DISCLAIMER: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall'LeSourd family. This fiction was written for my personal enjoyment. It uses themes from the book, the CBS series, and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's "Tenth Anniversary" Part One Christy was distraught. She had suffered a second miscarriage. She was only six weeks along in her pregnancy. Neil and Alice were at the cabin when it happened. The oldest three were in school. The twins, at age three, were in the room they shared with their brothers. Miss Alice and Neil had taken care of Christy's medical needs. Neil would once again try to heal her emotional pain. Alice fed the twins lunch and took them to the Mission. The other three would remain at the Mission overnight while Christy and Neil coped with the loss of another child. "Why did this happen?" Christy cried. "I wasn't lifting anything heavy. I was just getting up from the table. "Why is God punishing me? Am I so terrible a mother that He takes my unborn children away from me? I don't understand. I just don't understand." Neil held her in his arms as she sobbed. Tears were running down his cheeks as he silently mourned a child lost. He gently rubbed her back and tried to soothe his weary wife. "Don't ever blame God, Christy. You've seen tragedy so many times before, here in the Cove. These things happen, and we cannot know the why of it. I mourn the loss of our child as well." "I know you do." she said softly. "The children are at the Mission tonight. They'll be home tomorrow after school. I want you to rest in bed for a few days, no arguments. You need time to recover. The older three will take on some extra chores. Alice will stop by to check on you as well." She fell asleep in his arms, as he held her quietly through the night. She awoke in Neil's embrace. Slowly remembering yesterday's events, she turned into his chest and cried. He patiently held her until her tears subsided. Looking up into Neil's face, Christy could read the signs of worry in his eyes, and see his pain as well. Neil was such a loving husband and father. She would not pity herself. She had a responsibility to her husband and children. "Neil, I want to get up and get dressed." "No, Lass, you need to rest." "I won't feel sorry for myself, I promise." "It's not that, Love. From a purely medical standpoint, you need to rest. No heavy lifting. That means the twins. Doctor's orders." The children and Alice came home after school. They came into the bedroom to see their Momma. Ian and Sean had never seen her sick before. They had been too little to remember when she suffered her first miscarriage. "Don't bounce on the bed, boys," cautioned Neil. Everyone wanted to hug Christy. She was sitting up, with her hair tied back with a ribbon. She looked up at Neil. He had been staring at her ribbon. She could read his thoughts. He loved to pull out her hairpins and the ribbons out of her hair. She smiled at him, and he realized she'd read his mind. He smiled back at her, and sat down in the chair next to the bed. Together they listened to their children chattering about their day. ...................................... In May, David and Miranda invited the MacNeill's to the Mission for Sunday dinner after Church. They were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. They now had three children. Samuel had been born in 1920. Ruth followed in 1922. David wanted biblical names for their children. While Miranda's father was a minister as well, he was also a literary scholar. She had grown up in an atmosphere filled with Bible study and English literature. She loved Chaucer. In 1924, when their second son was born, she insisted that his first name be Geoffrey. David didn't argue. Christy was happy for them. They were both genuinely happy and content, definitely a good match. David doted on his children. Miranda ran the household like a well oiled machine. She adored her children. They too were being raised in a very loving household, and they had taken to calling Miss Alice "Granny Alice" just like the MacNeill children. Alice, with her kind and loving heart, didn't mind at all. Conversation around the table was loud and cheerful, like a big family dinner at a holiday. Christy looked about, and a sense of peace filled her being. Somehow, it had all worked out for the best. She looked at Neil and smiled at him; he returned the favor. ....................................... Months sped by. Christy couldn't believe that the harvest break had begun. Neil was going to be away at the end of September, attending a medical conference in Virginia. Christy insisted that he go, she planned to take the children to Asheville, since school was closed. William and Julia looked forward to spending time with all of their grandchildren. Christy needed the change of scene. Neil was worried about her. The two miscarriages were eating at her. He had tried so hard to make her see that she had done nothing wrong. He could not convince her. He hoped that Julia's fussing and pampering would ease her heart and mind. Neil planned to meet them in Asheville when the conference was over. The family could travel home to Cutter Gap together. Christy and the children left for Asheville the day before Neil left for Virginia. She needed his help to get everything packed, and the children ready for travel. The twins were three now, but still a handful. He planned to stay overnight at the Tatum boarding house. It made no sense to go back to the Cove for one day. The children were excited to be visiting their grandparents for a week. Christy had mixed feelings. As she kissed her husband good-bye, she could feel the tears fill her eyes. Neil got them all settled on board, and then left the train. He waited and watched as the train pulled away from the station. He knew Christy was crying, and his heart was heavy. He took some time in town to visit various stores and stopped by Dr. Davis's office to exchange news and smoke a pipe. Then he went back to the Tatum's. In the morning he awoke to silence, and realized how much he missed the noise and joy of the children. He knew how much he had been blessed. The train ride to Virginia was long and lonely and he spent most of the time going over his notes. He would meet Harold Wade at the hotel, and together they would polish the final draft of the paper they were presenting on their Trachoma research. He made a mental note to purchase an anniversary gift for Christy. In October, they would be married ten years. He spent some of his traveling time recalling special moments of the past ten years. Happy memories and bittersweet ones as well filled his thoughts. He had five children who were the light of his life, and a wife who was the keeper of his heart and soul. Had he told Christy he loved her before he left her on the train? He couldn't remember, and for a minute he panicked. He must have done so, for surely their parting kiss would have transmitted the message. He would call Asheville from the hotel and tell her, just to be sure. Christy and the children arrived safely in Asheville. Julia and William met them at the station. They were both overjoyed to see their daughter and grandchildren. Christy looked exhausted. The twins had been a handful during the trip. They were too excited to nap, and while Ned, Catherine and Charlie did their best to keep the duo busy, the twins were raring to go. Christy knew that her parents were in for a busy week. Julia had hired a housekeeper/cook since Christy's last visit. She was a motherly figure named Annie Monroe and she fell in love with the children on sight. Taking in Christy's exhausted appearance, Annie decided she would look after these five darlings. Christy MacNeill was a beautiful woman, her husband had to be extremely handsome, because they had produced five of the loveliest children she'd ever seen. Annie was a widow with three grown children of her own. She had worked since she was a very young girl in a Manor house in Ireland. She started in the kitchen as a scullery maid. She was smart, and kept her wits about her. She was downstairs most of the time, but she listened to the stories of the upstairs maids and stewards, and had an idea of how gentry liked things. She moved to America with her husband Thomas. He was a good man who had captured her heart. They worked hard, and had a good life. But now Thomas was gone, and she needed to keep busy. She applied for th! e job at the Huddleston residence, and had impressed Julia. Mrs. Huddleston was gentry. Annie had been able to charm her with her wit and candor, not to mention the fact that she made the most delicious tea scones Julia has ever tasted. "Christy," said Julia, "I'd like you to meet Mrs. Monroe. She runs the house like clockwork and cooks like an angel. Annie, this is our daughter, Christy." "How do you do, Mrs. Monroe," said Christy smiling. "Call me Annie, dearie. I'm not so formal." "These are my children. This is my oldest son, Ned. We've shortened his name; it's really Neil Edward Duncan. He prefers Ned. He looks like his Poppa." "How do you do, Master Ned." "I'm no one's master, Ma'am, just Ned." He smiled at her. "This is my daughter, Catherine." "Hello, my sweet angel," said Annie. "I'm pleased to meet you," said Cat. "This is Charlie, and these are our twins, Ian and Sean." "How do you do, Charlie. What green eyes you have! They remind me of my homeland, Ireland. And twins! How does your Momma know who is who I wonder?" Everyone laughed. "Well my sweet lambs, I have milk and cookies in the kitchen waiting for you. Come follow me." The five children trooped after Annie into the kitchen. Christy turned to her mother and father and hugged them both with all of her might. A while later, Julia and Christy unpacked the trunks that contained clothes, toys and books. The boys would be staying in George's old room and one of the guest rooms. Catherine wanted to be with her Momma, so they would share Christy's old bedroom. "You look tired, Christy." "I am, Momma." "We haven't made any special plans, Christy. The circus is coming in three days and your Father and I would like to take the children." "We would all love that, Momma." "No soirees or dinner parties, dear. I didn't buy tickets for the Harvest Ball for the two of you. Some of your friends from school would like to meet you for lunch one day, but I told them they would have to call after you arrived. I want you to rest and take it easy, Christy." "Thank you Momma." "Now let's have tea. Annie makes the most delicious scones, they're better than mine." "Really?" "Trust me." Tea was indeed delicious, just what the doctor ordered. Christy was overcome by her missing Neil. With him so far away, one day had felt like eternity. The children settled into a routine. Julia and William took them everywhere, proudly introducing them to friends and colleagues. Annie cooked favorite foods and made special desserts. Christy rested. One afternoon while everyone was out she took a long, hot bubble bath. She was feeling guilty because it was such a pleasurable treat. She had agreed to meet some of her old school friends for lunch the following day. She was now thirty years old. Despite the wear and tear of the twins, she looked absolutely beautiful. Her friends couldn't wait to see her. They expected to see her worn from work and weary from raising a family in the wilderness. Julia knew the sharks well, after all she was "friends" with their mothers. Christy was smartly dressed, her hair was in a neat chignon. She wished Neil were here, he loved to pull out her hairpins when she wore her hair this way. Only three more days, and she would be re-united with her beloved husband. She shivered in anticipation of their reunion. Christy found the luncheon to be quite boring. While her friends prattled on about dinners, balls and social teas, her mind wandered. When her friends began to discuss their marriages Christy's mind wandered back to the present. Two of her friends now had separate bedrooms. They had produced two or three children, their duty was done. If their husbands had mistresses, it was all right as long as they were discreet. Christy was shocked. One friend had found marital relations abhorrent. She had one son, so her husband had his heir. She kept her bedroom door locked. They turned and looked at Christy. "I love my husband with all of my heart and I am the proud mother of five children. I am extremely happy in my marriage. I truly would not care to spend one minute in your shoes. It was very nice to see all of you again. You must excuse me please, I must return to my children. She smiled at them and left, feeling the "knives" hitting her back........... "It was horrible, Mother. They have such empty, shallow and sad lives. I don't regret any choices I have made in my life. Their children seem to give them no pleasure. They are raised by their nannies." "I know dear." "I am sure I have added fodder to the gossip mill." "Yes dear. Just imagine, a woman who still loves her husband enough to still share his bed." "Momma, I'm just like you. Can you still get tickets to the Harvest Ball?" "Yes dear," Julia answered and smiled. "Enough said, Christy." Christy smiled. Neil had called her every day. "I'll be there as soon as I can leave the conference." "I'm looking forward to it. Neil get your tuxedo shirt cleaned and starched. We'll be attending one formal here, Please, I need to show you off. I'll explain when you arrive." END OF PART ONE. DISCLAIMER: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall'LeSourd family. This fiction was written for my personal enjoyment. It uses themes from the book, the CBS series, and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's "Tenth Anniversary" Part Two Summary: Neil is attending a medical conference in Virginia. Christy has taken the children to Asheville to stay with her parents. .............................. During some free time between lectures, Neil wandered through the business district. He hated the confinement of lecture halls and hotel rooms. As he passed by a small jewelry store, delicate blue caught his eye. As he looked closer, he saw a tiny sapphire heart and a set of earrings to match. They would be perfect for Christy. He went into the store and inquired about the price. Hearing Neil's brogue, the jeweler asked Neil where he came from, as part of making simple conversation. The man was gregarious and loved to chat with his customers. "I'm from Tennessee," Neil said. "I'm here for a doctor's conference." "A doctor, " the man said, "do you have a fancy office and lots of patients?" Neil laughed. "Well I have a lot of patients, but I live in the Great Smoky Mountains. I travel by horse to visit my people to make sure they are all well. We have a clinic on the grounds of a Christian mission, and I see patients in my home as well." "You said ‘your people,' sir." "Yes, I consider the people of the area where I live "my people" and I treat them the best way that I can. Mountain life can be very harsh and dangerous." Just then the jeweler's wife came from the back room of the store. He quoted Neil the price for the set, and it was too high. It was more than Neil could afford. "Do you have a family?" she asked. She was even nosier than her husband. "Yes," replied Neil. "I have a beautiful wife and five wonderful children." Neil looked at the woman and smiled as he spoke. He then noticed a small swelling on her neck, partially covered by the high neckline of her shirtwaist. "Ma'am, does the swelling on your neck give you any discomfort or pain?" The couple were startled by his question. "No, there's no pain, sir," she answered. "Forgive me, I don't mean to sound rude. You might have a goiter, it's an enlargement of your thyroid gland. It's important that you see a doctor as soon as you can. The condition can be formed by an iodine deficiency in your diet. You really need to see a doctor. I'll bid you both good day, since I have taken up too much of your time." "What about the sapphires?" inquired the jeweler. "I cannot afford them," Neil said simply. "But you're a doctor." "A country doctor. More often than not I get paid with barter; carrots, gingerbread, eggs, game not cash. Payment such as that helps to feed my wife and children, but leaves little in the family coffer. My wealth lies in my beloved family and in my friends. It was good talking to the both of you. Please Ma'am, take my advice and see a doctor as soon as you can." "Wait!" said the jeweler. "Doctor, how much money could you pay for the set?" Neil told him how much cash he could spare. "Sold." "But," Neil started to say.... "Doctor, you are a complete stranger. Yet you have showed deep concern and compassion for the health of another stranger, my beloved wife. Doctors charge for visits, diagnoses, an consultations. Your time is worth something, sir. We have a deal." "My wife and I will be married ten years in October. Thank you for your kindness." Neil left the store, pleased that he could give Christy something special for their anniversary, not realizing the full impact his caring and concern as a physician had on the jewelry store owners. "That man is a rare breed," said the husband. His wife agreed, and felt that the doctor was blessed by his family. We'll call Dr. Goldsmith tomorrow." ................................................. Neil came into Asheville on Thursday's train. William, Ned and Charlie met him at the station. Ned hugged his father soundly. Neil bent and kissed the top of his head. William shook Neil's hand. Neil picked Charlie up and hugged and kissed his son. "How is Christy?" Neil asked William as they traveled toward the Huddleston home. "She's looking rested, Neil. Annie, our new housekeeper has been keeping the children busy, and cooking all sorts of special foods, trying to lift her spirits. She had lunch with some of her old girlfriends. It must have been a revelation to her, because when she came home she asked Julia to get two more tickets for the Harvest Ball this Saturday night. Annie will watch the children for us. Julia hadn't planned any "social itinerary" for Christy at all. That took restraint, Neil, I have to tell you. I was proud of my wife. You know Julia. But then, she wanted Christy to just relax and rest. Whatever was said at that luncheon put a fire under Christy. "She told me to get my tuxedo shirt cleaned and pressed." "At least you were forewarned," said William laughing. "We'll stick together, son." He continued, "Christy kept the twins and Catherine at home. Cat is pouting. She's just like Christy when she would pout. I'd love to tell Christy ‘like mother, like daughter' but she'd probably get angry at me." Neil laughed. "I've learned to bite my tongue when the children do something just as I imagine Christy would have done as a child. I know I see myself in Ned and the twins. My mother frequently called me her little devil, I was always getting int o mischief. So I was rewarded with double trouble with our twins. I imagine my mother looking down from heaven and laughing." When they reached the Huddleston residence, the twins came tearing out the door to meet their Poppa. "Poppa, Poppa!" they cried together. Neil picked them up in his brawny arms. They hugged his neck and kissed him. "I missed you Poppa," said Ian. "Me too," said Sean. Neil's eyes held tears, for he had missed these two little imps so very much. He kissed them both. Catherine stood on the porch tapping her foot like Christy did when she was annoyed. Neil chuckled and thought ‘like mother, like daughter' to himself. Cat was dressed in a frilly dress her Gamma had bought her. She had a hair ribbon and bow tied in her hair and she hated it all. Momma wouldn't let her meet Poppa's train. She wanted to run to her father, but Gamma said that young ladies didn't run. She had a mutinous scowl on her face that could match Bird's Eye Taylor's any day. Neil wanted to laugh, but dared not. His daughter looked adorable. He set the twins down on the ground, and approached his daughter, wife and mother-in-law who were all standing on the porch. Christy was beaming, she was so happy that Neil was finally here. He picked Catherine up. "Ah, my wee lassie," he said as he kissed her, "storm clouds are brewing in your eyes. She buried her face in his neck and she hugged him. "I missed you so, Poppa." "I missed you too, my sweet Catherine." He passed Catherine to William and then he turned to Julia and gave her a hug. "Welcome, Neil." "It's good to be here. Thank you." He held out his arms to Christy and she walked into them. They hugged each other and kissed. The family went inside the house. Christy held Neil's hand. They went into the parlor. The children were all chattering. "Poppa, Grandpa and Gamma took us all to the circus," said Ned. All the children were speaking, telling their father what they liked best. Ian and Sean couldn't get a word in edgewise. Neil realized this and specifically asked them what they liked best. "I liked the lelliphints," said Sean. "You mean elephants, dear," said Christy. "That's what I said, Momma. Lelliphints." "What did you like, Ian?" Neil asked. "At the end, Poppa, the elephants ran around the ring and they pooped all over as they ran. The stuff looked like the cannonballs that Grandpa showed us in the town square, and they really smelled awful." Everyone laughed, how could they not? Julia shook her head. Out of the mouths of babes! Annie came in to announce that dinner was served. Julia introduced her to Neil. "You have a wonderful family, sir." "Thank you, I am very proud of them." After a boisterous dinner the children got ready for bed. Grandpa and Gamma read them stories. A bed was made up for Catherine in the smaller guest room. Their Momma and Poppa heard their prayers. Later that evening, after Christy and Neil retired to their room, Neil asked her what had happened at the luncheon with her friends. "Neil, their marriages were arranged basically for money and social standing. That is all that matters to them. Their children are by-products of what amounts to be a business arrangement. It sickened me to hear them talk. I know most of them expected me to show up barefoot and pregnant. They've produced children, therefore they've done their duty. I pity them Neil. Their children are being raised by nannies. I am proud to be your wife, my dearest Neil. I've loved having your children. I hope we will have more. I enjoy being your wife, and I love to have you make love to me. I don't think that any of my friends know the meaning of that sensual pleasure." "It is very possible, Christy. There are some men who only consider themselves, and not the feelings of their wives. They are selfish, and don't understand the physical and emotional needs of their wives." "So my darling Neil, I want to show you off. I want these ‘friends' to see how lucky and blessed I am to have a husband who loves me for who I am, and not my bank account, inheritance or my standing in the social register. She kissed him soundly and welcomed him home to her heart. Julia and Christy went shopping the following morning to find a suitable gown for Christy. Fortunately Christy's figure was still petite and demure. She was able to find a simple, yet classic design, in a lovely shade of blue. Christy despised ostentation, and her beauty could transform simplicity into haute couture. Neil could hold his own, any time, anywhere. In a tuxedo, he looked magnificent. When they came downstairs, Catherine was enchanted. "You look like a princess, Momma." Christy smiled at her daughter. If she was a princess, than Neil was certainly her handsome prince! The boys were speechless. They had never seen their parents dressed up like this. "Be good," Neil admonished them. "Do not give Annie any trouble," he said, eyeing the twins. "Yes Poppa." "Remember to say your prayers," said Christy. "Yes Momma." "Now kiss us goodnight, my darlings and wish us well. We're going to face a few dragons tonight." "Really, Momma?" asked Charlie. "Really, Charlie. But Poppa is my knight in shining armor, so we really don't have to worry. Poppa will slay the dragons for me." And he did. End of Chapter Two Disclaimer: The beautiful story of Christy belongs to the Marshall - LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own personal enjoyment. The story uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the Pax Movies. Title: The MacNeill's "Tenth Anniversary" Summary: While Neil has been attending a medical conference in Virginia, Christy and the children have been in Asheville with William and Julia. Christy has declared her love for husband and children in front of some of her former friends. Together with her parents, Neil and Christy attend the Harvest Ball. ................................................................... At the Harvest Ball, Christy and Neil stayed near William and Julia. Christy knew that the gossip had been heard throughout Asheville. She had championed her husband. Young men who had tried to court her were curious. Some of her school friends had married a few of them. Why had Christy chosen this man from Tennessee over them? They made a striking couple. While her friends now resembled young matrons of society, Christy still had a youthful look about her. Perhaps it was the clear mountain air, but, Christy MacNeill was still so freshly beautiful. She was the envy of many. Neil stood beside her, tall and proud. When the dancing began, Neil swept Christy into his arms. He was no county bumpkin. They were two, dancing as one. It was obvious to anyone who watched them, including her old dancing instructor Monsieur Andre. Christy promised almost all of her dances to Neil. She reserved one or two for her father. The orchestra played through a dancing break, while light refreshments were served. "The tune is familiar, Neil." "Yes, it's the sarabande. We danced to it at our wedding. It sounds different with full orchestration. Do you remember the steps, Lass?" "Refresh my memory and help me," Christy replied. In a quiet corner Neil and Christy danced an English court dance, long forgotten since,yet it had been carried down through his people for many, many years. It was danced only at joyous occasions. The melody had survived through time as well. Guests were surprised that Christy and Neil chose to dance during an intermission. Monsieur Andre was in his glory. ‘Twas a dance to be treasured. He observed them closely. This was extraordinary. He knew that if all the couples participated, the dance would be striking. Watching his former pupil and her husband transfixed him. It was elegant to watch and was quite simply a communion of souls. Very few of these spectators could appreciate it's simplicity and beauty. He memorized the set of steps. When the music ended, they stood facing each other, right palms touching. Neil then took her hand and gently kissed it, as he had done before at their wedding. When they returned home that night, Christy was walking on air. She had a wonderful time and she had loved just being with Neil. He was also pleased with how the evening transpired. He'd felt the envy of some young bucks as they watched the couple together. He'd felt the spark of interest of women glancing in his direction. Christy would hold on to his arm possessively with a ‘hands off' signal darting from her eyes. As if she had any reason to doubt him. The evening had confirmed what the gossips had talked about earlier in the week. Christy and her husband adored each other and still very, very much in love. They checked on their sleeping children. Adjusting covers thrown off in sleep, kissing little cheeks or foreheads, gave both of them a sense of peace. They returned to their room, content. "It's been a long time since we've been up until the wee hours, Lass, on such a pleasant note, Usually, it's been with a sick child! Are you tired?" "No, I am too keyed up. Neil, I had a wonderful time. Thank you for letting me show you off to Asheville's social register." "My pleasure. Glad to oblige, my lady." She turned to him. "You look so handsome, Neil." "You take my breath away, Christy," and he began the slow, sensual torture of pulling out her hairpins, one by one, kissing her softly and sweetly as he removed them. This is my reward, Lass." It would be almost daybreak before they fell asleep, replete, in each other's arms. ................................................. Neil was happy they were home in the Cove. Life had settled back to normal, if normal could apply to their household. The twins were up to their usual antics. Neil wanted to plan something special for Christy for their tenth anniversary. He just wasn't sure how to go about it. She had talked about making a special dinner together that day. Miranda and Alice told Neil that they would keep the children at the Mission so that the couple could spend a quiet evening alone. Wracking his brain for romantic ideas, Neil finally thought of candles and flowers. He could buy flowers in El Pano. Jeb's girls made beeswax candles. He smiled to himself. Dinner by candlelight would be perfect. The day of their anniversary was sunny, with a hint of autumn in the air. Ned, Catherine and Charlie were off to school, Neil went to the clinic (but he was really headed to El Pano). After lunch, Alice came by to relieve Christy of the twins for the day. Christy tried to call Neil, but there was no answer. She began to suspect a set up. Normally they did not exchange presents on their anniversary. She felt today was special. While she was in Asheville, she purchased a kilt pin for Neil. The design was a thistle pattern. She hoped Neil liked it. She called Alice to see how the twins were doing. Alice then informed her that they were keeping the children overnight. Christy and Neil would have the night alone together. Before he left for the day, Neil had killed one of the chickens, and drawn out the entrails, He took care of plucking the bird, Christy found this a difficult job to do, and never quite got the hang of it. While she was living at the mission Ruby Mae would do the task. She made Neil a blackberry cobbler. Vegetables were pared and ready to go around the roast chicken. Neil came home laden with flowers. She put them in a vase. He set out the candles into the pewter candlesticks they had gotten for their wedding. After dinner, sitting together on the couch, she asked, " did you ever think our life together these past ten years would turn out they way it has?" "What do you mean?" "It's hard to believe that we were married ten years ago. It doesn't see, possible to me that it's been ten years." "It hasn't been boring, Lass." "You can say that again!" Neil reached into the pocket of his vest. "Christy, this is for you. Words can't express the love I have for you, my beloved wife." Tears pooled in Christy's eyes. "Neil," she said, we've never exchanged gifts for our anniversary. We've done special things for each other, but........" He kissed her gently. "Open it, love." Christy opened the box and saw the delicate sapphire heart pendant and earrings. "Neil, how?" "In Virginia." "They are so beautiful." "They reminded me of you, Lass." "Neil, I felt the same way. This is for you." She handed him a package. "You didn't have to do anything. You made me blackberry cobbler for dessert. You know how much I love it. You are always doing special things, and I love you for doing them, my sweet. You've given me five beautiful children. If you hadn't come to Cutter Gap, I'd be alone. I would be angry at the world. You changed my life, Christy. You helped bring me back to God. Nothing I do or say can really be ever enough to let you know how much you mean to me." "Neil, you changed my life. You believed in me even though you were skeptical when I first came to teach. You have always been a powerful force in my life here. We've made five wonderful children together, and I hope there will be more of them. They bring such joy in our lives." He kissed her gently. He opened the box and saw the pin. "It's beautiful, Christy. Thank you." They spent the rest of the evening enjoying the quiet and stillness, treasuring a night alone together. The End.