Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my own
personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the book,
the CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: "The MacNeill's"
Part Seven/Chapter One "Neil and Christy MacNeill"

.........................................................................

William held Julia's hand as she was lost in thought. Her
brain was assailed by memories, thoughts, and impressions
as they waited for her mother's will to be read. William
Huddleston was an honest, hard working lawyer. Both he
and Julia had come from families of wealth. Not the kind
of wealth like the New York Vanderbilts or Whitneys, but a
comfortable, moderate wealth. William never dabbled in the
stock market. His investments were placed in solid, safer
venues. When the stock market crashed in 1929, they made
it through with very little change in their finances. Some
members of Julia's family were deeply affected.

Fortunately Mrs. Rudd had heeded William's advice years
before, and instructed her investment counselor to take
her stock investments and sell them. The money was then
invested in safer revenues.

When Christy married Neil, Julia and William knew that he
was fiercely independent and a very proud man. As their
grandchildren were born they were very careful not to
over indulge the children with material gifts. While Julia
secretly ached to lavish expensive gifts on all of them,
she held herself in check. William came up with the idea of
establishing trust funds for their college educations. For
every special holiday and birthday, they put the money that
they would have spent on additional presents into these
funds. They always sent gifts to them, if they couldn't
be there in person to celebrate with their delightful
grandchildren. Julia had been upset when Christy bore
another child after her two miscarriages. But she then
realized that Amelia, named after her own lost child, had
eased Christy's heartache and her own as well.

The children were growing so! Her mother had made her will
years ago, updating it when circumstances decreed it should
be so. Julia knew that her sisters and brothers would
"spit tacks" as Alice would say, when they found out that
their mother had left the MacNeill great grandchildren a
higher percentage of money for their trust funds. No one
was left out of Olivia Rudd's will, but greed could be
very pervasive where money was concerned.

Christy and Neil knew about the trust funds. Neil
didn't argue over them. He knew the importance of higher
education. The circumstances that had allowed him to pursue
a medical degree would never be repeated. He was grateful
for William and Julia's foresight. Ned had recently asked
his father if he would be able to go to college. Neil was
happy he could say yes.

The family sat in silence. Cyrus Trent, the Rudd family
lawyer began the legal proceedings. Neil held Christy's
hands. Grandmother Rudd had been generous to everyone. The
will had been carefully drawn up in order to avoid
anyone questioning Mrs. Rudd's state of mind. Children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren all received some
kind of inheritance. Most relatives were pleased, except
for Delia. There had been no trust fund for her son,
Desmond.

All Neil could think of while she complained loudly to
her mother Lavinia, was how could anyone name their child
Desmond? Was it meant to be a combination of Delia and
Osmond? Christy could sense Neil's feelings of mirth,
and tried very hard to stay somber. When she looked at
Neil, she could see the glimmer of humor in his eyes. She
didn't understand. He took her hand and kissed it, then
he winked. She realized all was well. He'd tell her later.

The children were taken care of. With the money from
her grandmother's will, and the monetary gifts of
her father and mother, the children could all go to
college if they wished. Neil and Christy both believed in
higher education. They wanted their children to have the
choice. Ned wanted to be a doctor. Catherine wanted to
study literature and be a writer. Charlie wanted to be a
veterinarian. Sean and Ian were unsure and Amelia was too
young, although Christy suspected that she would go into
teaching. It all seemed so far away, yet for her older
children, these decisions were just around the corner. She
looked up at Neil. He had read her thoughts. He put his
arm around her in support. She was emotionally exhausted
and Neil knew it better than anyone else.

As Mr. Trent concluded the reading of Olivia Rudd's
last will and testament, Delia shrieked, "I want
Grandmother's pearls. I deserve them, since I am the
oldest granddaughter." Lavinia had the good sense to be
embarrassed by her daughter's outburst.

"Madame, they were not part of the estate. They were given
as a gift, years ago, by your grandmother."

"Who got them," she asked crudely.

Christy stood up proudly. "She gave them to me, Delia,
as a wedding present." She looked at Cyrus Trent. "Are we
finished here, Mr. Trent?"

"Yes, Mrs. MacNeill."

"Thank you, Mr. Trent."

"You are welcome, Mrs. MacNeill." Julia, William and
Neil were so proud of her at that moment. Christy's eyes
pleaded with Neil to get her out of the drawing room. Her
husband obliged as quickly as he could. Julia hurried
after them. "Christy, are you feeling well?"

"I'm very tired, Mama."

Julia hugged her daughter. "Go home, my dear. Be with
your children. I am sure that Alice and Annie have had
quite an afternoon. Your father and I will deal with the
family. Try and rest a little before dinner."

"Yes, Mama."

Julia quickly looked at Neil. Her daughter's quiet
acquiescence worried her. Neil hugged Julia and kissed
her cheek. "I'll take care of her, I promise."

William had asked his mother-in-law's chauffeur to take
Christy and Neil home. He too was concerned about his
daughter. The best medicine for Christy was a large
dose of her children, which she received as soon as she
departed the automobile. The children had been watching,
waiting anxiously for their parents. Without Gamma there
to admonish them, Catherine and Amelia ran along side
their brothers to greet their parents.

Later that afternoon William and Julia arrived
home. Julia's oldest brother had inherited the house. Her
mother had left a detailed list of items such as jewelry,
silver, china that she wanted specific relatives to
receive. The will would not be contested. The only person
with complaints was Delia, and that had been expected
by everyone.

William informed Neil that there was no legal reason for
them to remain in Asheville. The financial settlements
would be transferred to the trust funds and into Neil and
Christy's account. Neil was surprised. They didn't have
a bank account in Asheville. "Forgive me, son. This was
the only time I have misinformed a client."

"What do you mean? I do not understand," said Neil.

"When I had you both sign the papers establishing
the funds for the children, you also signed a set to
establish an account. Your signatures are not needed to
make deposits, only withdrawals. Over the years, Julia and
I, and Mother Rudd, would put money away for your birthdays
and anniversaries and holidays. It was our way of showing
how much we loved you both."

Neil was speechless. He shook his head and smiled. William
had been afraid that Neil would be angry. Time had tempered
Neil's fierce pride. This fund would offer some security
for them as they got older. "Thank you, William."

"You are welcome, Neil. We did the same for George and
Susan and their children. After all, we are a family."

Neil nodded. "William, I need to take Christy home. She's
grieving deeply."

"I know. She truly had a special relationship with her
grandmother. It's going to take time and patience, Neil."

Neil nodded to his father-in-law. "I know." Leaving
William, Neil went to check on his wife. Christy was
resting. Neil sat down near her. She had obviously cried
herself to sleep. Neil's heart went out to his grief
stricken wife. She must have sensed his presence, and she
opened her eyes. She held her arms open and Neil embraced
her protectively.

"Neil, why did almost laugh this afternoon, when Delia
had her first outburst?"

"I was just wondering who would name their child Desmond?"

"It's not uncommon. Some of the mountain families have
given extraordinary names to some of their children."

"You are right about that Christy, I can't argue with
you about that. It's time to go home, my sweet Lass. It's
time we were home. Our children need their routine, and
you and I need the healing balm of the mountains."

Christy looked lovingly at Neil. She brushed the tendrils
of his unruly hair. How wise this man was; her husband,
her lover, her best friend, her soul mate. She nodded and
buried her face in his chest. She could hear the beating of
his heart. It seemed to match hers. Two hearts beating in
unison. She recalled her grandmother remarking that Christy
had found the love of her life in the mountains. She smiled
to herself. Her grandmother had been right, as usual.

End of Chapter One

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, the CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: The MacNeill's Chapter Seven/Part Two "Neil and
Christy MacNeill"

.........................................................................

In early April of 1933, Ned got an official looking letter
from Philadelphia. An aging Ben Pentland couldn't wait
to deliver it to the MacNeill's. It was from the Director
of Admissions at Jefferson Medical College. Ned had taken
the test and was waiting for a reply. He'd been on needles
and pins for weeks. Christy accepted the mail and wished
she could see inside the very opaque envelope. Neil had
spent the last three days in El Pano covering for Dr. John
Davis. He was coming home today.

The children came in from school, noisy as ever. It was the
daily pattern she'd come to expect over the years. Chores
needed to be done, homework completed, dinner prepped, the
table set. Christy handed Ned the letter. "I'll wait until
Poppa comes home to open it, Momma, if you don't mind."

"Of course not, Ned," she said smiling, even though
the suspense was killing her. Ned suspected as much,
and decided to have some fun. An hour later, Neil came
home. Charlie and Ned were outside when Neil crossed
the river. Duke was brushed, fed and watered by his
sons. Neil had stayed at Tatum's, so there was no need
for him to bathe and shave before he presented himself to
his wife. There was something to be said for a civilized
medical practice, instead of being away days on end,
under inhospitable conditions. Everything would change
soon enough.

As the MacNeill men entered the cabin, Christy flew to
Neil's side. "Did you tell Poppa about the letter, Ned?"

"No, Momma."

"No? Are you trying to give me heart failure?"

"What's going on?" asked Neil.

"Why nothing at all, Neil. Ned got an obviously important
letter from Philadelphia, but he is so nonchalant about
it, he doesn't seem to want to know what is inside."

Neil laughed. Ned rarely tried to put one over on his
parents.

"What's so funny?" asked Christy.

"The _expression on your face, Lass."

"Really? You think this is funny?" She arched her eyebrow
and tapped her foot. "Fine. I don't think I'll bake
blackberry cobblers anymore. They're too much trouble."

"Open the damned letter, Ned."

"Neil, watch your language."

"Yes, Poppa. I hear you, loud and clear," Ned laughed. He
opened the letter with shaky hands. He beamed broadly, his
grin highlighting his face. He'd been accepted! They both
hugged their son.

Of that, Neil had little doubt. Ned had excelled in his
studies. Luke and Ned had pushed themselves for the
last two years. He could speak, read and write Latin
fluently. Christy had drilled him in literature. Neil
had favored science and biology. David handled
mathematics. Moira pushed them in general subjects such
as history and geography. His parents were elated. Ned
would be attending college in September!

Later that Spring, Neil was on his way home from El
Pano. John Davis had made Neil an interesting proposition
the last time Neil had covered for him. John Davis wanted
to retire and turn his practice over to Neil. Deep in
thought, Neil wasn't paying attention to the trail. He
heard the shot, the deer crashed through the underbrush
in front of Duke. The horse reared and nearly threw Neil
off. Sheer instinct and brute strength kept him hanging
on the animal. The incident left him shaken. If he'd been
thrown, he probably would have broken his neck. He was
getting too old for this!

When he reached home, Ned and Luke were fishing, their good
natured banter criss-crossing the water. Neil smiled. They
would be separated in a few more months. He knew that
their friendship would endure. He greeted the twins, who
took care of Duke for him, and then he picked up Amy Jean
and gave her a big hug. He walked over to Christy and held
her close. She looked into his eyes, and knew something
had happened.

"Christy, we need to talk."

"All right, Neil."

"Walk with me, please." They walked in silence, Neil
holding Christy's hand, until they came to a bench Neil had
built beside the creek. "Christy, so much is happening in
our lives and all around us." She nodded pensively looking
up at him. "John Davis wants me to take over his practice
in El Pano."

"Are you considering the offer, Neil?"

"Yes."

"When did he ask you?"

"A few days ago."

"Why didn't you tell me then?"

"I wasn't giving the offer a lot of thought."

"What changed your mind?"

"On the way home today I narrowly escaped falling off
Duke. If I'd fallen, Christy, I would probably have broken
my neck." Christy gasped. "Lass, I'm getting too old for
riding around on a horse through these mountains."

"You'd leave these people without a doctor?"

"Christy, look around. Who's left? Alice is worried. Jacob
Ferrand is coming tomorrow. His financial concern for
the Mission is deeply disturbing to her. He has mentioned
closing several Missions, including the one here.

David has started to look for a new parish."

"Why hasn't anyone mentioned this before to me?"

"You've had enough on your plate. It does no good to
speculate, if you don't have all of the facts. There's been
so much turmoil because of the National Park. Practically
all of the children you taught twenty years ago are
gone, Lass. Bob Allen's mill is almost defunct. He's
barely scratching out an existence. While we live in East
Tennessee, our lands are not part of the new National
Park. But we are affected by the changes, Lass. When
they declared this area a national forest, government
restrictions affected everyone. What will a man do if
he can't provide for his family? Mines and mills offer
attractive wages."

"More like slave wages, Neil, and you know it. Are you
going to sell our land?"

"No Christy, but we'd relocate to El Pano." He could see
that she was troubled. "There is land for sale on the
outskirts of town. I don't want to live in El Pano itself,
Lass. I need space, and so do the children. You wouldn't
have to be hemmed in by neighbors. I can't ride back and
forth ten miles a day on horseback. If the Mission closes,
Alice will live at another Mission."

"Is Dr. Ferrand going to be here for a while?"

"Yes. Alice thinks he'll make the announcement on
Sunday." She was stunned and Neil knew it. "Christy, I
feel this is the right time to make the change. I had a
glimpse of my own mortality today. Perhaps as I get older,
I just don't want to take the risk anymore."

"Neil, I feel as though I've been hit by a ton of
bricks. It's almost too much to take in. The school will
close, won't it."

"Yes."

"What about Moira?"

"She'll find another position, Christy. She is a very
good teacher."

Christy just shook her head. "We have to talk about this
again, Neil. I need time to think."

"Of course, Lass. I understand."

A few evenings later they continued their discussion. "What
will the children do for schooling?" asked Christy.

"Our children will attend school in El Pano."

"But what about the other children, Neil?"

"Christy, three families have moved from the Cove in May
and June. When you began teaching here twenty years ago
you taught almost seventy students. There are less than
one third of that number now. It is something that families
are going to have to consider. Our children will continue
their education. I would consider keeping the clinic open
one day a week, but if the Mission is closed, I cannot keep
it stocked with medicine and drugs. It is a huge dilemma
for me, Christy. I know that this is our home, but families
are leaving the Cove. Even Jeb and Tom are rethinking some
of the offers they've received for their land. I don't see
into the future, Lass. I'm bewildered by what is happening
around us. It is a time of great change for everyone. I
need to talk with John Davis again." Christy nodded and
tried to smile at Neil. This conversation weighed deeply
in her heart.



Summer seemed a blur. Neil once again covered for
John Davis. When he returned home, his saddle bags
and pack were bulging. Christy was on the porch as he
approached. "Sweetheart, beware of doctors bearing gifts!"

"What do you mean, Neil?"

"Well the weather has been fair for gardens. Three patients
paid me in peas."

"Shelled, I hope?"

"No."

"Oh bother." Neil and Christy laughed.

Peas. And more peas. They couldn't possibly eat them
all as a vegetable. Christy had made soup with dried
peas. Then she remembered a letter from her cousin
Charlotte, describing an elegant dinner she'd had in
England. Her brain racing, Christy located the stack of
letters. She had saved every one. Charlotte had gotten
her lady's maid to coax the recipes from the cook. The
soup had been cream of fresh peas. She found the letter
and decided to make the soup. With freshly baked bread
and a blackberry cobbler it would make a fine dinner.

Catherine and Amelia helped her shell the peas. She cooked
onion, carrot and celery in the soup pot. She boiled the
fresh peas separately, and reserved some of the liquid. She
used her food mill to puree the peas. She discarded the
skins, and combined the peas with the onion mixture. She
thinned the soup with some of the liquid from the cooked
peas. She cut some country ham and added it to the soup. A
final dollop of cream and the soup was ready for the table.

"Dinner was perfect, Lass. Being paid in peas is
preferrable to payment in parsnips."

Ned laughed, picking up his father's banter. It had been
a while since they had done this around the table. "Plenty
of peas," said Ned.

"Pounds of peas," said Charlie.

"A plethora of peas," said Catherine.

"A passel of peas," said Sean.

"A pail of peas," said Ian.

"Pretty green peas," said Amy.

"A potage of peas," said Christy.

"Potage?" her children roared and snorted.

"It's French for soup," said Christy.

"No fair, English only, Momma."

"Passable peas," said Christy. "Enough, children, enough,"
she giggled. Everyone was laughing now. Neil was pleased
to see Christy being silly with the children. The banter
had served its purpose. He was glad Ned had picked up on
it so quickly.

"Momma, how will I ever survive without your cooking?"

"I'll send care packages, Ned."

"Bless you, Momma."

"Better fatten up on the cobbler now, while you have the
chance, Ned. It is too fragile and can't be easily shipped
like a tin of cookies or cake," said Neil.

"Poppa, I see some devilment in your eyes," replied Ned.

"Don't worry, son. I'll take good care of your portion
while you are away."

"I'm sure you will, Poppa."

"Yes son, it's going to be months before you can savor
the taste of your Momma's cobbler."

"Neil, stop teasing Ned." The rest of the children laughed.

"I am just getting back at him. Sometimes it takes me a
while, but I have my ways."

Christy looked confused.

"Four months ago our eldest son toyed with us by taking
his time opening a certain letter. You threatened not to
make this ambrosial dessert. It took me a while, but I
can sense that my son now understands how devastating it
can be to face the prospect of no blackberry cobbler.

Christy looked at Neil, and then at her precious first
born child. She shook her head, tears welling up. Her baby
was grown up. Neil recognized the signs. She smiled at
father and son, alike in so many ways. Oh dear, she'd be
a waterfall in a minute! "Girls, let's clear the table,"
she said. As she turned tears fell down her cheeks.

Catherine saw them. "Momma, are you all right?"

"Yes, sweet Catherine, I'm just fine." She stood by the
counter. Neil came up behind her and pulled her to him. His
arms folded around her. He kissed her hair and held her.

"I'll miss him too," he whispered. "He's been my shadow
for eighteen years, Lass." She nodded. "He's done us proud,
and will continue to do so."

"Why is Momma crying?" Amy whispered to Cat as they washed
the dishes.

"Ned is going away to college, Amy."

"He'll come back, won't he?"

"Yes, at the holidays and between semesters."

"What's a semester?"

"It's like a long break, like the planting break and the
harvest break."

"Oh. Luke is leaving too."

"I know."

"Will you miss him?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because he's my friend."

"Are you sweet on him?"

"I'm not sure."

"Is he sweet on you?"

"I don't know." I hope so, she silently thought to herself.

Neil asked the girls," Is everything under control here?"

"Yes, Poppa."

"Good. Momma and I are going for a walk." Together the
couple along the river bank. They sat and talked about
the future.

"The children will have to make new friends, Neil."

"That's true, Christy. Some of the Cove families have moved
closer to El Pano. There will be some familiar faces for
them to see in school."

Then walking again, they ended up in the same place where
Bessie had spied them standing in the moonlight. "It's been
a long time since we were here in this place, Christy."

"It's a full moon again, Neil. We don't have to worry
about our reputations." They both laughed. "It was good
to laugh at dinner tonight. It's been a long time, Neil."

"Too long, Lass."

"Somewhere along the way, we lost the lightness. We need
to get it back. We are facing big changes."

"Yes. Since when have you backed away from a challenge,
Lass?"

"I'm scared Neil."

"So am I, Christy. Our beloved lands and mountains will
be protected. Life goes on. Every family throughout this
Cove and all the other coves have to make the decision,
Lass. We have a future to conquer. We'll always have our
memories to cherish. As we vowed on our wedding day, my
love, we are in this together."

"Have I told you how much I love you, Mr. MacNeill?"

"Not in the last ten minutes, Mrs. MacNeill. They kissed
each other in the light of the full moon, with the water
rushing over rocks, splashing and dashing it's way down
past their beloved home. As they turned to walk back home,
Neil heard the sound of someone stepping on twigs. Looking
around, he thought he recognized Luke Parker. Staying
silent, his thoughts centered on home. The MacNeill cabin,
settled over one hundred years ago, by ancestors fleeing
tyranny for freedom, soon now, to no longer be their home.





End of Chapter Two

 Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
 Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
 own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
 book, the CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: The MacNeill's Part Seven/Chapter Three "Neil and
Christy MacNeill"

.........................................................................

It was their last night in the cabin. Alice insisted that
the children come to stay with her in Cataleechie, out
of Christy's way as she packed for the move. Ned was in
Pennsylvania. Everything was boxed up in crates, padded
with straw or paper. Christy's parents would be shipping
the dining room set and Wedgewood china that she had
inherited from her grandmother.

The cabin was full of memories, endless echoes and a
finite emptiness. There was no sound of children, or
laughter. Neil had cooked trout he'd caught in the creek
over an open fire. She'd saved some biscuits and sliced
some tomatoes from the remnants of her garden. They ate in
virtual silence. Her heart was heavy; Neil's was not. He
understood her anguish at leaving, but at the same time
he relished the challenge of a new adventure. This was a
season of great change.

Christy was tired, but she didn't want to sleep. She walked
out on to the front porch. The swing wasn't there. It
was hung on the porch of their new house. She sat on the
steps, listening to the creek as it flowed over the rocks
and rills. Neil joined her. "Here we are Christy, about
to start a new chapter in our lives." Christy remembered
her trepidation during her first night in this cabin. She
shivered. "What's the matter, love?" he asked.

"I was thinking about our wedding night and how unsure I
was. I felt afraid."

‘So did I, my love."

"Neil, you'd been married, I didn't know quite what
to expect."

"Christy, Margaret was more experienced than you were. I
didn't want to hurt you or disappoint you."

"You didn't Neil. It's been a wonderful life."

"It's been an extraordinary life, Lass." He lit his pipe.

She put her arm around his and leaned her head against
him. "I'm sorry I'm so long headed about this."

He kissed her temple gently. "It will be all right
Lass. You'll still see familiar faces. We can come back
and visit, it's not as if we are going so very far away."

Christy nodded, and hugged him again. She didn't want to
cry. He stood up and led her inside. As she looked around
at the packing crates, there was a catch in the back of
her throat. Neil turned her to face him, and kissed her,
gently hugging her.

"I miss the children, Neil."

"So do I, Christy. ‘Tis quiet without them."

"Neil, our life is like a book with many chapters. I
suppose you could say we're in the middle of it."

"Right in the thick of it, Christy. I'm enjoying the story
quite a lot. She smiled. "And I plan on being on the very
last page of it with you, Lass."

She grinned broadly. "I certainly hope so."

"Tomorrow morning we begin a new chapter."

"What time are Jeb, Tom and Ben coming?

"Around seven."

"I'd better have coffee ready for them."

"It's a good thing they drink it black."

"It will seem strange to get milk, cream and butter
delivered, instead of doing the work ourselves."

Ruby Mae and Will were pleased to take the cow. She'll
be well cared for at the Beck's. Think of the time that
you'll have now that you won't have to milk and churn."

"What are you saying?"

"I could use some help in organizing files. I've an entire
new roster of patients."

"Do you need my help?"

"I would love to have your help."

"Are you serious?"

"When it comes to your company, Lass, I am always deadly
serious."

"Neil?"

"Christy, do you think that just because we've been married
nineteen years that I take your company for granted? Lass,
not a morning goes by that I say a prayer, thanking God for
bringing you to Cutter Gap. What would I have done without
you, love? You are the light of my life. You have always
been my chief supporter. Your belief in me and confidence
in me is overpowering. Sometimes I feel unworthy of your
great love for me. There are times when I feel I do not
deserve such happiness. I feel the touch of His hand saying
"Trust in Me." I have done this my sweet Christy because
of your love and belief in me. That is why I believe our
moving is part of His plan for us. We're not abandoning
Cutter Gap. If I'm needed for an emergency, I'd ride like
a madman to do my job. You know that of me, Christy."

"Of course you would, Neil. I'd expect no less from
you. It's the way you are. Don't put me on a pedestal. I'm
no saint. Oh my!"

"What's the matter?"

"Those were similar words to those of Miss Alice's words
to me. What goes around comes around. Neil, I've been
difficult and stubborn. I'm comfortable with my life and
I hate to see change. I've been awful lately. How can you
say that you love me when I have been so miserable to you?"

"Well, I'll admit that you've been a wee bit petulant
lately." But you're a trooper, Christy. You understood my
reasons for moving and didn't give me any real opposition."

"Ultimately I prayed on the matter, and I heard the words
from the Book of Ruth, Neil."

He smiled at her and kissed her. "Let's go to bed. It's
getting late."

"I'm not really sleepy, Neil."

"I didn't mention sleep, Lass."

"Neil!"

"Yes, Christy?"

"Are you.........."

"Christy, when have I ever not wanted to make love with
you? I may be getting too old to ride on narrow mountain
trails, checking on patients in the most remote areas of
these mountains, but I'm not too old to show you how much
I love you."

"Neil, I have never thought you were too old for me to
love you. There were times when I first came to Cutter
Gap when I felt intimidated by you."

"That's ancient history, love. Besides, you are talking
too much right now. If you're going to talk, I suggest we
do it on a softer surface, like our bed."

"Neil!"

"What? The children aren't here. As if they didn't know
what a closed door meant." She looked at him with a
priceless _expression and pink cheeks. "Christy you are
adorable. A mountain wife who still blushes! I told you
once that mountain children are born knowing. Do you think
our children are any different? We've never hidden our
passion from them. We've kissed in front of them, shown
our affectionate sides to each other and to them. Our
children all know that they are loved completely, without
reservation. And they all know how they came to be."

She felt a tinge of pink creep into her cheeks. "Don't
say another word, Neil Mac Neil!"

He laughed gently and led her into their bedroom. She
finally fell asleep in the early morning hours. Six o'clock
came much too early for her. As Neil nudged her awake,
she tried to burrow deeper into the warmth of his broad
chest. He rumbled with laughter at her vain attempts to
stay asleep. "You'd better awake, my love, or Jeb and Tom
will find you still in bed."

"Leave me be."

He laughed again. "Christy, it's time to get up."

She looked at him mutinously. "Some people I know have
insatiable appetites."

Neil laughed louder. "I know someone like that as
well!" She could feel the blush starting. He was such a
tease. They both arose and dressed. There was a crispness
to the autumn morning. She stripped the bed and folded
the quilt.

They made coffee in the fireplace, not wanting to fire up
the stove. She had cleaned it the day before and emptied
all of the wood ash. Opal took that for her soapmaking
later on after the Fall slaughter. Christy shook her
head. As a city girl, she was used to fine milled, scented
soaps. As a country wife she had learned how to make soap,
using wood ashes for the lye. Harsh soaps that reddened
one's hands. How she loved to receive soap as a present
from her mother or grandmother, throughout the years.

She snapped out of her reverie. She could hear the sound
of wagons as they made their way to the cabin. Soon she
was overwhelmed by the activity of the men loading the
wagons. Nineteen years of memories were stored in the
crates and boxes. Christy and Neil rode their horses,
accompanying Jeb, Tom and Ben to the new house in El Pano.



End of Chapter Three

 Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
 Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
 own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
 book, the CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: The MacNeill's Chapter Seven/Part Four "Neil and
Christy MacNeill"

.........................................................................

The house smelled new. The wood wasn't dark and
weathered. It had a nice wide front porch. The swing had
found a home. The door was wide and welcoming. Stepping
through into a foyer, there was a parlor on the right. It's
windows faced north. There was a fireplace opposite
the entrance from the foyer. Stairs began before the
entrance to the kitchen from the foyer. Six stairs, then
a landing, and six more stairs to the second floor. The
kitchen was cheerful. It would hold the table and chairs
and the sideboard. At the back of the room was a door
leading to the pantry. There was an alcove to the right
of the pantry that held the sink and stove. There was a
window above the sink, looking out into the yard. Next to
the kitchen was the dining room, which would house her
Grandmother Rudd's dining room table and chairs, buffet
and a glass cabinet. It would hold the Wedgewood china
she'd inherited as well.

Walking upstairs, there were four bedrooms in the four
corners. Their bedroom was in the back of the house. Neil
insisted a porch be put on the second story so that Christy
could look out upon the mountains. Each of the those two
bedrooms had a door leading on to the porch. A bathroom
was between those two bedrooms. As she stood on the top
of the stairs, Christy noticed there was a wooden box
perched by the wall between the front and back bedrooms
on the left side of the house. When she lifted the lid,
she realized it was a laundry chute, all the way down to
the cellar. "Neil, with our twins, you had the builders
put in a laundry chute? Are you looking for trouble?"

He laughed. "Christy, I was just trying to make things
easier for you. You won't have to carry baskets down two
flights of stairs."

Stairs led up to an attic, which could be utilized for
storage and extra sleeping quarters. The cellar was
extraordinary. There was a root cellar and a pantry
for canned goods. She had a laundry area and Neil's
laboratory. The door to the cellar was in the kitchen next
to and under the staircase. There was a side entrance to
the house by the landing to the cellar.

"Well, what do you think, Lass?"

"It's overwhelming, Neil." Indoor plumbing and
laundry. Christy felt tears welling up in her eyes. She
hugged him.

"It's not the view we're used to seeing every day, but
it's ours. There will be plenty of arable land for your
garden. The boys and I have transplanted your roses, and
there's even a tree big enough to hold Amy's swing. I've
done my best, Christy."

"I know you have, Neil. It was hard for me to imagine
a house from blueprints and drawings. It's not a home
yet, Neil."

"The rooms have been painted with the colors you chose,
Christy."

"Yes, I know. I am pleased with the colors. But it's
not home."

"Christy, we'll make it a home. Home is where our hearts
are. We're together."

"My heart is in the mountains."

"No, love, your heart is with me. You can still see our
beloved mountains from here."

"It's not the same."

Neil was crushed. He had done his best and still Christy
was unhappy. He said quietly, " No it's not the same. I
am uprooted from the home I have always known as are our
children. ‘Tis the cabin my ancestors built when they first
settled in Cutter Gap. Times are different, Lass. We've
been caught up in a tornado of change."

"We're so close to town."

"Christy, we're almost two miles from town, and well
over a mile from our nearest neighbor. I have a medical
practice in El Pano. We have city water and sewer, which
means indoor plumbing, electricity and coal for heating
it the winter. Surely those are positive benefits."



Christy knew he was right. "Neil how can you stand being
married to an impossible to please, cranky old witch? I'm
sorry I've been so morose lately. I've made you miserable,
and that's the last thing I've ever wanted to do. I've been
very selfish, and it isn't fair to you or the children."

"It will work out, Christy, I promise. Have I ever let
you down?"

"No, Neil, you have not." She realized that he was
admitting to weakness. He could no longer do what he
had done in the past. She didn't want to lose him. The
mountains had already taken their toll on him. Christy
didn't want to hurt her husband any more than she
already had by her negativity. It was so unlike her, not
characteristic of her at all. It had to stop now.

The children were all around, in and out of the house,
exploring the outside yard. They had come with Alice just
about an hour after Neil and Christy arrived. The imp in
her resurfaced, being buried for the last few weeks. She
felt she could tease Neil just a wee bit. Wagons carrying
their furniture and belongings would be arriving shortly.

"I have to agree with you, Neil. There are many positive
benefits. However, I think that you chose this particular
piece of land because it was called Blackberry Hollow."

"Christy, how could you say such a thing?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said, sidestepping away from his
reach. "Perhaps because of you addiction to blackberry
cobbler, jam, muffins, pudding or pie? Or the fact that a
major portion of this Hollow is blackberry bramble?" Neil
chuckled as she looked over her shoulder, batted her
eyelashes and flirted with him.

"Christy, I admit it was a temptation, but think of the
amenities."

"You are a devil, Neil MacNeill."

"Do you still love me, wife?"

"Of course I do, silly man. We'll he happy here, Neil. It
will do. Before we know it, the children will grow up and
leave home."

He took her in his arms, and swung her around in the
foyer. She started to giggle. "Christy, right now we have
five very active children at home. This house suits our
needs now. If Catherine wishes to attend college, she'll
be leaving in two years. They'll all still need a place
to come home to as the need arises."

"I know, Neil, but I expect they'll all have a touch of
wanderlust. They'll want to make their own way."

"Catherine is going to marry Luke," Neil said.

"Of course she is, Neil. It's as plain as the nose on
my face."

"Such a pert nose, Lass." He kissed the tip.

"Silly man."

"Cheeky Lass."

The rumble of wagons arriving could be heard amid
the cheers of the twins. "They're here Poppa, they're
here!" shouted Ian.

Jeb and Tom pulled up with their wagons. Ben Pentland had
borrowed one from the livery in El Pano. Neil had helped
them load the wagons earlier in the morning. Howdies
were exchanged. Christy had her work cut out. Catherine,
Charlie, and Neil helped her. Christy had tried to work
out a floor plan where the furniture should be placed. As
the afternoon progressed, she made each child responsible
for their rooms. Alice was helping Amy. Ian and Sean took
the attic. One side would be for Ned when he came home from
college. Charlie, Cat and Amy took the other three bedrooms
on the second floor along with Christy and Neil. They all
had to put away their clothes and belongings. They each
had to make their beds.

Jeb and Tom had stayed long enough to move the heavier
furniture in place with Neil and Charlie helping them. It
was now up to the seven of them to make this house a home.

Late in the afternoon an automobile putted it's way down
the lane. Stepping out from the vehicle was an elderly
couple carrying two boxes. Neil greeted them from the
porch. "Good afternoon, how may I help you?"

As the couple walked up to the porch, the gentleman said,
"I am James McDaniel, and this is my wife Josephine. We
are your nearest neighbors, and want to welcome you all
to El Pano."

"That is very nice of you both. I'm Neil MacNeill."

Mrs. McDaniel said, "Here is your dinner for tonight. I
know that your wife will be much too tired to cook."

"How very kind of you," said Neil, taking the box from
her. The twins got nosy when they heard voices and came
to the door. "These are our two youngest sons, Ian and
Sean. These are our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel."

"Howdy," the boys said in unison.

"Boys, take these boxes into the kitchen and call your
mother."

They went inside, and yelled for Christy. She came to
the landing with Alice, and came downstairs following the
twins' explanation.

"Christy, let me introduce you to James and Josephine
McDaniel, our neighbors."

"How do you do, Mr. and Mrs, McDaniel."

"Christy, we're Jim and Jo. I made you dinner for tonight
my dear. I knew you'd be too tuckered out to cook,"
said Jo.

Christy smiled. "How thoughtful of you. We appreciate
the kindness."

"It's the neighborly thing to do. Don't let us hold you
up any longer," she said.

"I understand that you are a doctor Neil, " said Jim.

"Yes, I've taken over John Davis's practice."

"That is good news for us. Your reputation precedes
you. Welcome again to El Pano. I hope that we will get to
speak to you again soon."

"Don't try to get it moved in all in one day," said
Jo. "Even God took six days to finish His big job."

Everyone laughed. The McDaniel's left, and the MacNeill's
went inside. Alice came down the stairs with the
girls. The contents of the boxes were padded with thick
layers of newspaper. The food was still hot. There were
pork chops, browned potatoes and carrots with a cinnamon
butter coating. Dessert was an apple pie.

"Let's eat it while the food is hot." said
Christy. "Everyone wash up." It was different not to have
to use a pump to draw water.

The meal was delicious. There were no leftovers. Charlie
said, "Momma, those potatoes were absolutely
wonderful. Please get the recipe, please!!" The twins had
practically licked their plates clean.

Turning on faucets was much easier than pumping water
first and heating it on the stove. Dishes were washed in
a flash. Christy insisted that all of the children take
a bath before bedtime. She did not want sweaty bodies
sleeping on clean sheets and quilts. The novelty of a
tub and faucets seemed wonderful at first. Then the twins
realized that their Momma would expect them to bathe more
often and they would have no choice in the matter. They
didn't like that idea at all!



End Of Chapter Four Disclaimer: The story of Christy
belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is
written for my own personal enjoyment. This story uses
themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: The MacNeill's Chapter Seven/Part Five "Neil and
Christy MacNeill"

...........................................................

Christy stood on the porch outside their bedroom door. All
of the children were in bed. Neil was calming Amelia, who
had a nightmare. Christy had soothed the other children
through their bad dreams, but Amy needed her Poppa to
soothe her fears. Like mother, like daughter, she smiled
to herself.

She had to admit it, she was getting used to the
new house. It was growing on her. She loved the
amenities. After all, the first nineteen years of her
life had spoiled her. Now after nineteen years of doing
without, she was ecstatic to have running water and indoor
plumbing again.

Neil had been tricky. She thought that the bathroom
was larger than the one home in Asheville. The tub was
certainly longer and higher. It sat on club feet. She'd
been very pleasantly surprised that first night when Neil
decided to join her and share a bath. Thank heavens she
hadn't added her rose scented bath oil. She'd been very
careful since then. The last thing she ever wanted was her
dear, thoroughly masculine husband smelling like a rose!

Christy loved working with Neil in his office. Her
organizational skills were extremely competent. She made
appointments for patients. She checked in deliveries of
medicine and supplies. She sometimes assisted him as a
surgical nurse. After six children, her squeamishness had
all but vanished. She also kept the books, keeping track
of payments. Pride was as evident in El Pano as it was
in Cutter Gap. Most patients paid in cash. Neil's fees
were not exorbitant. Some needed to be billed in monthly
installments. The few who needed to pay in barter would
stop by the house, rather than rendering their payment of
game or produce at the office.

Neil was able to see more patients because he didn't have
to do all the paperwork. He rode to Cutter Gap twice a
month to make sure the remaining residents were well. The
honey business for Jeb ant Tom was still successful. The
Allen's and Holt's were eking an existence as were the
Holcombe's. Older children had moved away getting better
paying jobs in the mills or the mines. They were sending
part of their pay home to their parents. Times were
difficult and tough for some of the poorer families.

The days flew by, Christy could hardly believe
it. Thanksgiving was upon them. Ned and Luke arrived by
train, as well as her parents, on Wednesday. The boys had
matured so! They were fine young men. Her baby was now
a man, so like his father, but his hug and kiss and his
tears brought forth a tidal flood of memories to her. How
Ned loved his Momma! Neil's eyes were damp as he embraced
his son. Neither was ashamed to show their emotions. Luke
and Moira had a similar reunion. Then he turned towards
Catherine, How could she have grown so beautiful in three
months? Of course they were three of the longest months
either one had ever experienced. They would be able to
talk more at dinner.

The Huddleston's arrived two hours later. All of
the grandchildren were there to greet them. Julia and
William couldn't get over how the children had grown. Ned
was the spitting image of Neil. Catherine was such a
beauty. Charlie's green eyes sparkled with joy, just
like his great grandfather's. The twins were maturing
too fast, and Amelia was a mirror image of Christy. Julia
could not contain her tears of joy. How she loved these
children! Neil and Christy stood arm in arm as their
children embraced and kissed their grandparents. Simple,
gentle love filled the platform. Then Christy and
Neil stepped forward to greet William and Julia. Their
happiness knew no bounds. It was a time to celebrate the
joy of family.

The first Thanksgiving in El Pano was a boisterous
affair. All of the boys slept in the attic. Catherine
bunked with Amy, Julia and William stayed in Catherine's
room. Alice slept in Charlie's room. Neil, Ned, Charlie,
and Luke had managed to hunt two wild turkeys. There
were vegetables turnips, sweet potatoes and canned green
beans from the summer harvest. Potatoes were mashed with
buttermilk. Alice made her special cornbread and giblet
dressing. Jo McDaniel made sweet potato pies. Moira
brought apple pies. Julia and Christy made mince and
pumpkin pies. Julia also made cranberry sauce. All of the
women, and at Christy's insistence, Catherine, took turns
basting the turkey. The rich smells of Thanksgiving filled
the MacNeill household.

Alice Henderson knew that she had to see Neil as a
patient, not as s son-in-law. She was in discomfort,
sometimes in pain and she knew that he had to examine
her. If Christy saw her come in to the office she would
worry and fuss. Alice loathed fussing. She dearly loved
Christy, but she hated the idea of having someone worry
about her. She approached Neil during the preparations
for Thanksgiving. She told him wait she suspected the
problem was, and he agreed to give her an exam without
Christy's knowledge.

Alice couldn't get over seeing a new maturity in Ned and
Luke. Catherine was so excited to have Luke home, even
though it was only for a few days. She privately hoped
that Cat would finish college before she got married. Even
though nothing was openly declared, it was evident that
she loved Luke and he reciprocated those same feelings.

The dining room had the extra leaves added so that it
stretched into the parlor. The table had been turned
into a veritable groaning board filled with food. It was
a feast fit for royalty. Alice shared the blessing with
everyone. It was a wonderful celebration of family, friends
and love.

During early December Christy looked at the appointment
book and saw that Neil had blocked out two days from his
schedule. The notation read Knoxville: AH. AH to her meant
Alice Henderson. When Neil came back into the reception
area he gave Christy instructions to make an appointment
for Mr. Grady. "Three weeks from today," Neil said. He
saw his notation in the book and knew he'd be facing a
barrage of questions later. Christy was no fool. She'd
know AH meant Alice.

Later that evening Christy sat next to Neil on the couch,
staring into the fireplace as he smoked contentedly on
his favorite pipe. He had his arm around her and she
leaned her head against his brawny chest. Her feet were
tucked up on the sofa cushion, and she breathed a long
sigh. "Neil," she said. He became wary of the tone of
her voice and raised his eyebrow. "When did you plan on
telling me about Miss Alice?"

"In about a week."

"Why a week?"

"I was trying to spare you a week's worth of fretting
and worry."

"Oh," she responded softly and gave him a hug. "What
is wrong?"

"I believe she has a hernia. She was lifting a heavy crate
and got a sharp pain. I don't know if she reinjured her
would from the telephone pole ‘lo these many years ago,
but I want her checked out in a good city hospital."

"She can stay here while she recovers."

"No Lass, it's much too noisy."

"Neil!"

"Christy, she'll stay with Moira. We can have her stay
with us at Christmas. The girls can share a room. Alice
will be much farther along in her recovery by then."

The course of events transpired exactly the way Neil had
predicted. The operation went smoothly and Alice was well
on her way to a full recovery.



End of Chapter FIve Disclaimer: The story of Christy
belongs to the Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction
is written for my own personal enjoyment. This story
uses themes from the book, the CBS series and the PAX
movies. Title: The MacNeill's Chapter Seven/Part Six
"Neil and Christy MacNeill"

............................................................

As political unrest grew in Italy, the young man
decided it was time to leave. Marcello Greco had saved
and saved so that he had enough money to buy passage to
America for himself and his bride, Maria Rosa. Steerage
was not the best accommodation, but it was all he could
afford. His cousins in New York were eagerly awaiting their
arrival. Mother nature had other ideas. Tropical storms in
the Atlantic forced their ship to land in Baltimore instead
of New York. They did not speak a word of English. While
they tried to indicate that their destination was New
York, they were put on the wrong train by mistake and were
heading south. Marcello had been sick on the ship, and
his illness never really left him. Maria Rosa was afraid
because his fever was so high. By the time they reached
El Pano she was frantic. The conductor had them disembark
and sent for Dr. MacNeill.

Neil removed Marcello's inflamed appendix in office
surgery. Christy assisted him with the emergency. Maria
Rosa paced back and forth in the waiting area. Muttering
her prayers in Latin, Amelia and Sean, who were waiting
for their parents, answered in kind. Maria Rosa was
stupefied. How could these two bambinos understand
her? Carefully, with very simple communications, the
children were able to speak with her. They assured her
that their father was a most excellent doctor.

Marcello would be laid up for six to eight weeks. The
rooms above Neil's office were empty. Since he owned
the building, Neil offered the living quarters to the
Greco's. Christy was now a woman with a mission! She spoke
to the pastor about getting the Greco's settled. She called
her mother and gave her a list of items, explaining the
plight of these two lost immigrants. Some furnishings
had been left behind when Doctor Davis moved away. The
building had indoor plumbing, which was a novelty for Maria
Rosa. The stove remained as well as an iron bedstead with
springs. There was also an old couch. Christy and Neil
arranged to have a mattress delivered. She raided her
linen closet for bed linens, blankets and towels. The
furnace was heated with coal, so the building had heat
during the winter months. They also managed to procure a
table and chairs.

While he was recuperating, Christy spent several afternoons
teaching the pair how to speak and read English. Marcello
decided he would use one of the smaller rooms as a
workshop. He was a cobbler, making boots and shoes for
a living. Italian pride is no less than Highlanders
pride. Neil could sense that Marcello did not want to
depend on other people to provide for his family, and
he understood completely. Neil asked Jeb to come and
talk to Marcello. He needed a cobbler's bench. Using
halting English and rough drawings, the men were able
to communicate what was needed. Jeb nodded and took on
the job.

Maria Rosa eyed the yard in the back of the house. She
wanted to plant a garden. One afternoon, Christy had
her come for tea. Neil was going to check on Marcello's
recuperation and explain to him that their money needed
to be changed into dollars and cents. To Maria Rosa, the
MacNeill house was a mansion. Christy gave her a tour from
attic to cellar. When she saw the room that held Christy's
canning, she was ecstatic. There were tomatoes! Jars and
jars of tomatoes and a braid of garlic heads. Christy was
happy to share her harvest's bounty with the young woman.

The steamer trunk held the young couple's meager
possessions. Clothing, Bible, precious packets of dried
herbs and seeds, as well as Marcello's livelihood; his
cobbler's tools and precious pieces of leather. As soon
as Neil gave his permission, Marcello began to work. Jeb
had made him a fine bench. It was exactly what he had
needed. Neil had taken him to a local tannery. Marcello
could buy the leather he needed to make boots and
shoes. Christy had shown him a Sears and Roebuck catalog
so that he had an idea of what styles were being worn,
but even she had to admit most would not be worn on the
streets of El Pano.

Maria Rosa wanted to cook for the MacNeill's. They
had been so kind to both Marcello and herself. It was
her way of saying thank-you. "Would you like to use my
kitchen?" asked Christy.

"Yes please," Maria Rosa answered.

She wanted to make pasta and meat gravy. Together the
women made a shopping list. Neil had taken Marcello to
Knoxville earlier in the week to exchange his Italian
currency into American dollars. The ladies proceeded to
the grocer's. It wasn't like the markets in Italy. They
went to the mill. Maria Rosa tried to explain that she
wanted semolina flour. It took a while, but eventually she
was satisfied. Early the next morning, they set out to the
butcher. Maria Rosa had gotten up at 5:00 that morning to
make several loaves of semolina bread.

They returned to the MacNeill's and she began to make
her meat gravy. She used quarts of Christy's canned
tomatoes and some of her precious spices from home,
garlic and onions and the meat they had purchased from
the butcher. Then they began to make the homemade pasta
with eggs and flour and water. Stringing clean clothesline
throughout the kitchen, the two ladies, covered in flour
dust, hung the strands of pasta up to dry. Although her
back was breaking, Christy couldn't remember when she'd
had so much fun cooking with another woman---not since
Fairlight. Oh, Fairlight would have enjoyed today, she
thought.

Neil brought Marcello home with him. Before they'd left the
office, Marcello presented Neil with a pair of boots. They
were magnificent. Neil put them on. They fit him like a
glove, and felt as comfortable as his oldest, favorite pair
of boots. Marcello was carrying a sack. As they entered the
foyer, the most delicious smells greeted them. Neil laughed
at the sight of the thin strings of pasta hanging about
the kitchen. Christy had flour in her hair, on her apron,
and a spot on her nose, which he promptly kissed. Marcello
followed his example with Maria Rosa. Then he pulled a
jug out of the satchel. It was a bottle of his father's
homemade red wine. Maria Rosa kissed him and pointed to
the pot on the stove. He cut away the wax seal, deftly
pulled the cork, and poured some into the gravy. His wife
quickly stirred it so it could meld with the sauce.

"A special occasion," said Marcello.

"Yes," answered his wife.

Then he pulled out a cloth rectangle from the satchel. It
held a pair of kid dancing slippers for Christy. They were
so beautiful, and fit her tiny feet to perfection. "I
feel like Cinderella," she said, "but I already have my
perfect Prince Charming." Marcello looked puzzled. "Thank
you, Marcello. Grazie," she said, laughing. "Maria Rosa
is teaching me now!" Everyone laughed.

Marcello smiled broadly. "It is to thank you both for
your great kindness." Christy embraced him, and then
she hugged Maria Rosa. They filled Christy's canning pot
with water. Neil lifted it on to the stove and set it to
boil. Maria Rosa added salt to the water.

The children were astounded at the sight in the
kitchen. The strings of pasta were a sight to see. Christy
had managed to make some dessert. Of course, she made a
double batch of blackberry cobbler. Amelia and Catherine
set the table with bowls instead of plates and, as
instructed they also set out soup spoons, but they didn't
understand why,along with knives and forks.

Christy and Neil stepped aside as Marcello and Maria Rosa
took over. The pasta was added to the boiling water. Neil
carried Christy's bread bowl into the cooking area. No one
had ever tasted spaghetti and sauce before. Maria Rosa
explained that there was a special cheese made in Italy
that was put on top, but they would have to do without it.

Soon the steaming bowl was brought to the table. Before
dinner was served, they all said grace. The red wine
had been poured into glassed for the adults. Marcello
stood up to make a toast. "To Maria Rosa, maker of the
feast, and to our unborn child," he said with a smile
filling his face. Maria Rosa beamed. Christy stood up, and
hugged her. Then Maria Rosa served everyone. Both she and
Marcello demonstrated the technique of using the fork and
the spoon to twirl the slippery strands of spaghetti on
to the fork. It was one of the funniest meals ever held at
the MacNeill's. Everyone, adults included, had spatters of
sauce all over their shirt fronts. Then Marcello showed the
twins how to take a strand of pasta and suck it up into the
mouth. Well, that was all the twins needed to see. They
ended up with sauce all over their faces. Maria Rosa's
bread, liberally served with sweet butter was nothing
short of heavenly. Everyone ate too much, because they
had enjoyed every single bite. It was indeed a feast.

"When food is cooked with love as the special ingredient,
how can it not be perfect?" Christy asked. Maria
Rosa nodded. The table was cleared and the dishes were
washed. Then Christy brought out dessert. To Neil's dismay,
there were no leftovers of cobbler. ..........And that is
how spaghetti came to El Pano.



End of Chapter Six

Disclaimer: The story of Christy belongs to the
Marshall-LeSourd Family. This fiction is written for my
own personal enjoyment. This story uses themes from the
book, the CBS series and the PAX movies.

Title: The MacNeill's Part Seven/Chapter Seven "Neil and
Christy MacNeill"

...........................................................

Neil found Christy sitting on the floor of their bedroom
next to the opened trunk. Her eyes were blurred with
tears. "Christy why are you so sad?"

She shook her head negatively. "Not sad, Neil, they're
happy tears."

He sat down beside her and handed her his
handkerchief. "What are you doing?" he asked her gently.

"I was putting some things away and I started looking at
all of the memories we've stored in here."

"Show me, Christy."

She pulled out a pair of knitted booties. "These were
Ned's. I can hardly remember his feet being this tiny."

"You used to kiss his feet all the time when you bathed or
changed him, Lass. I remember feeling a wee bit jealous
of him because he had garnered most of your attention,"
he said smiling at her.

"Our lives certainly changed once the babies came."

"What other gems have you uncovered, Christy?"

"Here's the muffler Catherine knitted for you one
Christmas. I don't think she ever got the hang of her
stitching gauge."

Neil laughed. "It has to be the ugliest garment I've ever
worn. But I did wear it for the entire winter."

"I was proud of you for doing that, Neil. Cat was so
pleased. You know I had to talk her out of making you
another one the following year."

"Bless you, Lass."

"This was the horse Jeb carved for Charlie. He clutched
it every night when he went to sleep."

"What's wrapped up in the flannel cloth?" Neil asked.

"These are the silver baby spoons from Grandmother Rudd. I
wrapped them to keep them from tarnishing, but it looks
as though I'll have to use some elbow grease to get them
to shine again."

"What's in the pillow case?"

"Please don't open it, Neil."

"Why not?"

"Because I asked you not to," she said, batting her
eyelashes.

"Don't flirt with me, you hussy," he said laughing. "After
all these years I am immune to your flirting."

Christy giggled. "Moira told me to ask you about me batting
my eyelashes. I don't do it that often, do I Neil?"

"Scores of times, every day."

"Do not."

"Do too."

"Not."

"Too. We sound like our children when they argue," he said
laughing."Amy's inherited that trait from you. Heaven help
the young men when she gets older. I don't even want to
think about that."  She laughed with him.

Christy tried to get the pillowcase from Neil. They were
rolling on the floor laughing like two silly clowns. She
started to tickle him, forgetting for a brief moment that
she was the one who was ticklish. Of course he retaliated
with a vengeance.

"Neil stop. Please stop." She was uncontrollably laughing.

"I win," he said triumphantly. "Now what is in this pillow
case? I won't have secrets after all these years."

She shook her head and lowered her eyes mutinously. "And
it was my best kept secret, too," she said pouting, trying
not to smile.

Neil looked into the pillow case and pulled out a
shirt. Holding it up he said, "It's my kilt shirt. Why
would you have put away a perfectly good kilt shirt?"

"Turn it around, Neil."

He did, and there smack dab in the middle of the back was
a brown scorch mark in the shape of an iron. He looked at
her with astonishment. "When did this happen?"

"A few weeks after we were married. You were out a
on call."

"How did you manage to scorch it?"

"I was preoccupied."

"With what?"

"My thoughts. I was thinking of you and our wedding night
when I helped you take off the shirt. I forgot to move the
iron." She sighed dreamily. Neil watched her face. He was
fascinated by her reaction. He was also affected by the
memory. Then her eyes focused again in the present and
she continued speaking. "I couldn't believe what I had
done. I called my mother, but there was nothing I could do
to fix it. The shirt was ruined. So I mailed the shirt to
my mother to have two new ones custom made in the exact
same size. I insisted that she send me back the ruined
shirt with the two new ones. I wanted to keep it for the
memories, and also as a reminder of my carelessness."

"I never realized the difference in the shirts, Christy. So
this was your best kept secret. Are you telling me there
are others?"

"Not really."

"Are you sure? We strong, silent types have our ways of
getting information."

"Perhaps one day I shall let you try, Neil. And let
me clear something up right now. You are not the silent
type, brooding maybe, but not silent. I prefer the strong,
brooding type of male."

She stood up. He followed her example. "I don't brood."

"Yes you do."

"No I don't"

"Do."

"Don't."

She put her hands on her hips and began to tap her foot,
a gesture he had seen her do many times during the past
twenty years. He loved it, she looked so adorable in her
banty hen stance. Before she could say another word, he
swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately. He
took her breath away. They heard the front door slam
and the children came in noisily. Amy came bounding up
the stairs, calling to them. Their door was open and she
could see that they had that swoony look on their faces
again. They looked at their youngest and greeted her with
smiles. She waved, turned and went into her room, wondering
if dinner would be late again.

End of Part Seven
*See Author's Note in "The MacNeills Conclusion"