ** Christy walked slowly to her room and thought about Neil. He had taken such good care of her during the storm. That morning, as she rested in his arms on the way back to the Mission, he related some of the events that took place during her fever. He said that in her delirium she had seen Fairlight and had called out for David. Strange, she couldn’t remember those things. But not much of the night was clear once the fever took hold, save for one all-important moment. She did remember very clearly that she awoke once to see Neil on his knees in supplication with God! What exactly had he said? Had he finally turned his life over to the Lord? She was bursting to know more about his prayers. But before she could find the words, Neil had coaxed her to sleep as fatigue overtook her. And then she had been awakened by the sound of David’s voice. How awkward the walk home had been! Should she have said something to David and Neil right away? What had Neil been thinking on the way back and why did he leave so abruptly once they crested the rise on Mission property? Reaching her room she quietly shut the door behind her. Her mind was racing so quickly that she decided the only way to settle her brain was to turn her thoughts over to the Lord. “Dear God,” she prayed as she kneeled beside her bed. “Thank you for seeing Neil and me safely through the storm. Thank You for restoring my health and thank You for showing me that path I need to take. Lord, please help Neil in his newfound faith. Bless him as he discovers Your love and forgiveness. Fill him with the joy only You can provide. Lord, I want so much to talk to Neil. But I don’t know where to start or what to say. Please help me. And, Lord, if it be Your will, allow me to be an instrument in your plans for his spiritual growth. Amen.” As she slipped between the cool sheets and pulled her quilt up to her chin, happy thoughts of a life shared with Neil danced in her head. She drifted off to sleep with a contended smile on her face. ** ** ** Back in his own cabin Neil’s head was also spinning. Ever since Christy had disentangled herself from the hold he and David had on her in the woods, he’d begun to question his worthiness. He loved her, of that he was sure. Christy Huddleston filled his mind, his heart and his soul. He knew he couldn’t live without her. And yet, she was still engaged to David. Even though she had taken his hand that very morning as she awoke and looked at him with unfathomable peace and happiness, she hadn’t returned his proclamation. And she’d been so quiet on the walk back to the Mission after the Reverend showed up. The strain of the situation led him to make a hasty retreat when the Mission came into view. He needed time to regroup, a chance to bathe and to eat, and the solitude to process all that had happened. So after a quick scrub here he was, pacing around his cabin, wondering where to begin. Suddenly memories of the peace he had encountered after praying at Christy’s bedside flowed through him and he sank into the nearest chair. “Dear Lord,” he began. “How great you truly are. You restored Christy to health. You filled my heart with love for her. And despite all my efforts to fight You, You brought me finally to know Your grace. But, God, I don’t know where to go from here. I know accepting You into my heart was only the first step, but what do I do now? How do I learn more and commit myself to You wholly?” As Neil rested his head in his hands the answer came to him. “Aunt Hattie!” he exclaimed. How often had she said he was in her prayers? Surely she could offer him some guidance. Without regard for his empty stomach he intently dug through the bookshelf for his parents’ Bible and he raced out the door. ** ** ** Four hours later, as the moon shone brightly in the midnight sky, an incredibly happy Neil McNeill made his way back from his Aunt Hattie’s. “Thank You, Lord,” he prayed as the sounds of the river welcomed him home. “Thank You for showing me the way. Help me grow in knowledge of You. And Lord, should Christy decide that her path is with David, help me accept her decision and support them both with the love You have given to me. Amen.” With a quick yawn and a full stomach (thanks to his Aunt’s cornbread) Neil climbed the steps to his cabin and went inside for a long-deserved, restful sleep. Chapter 2 The next morning brought clear skies and bight sunshine. Stretching luxuriously in her bed Christy looked out her window to the Great Smokies. Such peace and strength they gave to her! The dew on the leaves of the trees sparkled in the sunshine and made the mountains appear to dance as the early morning wind gently whispered along. Christy closed her eyes once more as the sun caressed her cheeks and thought lovingly of Neil. She felt herself blush as she remembered his kiss in the cabin. The shock she had experienced in that moment was like none other in her life. She briefly touched her fingers to her lips in memory of the feel of his own there. Even now she felt the warmth of excitement spread through her veins when she thought of it. Oh, how she wished she could take back the slap she had given him. But she hadn’t known how to react and his actions had been completely against propriety. Not that she cared anymore. He had said he loved her! She couldn’t hide the large smile that graced her face as her blue eyes shone with happiness. Anxious to start her day she sat up in bed only to have her smile quickly disappear. Her wedding! Boxes and crates were stacked up around her like a fortress. Gifts and supplies from family and friends in Ashville lay strewn about the room. How was she going to explain this recent turn of events to her parents? How was she going to explain her broken engagement to Miss Alice? To her students? The thought of Ruby Mae’s sad face when she learned she would not be acquiring the bunkhouse gave Christy pause. Everyone at the Mission had been working so hard for this event. She felt as though she was letting everyone down. “Not everyone,” she reminded herself aloud. “For the first time I know the truth and I’ve done the right thing for David, for Neil and for myself.” Her resolve threatened to collapse under the weight of the task ahead of her. “I’m a big girl,” she continued as she climbed out of bed. “No,” she corrected herself with a firm nod of her head, “Now I am a woman! And as such, I need to get to work and straighten all of this out!” ** ** ** As Christy descended the steps she could hear someone clattering about in the kitchen. “Lordy!” Ruby Mae exclaimed as she came through the door and nearly ran into her teacher. “Ya shore did give me a fright, Miz Christy!” Ruby Mae put her tray down on the table and continued. “I was gonna bring this here tray up to ya. I thought ya might be kinda tired after yer fever and all. But since yer up I guess ya could just eat yer breakfast right here!” “Thank you, Ruby Mae,” Christy expressed her gratitude as she sat at the table to say grace. “Wasn’t that storm just awful? So many folks come here for help. And Mr. Spencer stayin’ at his house right near scared Zady and John to death. And Bob Allen gettin’ himself rescued from the river by the preacher and Dr. Ferrand. I guess that makes them heroes…” Christy chewed thoughtfully on a piece of toast as Ruby Mae prattled on. So many families had been affected by the flooding and she had been so absorbed in her own troubles she hadn’t thought about how she could help! “Miz Christy?” Snapping her attention back to Ruby Mae, Christy smiled and the rambunctious girl continued. “I swear, Teacher, ya ain’t mortally heard a word I said!” “I’m sorry, Ruby Mae,” Christy apologized. “I was just thinking of our neighbors and wondering what I could do to help.” “Like I said,” Ruby Mae continued. “Most everyone’s okay really, ‘ceptin the Holcombes and the Allens. They done lost near everythin’ when the river washed their cabins away. But Preacher and Dr. Ferrand went over to help them go through what was left.” And with that, Ruby Mae was out the door. “Goin’ to see Bessie,” she hollered over her shoulder as she ran down the steps. “That girl must meet herself in conversation coming and going,” thought Christy as she rose. “Well, at least she didn’t give me a chance to tell her about the bunkhouse,” she mused. After washing her dishes in the sink she decided the first thing to do was find Ms. Alice. She worried that her mentor might not understand or approve of her decision. But she respected Ms. Alice’s opinion and needed to confide in someone she trusted. Stepping out on the porch she spied her friend in the rocker. “Good morning, Ms. Alice,” Christy exclaimed as she approached. How are you feeling today?” “I am well, thank thee,” smiled Ms. Alice. “I seem to have suffered no permanent damage from my fall and David and Dr. Ferrand were kind enough to remove all tell-tale signs of the tree which felled me the other night.” At the mention of David, Christy’s eyes clouded. Ms. Alice breathed a short prayer for guidance and continued. Her eyes sparkled as she viewed the muddy fields and damaged structures. “Some might look out here and see only devastation and sadness,” she said. “Do thee know what I see? Blue skies. Bright sunshine. And a day full of hope and joy.” She turned to her young charge. “The Lord assures us that even in our darkest hours He will see us through. Even when we are at our lowest and everything seems beyond hope or repair He will right our wrongs and build us back up. All we need do is believe.” As she finished speaking she clasped Christy’s hands in her own. Slightly lifting Christy’s ringless left hand she softly said, “Tell me, child.” When Christy’s eyes flew open wide and pooled with tears Alice continued. “Thee needn’t worry so. God will make it right.” Relieved by Ms. Alice’s kind and understanding words Christy fell into her motherly embrace and poured out her story. ** ** ** “So you see, Ms. Alice,” Christy finished her tale. “I finally know what God intends for my life. It’s just,” she broke off and looked toward her mountains. “Just what, child?” questioned Ms. Alice. “It’s just that Neil left so quickly and I never got to tell him how much I care for him. And now that I know…” she blushed a deep red. “Thee don’t know how to tell him. Am I right?” Christy nodded and looked back at her friend. “It should be the easiest thing in the world for me to tell him and yet I get so tongue-tied just thinking about it.” While she had related most every event of her encounter with Neil to Ms. Alice, Christy had omitted Neil’s kiss. It seemed too personal somehow to share details about a moment she could barely define herself. “Well, Christy,” began Ms. Alice after one of her Quaker silences. “If thee knows what thee feels to be true, thee needn’t be ashamed to express thyself. Obviously Neil feels the same about thee. It seems to me he has opened the door thee seeks. Thee need only step through.” She smiled as she rose to her feet. “Seek faith, Christy. God has never forsaken thee before.” And with that she left Christy to her thoughts. Chapter 3 “Ouch!” Neil cried as he cut his face with the shaving blade. “Stupid man, pay attention to what you’re doing!” he cursed himself. He had been daydreaming of Christy again - of what life would be like with her at his side, walking by the river, living in their cabin, sharing their deepest thoughts, deliriously in love. “Well,” he sighed deeply as he splashed cold water across his face and neck. “She knows how you feel. If she doesn’t come to call then you have her answer.” Neil patted his face dry with a towel and picked up his fishing gear. He knew his associates were anxiously awaiting his return to El Pano. He should have started out at daybreak. But the memory of that night with Christy trapped him helplessly in the Cove. “Until I know for certain how she feels,” he mused, “I cannot go. I simply cannot.” With a shake of his head he set off down the pathway. He needed the solitude and peace of the river. ** ** ** ** After Ms. Alice left her alone, Christy debated whether to visit the Spencers immediately or not. She was anxious to see that they were okay and to help them in any way possible. But she remembered that her mother would be calling that morning with the final guest list for the wedding. Despite the overwhelming urge to run away from the Mission as fast as she could, she knew she needed to speak with her mother. She decided to best utilize what time she had left in prayer. “Dear Lord,” she began as she gazed once more upon the mountains. “Your hand is in everything I see. The beauty of this land. The smiles of the children. The goodness of Ms. Alice. The love of Dr. McNeill. Lord, You tell us as Your children to lean on You in times of need. Well, Lord, I need Your strength now. I have so many wrongs to set right. Please help me to find the words I need. In Your name. Amen.” She closed her eyes and felt His peace surround her once more. At that moment, the ringing of the phone startled her from her reverie. She straightened her shoulders and headed for the door. “Well,” she said aloud to steady her nerves. “Here I go.” ** ** ** The phone conversation with her mother went surprisingly well considering the ramifications of Christy’s news. After a brief discussion of the previous few days’ events, Julia quietly passed the phone to her husband. William Huddleston assured his ‘girlie’ that as long as she was happy, she had made the right decision. Julia suggested that Christy concentrate on helping her friends in the Cove and save the packing of the trunks for another day. She and William would take care of contacting all of the guests and canceling travel plans. And as for Christy’s dress, well Julia would pick it up and store it away for another time. Christy thanked her parents for their understanding and hung up the phone. A small sadness loomed in her heart. She had to get away. She needed to keep herself busy until she decided how to approach Neil. She grabbed her shawl and headed out the door toward the Spencer cabin. ** ** ** Despite his best efforts against the still-rough current, Neil wasn’t catching any fish. Even worse, he was no more peaceful now than when he had come down to the river two hours earlier. He was going crazy thinking about Christy. Why hadn’t she come? Had he lost her to the Reverend for good? He simply had to do something to more fully occupy his mind. If he didn’t he knew he’d go headlong to the Mission in search of her. Would she be glad to see him? Would she come willingly into his arms and profess her love to him? Or would she look upon him with pity as David held her and looked upon him with disdain. The fear of further embarrassment to her or to himself was more than he could take. Wading out of the river, Neil headed up the bank to his cabin. “I’ll just make myself useful,” he muttered. “The Holcombes and Allens will no doubt need some help. And I would truly like to visit Jeb before the day is out.” He dropped his pole on the porch and said a quick prayer for stillness in his soul. Then, knowing it was still too muddy to risk taking his horse, he set off to see the Holcombes on foot. Chapter 4 Neil made his way slowly through the woods, deep in thought. He had spent nearly six hours, first with the Holcombes and then with the Allens, sifting through the debris. The devastation was overwhelming. Among the only items they had salvaged were some spoons, a cooking pot, various pieces of scrap wood and Mary Allen’s favorite quilt, which had gotten caught in some felled tree branches just downstream from their land. Neil felt their bitter disappointment and wanted to cry for them. It had been a trying afternoon in more ways than one. When Neil had arrived at the Allens’ homestead, David and Dr. Ferrand were there as well. Dr. Ferrand had made small talk for a few moments but David had merely nodded in Neil’s direction. The action was unreadable and David’s eyes betrayed nothing. The awkward silence in which they worked was punctuated only by the grunting of the laboring men and the occasional moan of despair from Mary. It was one of these latter sounds that made Neil pause. She was kneeling in the grass at the far end of the yard crying softly to herself as she rocked back and forth. “Mary,” he said gently as he approached her. “Mary, I know that it seems you’ve lost everything, but you mustn’t forget that you still have God. He has not forsaken you, Mary. He delivered you and Creed to the safety of the Mission during the storm. And look how he sent the Reverend and Dr. Ferrand to rescue Bob from the river. Mary, you mustn’t despair so. Lift up your burdens to the Lord. He hears you and will comfort you.” The look of confusion in Mary’s eyes was replaced almost immediately with gratitude and joy. “Doc,” she said. “I didn’t know you was a believer.” “Neither did I,” came a voice from behind them. Neil looked up to behold David gazing down upon them. He, too, had wanted to comfort Mary and had been startled to hear the Doctor’s words. “Well, my faith is young,” Neil began. “But it is strong.” He placed a hand on Mary’s shoulder. “I feel the Lord with us today and I know He is waiting for us to call out to him. Reverend,” Neil said as he looked once more to David. “Would you lead us in a prayer?” David nodded solemnly, his eyes fixed on Neil’s face. The doctor was obviously earnest in his faith. The knowledge that the final barrier between Christy and Neil had been broken saddened David. But he acknowledged his call to the Lord and lifted up the Allens in prayer. Now, Neil wearily picked his way along in the late afternoon light toward Jeb’s place. Christy had told him of his friend’s continuing despair over the death of his wife. Neil wanted to visit him and make sure he wasn’t making himself ill with grief. As he walked, he thought of Christy. David had given no indication today of her decision one way or the other. “I must see her,” he thought. “If she returns my love I will be the happiest man alive. However, if she chooses David, I will leave the cove forever.” He lost himself in deep thought as he altered his path slightly to the east. “Just another mile,” he sighed. “ I’ll check on Jeb and then I’ll decide once and for all what I should do about my future.” ** ** ** “There you go, Lulu,” exclaimed Christy as she set a steaming dish of stew in front of the little girl. “Won’t ya be joinin’ us, Miz Christy?” asked Jeb as she placed the bread on the table. “I appreciate the offer, Jeb. But they are expecting me back at the Mission. I’ll just finish up some dishes and be on my way.” Christy turned and grabbed a bucket to go for some well water. As she exited the back door she heard Jeb say grace. “Dear Lord, thank Ya again for keepin’ my family safe during the flood. Keep us together and help us to lead Christian lives. Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.” Jeb had come so far in the past two days. The storm had really brought him out of mourning for Fairlight and helped him to focus on his children. As Christy filled her bucket she marveled at the healing touch of the Lord in the lives of this wonderful family. Breathing a quick prayer that she might one day have a loving family of her own she strolled back into the cabin to finish the dishes. “Miz Christy,” called Zady as she fetched some honey for the bread. “Yes, Zady?” Christy walked around to the front of the fireplace to set the water on to warm. “Thank ya for helpin’ us today. I never could have cleaned the cabin up without ya. And with Aunt Opal takin’ care of her place and all, well, I just want to say thank ya.” “You’re welcome Zady,” whispered Christy with a smile as Zady hugged her mightily. “Now go on back and finish your supper.” Christy watched the family before her. As they ate and laughed they seemed the perfect picture of contentment. She returned to the kitchen and retrieved a pie from the oven and set it out to cool. She smiled broadly to herself. Yes, God was good! ** ** ** Christy had just poured the warmed water into two buckets for washing and rinsing when there was a knock at the door. She poured soap into one bucket and picked up the dishcloth as Jeb crossed to open it. “Neil!” Jeb exclaimed. “Hello, Jeb,” Christy heard Neil reply in his amazing Scottish brogue. The surprise of his visit and the sudden rush of heat through her veins at the sound of his voice left Christy light-headed and she dropped the plate she was preparing to wash. Mortified by her reaction to Neil’s presence she crouched to clean up the broken shards of pottery. “How careless of me,” she thought as she gathered up the pieces. She desperately hoped no one had noticed the noise she created. But Zady came tearing around the corner. “Miz Christy, are you alright?” she asked. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. “I’m fine, Zady. Just a little clumsy. I’m sorry I broke the plate, Jeb,” she said as he too rounded the corner. Her face flaming, she stacked the pieces next to the washtub and plunged her hands into the soapy water. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me this evening.” Just then, Neil made his entrance. Their eyes locked for a moment and the world seemed to stand still. The breath caught in Christy’s throat as she stared transfixed by the sight of the man in front of her. He looked tired and worn. His curls were as unruly as ever and one lock fell across his forehead. She longed to reach out and brush it back from his eyes. But at the very thought her mouth went dry and she felt her knees begin to tremble. Wondering at the tension in the room Jeb broke the silence. “Ya just about worked yourself to death for us today,” he said understandingly. Then, trying to lighten the mood, he cracked a grin. “ ‘Sides, after what we lost in the floodin’, what’s one more plate anyway?” Christy was glad he had a voice for neither she nor Neil could seem to find theirs. “Sit and stay a spell, Doc?” Jeb asked as he looked quizzically back and forth between Christy and Neil. “Miz Christy sure made us a good supper. We got enough to share.” “No, thank you, Jeb,” Neil said finally. He tore his gaze from Christy’s as she leaned once more over her dishes. Why was she blushing? What had her stare meant? Had he seen the look of love in her eyes or was he merely dreaming? He cursed the misfortune that led them to meet in the company of others. “Actually,” he said, “I came to check on you. I have missed my good friend and I wanted to make sure that he was in fine health.” “I surely am, Doc,” Jeb replied. Noticing that Neil was again staring at Christy he asked, “Do ya wanna talk outside for just a moment?” Neil obligingly followed his friend toward the front porch. “Finish yer supper, young ‘uns,” Jeb said to his children as he crossed the room. He opened the door and ushered Neil outside. The door shut behind them and muffled their voices. As she sucked in a deep breath Christy’s mind reeled. She was desperate to see Neil again and to talk to him. Yet, she was also desperate to finish up the dishes and flee. For the first time she thought about her appearance. “I must look, awful,” she thought as she tugged at the kerchief covering her hair. “Why, oh why did we have to run into one another like this?” A loud laugh from Jeb shook her from her reverie. Whatever their conversation, it must have taken a good turn. At just that moment the front door flew open. “Zady, darlin,” Jeb said. “Go and finish the dishes up for Miz Christy. It’s getting late and the Doc has offered to walk her back to the Mission.” Hearing the conversation, Christy panicked. The moment of truth was staring her in the face and she wasn’t sure she was up to it. She dropped the cloth into the bucket and stepped forward. “Thank you Jeb, but that won’t be necessary,” she said as she rounded the corner, dripping soapy water all over the floor. Flustered, she hastily dried her hands on her apron as she tried to think of an excuse to go home alone. “I only have a few more dishes to finish up and I’m sure that the Doctor…” She broke off as she noticed the look on Neil’s face. A mixture of shock and hope registered across his features. It was then she noticed he was staring at her hand. She was trapped. For one fateful moment she felt as though she would faint dead away. But then she looked into his eyes and the love she saw in them lifted her up. A strength she didn’t know she had forced her to nod to Jeb. “Thank you,” she said with conviction. “I think I will take the Doctor up on his offer.” Methodically she handed the apron and kerchief to Zady, kissed the children goodbye and walked out the door. Neil turned to follow her out and met Jeb’s eye. With a quick wink and a large smile, Jeb practically pushed Neil outside and shut the door behind him. Chapter 5 Christy walked ahead of Neil in silence as the sun began to meet the horizon. Both of them were lost in thought and neither knew where to begin. Whispering a quick prayer, Christy decided to start. “Neil?” she questioned him quietly. His heart skipped a beat. “I want to ask you something about the other night in the cabin.” Neil held his breath as Christy continued. “I don’t really remember much about what happened after my fever got so high, but I do recall very clearly that I awoke once to see you in prayer.” Neil started at her admission and inhaled sharply. Afraid she may have upset him but knowing it was too late to turn back, she plunged ahead. “Neil, I don’t mean to upset you or embarrass you but I just felt I should tell you. I am your friend and I want to help you. If you need someone to pray with or want some direction…” Her voice faded as she realized she didn’t know what to say. How young and foolish she must seem! “Christy,” his thick brogue reached her at the same time he caught her gently by the shoulder. Turning her around he smiled into her big blue eyes. “Don’t worry about what to say, lass. You did not upset or embarrass me. Yes, you did hear me in prayer that night.” He looked past her to the setting sun. “I was so scared I would lose you I didn’t know where else to turn. I had done everything in my power to save you and yet I was powerless to do just that. I found myself out of options and out of strength. I have never felt weaker or more vulnerable than I did that night.” He looked once more into the face of his beloved. “In desperation I fell to my knees beside your bed. You have always had the answers for me before. I hoped that being close to you would provide me with them again. “At first I didn’t even realize I was praying. But a warmth enveloped me and encouraged me to go on. I poured out my heart to God that night. I confessed that I was a sinner and powerless to save you. I acknowledged that He was the giver of all and I turned your life and my love for you over to Him. My pride disappeared in that moment and while I wept He gave me back the strength I thought I had lost altogether. He forgave me of my sins and renewed my spirit.” Christy’s shining eyes urged him to continue. “The next day, after you were returned to the Mission, I found myself praying once more in my cabin. But I needed help. I needed guidance. So I went to Hattie’s. She helped me pray and told me where to look in Scripture for the Almighty Love and Power that is God. “It has been a long journey, Christy, but I have finally come home. That night at Hattie’s I asked the Lord to come fully into my life and take over my heart. He did just that and I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you were a part of that miracle.” He reached up to caress her cheek with the back of his hand and she closed her eyes. “Thank you, Lord,” she whispered happily, as Neil took her hands in his. Together they stood on the face of the shadowy mountain and offered up their silent prayers. All too soon Neil pulled his hands from hers. “I must get you home, Christy. It is getting dark and with the darkness comes treacherous travel. The river is still strong and the path is thick with mud.” They quickened their pace as they made their way carefully back to the Mission. ** ** ** It had taken them about an hour to get back, but to Christy it had seemed only minutes. As they emerged from the woods near the school Christy stopped. They were nearly back and she hadn’t said what she needed too. Panic seized her heart at the thought of going another night without telling him. “Neil,” Christy began. “I,” she broke off as a tightness formed in her throat, blocking the words she needed to say. The accompanying tears filled her eyes and threatened to spill out as Neil gently lifted her chin. “Hush now,” he whispered to her as he slowly pulled her into his warm embrace. “You needn’t say anything at all, Christy. I know, lass,” he assured her. “ I know.” Neil looked up into the starry night and whispered a quick prayer of thanks. And as he lowered his face to press a light kiss to the top of Christy’s head he swore he heard her speak to him. “What?” he asked as he pulled slightly back from her. The moonlight illuminated her glowing face as her tears flowed freely. “I love you, Neil McNeill,” Christy said again. “I love you and I cannot imagine my life without you.” Neil whooped as he picked her up and spun her around. She laughed as the wind whipped through her hair. Setting her down on her feet once more, Neil dropped to his knee in front of her. “Christy, my love, I know I didn’t ask you properly the first time. And this is hardly the way I wanted to ask you again. And yet I can wait no longer. I, too, love you with my whole heart. I want to share my life with you. I want to have children with you. And I want to grow old with you. Christy Rudd Huddleston, would you do me the honor of being my wife?” Neil asked. Christy took only a moment to reflect on all that had taken place in the time she had known Neil McNeill. How much she had grown since she first arrived at the station in El Pano. God had endlessly blessed her! She had found her calling. She had found true friendship and love. She had found her people. And now she had found her home. Christy grinned and let out a small giggle as she thought about calling her mother again. Wouldn’t she be surprised to learn that Christy’s wedding was back on! “Yes, Neil!” she cried happily as she pulled him to his feet and into her arms. And when the new lovers released from their embrace, they leaned tenderly toward each other to share in their second kiss.