Title:  Love Hopes 
Author:  Barbara W.     deeiaemt@aol.com (please feel free to email me with 
your feedback!!)

 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Summary:  This is the sequel to Love Endures, which was the sequel to Love 
Believeth All Things.   Our story opens one week after Christy discovers that 
there may be serious trouble with the baby.



Part/Chapter: Chapter 1



May 1, 1915

Christy strained to hear the hushed voices that were coming from downstairs.  
For a solid week she had laid in this bed, never once getting up.  Alice had 
come to stay with them during the day and take over nursing duties.  Gazing 
outside at the sunshine streaming down past the window, she longed for the 
fresh air and warmth that the day promised.  

"Mrs. MacNeill?"  Alice asked as she tapped on the door.

"I'm awake, Miss Alice."  Christy turned slightly in the bed trying to 
relieve the pain her back.  

"Christy, how is thee feeling?"  Alice carried a large tray filled with 
oatmeal and fragrant tea.  A vase full of early wildflowers graced the drab 
tray and filled the room with color.

"I'm truly fine.  My back is bothering me from staying in bed."  The 
beautiful flowers only reminded Christy that she was unable to see the spring 
that was happening all around her.  "How much longer do I have to stay in 
bed?"

Alice sat the tray down on the bedside table and handed her the wild flowers, 
Christy could smell the sweet, rich fragrance of the honeysuckle interlaced 
with the gentle scent of columbine.  "They are beautiful."

"Thy husband picked them from around the cabin.  He was called away to the 
O'Teale's but promised he would be home as soon as possible."  Alice poured 
them each a cup of tea.  She could see the tears welling in Christy's eyes 
and handed her a handkerchief from her vanity.

"I'm sorry, Miss Alice.  I don't know why I am acting like such a baby."  
Christy released the vase to her friend.  How like her Neil to bring her a 
bit of spring and to understand that she was wishing for wildflowers.

"Thee must have hope."  Alice smiled softly.  "It may be that the danger has 
passed.  You may even try sitting up in bed, if you wish.  Move gently, now 
and don't hurry."  

Christy couldn't help but smile.  Any kind of movement would be welcome.  She 
had spent all of the days in bed either on her back or on her left side.  
Trying to restrain her excitement, Christy gently moved into a sitting 
position, her muscles were sore and stiff but it would be so good to sit up.

"Any pain?"  Alice watched her intent on making sure that her young charge 
didn't strain herself.  It had been a terrifying week.  

"No."  Christy shook her head gently as she leaned back against the nest of 
pillows.  "I'm just sore."

"Thy bleeding has stopped, and that is an important sign."  Alice handed her 
a cup of tea and settled beside her.  "Have you been feeling movement from 
the baby?"

As if hearing the words of 'grandma' the baby inside Christy fluttered and 
rolled.  Her free hand cupped her slowly expanding womb and she smiled.  
"Yes, Miss Alice, your grandchild is doing cartwheels as we speak!"

Alice couldn't repress the smile that came to her and she drew her hand to 
her lips, just as she had the day she had watched a very young Miss 
Huddleston turning cartwheels in the mission yard.  "Then I shall say this 
child is truly thine."

Christy laughed openly at the memory she knew that Alice was enjoying.  To be 
caught acting like a child that first day had mortified Christy.  The meadow 
was so beautiful and the day so refreshing that Christy couldn't have stopped 
herself from doing those cartwheels even if she had wanted to.   "Oh, Alice, 
it seems like so long ago."


Christy and Alice spent the morning reminiscing about the years since Christy 
had come to the cove.  It felt good to be up and around.  Even if up and 
around meant only that she could now sit upright in bed.  Now tucked in bed 
with her covers up to her waist and her hair freshly combed and braided, 
Christy read the volume of Shakespeare's poetry that Alice had loaned her.  
Excitement rose inside her as she heard the front door open and close and 
Neil's voice traveled up the stairs.  The temptation to jump out of bed and 
run to him was almost overwhelming.  Instead of moving she called out.  
"Neil."

Neil took the stairs two at a time, he was pleased to hear the enthusiasm 
returning to his wife's voice.  During the past week Christy's mood had gone 
from terrified to despondent to hopeful, but this was the first day she had 
sounded truly joyful.  "Christy, lass."  Neil sat next to her on the bed, 
careful not to disturb her.  "How are ya feeling?"

"Better.  I'm glad to finally be allowed to sit up."  Christy brushed away 
the unruly curl that had fallen across his forehead.  He needed a haircut.  

"The wee one?"  Neil could not disguise the joy or the concern in his voice.  
Only a few short days ago he was very sure that Christy might lose this baby. 
 He wasn't sure if he would have been able to cope with that.  Again he 
lifted a silent prayer of thanks to the Father.

"Moving!"  Christy laughed and scooted down in the bed.  She took his hand 
and placed it over her womb, hoping that he could feel the gentle movements 
of their baby. 

Neil complied even though he knew that it was probably a bit too early.  "I 
don't know if you are far enough along for me to feel anything yet."

"Just wait."  Christy could feel the warmth of Neil's hand radiating through 
her skin.  Even if Neil couldn't feel any of what she felt physically she 
loved the emotional connection that it gave her.  It brought her great peace. 
 Suddenly, as if on command, she felt the baby kick and roll inside of her.

"Whoa!"  Neil felt the gentle response of the tiny kick against his hand.  "I 
felt that one."

The look of overwhelming joy in her beloved's eyes caused tears to come to 
her own.  "He feels strong."

"With kicks like that I would venture to say it just might be a 'she'."  Neil 
teased.

"Why a girl?  Is that a professional medical opinion doctor?"  Christy 
laughed with him.

"It would seem this wee one has a stubborn streak in her and a lot of spirit 
and determination.  Just like her mother."  Before Christy could protest his 
teasing remarks Neil leaned down and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss.  "I 
love you, so much."

Christy returned his kiss with joy.  "I love you too.  Neil, is everything 
going to be all right now?"

"I wish I knew for certain.  We will just have to deal with things each day 
as it comes.  You haven't had any contractions and your bleeding has stopped. 
 The baby is moving and these are all very good signs.  I think it is time 
for you to have a nap, though."  Neil couldn't help but worry that she had 
overtired herself.  The more rest she got the better off she would be.  He 
only wished that he could have truly given her better news, but there was no 
way for him to really know what was going on inside her body.

"But I'm really not tired.  I have been in this bed for so long.  Tell me how 
things went at the O'Teale's."  Christy pleaded.

"The O'Teale's are fine.  I will tell you about it, after a nap."  Neil spoke 
in his no arguments tone.  "If you are very good, perhaps I will take you 
outside on the porch for a while, so long as you stay laying down."  

Christy snuggled back down under the covers and winced slightly as her back 
protested the position.  Neil didn't miss her slightly pained look.  "It's 
not the baby, just my back."  Christy tried to reassure him.  "I have been 
laying down for way to long."

Neil helped her to roll over onto her side.  "Here, I have just the cure."  
Gently he began stroking her tight back muscles in a soothing fashion.  His 
strong, warm hands easing the knots in her over tired muscles.  "How's that, 
love?"

"Wonderful!"  Christy turned her head to smile at him.  She allowed herself 
to relax under his touch and as her muscles gave way to his strength she 
drifted into a peaceful sleep.  


Part/Chapter: Chapter 2
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Scripture Reference:  The scripture references in this chapter is from the 
book of Psalms, Chapter 34 as written in the Tanakh (The Jewish Bible.)  I 
personally prefer the songs of David from this Bible more than I do from my 
King James Version.  I know that Neil would not have had this version of the 
Holy Scriptures so I hope that you will all forgive me for my artistic 
license.  
Summary:  Christy has been on bed rest for a week.  Mother and baby are 
currently doing fine.


Neil stepped lightly as he closed the bedroom door.  Christy was sleeping 
peacefully once again.  He envied her.  How he wished that he could find 
sleep, but it would not come.  Running his fingers through his hair he 
crossed to the stove and poured himself a cup of coffee before going to the 
porch with his pipe.  

"Hello!  United States Mail!"  Ben Pentland's characteristic greeting rang 
out from the side of the cabin.

"Hello, Ben.  Mail for us today?"  Neil stepped quickly off the porch hoping 
that he would not call out again.  Christy desperately needed to rest.

"Howdy, Doc.  Got a couple of letters from Asheville way for you and the 
missus."  Ben passed the letters on to Neil with obvious curiosity on his 
face.  "You reckon that big one from Asheville is for Rob Allen?"  

"It may be, it is from Christy's father."  Neil could tell by the weight of 
the envelope that it probably held more newspapers.  Newspapers from 
Asheville generally meant money for the Allen family.  "Are you going by the 
mission house today?"

"Surely will be.  Got letters here for Miss Henderson and the preacher."  Ben 
spat a dark stream of tobacco juice off to the side and wiped his stained 
lips with his sleeve.  "You want me to tell Rob to come over and see ya?"

"That would be fine."  Neil didn't want to leave Christy, but he knew how 
important the cash money was to the Allen family.  The winter had been a hard 
one and many of the families in the cove had dealt with hunger this year.  
Game had been hard to find as a result of the deep snows.  The Allen's had it 
better than most, thanks to the newspapers that had been purchasing Rob's 
stories.  The last time Neil and Christy had been to church, Christy nearly 
cried at the warm coats and new shoes that the Allen children wore.  Little 
Burl had proudly displayed his new woolen mittens to his teacher, talking 
lovingly how his mama had made them from yarn purchased from the El Pano 
General Store.  After services the mountain men gathered around Bob as he 
spoke with uncharacteristic pride of how his son was 'makin' good' as a 
writer man.  

"Well, best be on if I'm gonna make it to the mission afore school ends."  
Ben spat again before taking up the reins of his horse and swinging onto the 
beast.  

"Thank you, Ben."  Neil waved as he settled back down onto the porch to look 
at the other letter.  He started slightly as he realized that it was from 
David.  Even more confusing was that it was addressed only to Neil.  There 
had been no correspondence from the Reverend Grantland since Asheville.  Many 
things had been resolved but Neil still felt concern.  Christy certainly 
didn't need to be upset any more than she had been this week.  Turning the 
letter over in his hands he decided to read it first and then decide whether 
or not to show it to Christy.  

Dear Neil,

I hope that this note finds you all well and happy.  God has done a great 
many things in my life since you came to Asheville and I can't thank you 
enough for your forgiveness.  

As you know, Pete Adams and I are very close friends.  We send letters back 
and forth regularly and I have discussed with him my bitter and hateful 
actions toward you and Christy, as well as, your kind forgiveness.  I have 
some vacation time coming and Pete has asked me if I would like to spend it 
in Cutter Gap.  I am reluctant to say yes until I hear from you that I will 
be welcome.  Now that my heart is right with God I miss the families that I 
used to minister to.  I know that Christy is in a delicate condition and if 
you feel that it will upset her in any way I won't come.

Sincerely,

David

Neil breathed a sigh of relief at the gentle tone David had used in his 
letter.  Once again Neil cursed his own lack of faith.  His immediate 
reaction to the letter was that David would be up to his old tricks again.  
Even now he doubted that David should come to the cove for a visit.  Yes, he 
had apologized and asked forgiveness for his behavior and Neil had willingly 
given it.  However, Neil couldn't forget the pain he had caused Christy.  Did 
God truly require that we forget as well as forgive?  Neil wearily slipped 
back into the kitchen and stretched out on the worn leather sofa as far as 
his legs would allow.  He was incredibly tired.  Sleep wouldn't come no 
matter how hard he prayed for it.  Thoughts of Margaret continued to spin in 
his head along with the thoughts of the child she had carried and lost.   He 
cursed himself for his selfishness, how he had wanted that child!  The fact 
that Margaret did not and told him later that she was glad the baby had died 
still broke heart even though it seemed like a lifetime ago.  He knew that 
Christy desperately wanted this baby and yet with all of his medical training 
he could do nothing for her or their child.  How could he cope with the loss 
of another child?  How would Christy cope?  Neil pushed away the fears that 
filled his mind and reached for the Bible that sat on the table beside him.  
He allowed the pages to turn as they would, praying for peace and solace.  
His eyes settled in the Psalms.  King David had known the loss of a child and 
Neil felt a connection to the words that he had written.  David had known 
sorrow and David had found peace.  It was this peace that seemed to be just 
out of Neil's grasp.  

I bless the Lord at all times;
Praise of Him is ever in my mouth.

Praying as he read, Neil felt tears penciling down his cheeks.  I have failed 
to praise you Lord, forgive me.

I turned to the Lord, and He answered me;
He saved me from all my terrors.

Oh, Father, save me from the terror that I have in my heart.  I am so afraid 
that I will never hold this child.  I am afraid what will happen to us if we 
lose this baby.

Here was a lowly man who called,
And the Lord listened,
And delivered him from all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him;
And rescues them.

Father, are your angels here like they were for Zady?  We need you so much.  
I don't know what to do.  All of my schooling and training is all for nothing 
now.  I can't do anything.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
His ears attentive to their cry.
They cry out, and the Lord hears,
And saves them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
Those crushed in spirit He delivers.

Please hear my cry, Father.  My heart is broken.  Protect my wife and my 
child.  I am afraid…Oh, Father, I am afraid.

As he prayed Neil could feel the love of his heavenly Father descend upon 
him.  The sleep that had eluded him for days suddenly seemed to fall on him.  
Lying back on the couch he could feel the warmth and peace that could only 
come from God.  As he slipped into his first real sleep in days he could 
almost feel the brush of angel's wings on his cheeks.  Praising the Father 
for his gift of peace, Neil finally slept.  For the first time in days he 
didn't dream of Margaret or of dead children.  He dreamed of a little boy 
with chestnut curls who laughed in the sunshine.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 3
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Summary:  Letters have arrived from David and from Christy's father.

"Doc MacNeill."  Rob Allen knocked on the cabin door and called out.  He 
hoped that Ben Pentland had been right, that money had arrived from 
Asheville.  He breathed hard, trying to catch his breath, he had run all the 
way from the schoolhouse in anticipation.

Neil awoke with a start and wobbled slightly as he walked quickly across the 
cabin.  He yawned and shook his head hoping to throw off sleep.  He pulled 
the door open quickly, prepared to respond to whatever medical emergency 
needed his attention.  "Rob, what's wrong?"

"Nothin's wrong, Doc.  Mr. Pentland said that you might have a package for 
me."  Rob didn't fail to notice the lines of exhaustion on the doctor's face. 
 He felt guilty; it was obvious the doctor hadn't been sleeping on account of 
Miss Christy and the baby.  "I didn't mean ta wake ya."

"No, I'm glad you did."  Neil made room for the young man to enter the cabin. 
 The large envelope was sitting on the table and Neil lit the lamp before 
pouring himself a cup of coffee.  "Coffee, Rob?"

"Thank ya kindly, Doc."  Rob took the offered cup and they sat together at 
the table as Neil opened the envelope.

"I don't know what's in here."  Neil hoped it would be the cash money that 
Rob sought.  He had planned to open it but fell asleep instead.  The short 
nap had greatly refreshed him, as did his Father.  Somehow Neil knew that 
everything would work out for good.  

"I hope it's more money."  Rob smiled.  "I've got me some plans for it."

"Plans?"  Neil questioned as he dug into the envelope and pulled out several 
newspaper clippings, all bearing the name Rob Allen.  

"Yes'sir."  Rob fingered through the clippings in awe.  So many newspapers 
from place Rob would likely never see.  There were pieces of newspaper from 
as far away as New York and as near by as Knoxville.  

Neil pulled out a small envelope with a bank note and a letter in Mr. 
Huddleston's handwriting.  He read the note out loud to Rob.  

Dear Rob,

I gave your story about the feuding in Cutter Gap to a newspaper friend of 
mine here in Asheville.  He was so impressed that he published it immediately 
and then sent it out to several other friends of his in the business.  Twenty 
newspapers and magazines picked it up all across the country and each one had 
to pay cash money to run the story.  I have included a bank note for one 
hundred and thirty dollars.  I was afraid to send that much money through the 
mail but I am sure that Neil and Christy will help you to turn it into cash.  
Please find enclosed the bank note and a receipt for service rendered.  

Congratulations Rob Allen, you are a working writer!

Your friend,

William Huddleston.

"Rob?"  Neil looked at the stunned face of the young man in front of him.   
He seemed in a daze, and rightly so.  That much cash money was more than his 
family brought home in a year.

"Doc.  I..I.."  Rob stammered as he looked at the bank note.  "I can't 
believe it.  How do I turn this into money?"

"We have to go to El Pano, they should be able to do it there.  If not, it 
will mean a trip to the bank in Knoxville."  Neil was sure they would be able 
to see to it at the El Pano General Store.  He had often times taken small 
bank drafts there himself.  

"I ain't never seen this much money."  Rob shook his head and stared again in 
awe at the bank note.

"You said you had plans?"  Neil asked.  He knew that his family had many 
needs and this kind of money was more than a year's income for the Allen 
family.

"Yes'ir."  Rob pictured the fine dress that was hanging in the window at the 
El Pano General Store.  The last time he had gone to El Pano with his parents 
for supplies he had seen his mother looking longingly at the dress.  "Next 
week is my mama's birthday.  I know just what she be wantin'."

"And what would that be?"  Neil couldn't help but smile at the dreamy look in 
Rob's eyes.  It was as though he could see his mother opening up that box.

"There's a fine dress at the El Pano General Store.  I saw my mama lookin' at 
it.  She ain't never had a dress that fine.  When that first cash money come, 
I wanted to get it fer her, but she wouldn't hear of it.  I had me a powerful 
time convincin' my folks to let me spend any of that money on the family.  
Pa, he didn't want no part of it.  I finally told him that I was a man now, 
not a little boy, and that it was part of my job as a man to help support my 
kin."  The pride on Rob's face was obvious.  

"Well, I know your father is proud of you Rob."  Neil put his hand on the 
young man's shoulder.  "How about we head for El Pano Saturday morning?"

"I reckon that would be fine."  Rob mentally formed an excuse to give his 
parents.  "Do me a favor, Doc?  Don't tell nobody about this here bank note.  
I want it to be a surprise."

"I'd be glad to keep your secret."  Neil smiled.  "I'll see you here Saturday 
morning.  I'll call down to El Pano to let them know we are coming."

"Could ya ask them to set aside the dress with all the pretty roses on it?"  
Rob didn't want to risk anybody buying that dress before he had a chance to.

"It's been quite awhile, I hope it is still there."  Neil was skeptical; he 
knew that it had been almost three months since Rob had seen that dress in 
the window.

The two men shook hands as Rob took his leave.  He left the letter and the 
bank note in Neil's safe keeping until Saturday morning.  Neil moved to the 
telephone and made arrangements with the general store to cash the bank draft 
and hopefully lay aside the dress that Rob had been dreaming of for his 
mother.  


Part/Chapter: Chapter 4
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  

Scripture Reference:  The scripture reference in this chapter that comes from 
the Old Covenant (Old Testament) is once again from the Tanakh.  All 
references from the New Covenant are from the King James Version of the 
Bible.  Thank you kindly for forgiving my artistic license in the version of 
scripture that I have chosen to use.


Summary:  Rob receives a bank draft from Christy's father for his stories.


Saturday Morning

Christy stretched uncomfortably in the bed, testing her sore muscles.  Over 
the last few days Neil had allowed her to be up and on her feet for short 
periods of time.  There were so many things that she needed to accomplish.  
The laundry, housecleaning, baking; they all seemed to be stacking up.  
Mostly she missed teaching and the children.  School had been opened up after 
the harsh winter for one short month before her pregnancy turned difficult 
and she had to leave her job.  Pete and Miss Alice had taken turns teaching 
and she knew that Miss Alice was actively seeking a new teacher for the 
children.  Christy couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness that her days as a 
teacher were over.  The very thought made tears well in her blue eyes and 
threaten to spill down her cheeks.  Just when it seemed she would be unable 
to stop the tears the baby inside her kicked and flipped.  Christy rubbed her 
hand across her womb; she would be a teacher again in no time and she smiled 
at the thought of teaching their baby to read and write and to love the 
Father.  

Neil turned in the bed and snuggled up next to his wife.  He had missed her 
warmth and presence desperately during the days they thought she might lose 
the baby.  For fear of causing her any pain or jarring her unnecessarily he 
had slept downstairs on the spare bed.  At least he had tried to sleep.  Now 
he pulled himself closer to her and pressed his chest gently against her 
back.  He breathed in the rose scent of her hair before carefully draping his 
arm across her stomach.  He could feel the baby beneath his hands as he dozed 
off to sleep again.  Neil had looked and felt much better since he had, at 
Christy's insistence, returned to the bed they shared.  It was true; they 
slept much better together than apart.

Christy snuggled closer to him, breathing in his clean, masculine scent.  She 
drank from his warmth like the new flowers drank up the spring sunshine.  The 
days that she had laid alone in bed praying for her baby seemed far behind 
her in some ways.  The terror of the first couple of days was slowly being 
replaced by joy.  Many hours had been spent with her Bible, reading and 
seeking scriptures and words from God that would bring her hope.  Hope was 
all she had to cling to in the dark hours after she began to bleed.  Christy 
was surprised that next morning when she felt led to read from the Old 
Testament, especially since she spent most of her time in the teachings of 
Jesus.  However, she followed her heart's leading and carefully turned her 
Bible to the third chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes.  Many of the mountain 
people quoted this chapter often in defense of their feuding; making special 
note that even God said there was a time for war and a time for peace.  
Beginning with the very first verse, Christy was sure that these were the 
words her Father had wanted her to read.  "A season is set for everything, a 
time for every experience under heaven.  A time for being born and a time for 
dying."  Christy recognized the passage of these times in her own life as she 
read and she couldn't help but smile about "a time for planting and a time 
for uprooting the planted."  God had certainly pulled her by his calling from 
her safe and comfortable life in Asheville and planted her firmly in Cutter 
Gap.  She prayed that there would come a time of loving here in the cove and 
that the hating would someday end.  As she read deeper into the chapter 
Christy found the peace that she sought:  "He brings everything to pass 
precisely at its time; He also puts eternity into their mind."  Finally the 
realization dawned on her that regardless of what happened here on the earth 
and in the space of time was all part of the God's eternal plan.  "What is 
occurring occurred long since, and what is to occur occurred long since."  It 
all became incredibly clear, as if for only a few short moments the darkness 
cleared from the glass and Christy saw everything in its proper perspective.  
from the time God spoke the light and the darkness into being he knew that 
Christy and Neil would find love in one another and that Christy would 
conceive a child.  The Father had already laid his plans for her, her husband 
and for the child she now carried.  Regardless of the outcome Christy would 
leave her hope and love in the Lord and trust in the plans that He had for 
her life.

"Christy?"  Neil could feel her moving slightly in his arms and knew she was 
waking up.  "Good morning, love."

Christy turned to face him and laid her head on his strong chest.  "Morning." 
 She spoke enthusiastically.

"Sleep well?"  Neil could feel the change in his beloved wife.  She seemed at 
peace this morning, so much more so that the last couple of weeks.  

"Mmmm.  And you?"  She cuddled closer to him and gently laid a kiss on his 
neck.

"Yes, you were right, lass.  We do sleep better together."  Neil returned her 
embrace.

"What time are you heading for El Pano?"  

"In a bit, I have to get up and get moving.  I'm surprised Rob hasn't already 
knocked on the door."  Neil brushed her hair away from her forehead and 
kissed her cheeks.  "Alice will be over a little after eight to stay with 
you."

"Can I get out of bed today?"  Christy was hopeful that she would no longer 
be confined to the bed for long periods of time.

"I think the danger is passed, but I don't want you doing any work."  Neil 
spoke gently but his intent was clear.  He wanted no further risk to her or 
the child by Christy over doing herself.  "I want you to rest often and not 
be up for more than a few minutes at a time."

"Yes, Doctor."  Christy teased.  

Neil shared in her teasing and felt giddy himself.  He could see the color 
returning to her cheeks and the peace of God that filled them both.  "Promise 
me, Miss Christy, no undue activity."

"I promise."  Christy crossed her heart with her fingers.  "Everything is 
going to be all right, Neil.  I just know it.  Everything that has happened 
and that will happen is part of our Father's plan.  We have to hope in that, 
trust in that."

Neil's mind warned him to be guarded, but his heart seemed to assure him that 
Christy was correct in her assumption.  He too had felt the peace of his 
Father's words and knew that he would never leave them without hope.  "Yes, 
love.  I think we will all be just fine."


Part/Chapter: Chapter 5
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am 
continuing the story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Summary:  Christy and Neil have shared a moment of peace and hope.


Neil paced the cabin and looked out the window for what seemed like the 
hundredth time.  He was worried.  Rob had arrived and was enjoying a cup of 
coffee, ready to make the short trip to El Pano.  Alice, on the other hand, 
was nowhere to be found. 

"Miz Christy."  Rob stood up and moved quickly to the staircase that led to 
the bedroom.  

"Christy, how are you feeling?"  Neil stepped rapidly up the stairs and took 
his wife about the waist, helping her down the stairs.  He wished that he had 
finished the spare room he was adding on to the cabin.  Neil didn't like the 
idea of her moving up and down stairs.

"Much better.  Hello, Rob.  I understand congratulations are in order."  
Christy settled into her rocking chair by the fireplace.  She had taken a 
great deal of time this morning getting up and dressing herself, she wanted 
Neil to believe that she was doing just fine.  

"Yes, ma'am.  I can't thank ya and your daddy enough."  Rob glowed proudly at 
her gentle praise.

"I'm afraid we won't be able to go today.  I haven't seen hide nor hair of 
Alice."  Neil looked out the window again as he prepared her a cup of hot, 
sweet tea.

"Have you called the mission?"  Christy asked.  It had been difficult for 
Neil to adapt to the fact that they now had a telephone.  More than once it 
had been a blessing for them.  Still, Neil seemed to think he could only use 
it in emergencies.

Neil flushed at her question.  "No, but I suppose I could."  Neil stepped to 
the telephone and rang the operator in El Pano.  She quickly put him through 
to the mission but he received no answer.  "That's strange, there's no 
answer.  Rob, perhaps we better plan for another day."

"Nonsense."  Christy spoke up confidently.  "I am fine.  You two go on and 
get the new dress."

"I don't know, Miz Christy.  Don't seem right that we should be leavin ya 
here alone."  Rob was siding with the doctor on this one.  

"I will be just fine.  I promise not to do anything but sit right here in 
this chair and knit while I enjoy my tea."  Christy picked up her knitting 
needles for emphasis.  "And maybe I will just lie down on the couch and enjoy 
a little nap, too."  If she promised to lie down and rest, she might just be 
able to convince the two worried faces before her that everything would be 
all right.  "There's nothing to worry about, I can always pick up the phone 
and call!"

Reluctantly, Neil shook his head in agreement.  He really did not like the 
idea of leaving her alone.  "Are you sure, lass?"

"Of course I'm sure."  Christy smiled at him.  "You could always stop by the 
Spencer's on the way and see if Fairlight would like to come for a visit?"

"All right, if you're sure.  I will stop by and see if Fairlight wouldn't 
mind coming by."  Neil eyed her cautiously, looking for any signs of 
discomfort.

"Please don't worry about me."  Christy smiled at them.  "Rob needs to get 
that bank note turned to cash and you won't be gone all that long."

"Are ya sure Miz Christy?  'Cause I can wait, there ain't no hurry."  Rob 
cared deeply for his teacher, she was a good friend and he didn't want 
anything to happen to her or that baby on his account.

"I'm quite sure.  Now if you two don't hurry you won't make it home before 
supper time."  Christy gripped Neil's hand in her own and gave it a gentle 
squeeze.  

"I reckon I'll go saddle Charlie."  Rob used the opportunity to excuse 
himself.

"Thank you, Rob."  Neil kept his eyes focused on Christy's azure ones.  "Are 
you absolutely sure?"

"Everything will be fine."  Christy smiled and she saw the concern in his 
face begin to recede.  "I love you."

Neil knelt beside her and placed his hand on her stomach.  With his other 
hand he gently stroked her cheek.  "I love you, very much."  He lifted her 
chin and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.  

Christy accepted his kiss and touch and responded by deepening the intensity 
of his gentle kiss.  She was slightly breathless when she pulled away.  "You 
be careful."

"I will.  I love you.  And I love you too, wee one."  Neil leaned over and 
kissed her expanding abdomen.  Christy giggled and ran her hands through his 
hair.  Picking up his saddlebags and checking to make sure the bank draft was 
still in his pocket, Neil slipped out the door closing it tightly behind him.

Christy breathed a sigh of relief.  Only a few short months ago being alone 
in this cabin had seemed like a curse.  Now, she relished the quiet.  The 
past couple of weeks had been a rush of activity, people coming in and out 
and someone was always coming to check on her.  Yes, it felt very good just 
to be quiet.  Keeping her promise, Christy knitted until her neck ached from 
leaning over the small blanket she was working on.  Getting up very carefully 
she stepped over to the stove and filled the teakettle before setting it to 
boil.  A sudden banging at the front door startled her and caused her heart 
to leap inside her chest.

"Doc MacNeill!"  

Looking out the window she was surprised to see Bird's Eye Taylor.  She knew 
that he had no quarrel with her or her husband, but she couldn't stop the 
sudden fear that rose inside her breast.  She stepped around and carefully 
opened the door.  "Yes, Mr. Taylor."  Christy tried to speak confidently but 
she couldn't hide the small tremor in her voice.

Bird's Eye removed his hat and held it in front of him, speaking in a rush.  
"Doc here?"

Christy tried to calm her nervousness; she had no choice but to answer him 
truthfully.  "No, he's not.  Is someone hurt?"

"Yes'um."  The grizzled old moon shiner nodded his head.  "It's Aunt Hattie, 
she be feelin' mighty sick like."

Slightly taken aback by the sudden gentle nature that Mr. Taylor was 
displaying, Christy led him inside and closed the door behind him.  Even 
though the sun was warm, the breeze coming off the mountains made the air 
seem cooler.  "What's wrong with Aunt Hattie?"  Christy's voice was laden 
with concern.

"Don't rightly know, ma'am.  But I reckon she needs ta see the doc.  She be 
layin' real quite like in her bed and she barely talked ta me.  She be 
coughin' heavy like too."  

"Neil has gone to El Pano, but he should be back soon."  Christy debated 
going to Aunt Hattie's cabin, but she knew that she was in no condition to 
attempt the long walk.  However, maybe with Bird's Eye's help.  "Let me get 
my shawl."

"No, ma'am."  Bird's Eye stepped forward and laid his hand on her arm.  There 
was no way he was letting her leave this cabin, even if he had to tie her 
into her bed!  "You need ta be layin' down.  I won't have ya comin' down 
there with me.  Gots ta be another way."

Christy was stunned by his sudden physical contact with her, but she did not 
pull away.  Something was different about Bird's Eye, something was not right 
but she couldn't lay her finger on it.  "Aunt Hattie needs help."  

"Yes, ma'am."  Suddenly aware that he was touching her arm he pulled quickly 
away from her and took a step back.  He had never taken to any of the mission 
people, they were a meddling' lot.  However, he felt a special place in his 
heart for this one.  She had cared about Lundy, even though he seemed 
worthless.  Then when he was to be hanged for shooting Tom, she had come with 
Opal to speak on his behalf.  He was beholdin'.  "You can't go with me.  I 
don't want nuthin' happenin' to that least un'.  Got ta be a better way."

"Mr. Taylor?"  Christy was puzzled.  He wasn't his usual cold and cruel self. 
 There was something almost shy and kind in his manner with her.

"I ain't never forgettin' about tha' kindness ya done me.  I'm beholdin'."  
He stuttered with embarrassment and looked away as he tried to explain.  He 
knew that his sudden presence here would frighten her.  Reluctant as he was 
to come, he was afraid that Miss Hattie was bad off.  

"Could you go for Dan Scott?"  Christy knew the man hated Dan, but she was 
truly in no condition to go running through the woods.

"The dark man?"  His eyes narrowed as he thought about the colored that had 
come to live among them.  Many people in the cove had accepted his doctoring, 
but he never would.  But Miss Hattie trusted him.  He didn't want anything to 
happen to her.  "Yes, ma'am.  Reckon it's the only way.  When the doc gets 
home will ya send him?"

"Of course."  Christy smiled.  She was sure that the mere mention of his name 
would send Bird's Eye into fits.  Now he was willing to go to him and ask him 
for help.  Laying her hand carefully on her arm she looked into his piercing 
blue eyes.  "Thank you, Mr. Taylor, I'm beholden'."

Turning quickly Bird's Eye strode out of the cabin door.  As an after thought 
he looked back over his shoulder and that kind woman that watched him go.  He 
wished her well in his heart.  "Miz Christy.  Would ya mind prayin' fer Miss 
Hattie?"  Without even waiting to hear her answer he was gone as quickly as 
he had come.


Part/Chapter: Chapter 6
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall’s beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am continuing the 
story of Christy for my own amusement only.  
Summary:  Aunt Hattie is ill and Bird’s Eye has gone to get Daniel Scott.

“Miz Christy!”  Fairlight slipped quickly up the steps.  “Miz Christy!”

Christy opened the door to a very pale and obviously upset Fairlight Spencer.  
“Fairlight, what’s wrong?”

“I seen Bird’s Eye comin’ down the path from your cabin and I couldn’t help but 
worry.”  Fairlight breathed a deep sigh of relief.  “He didn’t stop here?”

“He did, Aunt Hattie is ill.”  Christy opened the door and settled herself back into 
her rocking chair.  All of the sudden activity was making her tired after so many days 
in bed.  Fairlight began making them each cups of tea from the water still boiling in 
the kettle.  “I’ve sent him for Dan.”

Fairlight turned from the stove where she was making tea, a look of disbelief 
clouding her features.  “Bird’s Eye Taylor is going for Dan Scott?”

Christy and Fairlight talked for what seemed like a long time about the two men who 
were somewhere on the mountain.  Christy knew that Dan would not trust Mr. 
Taylor.   Although they had come to an uneasy peace after Dan’s cabin was burned 
accidentally by Creed Allen a few years ago the men were not what you would call 
friendly with each other.  Christy prayed that Neil would return soon and that Dan 
would accept the old moon shiner’s presence at his cabin.  Her prayers were 
certainly needed.


“What do ya want Taylor?”  Dan Scott held his rifle hard against his shoulder and 
took aim at the center of the dirty coat.  He was more than prepared to defend 
himself.

“Miz Christy sent me fer ya.”  Bird’s Eye leaned his head to the left and spat a long 
stream of dark tobacco.  Eyeing the gun, the man realized that there was no way this 
dark man was going to believe a word he said.  He tried to look relaxed and natural 
as he looked for an easy exit should Scott decide to start shooting.

“Why?”  Dan growled the words.  He didn’t trust the dirty old moon shiner.  Settling 
the gun closer into his shoulder he cocked the trigger backwards.

“Miss Hattie, she done come down sick.”  This wasn’t worth dying over, he 
thought.  However, Miss Hattie was one of the few people that Bird’s Eye felt kin 
with, he’d do whatever it took to help her.  “Doc MacNeill is down in El Pano and I 
can’t find Alice nowhere.”

“Why should I believe you?”  Dan was certain that the grizzled mountain man was 
looking for someway to lead him off into the mountains so that he would never be 
heard from again.

Bird’s Eye couldn’t think of a single reason to give the man.  Except that he knew 
that Dan wouldn’t harm Miss Hattie in anyway and neither would he.  Through slits 
so small you could hardly call them eyes, the mountain man glared at the man he 
hated more than all others.  “Miss Hattie, I can’t holp her.  But maybe ya can.”  

Something about his demeanor caused Dan to slowly lower his rifle.  He wasn’t sure 
what was going on, but maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth.  “Tell me why I 
should believe you?”

Bird’s Eye saw his opportunity when the dark man lowered his gun.  He knew 
exactly what to do and without hesitation he raised his rifle.


Not long after Fairlight arrived she began the washing and encouraged Christy to 
take a nap.  Stubborn as always it took a bit of convincing on her part to get Christy 
to allow her to help her upstairs and into bed.  She was already planning on helping 
the young mother out this morning and was not surprised when Neil stopped by on 
his way to El Pano.  Alice Henderson had stopped by to see Fairlight just before 
dawn to let her know that she was being called away to Raven’s Gap to help deliver 
a baby.  She had intended to reach the MacNeill cabin sooner but had decided to 
stop along the way and gather some of the lavender and motherwort that was 
growing down by the river.  It would be helpful when Christy’s time came and she 
hung it on the line to dry before she began the washing.  Turning the spindle in the 
cauldron of boiling water she closed her eyes and hummed along with the tune 
playing in her head.  Rocking back and forth with the rhythm she allowed the 
pictures in her mind to run where they would.  Of all the chores Fairlight had to 
endure as a mountain woman, one of the most back breaking was the laundry.  It 
was also one of the most peaceful.  It was a quiet time for her and she was able to 
enjoy an uninterrupted interlude in her week.  There was something about the rhythm 
of the laundry spindle that reminded her of the order of her own life.  The ups and 
downs as she pushed the clothes into the boiling water, the back and forth and give 
and take that removed the grime from the fabrics, the very act was in some way the 
order of daily living.  She reflected on the joy and sorrow of each day, the hardness 
of the mountains and the beauty that surrounded her.  Often she prayed and sang to 
her heavenly father; sometimes she remembered each of her blessings.  When times 
were truly bad she would sing, “Count your Blessings,” out loud as she did just that.  
Her mind was truly awhirl today with worry over Bird’s Eye Taylor and Dan Scott.  
Something was wrong, desperately wrong.  She could feel trouble coming as real as 
she could feel the laundry moving forward and backward in the boiler.  Deep in her 
heart she prayed for both men and for Miss Hattie.  The dear old woman was an 
important person in both Bird’s Eye and Dan Scott’s lives.  To help her they would 
have to lay aside their hate for one another.  

“Fairlight!”  Neil called as he rode up to the cabin on Charlie.

The woman was so deep in thought that she didn’t even notice that the sun had 
begun to slip toward the horizon or hear the sound of hoof beats.  “Neil.”  She set 
aside the laundry and wiping her hands on her apron walked toward him.  “Bird’s 
Eye Taylor came by, said Hattie is sick like.”

Neil had begun to slide out of the saddle when he heard the news.  He felt guilt wash 
over him, with Christy being so troubled in her pregnancy he had not been making 
his regular trips to see his Aunt.  Settling himself back into the saddle he prepared to 
start in the direction of her cabin.  “Is Christy all right?”

“Right as rain, she’s nappin’.  You go on over, I’ll have some supper fer ya when ya 
return.”  Fairlight stepped back allowing clearance for the big mount to swing 
around.  “And be careful, Bird’s Eye went fer Dan Scott!”

Neil turned in the saddle and looked in awe at the statement she had just made.  
Surely he had heard wrong.  He spurred his horse into a quick trot down the trail.  If 
Dan and Bird’s Eye were anywhere near one another the sparks were sure to fly.



Part/Chapter: Chapter 7
 Disclaimer: the LeSourd Family owns Catherine Marshall’s beautiful story of 
Christy.  I am in no way seeking profit or credit for her story.  I am continuing the 
story of Christy for my own amusement only.

Summary:  Neil has arrived from El Pano to find out that his Aunt Hattie is sick.  
Bird’s Eye and Dan are having a ‘conversation’ about Miss Hattie.


Dan knew that he had made a mistake in lowering his gun.  He stared at the long 
dark rifle that was cradled in Bird’s Eye’s hands as the older man moved the deadly 
weapon upward toward him.  There was no time to react, the rifle had drawn blood 
before and Dan knew it would be it’s next victim.  Instinctively he closed his eyes 
and waited for the blast that would announce the forthcoming bullet.  He shuddered 
as the moments of waiting turned to a cold sweat across his brow.

“Scott.”  Bird’s Eye stared at the man intently and held his rifle out in front of him.

Dan slowly opened his eyes.  “What?”  He was surprised to see the dirty mountain 
man holding the rifle and thrusting it intently toward him.

Bird’s Eye hated what he was about to do, but it was the only way he could get 
Scott to trust him.  Miss Hattie’s life was more important than his hate.  “You ain’t 
got no cause ta be trustin’ me.  But Miss Hattie is bad off and she needs ya to holp 
her.  Take ma rifle, so ya know my word is good.”

He couldn’t believe the sudden turn of events.  It suddenly occurred to him that this 
hateful old moon shiner and he shared one common bond, the friendship of Miss 
Hattie.  “No call for that, Mr. Taylor.”  Dan turned back into his cabin and grabbed 
his bag.  “Your words good enough for me.”

Bird’s Eye eyed the man suspiciously.  He hoped that Scott could do something to 
ease Miss Hattie’s breathing, still he couldn’t help but remember the fever that come 
to the schoolhouse after the dark man had come.  Was it possible that the very man 
he had come to for help had somehow cast a spell over Miss Hattie?  He 
shouldered his rifle and started toward her cabin, moving quickly through the dense 
woods with Dan Scott on his trail.  If Miss Hattie were to die, Bird’s Eye knew his 
suspicions would be confirmed and that Scott was the man to blame.

The path to Hattie’s cabin was well known to Dan, but he struggled to keep up with 
the man in front of him.  It amazed him that this man who was at least fifteen years 
his senior could move so quickly through the thick underbrush.  He stumbled slightly 
on an expose tree root, searching to find his balance before moving on.  There were 
many questions he wanted to ask, but they were moving too fast for conversation.  
In no time at all they had arrived at Hattie’s cabin.

“Miss Hattie.”  Bird’s Eye called out.  “I brung Dan Scott.  Doc t’weren’t home.”  
He turned back to find a place in the shadows where he could watch and wait.    

Dan could hear his dear friend’s heavy and labored breathing from across the cabin.  
Every few moments she was shook by violent spasms as a result of her thick, damp 
cough.  “Miss Hattie.  How long have you been sick?”  He touched her shoulder 
gently, to avoid startling the blind woman, before sliding down her arm to find the 
pulse in her wrist.  It was rapid and weak and Dan prayed with everything in him 
that Neil would arrive soon.

“Nigh a week.”  Was all that she could manage before lapsing into another fit of 
coughing. 

Dan looked around desperately for some fresh water.  He spotted a bucket on the 
table but it was empty.  “Mr. Taylor.  Would you mind fetching me some fresh 
water?”

Without a word Bird’s Eye picked up the bucket and moved quickly to the well.  
Intense worry plagued him as he worked as quickly as possible.  Finding a clean cup 
he poured a bit of the fresh, cool water and handed it to Scott.

Dan nodded and helped the elderly woman to sit up.  “Take a small sip, Miss Hattie, 
it will help to clear your throat.”  He was terribly worried by her weakness and the 
fact that her skin was hot to the touch.  Turning to the man behind him he hoped that 
he would be able to depend on Bird’s Eye Taylor.  “We need to brew a tea of garlic 
and bloodroot, I have the garlic in my bag but I don’t have any blood root, it won’t 
taste good but it will help to clear her lungs.  I need to fry up an onion poultice.  It’s 
important that we clear the fluid in her lungs as fast as possible.”

“I knows where to find bloodroot.”  With a nod he stole quickly from the cabin and 
down toward the river.

Moving quickly he propped her up on pillows to help ease her breathing.  At the 
stove he added more firewood and set the teakettle to boil.  Thankfully, Dan had 
spent enough time with the woman to know exactly where she kept her food 
supplies and began rapidly slicing through an onion and throwing the pieces into a 
cast iron skillet sizzling on the stove.  The pungent aroma of the onions filled the 
cabin as they popped and sizzled.  When they were hot enough he pulled them off 
the stove and began mashing them into a poultice, testing them ever few moments to 
make sure they were not so hot as to burn her delicate skin.  With the bowl of 
smashed onions he stepped to her bedside, her eyes were closed and she struggled 
for each breath that she drew.  “Miss Hattie, I need to put this poultice on your 
back.  It will be warm but it will help your breathing.”  Just as he was about to move 
her nightgown up to expose her back he felt a harsh grip on his shoulder.

“Ain’t fittin’ fer no colored man to be touchin’ a white woman.”  Bird’s Eye glared 
at the man and pulled him slightly backwards.

“Mr. Taylor, how else am I supposed to spread these onions on her back?”  Dan 
worked very hard to control the rage that was rising inside of him.  Eyes locked the 
men stared at one another so intently that they hardly heard the sweet voice pleading 
with them.

“Mr. Taylor.”  Hattie gasped out.  “Let Mr. Scott do his healin’.”  As though the 
single sentence exhausted her remaining strength she leaned back against the pillows.

Bird’s Eye released his grasp and swallowed his rising displeasure about the current 
situation.  He stepped away and nodded for the man to continue.

“Mr. Taylor, I’d be obliged if you’d put that bloodroot into the tea kettle.”  Dan 
hoped that by giving him something to do it would take him mind off his prejudice 
while he spread the warm, sticky, pungent substance across her back and upper 
chest.

Dan away from the bed and wiped his hands on a clean towel.  Moving to the stove 
he checked the kettle and sat quietly at the table while he waited for it to boil into a 
tea that would help to relieve some of the congestion in her lungs.  With nothing but 
time on their hands the two men glared at each other from across the small room.  
Reaching into his bag he picked up the Bible that he carried with him and opened to 
the book of second Corinthians.  He desperately needed something to look at 
besides the cold, piercing eyes of the man across the room.  Scooting his chair next 
to Hattie he began to read aloud.  “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for 
thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I 
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I 
take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses 
for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, them am I strong.”  Slipping his hand into 
hers he bowed his head in prayer.  “Heavenly Father, thank you that your grace is 
sufficient and that you are here with Miss Hattie in her infirmity.  We ask that you 
touch her and make her well again.  We pray also for Neil, that he will arrive 
quickly.”  Dan could feel the gift of the Comforter descending into the room and he 
allowed Him to direct his prayers.  “Thank you also for Mr. Taylor and his care and 
concern for Miss Hattie.  We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”  

Bird’s Eye stared with surprise at the man from his place in the shadows.  He had no 
need for religion, but he knew that Hattie believed, so out of respect he had 
removed his hat and bowed his head.  Only half listening to the words Scott was 
speaking, he couldn’t help but become full aware when he heard the dark man 
mention his name.  He realized that Scott was talking to his God about him.  Bird’s 
Eye had never heard anybody pray for him before, but for some reason, he liked it.
 
Part/Chapter: Chapter 8
 

Summary:  Dan and Bird’s Eye are working together to take care of Miss Hattie.

Neil pushed Charlie hard through the thick undergrowth towards his Aunt Hattie’s 
cabin.  His concern for his aunt was outweighed by the idea that Bird’s Eye Taylor 
and Daniel Scott were most likely trying to kill one another.  Despite the fact that 
Dan had finally been accepted by the people in Cutter Gap there was still the 
occasional ‘warning’ found on his fence posts.  As Neil neared the cabin, he spurred 
Charlie into a gallop as the sounds of coughing and men shouting reached his ears.

“Mr. Taylor, NO!”  The cry from Dan’s lips reached Neil’s ears just as he jumped 
off Charlie’s back and ran into the dimness of Hattie’s home.  He could smell the 
pungent aroma of fried onions and the sweet scent of honey that still hovered in the 
air.  His gaze rested on the two men at the bedside, Bird’s Eyes hands trying tear a 
weak and coughing woman away from Dan’s gentle grasp.  Her body jerked slightly 
in spasm as the thick, wet coughs shook her body.  “The onion poultice is supposed 
to do this.  Help me hold her up.”

“Sounds like she’s chokin’.”  Bird’s Eye threw an accusatory glance at the black 
man.

“Sit behind her and support her body.”  Gently Dan guided Bird’s Eye into place 
behind the woman so that his arms rested around her shoulders and his small frame 
supported her body’s efforts to expel the infection in her lungs.  Placing a pan under 
her chin, Dan encouraged her to continue coughing even as the thick, bloody 
mucous ran in strings from her throat.  

The sight of the pus laden discharge emptying into the pan caused Neil to charge 
forward to place a hand on Dan’s shoulder, letting him know that he was there.  
Looking at Bird’s Eye, Neil could see the intense lines of worry and that his normally 
squinty glare had been replaced with a wide-eyed worry.  “The onions are working.  
It’s important to clear the sickness from her lungs, the coughing does that.”  Neil 
spoke simply to try to ease the tenseness of the situation for the man.

Slowly, Miss Hattie’s wrenching coughs lessened and she was able to lie back 
propped up on pillows to help ease her breathing.  Taking his stethoscope from his 
bag, Neil listened intently to her lungs.  “They are still heavy sounding, but she’s able 
to cough now and clear them.  Someone will need to stay with her the next couple of 
days until she’s able to get up and take care of herself.”  Leaning down, Neil kissed 
her gently on the forehead.  Her recent coughing spell left her weak and she was 
beginning to doze off.  

“I’ll stay.”  Dan stated quickly.  

“Fine.”  Neil agreed.  Once again he was thankful for Dan Scott’s presence here.  If 
Bird’s Eye hadn’t come by to check on Hattie, or if Dan hadn’t known what to do 
to clear her lungs, it may have been too late.  “I’ll be by this evening to take over for 
the night watch.  I just have to check on Christy.”

“There ain’t no cause for that, Doc.”  Bird’s Eye stepped forward from the corner 
that he was standing in.  “Ya ought ta be with tha Missus.  I can come by at dark fall 
and sit with Miss Hattie.  Ya just tell me what needs ta be done and I kin see to 
hit.”  

Neil glanced at Bird’s Eye with intense wonder.  This was not the grizzled and angry 
mountain man that he had known all his life.  Months had gone by with no sign of 
Bird’s Eye Taylor and now suddenly he was stepping forward eagerly to play nurse 
to Aunt Hattie.  His aunt had occasionally told him the story of how a very young 
and severely beaten “Zeik Taylor” had taken brief refuge with her family before 
heading out on his own trying to escape his father’s violent nature.  Neil could only 
suppose that Bird’s Eye felt beholdin’ all these years and had developed his close 
kinship with Aunt Hattie in an attempt to repay her kindness.  “Thank you, that 
would be fine.  There won’t be much to do, but she will need to be kept propped up 
in bed to ease her breathing and given sips of tea and water when she is awake.”  
Neil knew that only God could have affected the changes that he was seeing in 
Bird’s Eye and he listened to the voice deep in his soul for any prodding of the Holy 
Spirit.  “Christy and Fairlight will have supper on the table, why don’t you join us?”

Bird’s Eye only shook his head as he slipped out of the cabin.  Neil followed hard 
on his heals.  “T’ain’t fittin.”

“You’ve done my Aunt Hattie and our family a great kindness today.  It’s only a 
couple of hours until dark falls and you won’t have time to get to your cabin and 
have a proper meal before taking over watch.”  Neil couldn’t shake the feeling that 
having the man share their evening meal was an important part of the Father’s plan.  
He hoped that he could convince Bird’s Eye that a hot meal was only proper for all 
of the help he had given them today.  “We’re obliged to you, we’d be pleased to 
have you join us.”  

Bird’s Eye squirmed inside.  It was him who was forever beholdin’ to the MacNeill 
family.  He knew that he would receive a warm welcome by Missus Christy and a 
delicious meal cooked by Fairlight.  Somehow they always seemed to see beyond 
what he was, just like Miss Hattie.  No matter how hard he tried, he would never 
stop feeling that he would never be able to rid himself of the debt that he owed this 
family.   Still, he couldn’t explain to the doctor why he couldn’t sit at his table and 
eat his food.  To do so would mean that he would have to go back on his word to a 
business partner.  With no other choice, Bird’s Eye accepted the invitation and 
climbed onto Charlie’s back behind the doctor.  

The pair rode in silence the short distance to the cabin, each one locked inside his 
private thoughts.  Neil prayed silently that God would guide him in his words and 
actions toward the self described ‘rip snortinest sinner’ in the cove.  He also prayed, 
with a slight chuckle, that the sight of Bird’s Eye Taylor at their dinner table wouldn’t 
send Christy into labor.  Arriving at the cabin, they went straight into the stable to 
unsaddle Charlie and feed him his dinner.  On the porch, Neil stopped to wash the 
dirt of the trail away from his hands and face.  Emptying the dirty water, he offered a 
clean towel and fresh water to his guest.  

The cold water felt refreshing to Bird’s Eye as it splashed across his face and ran 
down his arms, dampening the dirty sleeves of his shirt.  Normally it would never 
have occurred to him to clean up before eating, but he knew that the Missus was a 
real citified lady who wouldn’t necessarily appreciate the smells of nature or the 
tobacco juice that stained his dirty, tangled beard.

Christy heard the sound of footsteps on the porch and stepped to the window to 
greet her husband.  She stared wide-eyed as she realized that Mr. Taylor was 
wiping away the water that dripped from his hands and face.  Opening the door she 
greeted the man warmly.  “Mr. Taylor, will you be joining us for dinner?”

“Yas’um.”  He replied quietly before looking intently at the scuffed, worn toes of his 
dirty boots.  Unable to meet his gaze he busied himself with removing the cartridges 
from his rifle.

Christy remembered the last time she had ‘broken bread’ with Bird’s Eye in Opal’s 
cabin.  Before he would sit down at her table he had set them on the mantle with his 
rifle in the corner.  She wasn’t sure if this action qualified her and her husband as 
friends or as enemies, but she was quite glad to know that there would be no loaded 
rifle that could accidentally discharge.  Although it had been months since Neil’s 
shooting, the memory was all too raw and fresh in her mind.  “Please, come in.” 
Stepping aside she made room for him and Neil to enter.  Silently, Neil and Christy 
seemed to exchange thoughts as they looked at each other and he gently squeezed 
her hand in his.  “How is Aunt Hattie?”

“Pneumonia.”  Neil spoke as he ushered Christy back to the comfort of her rocking 
chair and began setting another place at the table.  “Thanks to Bird’s Eye and Dan 
Scott, she will be just fine.  Dan is with her now and Bird’s Eye will be taking the 
night watch.”

Bird’s Eye tried to blend in with the light oak woodwork around him.  His eyes 
didn’t miss the homey touches that had to be the work of Miz Christy.  Bright rag 
rugs decorated the floors and white lace curtains tied back with bright bits of ribbon 
fluttered gently in the breeze.  The scent of rabbit stew bubbling on the stove and 
fresh cornbread that was cooling on the table made his mouth water.  His memory 
flew back to another time he had been inside this cabin.  It had been years, but he 
couldn’t forget the kindness that Neil’s father had showed him the afternoon that he 
had found a very young Bird’s Eye trying to wash away the blood and cool the hot 
skin where his own father had beaten him near senseless.  After cleaning him up and 
feeding him hot corn pone with fresh honey he had carried him on his own horse 
back to his sister’s cabin where she gently nursed him for a full week before he had 
run away in the dark of night.  Although Neil was a few years younger than Bird’s 
Eye, he had often envied the man.  Even at the tender age of fourteen, Bird’s Eye 
couldn’t help but notice that Robert MacNeill spoke in a quiet, gentle voice and that 
young Neil did not fear him the way that he feared his own father.  The bruises and 
scars that Bird’s Eye bore across his own body from his father were absent from the 
family members in the warm and comfortable home that Robert made.  Bird’s Eye 
wondered once again if he would be able to break bread with these people.  Even 
though the delicious scents made his mouth water, the knowledge of the wrong that 
he had hidden from them caused his stomach to churn.

“Mr. Taylor.”  The gentle call of Miss Christy startled him out of his revere and 
made him realize that the table was prepared for dinner.  “Dinner’s on.”

He looked at the faces of the people in front of him.  They were gentle and 
accepting.  No question of his worthiness to set at their table and eat their food.  
How those faces would change if only they knew.  “I cain’t be eatin’ your salt, 
ma’am.”

“Of course, you can.  There’s plenty.”  Neil stepped forward and pulled back the 
chair at the table where a place had been set for him.

“I done ya wrong.  T’ain’t fittin.”  Bird’s Eye shook his head.

“Mr. Taylor.”  Christy stood up boldly from the table and laid her hand gently across 
his arm.  “We are beholdin’ to you for taking care of Aunt Hattie.  We haven’t been 
able to get over to her place like we usually do.  Neil says if it hadn’t been for you 
she might have died.”

“Ya’sum.  But if it hadn’t been for me yer man wouldn’t never have gotten shot near 
three months back.  I cain’t be changin’ what I done.”  It was time to come clean; it 
was time for him to tell what he knew.  Maybe by telling the truth he could repay 
some of his debt to these people.



Chapter 9  


Christy felt her body involuntarily shuddering as the reality of Bird’s Eye’s statement took
hold.  Her hand slid from his arm as though she had herself been shot.  The terror of that
horrible night seemed to wrap itself around her and draw her once again into the fear and
hopelessness of Neil’s wounds and her inability to cope with it all.  She sensed her husband’s
strong hands settle gently across her shoulder’s, he had read her very thoughts and sought to
bring comfort and to receive the same.

Father, whatever comes, allow me to forgive, Neil whispered to himself, his only desire now
was to protect Christy from whatever frightening confessions were to come from this man.
“Christy, why don’t you go lie down and allow Bird’s Eye and I to speak privately?”

Christy felt as though she had just been slammed against the wall, unable to catch her breath,
unable to find her voice.  “No, I want to know the truth.”  She whispered hoarsely.

Bird’s Eye leaned heavily against the chair for support.  He had not missed the stricken look
on the young schoolteacher’s face.  Perhaps he had been wrong.  No, if there were ever to be
any peace for him it must begin now.  “T’weren’t me, ma’am, what shot Doc.  I knows who done
it and it t’were an accident.”  Wiping his dirty hand across his equally dirty beard, he
continued on.  “That night, me and some others was shippin out some shine.  The law had been
on us and some of the boy’s were all jittery like.  I done heard the shot ring out and by the
time I’se seen who it was, it was too late.  Ya’ll don’t know the man, but he was workin’ fer
me, so I reckon it was partly my doin.  I don’t know nuthin about docterin but you rode off
and was still sittin the saddle pretty well.  I figured I’d just follow ya back to your cabin
and then skin out from there.  I couldn’t forgit the feel of that noose layin around my neck
at the charter oak after Tom McHone was shot, if it hadn’t of !
!
been for Miz Christy, I’d have h
ung fer sure.”

Christy sang weakly into the chair, half with relief for the news that it wasn’t Bird’s Eye
who did the actual shooting and half in anger that illegal liquor had once again nearly killed
someone close to her.  Tom McHone had not been completely innocent in the incident that led to
his shooting and near death, but Neil was innocent.  His only mistake was getting to close.  

Neil looked with concern on Christy; she looked as though this latest news was just too much
for her to bear.  Even though his medical knowledge told him that she must avoid all stress
for her and their child, it was his love and devotion that led him to move swiftly and lift
her into his arms and carry her up the stairs.  

“Neil, what are you doing?”  Christy protested mildly, in reality a nap was sounding very good
at this moment.  The sudden announcement by Bird’s Eye coming so shortly after finding out
that Aunt Hattie was ill had caused a deep weariness to settle over her.

“Don’t worry, love, I will tell you everything.”  He whispered softly in her ear.  “For now, I
want you and our baby resting.”

Christy allowed him to settle her on the bed and pull the quilt around her shoulders.  Her
heart cried out to the Father that all would be well and that she could forgive Bird’s Eye for
playing even a part in Neil’s wounds.  She knew her prayers had been answered when she could
practically feel the Father’s arms around her as she nestled into the bed and a deep and
abiding peace steal through her soul so gently that peaceful rest began to claim her even as
Neil was still tucking her in. 

Neil squeezed her hand gently and smiled to see that, despite her protests, she was nearly
dozing already.  He returned quickly down the stairs to find a stunned and humbled Bird’s Eye
twisting his battered old hat in his hands.  “I’m sorry, Bird’s Eye, I just don’t want Christy
to have to withstand any more stress.”

“I reckon I picked a bad time to be confessin.  I knows I done ya and the Missus wrong.  I
heards about when the preacher spoke about moonshinin’ and I laughed about the things he said.
Now I knows that he was right about the killin.  We burned the schoolhouse and still Miz
Christy come and wanted me to send Lundy back ta school, even though the boy is just full of
foolery and cain’t learn no how.”

“She cares about all the children.”  Neil spoke in a hushed voice.  It was clear to him that
this angry, grizzled old mountain man had done a lot of thinking about these things.  “Pull up
a chair, let’s eat supper while it’s hot.  We will be more comfortable talking with some of
this good stew.”

“T’ain’t proper.”  Bird’s Eye took a step back from the table and shook his head vehemently.  

“It wasn’t your fault that I was shot, and I appreciate you following me home.  I had a
feeling somebody else was in those woods, but I thought it was just my imagination.  More than
anything else I appreciate your looking after my Aunt Hattie.  She might have died if it
hadn’t been for you.”  Neil settled himself comfortably in a chair and began dishing some of
the thick, fragrant stew into Bird’s Eye’s dish.  “I forgive you for any part that you had in
all of it, but it is all in the past and nothing can be done to change that.”

Bird’s Eye looked hungrily at the stew and meekly sat down.  What did the Doc mean that he
forgave him?  It wasn’t up to him to be forgiven; it was the Doc’s right to carry on the feud
and to send him away from his table.  It didn’t make any kind of sense.  “Ya ain’t angry with
me?  How can ya just up and say it don’t mean nothin?”

“It means plenty to me.  The fact that you were willing to come to me and tell me exactly what
had happened that night.  I appreciate your honesty and wanting to clear the air.  Besides,
it’s only right that I don’t hold on to my anger.”  Neil smiled at the look of astonishment on
Bird’s Eye’s face.

“You talkin about church and religion, ain’t never heard that talk from you up until ya
decided to court and marry Miz Christy.”  Bird’s Eye shook his head.  It was plain to him that
the Doc had changed since he fell in love with the outlander.  

“I never really believed until I allowed God to show me that he was truly there and that he
truly and completely loved me.”  Neil prayed that he would have the right words to say, to
explain it all in a way that shined light through the ignorance.

“I disgust churches, told Miz Christy that, too.”  He ran his dirty sleeve across his beard to
clear some of the corn bread crumbs.  “I can understands ya turnin to religion for Miz
Christy, she seems ta be a good woman, keeps a house full of pretties and puts good food on
yer table.”  Bird’s Eye once again felt a pang of envy.  He’d had a good woman once, till his
anger and bitterness pushed her away.

“But I didn’t turn to God for Christy.”  Neil knew that many in the cove still believed that
his decision to take on religion was because of his wife.  “I really believe in my heart, God
showed himself to me long before I married her.”

“Whadya mean, showed himself.  Ain’t no man what can see God.  I’se heard preachers what said
that.”  

The eyes across the table narrowed themselves suspiciously at Neil.  Lord, if I am going to be
of any use to you with this man, I need to explain what’s in my heart, help me.  “I didn’t
have to see him with my eyes to feel him in my heart.  God sends us gifts everyday and if we
just open up our hearts to him, we can truly see how God loves us.”

“Whada ya mean, gifts?”  This just didn’t make any sense.  

“Little things, mostly.  Like after Zady Spencer was killed, I was angry with God for allowing
it to happen.  He sent me a dream of Zady, to show me that even though she was gone on the
earth, her spirit was with him.  Then there are the really big gifts, like Christy, and the
baby.  My Aunt Hattie and you being there to watch over her when I can’t.”  Neil hoped that
his words were getting through, mostly they felt completely inadequate.

Bird’s Eye snorted, “You callin’ me some kinda gift?”

“We are all gifts, in some way or another.  Just being alive is a gift.  We can chose to
either take that gift and build it up by doing what God would have us to do or we can turn
from God and tear it down.”  Neil was sure that he wasn’t making any sense.  Again he
whispered an urgent prayer that the right words would come.

The doctor’s words combined with the words that Opal had said to him so long ago.  “You’re a
good fixer, Bird’s Eye.”  That’s what she had said about him mending that little fawn’s broken
leg.  Still, mending that leg didn’t change the fact that he had broken it to begin with.  No,
it doesn’t change a thing.  “Thanks fer supper, doc.  Tell Miz Christy it were right good and
that I am a sorry if I caused her any fuss.”  With that Bird’s Eye was up from the table and
out the door before Neil had a chance to say another word.

Neil shook his head, he had been given an opportunity to witness to Bird’s Eye and he had
messed it up.  “Lord, I only wish I had to right words.”  In his heart he knew that God had
not forsaken him to his own wisdom, but it didn’t change the fact that he felt like a failure
when the man had run out of the cabin like a scared rabbit.  He stood up slowly from the table
and climbed the stairs.  He knew that Christy would be concerned.  Pushing open the door
gently he had to catch his breath at the sight of his wife nestled into their bed.  Her hair
fanned out across the pillow and the rays of sun coming through the window bathed her in light
and warmth.  Being six months pregnant her abdomen was now clearly swollen and he smiled at
the way her hand rested across their child.  She was the most beautiful thing he had ever
seen.  Bird’s Eye might not have understood his reference to the gifts that God gives us, but
Neil most assuredly did.

Christy stirred at the sound of footsteps on the stairs.  She opened her eyes and smiled at
Neil as he stared at her, almost in a disbelieving way.  He loved her, she could see it
written all across his face  Suddenly it seemed as if nothing else in the entire world was
important, nothing else but this extraordinary love that God had seen fit to give her through
Neil.  She held out her arms to him and he snuggled close to her on the bed.  “I love you.”
She whispered.

“I love you, too.”  He breathed back.  “Thank you.”

“What for?”  She smiled as his breath tickled her ear.

“For everything.”  

Chapter 10

Christy looked at herself in the vanity mirror and couldn't decide whether to 
scream or to cry.  The summer had flown by yet it seemed to move at a snail's 
pace.  So many things had been going on around her and yet she felt as though 
she were stuck in a bubble.  Despite Aunt Hattie's illness, she had recovered 
under the watchful eye of Dan Scott and Birdseye Taylor.  It had been a 
miracle to watch them labor together.  Christy prayed daily for them, 
especially Birdseye.  What seemed like a breakthrough ended in disappointment 
as the grizzled old mountain man disappeared into the mountains like rain 
soaks into the soil.

Sickness had come again to the mountains, as it seemed to every late summer.  
Neil had been gone for days, nursing the sick.  Miss Alice was with him and 
Christy felt so alone and so helpless.  Thankfully, the majority of the cove 
had been spared, but the ravages of the disease were devastating Raven's Gap. 
 Although the hour was late, Christy crawled into bed and wept longingly for 
her husband.  

"Christy!"  The insistent calling seemed to penetrate through her dreams.  
"Christy!"  

"Neil," she whispered fitfully.  

"Christy!"

Christy sat upright in bed as quickly as she could.  "Am I dreaming?" she 
thought to herself as she struggled into her robe and hurried from the 
bedroom.

"Christy, love!"

Neil threw open the door and she rushed towards him.  Excitement coursed 
through her as she mentally sized him up.  He needed a haircut again, he 
couldn't be eating right, and he looked as though he has lost weight.  He 
rained kisses on her face as she snuggled against him.

"It's over, Christy."  He leaned wearily against her; suddenly keenly aware 
of the lack of sleep he'd had over the last couple of weeks.  "There is 
nothing more that we can do."

Christy guided him gently towards the table and hurried to put on the coffee 
and warm the thick stew that Fairlight had carried over last evening.  
Despite the absence of her Neil, she was never truly alone.  God had provided 
her with a close group of beloved friends.  However, she knew from those 
friends that the devastation in Raven's Gap was enormous.  "How bad?"  

"God help me, Christy.  I've buried more in the last 2 weeks than I've 
saved."  For the first time Christy noticed the deep lines that had formed 
around his eyes.  His fingers clawed through the tangles in his too long mass 
of curls.  "There are days, love.  Days when I just want to pack up and move 
to Asheville, or some other safe place."

Struggling with her swollen belly that refused to yield, Christy knelt in 
front of her husband.  She pulled his hands from his hair and wrapped them in 
her own.  "I know that you and Alice did all that you could possibly do."

"Yes, Christy, we did, but that isn't the point."  His eyes trailed to his 
unborn child, "How can I risk staying here, how can I risk you and our 
children to the depravity of this place.  You are both the most important and 
precious gifts that I have ever been given.  In the city there are hospitals 
with clean sheets and medicine, plenty of medicine.  It's all right there.  
And patients, they never show up on your doorstep in the middle of the 
night."  I will have trained nurses, I won't have to worry about exposing you 
to diseases or watching you struggle to keep your supper down while digging a 
bullet out of some one."

"I knew that was part of our lives."  Shaking her head with concern.  She 
wasn't used to hearing Neil talk like this.  "You know I love the cove, I 
want to stay here."

"I don't really care, Christy!"  The rage in his heart showed in his eyes as 
they flashed.  "You once said that you think I treat you like a child.  Well, 
right now you are being very childish.  I want you and my child out of this 
cove!"

Taken aback by his harsh words, Christy could only stand carefully and cross 
to the stove to stir the stew that was slowly beginning to burn.  "Do you 
really want to take me to Asheville?"

"I don't know what else to do.  I don't want my children, our children, born 
into this kind of poverty.  Maybe David was right?  Maybe I was wrong, wrong 
for wanting to keep us here."

At a loss for words, Christy filled a dish with the hot stew and placed a 
slice of cornbread on the plate.  Placing it in front of Neil, he promptly 
pushed it away; despite his hunger his stomach was churning.  Only the coffee 
drew his interest.  "Tell me what I am supposed to do?"  Neil took her hand 
and sought for answers in her eyes.  He could see the tears pooling there.

"I don't know.  I only know that I don't want to leave this place.  I want to 
watch you teach our son to fish in the river.  I want to show our daughter 
how to make daisy chains and lace them into her hair.  This IS my home."

"And Asheville is your home, and we can make it home again.  I have begged 
God for the answers and yet I don't even know for sure what the questions 
are.  In less than a month, our child will be born.  I almost lost him once 
and I could have lost you!  Don't you see that, don't you know that I can't 
possibly live without you. Tomorrow morning, we get on a train and we go to 
Ashville.  Before we leave, I will ask Pete and Jeb to pack our things and 
haul them to the station.  The cabin can be given to the mission; surely they 
can find some use for it.  Better yet, we can give it to Dan."  

"Why, Neil?"  Christy shook with the tears that were beginning to fall.  

"Because, I'm not going to bury my child and my wife when I can be sure that 
you are safe!  I did that, for another man, a man who was too overcome by his 
grief to walk away from his loved one.  He lay there beside her body, holding 
his dead child for hours.  He couldn't get up; he couldn't leave her there.  
She died in childbirth, died as a result of the days of dehydration.  She 
gave birth to a beautiful little girl, a little girl with blue eyes.  You 
should have seen her; she was perfect, except for the fact that she was dead! 
 I know that God has a plan, but I don't see it!  I can't find it!  What 
purpose did this serve!  Tell me, Christy, please tell me."  Neil collapsed 
into a mass at his wife's feet.  The anger and bitterness of death left a 
very real taste in his mouth.

"I don't know, love.  I don't know."  Christy wrapped her arms around him and 
held him close while he wept against her.  

"I'm sorry, love.  I'm not angry with you.  The last thing I wanted to do was 
fight with you, I've waited so long to be with you again."  Neil gasped 
between sobs.

"It's alright.  I know."  Christy breathed a sigh of relief and whispered a 
prayer.  She had seen Neil struggle with losing patients, with losing a fight 
that he really had no control over.  "Life and death are in God's hands, 
Neil, not yours."

"I know that, help me God I know that.  But the things that we do, the 
changes that we make must in some way have some kind of an effect."  Neil 
wrapped his arms around her and savored her warmth and her strength.  "In the 
city, she and her child would have lived."

"You don't know that for certain.  You can't."

"Maybe not, but I can reduce the risks.  I can put you in a safe place, with 
your parents.  I will come back here, help Pete and Jeb, and turn my practice 
over to Dan."

"You would leave me in Asheville."  The horror of being alone when the baby 
was born brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes.

"You won't be alone.  You'll have your parents, you'll be in a hospital with 
nurses and doctors and you'll be safe."  Neil stood gently and helped her to 
her feet.

"Neil, please, can't we talk about this in the morning?  You're upset and I 
understand that, but there is no reason to make a hasty decision."

"No, Christy.  I don't care if you hate me for it, I'm taking you out of 
here, and I'm taking you to Asheville.  I love this cove, but I love you 
more.  Nothing here is more important than you!"

Christy turned as quickly as she was able and fled to the bedroom, slamming 
the door behind her.  

"Christy, I've made up my mind.  We are leaving the cove tomorrow morning."


Chapter 11

Despite his exhaustion, it was late before Neil finally fell into a fitful 
sleep on the couch.  He could hear his wife crying and the sound of her sobs 
broke his heart.  Still, he refused to allow her tears to penetrate his 
resolve.  He had to get her away from this place.  In his mind, he calculated 
all of the reasons they must go.  So many times he had nearly lost Christy 
before she was even his.  It would have been so easy for Birds-eye and Lundy 
to kill her the night they burned the church, or the night they tried to 
break into the mission to find Tom McHone.  Not to mention her horrible run 
in with Jarvis Tatum.  He knew with all of his heart that God's hand was upon 
her, upon them, but he was her husband, and he would be damned if he was 
going to allow anything to hurt her if he could stop it.

"Neil!"  Christy's startled cry from the bedroom slowly tore him from his 
rest.  "Neil!"  

Neil raced to their bedroom, which had finally been moved downstairs into his 
laboratory.  He tore open the door to a very frightened woman.  The front of 
her dress was beginning to show the darkening stain of the liquid it was 
absorbing.  

"Neil, please help me.  I hurt so bad."  Tears poured down her checks as he 
eyes faced the calendar on the wall.  The calendar that showed that this baby 
was going to be born much too early.

Racing to her side, Neil began to help her unbutton her dress and help her 
out of her petticoats that were becoming quite sodden.  All the time, he 
spoke words of comfort in her ears.  Words that Christy only half heard and 
only partially comprehended.

"Neil, it's too early."

"Hang on, love."  Neil worked quickly to remove her wet clothing and to slip 
a clean nightgown over her head.  "Everything is going to be just fine.  
Plenty of babies come early."  

"You were right, I'm so sorry, you were right.  We should be in Asheville."  

"No, darling, I was wrong."  Neil lifted her gently back into bed and 
arranged the pillows around her head to make her more comfortable.  "God is 
with us whether we are in Cutter Gap or in Asheville.  Please forgive me, 
love, I was wrong."

"The baby is coming, isn't he?"  

Neil looked quickly at the clock on the bedside it read barely 3 AM.  He 
calculated the ride to the mission, hoping that someone would answer the 
telephone and that he wouldn't have to leave her.

"The baby's coming, but this is just the first part of labor.  I'm going to 
try to reach Alice at the mission.  If she doesn't answer the phone, I can 
ride for her and be back in no time."

"No, Neil.  Please don't leave me.  I don't know if I'm ready for this.  I'm 
scared."  Christy clung to his hand.

"Don't worry, love.  If you dug a bullet out of me, the least I can do is 
deliver our child."  Christy couldn't help but smile at the reference, Neil 
was grateful for the effect.  Quickly, Neil kissed her nose and tucked their 
wedding quilt up around her shoulders.  "You try to rest, I'm going to try to 
reach Alice."

Neil took a deep breath to steady himself before he lifted the receiver.  
Several rings later he raised an operator in El Pano.

"What number please?"  The slightly irritating and disembodied voice 
inquired.

"I need you to ring the mission at Cutter Gap.  This is Dr. MacNeill, it's an 
emergency."

He could hear her make the connection and prayed that someone would hear the 
phone ringing.  It seemed to ring forever before the very sleepy voice of 
Ruby Mae came on the line.  

"Cutter Gap Mission."  She whispered around a yawn.

"Ruby Mae, it's Doctor MacNeill.  I need you to go and wake Miss Alice and 
send her over here, Christy is in labor."

Awakened instantly by the news, Ruby Mae began to chatter excitedly.  "Is she 
really, Doc?  She's gonna have that baby?"

"Yes, Ruby Mae, now go and wake Miss Alice.  Tell her to stop by the Spencer 
cabin and get Fairlight."

"I'se surely will, Doc!  If this ain't jest the best news!"

Neil could hear the receiver strike the wall where Ruby Mae dropped it.  He 
knew that Alice would be on her way as quickly as she could.  He only hoped 
that Ruby Mae wouldn't beg to come along and slow Alice down.  Before 
returning to the bedroom, Neil threw a few more pieces of firewood into the 
stove and stoked up the fire that lay dormant.  He quickly filled the 
teakettle and the coffee pot, knowing that Fairlight would need tea to brew 
the herbs that would help Christy to relax and Neil, Alice and Fairlight 
would need the coffee.  As he worked, he could hear the soft moans as Christy 
began to earnestly feel the contractions.  The words he had spoken in anger 
last night once again reminded him of his weakness, of his need to stop 
acting like a child, of his need to look to the Father.  They were all in His 
hands now, and Neil couldn't imagine a safer place to lay his family.

It was the beginning of what promised to be a very long day.

Chapter 12
============

Christy writhed on the bed, pressing her hands against the spindles in the headboard, 
fighting against the pain. It had been hours since her waters had broken and it seemed that no progress was being made, except that Christy grew more and more exhausted with each passing moment.

“Miss Christy, ya gotta relax.” Fairlight spoke gently to her as she continued to rub the cooling cloth across her face.

“I didn’t think it would hurt this much.” Christy whimpered into her shoulder as she won the bout with this most recent contraction. “How have you done this over and over again?” She was not expecting an answer.

Alice ran her hand across Christy’s exposed abdomen, feeling the baby’s position and how far she had progressed over the past day. She had arrived with Fairlight only an hour after Ruby Mae’s frantic calling that not only alerted Alice, but managed to wake the entire mission. Now the shadows had chased away the sunshine and Neil had begun to light the lamps as evening rapidly approached.

Neil stared forlornly up the stairs as he continued to light the lamps. Now, more than ever he resented the mountain custom that nearly forbid the presence of a man in the labor room.

“No sense in hangin’ about the stairs.” Jeb laid his hand on his friends shoulder, guiding him out the door.

“I’m her husband, Jeb, seems to me I should be allowed in the room.”

“Ya know that birthin’ is best left up to the womenfolk.”

Neil pulled his hand through his tousled curls, his fingers catching in the knots his own frustration had worked into his scalp. “What if...”

“Now don’t be thinkin’ the worst.” Jeb once again attempted to tug Neil away from the foot of the stairs. “We’re goin’ no farther than to sit a spell on the stoop.”

Neil allowed himself to be led away. Jeb was right; he was more of a husband than a doctor at this moment. He could only pray that his wife would only need a husband. In these mountains, calling for a doctor in something as simple as childbirth usually meant trouble. Another cry of anguish rent the air in the cabin and Neil felt his endurance being worn to nothingness.

“Oh, please God.” Neil fell loudly to his knees with a thud. Jeb joined him there, both men lifting up their silent prayers to the only One with the power to help the young wife.

* * * * * * *

The first rays of sunlight broke through the haze of worry in the cabin. The night had taken its toll on everyone, but Christy felt the effects most of all.

“Christy, it’s time.” Alice motioned to Fairlight to take Christy’s other exposed leg, pushing her back into the birthing position.

“I can’t do this! Please, don’t make me do this!” Christy once again fought against the tearing pain that seemed to center in her very being.

“Miz Christy, it’s up to ya to bring this babe into the world.”

“She’s right. You have to push. Everyone is waiting patiently to see thy child.” Alice bent over and placed a gentle kiss on the weary girl’s forehead. “Thy husband longs to see his child, and I long to hold my grandchild. Thee shall run and not be weary. Thee has run this course, it’s time to finish this. It’s time to behold the face of thy child.

“Miss Alice, please, call Neil. Please, I want my husband.”

Alice released the leg she was holding. It wasn’t proper, a husband in the room while his wife gave birth. Of course, very few things in these rugged mountains were considered proper by modern standards. How could she possibly refuse the two people she held most dear in the world? The memories of Margaret’s birth, the fear of being alone, having no one that was truly special to share the birth of her child with.

“Neil.” Alice called out to him from the head of the stairs.

Neil cleared the steps two at a time, fearing that his wife was in need of a doctor now, fearing the sudden silence from the head of the stairs.

“She wants thee.” Alice swung the door wide and allowed him to step through. “She’s ready to push.”

“Christy.” Neil reached for her hand.

“Please don’t leave.” His wife held tight to his hand as another wave of pain filled with an intense desire to push. It was a new sensation and somehow a wonderful sensation.

Neil positioned himself behind his wife, lifting her up gently to rest her back along his side. “Push, love. Push with the contractions.”

Alice and Fairlight pulled her legs back close to her chest. “Push, Christy.” Alice cheered, watching in new fascination as a downy head began to make an appearance with each push.

“That’s right, Christy. Keep it up. Don’t stop now. Keep pushing.” Alice once again wiped at Christy’s forehead with a damp cloth. She couldn’t help but notice that the frightened little girl was becoming a woman, as though the very process of birth would give not only a child to the world, but a mother, as well. Realizing that the time was near, Alice positioned herself to receive the child.

“This is it, darling. One more push, one more good push.” Neil stroked his wife’s back as she struggled with life, the life that they had created. “I love you, Christy.”

Her eyes met his and a renewed strength coursed through her, the hours of misery seemed long past as she pulled herself forward to give one final push.

Christy fell back against Neil as she felt the baby fall from her body and into the light. Quickly Alice cut the cord and began to rub the baby with a towel, her efforts rewarded with a loud and lusty cry as air filled the baby’s lungs. Alice smiled at the small naked bundle, perfectly formed, perfectly healthy and perfectly beautiful. This beautiful child, a fresh start at life and another perfect reminder that where there is love, there is hope.

The End

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Epilogue
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Christy and Neil spent their lives living one another in Cutter Gap. Only two short years after the birth of their daughter, World War 1 invaded their peaceful world and stole the isolation that the families of the gap had so enjoyed. Ruby Mae Morrison had spent much of her time learning nursing from Miss Alice. In 1917 she volunteered with the American Red Cross and was sent far away from Cutter Gap to the city of Paris to assist in the war effort there. She often sent letters to Christy about the wonder of living in the city. Always an optimist, Ruby Mae wrote only of the joy and wonder she saw, she never spoke of the devastation that she must have witnessed. On a warm spring day in 1918 the MacNeills’ received a telegram. Ruby Mae Morrison had been killed while caring for the wounded during a raid on the city. She was 20 years old.

Also involved in the terrible fighting was Rob and Creed Allen. Creed had been eager to see the world and join in the fighting. To the young man it had seemed like a great adventure. Rob had agreed to go along to watch over his little brother. They were also to see action in France. The boys came home victorious but broken. Creed stayed only a short time before finding work in Pittsburg in the steel mills and never married. Rob took over the mill from his father and married Mountie O’Teale. Rob was so devastated by the horrors he had seen he would speak to no one about the war. Despite his earlier success as a writer, Rob Allen never wrote again.

Although Americas’ involvement in the First World War had been brief, the families of Cutter Gap carried the scars forever. They lived with them and were stronger in some ways because of them. Three new graves were dug as a result of the fighting. In addition to Ruby Mae, Orter Ball O’Teale was killed in action and Issac McHone died in a London hospital of pneumonia.

In 1929 the cove was devastated by the death of Alice Henderson due to influenza and pneumonia. Families from as far away as Raven’s Gap and Lufty Branch traveled to Cutter Gap to pay their last respects to the beloved missionary. She was laid to rest next to her daughter.

Life the families of Cutter Gap, Christy and Neil bore their hardships and their joys. Their daughter, Alicia Jules Kathryn MacNeill, had the same gift for teaching that her parents did. She went to college at Vanderbilt University in Nashville and returned to teach at the mission. In 1919, Christy and Neil had a son, Robert Neil William MacNeill. In 1937, with the threat of a Second World War bearing down on the world, he ran away one night and joined the Navy. Robbie, as he was called, always had wanderlust for far away places. He was at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

“Dad?” Robbie looked on his father’s weary face. The last few months had taken a harsh toll on his beloved father. So many times he had regretted the hurt he caused his parents when he ran away. Robbie was sure he had destroyed all relationship with his parents, but he should have known better. When he returned to Cutter Gap after the attack left him with a barely functioning left leg, he was welcomed home with open arms. His father’s response to his son’s question of forgiveness was, “I was once a prodigal son, too.” Now Robbie had to be strong for his father. He placed his hands on his father’s shoulders. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from his parent’s bedroom. “I came from Lufty Branch as soon as you called.”

“You should have waited until after services. Won’t your congregation miss you?” Neil reached up and took his hand and held it tight.

“How’s mom?” He could see the tears running down his father’s cheeks. It had been a long year since his mother had been diagnosed. His father who, even at the age of 75, still seemed so robust and vibrant had suddenly become an old man.

“Alicia is sitting with her now.” Neil couldn’t bring himself to speak the truth; he feared that by saying she was dying that she would truly die. He couldn’t live without her. How could he go on, alone, in this cabin? The true impact of her life and the meaning of her death caused Neil to weep with uncontrollable sobs. “Robbie, I can’t...”

“You always told me to have hope.” He knelt next to him and wrapped his arms around his father.

“She was my hope, son.” Neil accepted the embrace and leaned heavily on his shoulder.

The sound of the bedroom door opening drew their attention. “Daddy, she’s awake. She wants to see you.”

Making his way as quickly as possible he knelt beside his wife’s bed and took her hand. She was so frail and small, the effects of disease ravaging her body so there was almost nothing left. He hair fell about her pillow in a mass of silver and even now, smelled of roses. “Christy.”

She opened her eyes, once so alive and vibrant now reflected the pain that tore through her body. Through it all, she had clung to hope. Now, she just wanted to go home. To be free of pain and the struggle it cost her just to draw breath. The pain in Neil’s eyes was more than she could bear. She didn’t want to go, she wanted to stay, to comfort him and be with him. “Neil. I love you.” She whispered hoarsely.

“Christy, please don’t go.” Neil pleaded. He knew her strength was gone and that her life was coming to an end. It was more than he could bear.

Christy closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep. She must not leave; Neil would need her. A silent prayer hung on her lips. “Please, God, I need to live for Neil. He needs me.”

“Daddy.” Alicia knelt beside him and laid her hand on his shoulder. “Daddy, please. She is staying for you. Don’t you see? Let her go. Please, Daddy.”

Neil turned his head and he felt as though he was looking at his darling wife the day she first came to Cutter Gap. The day she literally stumbled into his life. Alicia looked so very much like Christy. “I can’t.”

“Dad, you have to.” Robbie put his hand on his father’s shoulder and stood beside him.

Neil knew they were right. Somehow, he was holding her here. “Christy, lass.”

Drawn from her restless sleep by his tender call Christy opened her eyes to him again. She could see the presence in the corner of her room; feel the light and the warmth even as she fought against it. With all her strength, she forced herself to focus on Neil. “Yes.”

“I have to let you go.” Neil brushed his hand across her cheek and felt the tears there. “I love you. We must have hope.”

“Hope?” She questioned.

“Hope that love lasts forever. I will love you always. I know that I will be with you again someday in paradise.” Neil laid his head next to her and breathed the rose scent from her hair.

“Neil, I see and angel.” Christy felt his tears falling upon her cheeks and she longed to comfort him. It was time. His words of hope had finally released her of her struggle to remain in her earthly body. Her memory flew through the years to the death of Zady Spencer and to the angel that carried her home. “I want to go home, Neil.”

“Take his hand, love.” Neil could feel the love and warmth of the Father surrounding them. The hope of eternity filled his aching heart. “Go home, I will be there someday. Know that I love you, always.”

Neil felt her pain end even as he spoke the words. He laid his head against her chest as she breathed her last. Despite the joy of her release, he wept. He clung to the hope that it wound not be too long before he joined his lass in Paradise. Forever.

The End