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, CBS series and the Pax movies. Title: The Macneill's (Part One) Chapter One: After the Storm The morning after Christy returned David's ring and called her mother to cancel the wedding she searched for Neil. He was not at the cabin. Over the past few days he had been checking on families in the outlying areas of the Cove to make sure everyone was all right. His colleagues had returned to Baltimore. David had immersed himself in coordinating efforts to help the families devastated by the floods and storm related damage. At Neil's insistence, Christy had remained at the Mission these last few days to recover from her fever. Christy was emotionally drained. She had finally recognized that her love for David was not the kind of love needed for a husband and wife. When Neil voiced his impassioned plea of love for her, she felt as though she had been pushed off Bear Ridge. The impact of his kiss in the cabin shocked her. She had never felt such a strong wave of emotion in her life. David's kisses had never rocked her like that Neil's heart-wrenching prayers during her fever made her realize how foolish she had been. With the blinders finally removed from her eyes and heart, Christy was able to understand how much she loved Neil. She had always loved Neil, but denied her feelings to herself. She had been confused, even afraid and hid her emotions under the guise of deep friendship and respect. She walked to the spot where Neil taught her how to fish. It was one of the sweetest, happiest memories she had of them together. Why hadn't she seen the love in his eyes then? Why hadn't she told him or shown him how much she cared for him after Margaret died? She sat down on a boulder near the river and started to cry. She'd hurt everyone she loved. Neil heard crying as he approached the cabin. He'd been up most of the night with patients.The sight of Christy crying, broke him. He rushed to her side. "Lass, are you hurt?" "Oh Neil, please just hold me. I need your strength." He handed her his handkerchief and mused "You never seem to carry one for yourself, anymore." "I have one, it's saturated. It won't hold any more tears." she answered tearfully. "Lass, what can I do for you?" "Just hold me, please" she sobbed. "Neil, I gave David back his ring and I called Mother to cancel the wedding." She shuddered. Neil said a silent prayer of thanks and jubilation. Christy continued through her tears. "I've hurt David. How could I marry him when I knew deep down in my heart that I didn't love him that way." "Which way?" Neil asked in confusion. "The way you love me. The way I love you. I have deeply hurt David". She shook her head with remorse. "Lass, you didn't deliberately set out to hurt David. It's better you discovered the truth about your feelings before you married him. Take it from one who knows how unhappy a marriage can be when the couple does not have the right kind of love to sustain it." "Neil, I was lost when you left for Baltimore. I still didn't understand why. How could I have been so blind and foolish?" He dabbed her eyes and looked deeply into the shimmering pools of blue. "Christy, my love, may I kiss you?" "Yes" she said softly, thinking about his kiss in the cabin. He did, and the feelings of exhilaration soared through her veins. He deepened the kiss when he felt her response. Then he gently pulled away. She hugged him with all of her strength and sighed with contentment. All would be right with her world. Neil loved her and she returned that love with all of her heart and soul. "Christy, will you marry me?" Neil asked. "Yes" she answered sweetly, and he sealed their lips with a kiss. He took a small box from a pocket in his vest. "This ring was my mother's and my grandmother's before her," he said. He placed the sapphire ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. He kissed her hand, then her palm and gently took her into his arms once more. She sighed again, finally at peace. As he kissed her temple he thought 'I've won the heart of my beloved'. They called her parents in the early afternoon. William granted his permission and Christy and Neil decided October 10th would be a perfect day to get married. Neil needed to return to Baltimore to tie-up his affairs at the hospital. As they left the Mission Christy asked Neil to help her at the school. She wanted to hang some of the children's art work on the wall. They had collected leaves and made some paintings of them. As the afternoon went on Neil and Christy disagreed on the placement of the pictures. Christy had her hands on her hips and was tapping her foot in frustration. "That one is too high, Neil. The little ones will strain their necks trying to view it." Neil adjusted the picture for the third time. "You realize Lass, it's back to where I first hung it." Christy arched her eyebrow at him. "Could you please move Mountie's picture a little more to the right?" Neil moved the picture and began to hang one of Lulu Spencer's. "No, not that one Neil. The colors she used are too close to the colors Mountie used." Neil put the picture down and took a deep breath, remaining calm. He was not used to fussing and changing things around. He looked and Christy, in her adorable banty hen stance and mused inwardly ' This is how it is going to be from now on. She has her own ideas and I must always remember to let her express them to me.' "Neil, I think we should move Mountie's picture next to Zady's instead." "No." "No?" "That's right. Lass." He walked over to her and kissed her. "It's fine just the way it is." "But" she started to say, and he kissed her again. "I like this way of solving our differences of opinion" he smiled, and quickly kissed her again. "But Neil" she started to say again. This time he kissed her quite passionately. "Oh" she said sweetly, "Oh my!" She pulled him closer to her. "I can't wait for our wedding day. It seems that each day is getting longer and longer, yet the opposite is true." "Yes" said Neil, "the days are actually getting shorter, but the nights themselves are getting longer." He grinned slyly. "Neil" she said, "behave." "Why?" he countered with a smile. She blushed . He hugged her close to him. "Lass, you aren't the only one who can't wait for the wedding." How he loved to watch her blush! ************************************************* Wedding preparations continued. Julia Huddleston was trying to bring a piece of Asheville to Cutter Gap. Christy was resigned. Miss Alice had been a great source of comfort to her. Neil had spoken to Alice after he had talked to Christy's parents. "Alice" he said seriously, "I know we've had our differences in the past. I consider you part of my family. You and Hattie are very dear to me." "I thank thee for thy kind words, Neil." "You love Christy like a daughter." "Indeed I do, very much" she replied with a smile. "You will always be a welcome part of our lives. If Christy and I have children you will be their grandmother as far as we are concerned." "I thank thee Neil for that kindness. I will indeed be blessed, and I look forward to the days when I can hold thy children in my arms." She hugged him and wished him well. The next day Christy was at school preparing for the day ahead. Neil was leaving for Baltimore, to bring back this things, close his apartment, work out a research schedule with Harold Wade and tie up any other loose ends. He would be gone for a week, and they would be married a week later. She was absorbed in her lesson plan for the Latin class when she heard Neil's footsteps. Glancing up, she smiled and quickly ran to him. He had come to say good-bye on his way to El Pano to catch the train. He hugged and kissed her. They did not have much time together. "Do you want me to pack something to eat?" she asked. "I have all that I need. Thank you, Lass. "I love you." "And I you." He kissed her again and set off. At the door, they nodded to each other. He passed David on the porch. "Miss Huddleston" David remonstrated, "I must remind you that this building is also a house of God." "Excuse me?" "Your conduct leaves a lot to be desired." "You are a hypocrite, Reverend Grantland" she answered angrily. "It was all right for the two of us to stand on this porch in the moonlight, to present a truly romantic image to Kyle Coburn. So much so that he accused me of running a courting school. Neil just kissed me good-bye. Are you spying on me? Shame on you!" She tramped down the steps and headed toward the Mission, muttering to herself, fighting back tears. David watched her leave. He was filled with conflicting emotions. The harvest break was over and he had made plans to visit home after Christy's wedding. Deep in his heart, he knew that Christy had never really been his, but that didn't make it hurt any less. He hoped he would find solace and peace at home. As she climbed up the Mission steps to the dogtrot, Christy turned right and entered the kitchen. Miss Alice was there. She immediately noticed Christy's state of agitation. Christy paced back and forth. "I am trying to be nice to David. I don't want unpleasant scenes. I know that I have hurt him deeply. I have apologized to him, I just don't know what more I can do!" Christy ranted. "I lost my temper this morning," Miss Alice gently smiled and replied, "Thee must have patience, dear child." "I am trying." "Yes, thee are." "It's so hard, though. I walk on eggshells around David. I try to avoid him so he won't be pained when he sees me. I am so happy right now, and he is so sad." "He will heal in good time, with our prayers and God's help," replied Miss Alice. "Thee must also live thine own life. The decision thee made has had consequences. Like throwing a pebble into a quiet pond, the ripples generate outward to the edges of the pond. Thy decision not to marry David has affected his future. By choosing Neil you altered his future as well. Thee changed thy own future by making this choice. Thee must live with the consequences. Remember dear daughter, God has a plan for us all. Now I believe thee has a class to teach today. Christy hugged her mentor, and ran out the door to her beloved schoolchildren. ********************************************* Ten days later Neil and Christy walked to school. "I love you, sweet Lass," Neil said. "I know you do" Christy replied. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you were avoiding the Mission." "It's awkward with Grantland." "I thought it was Mother." "No, I can handle your Mother. David still thinks he loves you. He hasn't recognized the true nature of his love for you. You realized it first. You love him like a brother or a cherished friend. He sees it differently. I can't fault him for loving you, Lass. I can only hope that one day he will be able to accept the fact that the two of you were not suited for marriage. Neil hugged her and kissed her forehead. "The children's art work looks wonderful. I see you've placed Mountie's picture next to Zady's." He laughed. " I know they are happy and proud to see something that they have made on display. You certainly know how to boost their morale." She grinned remembering their disagreement on the placement of the pictures. "Thank you. They have so much talent and creativity." The children were excited for their teacher. Many had secretly rooted for Doc, and were unhappy when she chose Preacher. When Doc left, many were mortally upset, especially Sam Houston. Somehow things turned out better than any of them could have hoped or imagined. Doc returned and Miz Christy changed her mind. Through their own special grapevine, the children had come up with an idea for a gift for their beloved Doc and Teacher. In the Spring, they had a class trip outside to pick and identify wildflowers. They had "pressed" them to use in a future project. Then the typhoid came, and the school was closed. Doc left, and teacher had forgotten all about them. Becky O'Teale had remembered. The class project of collecting leaves had triggered the memory. Maybe they could make a picture for the bride and groom with the pressed flowers! Miss Alice came to the school to teach in the morning to give Christy some time to be with her parents. Becky raised her hand. "Yes, Becky?" said Miss Alice. Becky held up the flower press. "We'd like to do something with these here flowers for Teacher and Doc MacNeill. Can you help us, please?" Alice unscrewed the flower press to see all of the lovely mountain wildflowers the children had picked so carefully months ago. "Why children, we could make a collage. But the flowers are so delicate they would have to be put in a picture frame under glass." "We ain't got no money for no frame" said Creed. "Don't have money, Creed, not ain't got" Miss Alice corrected. "Empty pockets" shrugged Sam Houston. "Guess we cain't do nuthin'." "Anything" Miss Alice corrected. "Children, I'll make a trade with all of thee." The class looked at her with rapt attention. "The Mission needs to be decorated for the wedding. If thee all collect wild grape vine, colored leaves and flowers, we can make garlands to pretty up the Mission. In exchange for this hard work, I will provide the picture frame, paper and glue. Each one of thee shall glue a flower, so every single one of thee will take part in making this gift. The children could hardly contain their excitement. Every recess was spent fashioning garlands to drape on the porch railings and around posts and doorways. The Mission would look quite festive. Every day they worked on the collage when Christy was not present. On the last day of class, the children presented their gift to the couple. "We'll treasure it always" said Neil. Christy beamed at them through her tears. "It is so beautiful, class. On the coldest days of winter, I will look at this beautiful picture and think of Spring and of all of you. Thank you children for this special gift from your hearts." Hugs and handshakes were exchanged by all. Neil hugged Christy as they admired the collage together. ************************************* The wedding day was perfect. It was all that Christy and Neil hoped it would be. It would be talked about for months to come, especially by the women of the Cove, and of course, Ruby Mae! 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, CBS series and the Pax movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part One) Chapter Two: Making a Home Christy and Neil were on their way back to "their cabin" after the wedding. Christy was sitting in front of Neil on Duke. "When did you first know you loved me?" Neil asked. "It took a while. When I first met you I was already overwhelmed by what I had witnessed on my trek from El Pano with Ben Pentland. I was so exhausted. I nearly fainted when you started with the ether for Bob Allen." "I vaguely remember" he laughed. "Vaguely? I believe you used the world vividly once!" He hugged her to him. "Then we argued the day I nearly fell off Theo." "That was when I fell in love with you" Neil said. She arched her eyebrow at him. "Are you going to let me answer your question? You were so different from any man I'd ever met before. You were larger than life, and I was curious and in awe of you and scared too." "I didn't mean to frighten you, Lass." "I know. I knew it then as well. I knew you would always be honest with me, even if I didn't like or agree with what you were saying. You always listened to me, Neil." He leaned closer to her left ear and softly said "So again I ask, when did you know?" "The night of the storm when I brought Becky to the cabin. You were so gentle with her. I was enthralled by your story and your storytelling. It was fascinating to be captivated by the way you wove the threads of the story. Then we argued. I saw you wrestle with yourself and your conscience. It was a powerful thing to watch. I believed and still believe you can do just about anything you set your mind to." "You're taking a circuitous route to answer my question." "I'm getting there. After David and Miss Alice arrived we could have cut the tension in the cabin with a knife. You insisted that Miss Alice, Becky and I sleep in your bedroom. I know that David slept on the bed you keep for patients. Becky slept between Miss Alice and me. Your scent was on my pillow. It was a combination of soap, tobacco, pine--it was you, and it was comforting. Sometime during the night Becky cuddled beside me for warmth. I began to think about how wonderful it would be to snuggle and cuddle our children in that big bed. That's when I first acknowledged that I had deep feelings for you, other than respect and friendship. When Margaret showed up weeks later I buried my feelings deep in the recesses of my heart. I could no longer allow myself to think along those lines. You were forbidden to me." "I know how you felt, for I felt the same way. You breathed life into me, and Margaret dashed my hopes and dreams, just as she had done before. I felt I wasn't worthy enough to have someone as good as you are in my life. That is why I failed to speak up and show you how I felt after she died. I had hoped you would see it for yourself. Your wee touch of jealousy when Harriet was here, gave me some hope, but then nothing happened. We were back to sparring a bit. David was always in the background, and I was afraid that maybe you really did love him and not me. Then the typhoid epidemic hit the Cove. I couldn't give you the kind of comforting you needed when Fairlight died because I was so truly devastated by her loss. I'd known her all my life. She was like a sister to me, and I couldn't save her. I felt unworthy. You nursed David back to health, and I gave up when you accepted his ring. I made the call to Baltimore. I took the easy way out because I was afraid." "I was so upset when you left" Christy said. "I felt an emptiness inside me that I had never felt before. I didn't think that I would ever see you again. Mother began to steamroll me with wedding plans. David would practically pat me on the head like a child and say 'Don't Worry' . I knew deep down in the very core of my being that something was amiss. I ignored my instincts and tried not to think about it. But I just kept rolling with the tide of events rather than fight what was happening around me. I was overwhelmed by it all. In my heart, I knew something was dreadfully wrong. David would clam up whenever Miss Alice shared parts of your letters with us. I didn't understand his jealousy because I felt that you and I were just friends. I realize now that my feelings for you ran deep, and David knew it. I didn't realize that you'd taken most of my heart when you left. Thank you, my dear Highland Warrior, for taking that one final risk to declare your love for me." Neil hugged her closely to him, and softly kissed her. "Have I mentioned how beautiful you looked today?" "Have I told you how handsome you looked in your kilt?" They both laughed together. Christy leaned against her husband. She was bursting with happiness. As they approached the cabin, Neil dismounted first. He hitched Duke's reins to the post and then carried Christy off Duke and up into the cabin. He'd made arrangements with Dan Scott to have the fireplace and the lanterns lit, giving off their soft romantic light. "Welcome to our home, Christy" he said softly and kissed his bride. "Thank you Neil" she said simply. "Let me see to Duke. I'll be back shortly, I promise." "I'll hold you to that" she said. She looked at her surroundings. The cabin was clean, but she had her work cut out. It was dark and dingy. She would soon fix that. Her belongings had been brought over the day before. Wedding gifts had to be opened and unpacked. Poor Ben Pentland had never seen so many packages from Asheville. Her relatives had been very generous. Neil came in after taking care of Duke. Christy was staring at the fireplace. She turned to Neil when the door opened. He could sense her insecurity. He walked towards her and took her hand and kissed it. "Cutter Gap has never seen such a beautiful bride." "Or handsome groom" she replied. "Come here, Lass." He picked her up and carried her to the rocking chair by the hearth. He sat down with Christy in his arms. They kissed each other. Christy's cheeks had the remnants of a blush. "Are you afraid, love?" "No" she answered. "I'm just not sure of what I should do next." "Don't fret, my love. It's like a dance. You'll instinctively know the moves." "And if I don't?" "I'll prompt you" he declared with a sweet, gentle, reassuring smile and kissed her fervently. ................................................ Christy was making up their bed. It was laundry day. They had been married for two weeks. Beyond her wildest imaginings, Christy had never envisioned the passionate relations she and Neil shared as husband and wife. She was discovering new things about her emotions and her self every day. Neil, divine Neil, was teaching her ways of loving and being loved that took her breath away. She thought about her mother and how reticent she had been when Christy asked her questions about the wedding night. "Trust your husband, Christy dearest," was all Julia said. She had trusted Neil, and their wedding night and subsequent intimate times together reflected their love and passion for each other. It was a beautiful morning. The blue sky was clear and the temperature was warm. Christy put on her oldest skirt and shirt, her work shoes and tied her hair in a braid. She began to sort clothes. Neil had built up the fires under the washtubs to heat the water for washing and rinsing. It was hot, sweaty work. Neil chopped wood, split logs, cut kindling. As the morning grew warmer, Neil shed layers of clothing. She secretly wished she could shed layers of clothing too. Neil's muscles rippled as his axe struck wood in a steady rhythm. Christy finished wringing the last load of clothes and hung them out to dry. Her last load was the sheets from their bed. She thought about last night and blushed. Would she ever stop blushing whenever she thought about the two of them intimately? She was drenched from the heat. Neil was carrying wood inside the house for the stove and the fireplace. As she finished hanging up the last sheet, she wiped the sweat from her brow. Neil looked at Christy and decided she needed to cool off. He rushed over to her and picked her up. When she realized what he intended to do she shrieked "My shoes!" Laughing, he put her down and pulled them off her feet. He pulled his boots off as well. They were both laughing at the sheer silliness of it all, as he carried her into the water, where they could both cool off. She began to sort clothes. Neil had built up the fires under the washtubs to heat the water for washing and rinsing. It was hot, sweaty work. Neil chopped wood, split logs, cut kindling. As the morning grew warmer, Neil shed layers of clothing. She secretly wished she could shed layers of clothing too. Neil's muscles rippled as his axe struck wood in a steady rhythm. Christy finished wringing the last load of clothes and hung them out to dry. Her last load was the sheets from their bed. She thought about last night and blushed. Would she ever stop blushing whenever she thought about the two of them intimately? She was drenched from the heat. Neil was carrying wood inside the house for the stove and the fireplace. As she finished hanging up the last sheet, she wiped the sweat from her brow. Neil looked at Christy and decided she needed to cool off. He rushed over to her and picked her up. When she realized what he intended to do she shrieked "My shoes!" Laughing, he put her down and pulled them off her feet. He pulled his boots off as well. They were both laughing at the sheer silliness of it all, as he carried her into the water, where they could both cool off. Soon they were kissing and touching each other. Neil held her in his arms, since she could not swim. They were in a quiet pool of water. A stronger heat took control of them both. He stood up and carried her out of the water towards the cabin. There was a trail of wet clothing from the door to their bed. Much later, replete with loving each other, they dressed in dry clothes and hung up the damp ones. Neil emptied the laundry tubs. Christy hugged Neil tightly. "What will we do in winter when the water is too cold for a swim?" she asked him playfully, blushing furiously. He answered,"I'll think of something, my love, and kissed her on the tip of her nose. Only you could make laundry day so enjoyable." They laughed and went inside to prepare a meal together. In the weeks following their wedding, Christy had turned Neil's bachelor cabin into their home. New curtains were put up on the windows. Wooden furniture had been polished with Jeb's beeswax until there was a soft, warm shine to it all. Christy cleaned the wood paneling and logs with her mother's recipe for wood cleaner. She had leftover lemons from the wedding. Using equal amounts (like a half a cup of each) of fresh lemon juice (strained through cheesecloth), turpentine, wood alcohol and olive oil (which her mother sent from Asheville) she poured them into a canning jar. Shaking the mixture thoroughly, she then poured some onto a soft flannel cloth. She carefully wiped the paneling. She waited a moment or two and wiped it dry with a clean flannel rag. Neil was amazed. Years of smoke which had darkened the wood, was removed. A clean, fresh scent filled the cabin. Her kitchen, (she was very proprietary - Neil had his laboratory, she had her kitchen) was filled with items given to them as wedding gifts from Asheville. There was a beautiful porcelain set of canisters on the counter from her Grandmother. China and pewter bowls filled the sideboard. Damask tablecloths and napkins were put away in drawers scented with lavender sachets. Her pantry was filled with staples of flour, sugar, cornmeal, coffee, tea and other sundries given by their friends in the Cove. Neil was adding space to the barn. Duke now had the company of a mare named Duchess. She was a present from Christy's parents. They had purchased a milk cow. Chickens roamed the yard freely. Neil planned to build a henhouse, but he didn't have a lot of free time at the moment. Jeb and Tom planned to help Neil fell some trees in order to enlarge Christy's vegetable garden. The lumber would be used for an addition on to the back of the cabin. Together Neil and Christy decided they would move their bedroom downstairs. The laboratory would be part of the new addition, the door to it would be through their bedroom and the door would always be locked. Once the young ones started to come it would be important to keep them from his pharmacy and research. In November they went to Asheville to spend Thanksgiving with Christy's parents. Neil met Grandmother Rudd and the rest of the relatives. They returned to the Cove. The first night home Christy watched her sleeping husband. There was such a peaceful look on his handsome face, They were both glad to be home in their own bed. The visit to Asheville had been pleasant and successful by all accounts. Neil had met her family and friends, and judging by their looks of approval, almost everyone was truly happy for her. They were a good match. She was learning new things about Neil every day, He was a very complex man, set in his ways. There were times when she was unsure how to react to a situation he took for granted. He was unused to talking about things that bothered him. Neil brooded a lot. Christy was open and animated about everything. 'I love him so much' Christy thought.'he challenges me at every turn. He is logical and scientific, but he is also so very romantic. Most times when a decision has to be made he thinks everything out in detail. I'm romantic and spontaneous. I just react. We are both stubborn and opinionated. Dear Lord, how will we balance it all out?' Neil shifted in his sleep and held her closely to him. 'My dearest' she thought. 'You have so many things to show me, to teach me, to help me learn to live here with you. I don't ever want to disappoint or hurt you.' She kissed him softly. She snuggled close to him and slept. He felt Christy's kiss and felt her settle next to him. He could tell by her breathing that she was falling asleep. Neil watched her tranquil face. He eyelashes were so beautiful. While he missed staring into the deep pools of blue of her eyes, the closed lids etched with sable were also a sight to appreciate. 'Beloved', he thought, 'if I could only express to you the joy you have brought into my life. I'm not a talkative man. Never have been. I keep things closed up inside me. I store hurts. I swallow verbal punches and insults. But when I get mad enough I blow up like a volcano. You've gone toe to toe with me and survived. In the past, I'd stomp off in one direction, you'd storm off in the other direction and we'd face off weeks later for the next round. You've turned me inside out and hung me out to dry, and I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. Life without you isn't a life at all. I worship the ground you walk on, the very air you breathe. How can I tell you what's inside my heart.?' At that moment she stirred and opened her eyes. As they stared into each other's eyes, no words were needed. They each knew how the other felt. Soul mates. They smiled and she caressed his cheek. He leaned closer and kissed her with reverence. "I love you" she said softly. "And I you" he whispered, for ever and always. 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, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part One) Chapter 3: Christmas 1914 Christy began to plan her summer garden in the beginning of December. "Isn't it a wee bit early ?" asked Neil. "It doesn't hurt to plan ahead," Christy replied. "What do you think we should plant?" "We?" "Yes, we!" she said. "It's our garden." "Well I think we need to plant the basics, but feel free to introduce new vegetables. Once people taste them, they might consider planting something new. Anything that helps to improve the nutrition of these families would be a blessing." "We'll plant cabbage, green beans, potatoes, squash, turnips, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots and tomatoes" she said. "How many acres of farmable land do you think we have? I don't even own a plow. Have you ever really had a vegetable garden before you came to the Mission? he asked incredulously. "No" she answered quietly. "We went to the Market." Neil knew that he had upset her. "My sweet Lass, we'll pay John Spencer to plow the garden and I'll ask Sam Houston, Little Burl and Creed to help us. I plan to ask Sam Houston to help look after the animals." She smiled at Neil. "Do you think I'm going overboard with plans?" "We'll take one day at a time. Jeb is going to build some flower boxes to hang on the porch railing. We're just about finished re-building the smokehouse. We're lucky the springhouse was spared by the storm. The root cellar is cool and dry, so we have a good place to store next year's harvest and canning. You are going to be one very busy wife" he said laughing with her. "I hope so" she said. ............................... It was just two weeks before Christmas when Christy began to suspect she was pregnant. She was very late with her cycle. Neil had been away on call for two days. When he came home Christy told him of her suspicions. After examining her, Neil confirmed her pregnancy. The baby would be born in early August. They were overjoyed and couldn't wait to share their joy with Miss Alice and Hattie. Both were indeed thrilled with the news. Since the Huddleston's were coming for Christmas, Christy wanted to surprise them with the news. Neil was overwhelmed at the prospect of becoming a father. He knew all too well how dangerous it could be for Christy. He vowed to protect her. Yet he could not contain his happiness! One afternoon before Christy came home from teaching, he retrieved the MacNeill baby cradle from the attic crawl space. There was also a small trunk that contained a christening gown and a small blanket of the MacNeill of Barra tartan. He spent the afternoon cleaning and polishing the cradle, envisioning a baby held safely, softly, inside it covered by the tartan. Christy came into the cabin quietly. She saw Neil working at the table. He was so absorbed by his thoughts he never heard her. When she walked up and saw him polishing the cradle, tears came to her eyes. "Oh Neil, we're going to be a Daddy and a Momma." "Poppa," Neil replied. "I called my father Poppa." He stood up and embraced her. "You know my love, that I am going to wrap you in cotton wool to protect you." "I know" she answered, wiping her tears of joy from her eyes. "I love you with every breath I take. You are the mother of my child. I will love you and the baby with all of my heart and soul, and I pray to God that you both are healthy and will remain so throughout this pregnancy." She hugged her husband. "Oh Neil, I just can't think of all we need to do yet." "One day at a time, love." "Can we go to Knoxville? I need to finish some shopping and I want to buy some fabric to make a baby quilt." "Of course we can go. I'll have Dan and Alice cover for us. I don't think our short time away would burden them." Alice and Dan agreed, and Alice asked Christy to pick up some fingering yarn so she could knit some things for the baby. Julia, William and George were making the trip to Cutter Gap for Christmas. They would be staying at the Mission with Alice and David. Christy and Neil would join them and stay over on Christmas Eve. .......................... Ten days before Christmas a package arrived for Neil from Grandmother Rudd. Christy was intrigued. 'I wonder what it could be?' She could hardly contain herself. She gently shook the package. She could not figure out the contents. When Neil came home he saw the package. Christy waited for him to open it, but instead, he took it into his laboratory. He came out a minute later. Obviously, he hadn't opened the package. Christy was ready to burst, and Neil knew it. He had a twinkle in his eyes. "What are you making for dinner Lass? It smells delicious." He tried not to smile at the incredulous look on his wife's face. "Chicken stew and dumplings" she answered. "That sounds good, Lass, very good. Did you plan anything special for tomorrow?" "To cook?" "No, to do. We need to cut down a Christmas tree." Christy's smile filled her face. "Our first Christmas tree as a family. She gently touched her abdomen. Neil's eyes followed the movement of her hands. He had just diagnosed her pregnancy a few days before. His smile matched hers. He hugged Christy close to him, and gently kissed her. She pulled him closer by his suspenders. "Neil," she asked softly, "aren't you curious about your package from Grandmother?" Neil laughed out loud. "Oh Lass, you are so precious. You couldn't last five minutes without your curiosity flaring up. I'm not curious because I know what's in the package. Just remember that all good things come to those who wait." He hugged her again. "Is dinner ready?" Seeing that he was not going to satisfy her curiosity, Christy began to set the table for dinner. Neil enjoyed the savory stew, and helped Christy with the dishes afterward. He built up the fire in the hearth. They spent a quiet evening reading together. He was catching up on medical journals, she was grading papers. When she finished she sat down next to Neil. "Are you getting sleepy, love?" he asked. She nodded. He picked her up and gathered her into his arms. She nuzzled his chin. She fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. The following morning was sunny and bright. Neil made sure Christy was warmly dressed. It was seasonably cold. They walked past the mountain meadow into a stand of evergreens. "Remember, Lass, the tree can be no taller than I am! We have to watch the span of the branches. We don't want them too wide, or it will fill up the cabin. Christy laughed. They finally found some smaller trees in the grove. Christy went in one direction, Neil in the other. "Don't get lost, love" he said. Christy gasped "Oh Neil, I left the breadcrumbs at home!" "Cheeky Lass!" he merrily replied. About twenty minutes later Christy called out to Neil, "I've found our tree!" He followed the sound of her slightly off-key singing of the carol "Oh Christmas Tree." Her enthusiasm was boundless, and he soon found himself caught up in her sense of mirth. "What do you think?" "The trunk looks pretty straight. Yes, Christy, I think you've found us the perfect tree." "Do we have a tree stand?" she asked. "No, but I'll be able to rig one up. Don't worry. I've done it before. The key is to keep the tree in water, so the needles won't dry out." Before Neil cut the tree down, they wrapped the branches with thick twine. Neil carried the tree down through the meadow and down the hill to the cabin, carefully avoiding the pitch that was oozing from the cut trunk. He filled a galvanized wash tub with water and put the tree into it. Christy went inside the cabin to prepare their lunch. Neil went to the barn and found some boards to make a tree stand. It took him about twenty minutes. He anchored the tree to the stand and brought the tub and the tree into the cabin. "Lass, where do you want the Christmas tree to stand?' She looked around the room. "Can we put it in front of the window?" Neil placed the wash tub and then the tree in front of the window. He cut the twine to release the branches. "How does it look, Christy?" "Move it clockwise just a little." Neil moved the tree. "We'll decorate it tonight." "Neil, I have to make decorations." "Lass, we'll work on them tonight. Now let's fill the tub with water so the tree will stay fresh." She noticed the gleam in his eyes. 'He's got something up his sleeve' she thought. "I am going to make some gingerbread cookies this afternoon. Neil, do you have any plans?" "I thought I would spend the afternoon with my beautiful wife. We're creating MacNeill family traditions, aren't we, Lass?" She smiled and nodded at him. "Let's have some lunch. I made some sandwiches. Would you like me to heat some soup?" "No, thank you. Sandwiches are fine. " After lunch Christy gathered the ingredients for making cookies. Neil brought her the heavy stoneware bowl. "The next time I go to El Pano, I'm going to look for a smaller bowl" said Christy. "This is fine for bread dough, but it's really too large for cookie dough." The cabin was filling up with the scent of freshly cut pine. The tree was spreading its branches in the warmth of the cabin. Ginger and cinnamon were new scents as the aroma of baking cookies filled the air. The afternoon passed quickly. Neil lit the oil lamps and the cabin was filled with the glow of their soft light. "Are you hungry, Neil?" "Not really. I've been sneaking cookies all afternoon. What about you?" "I haven't eaten as many as you. Perhaps I'll heat some soup later." "That sounds good, my sweet Lass. Let's decorate the tree." He went into the laboratory and brought out the package from Grandmother Rudd. "Would you like to help me open this?" "Neil, do you really know what's inside the package?" "Yes." "How?" "She called me on the telephone at the Mission." "When?" "During school time, when she knew you'd be occupied with teaching." "I have a sneaky grandmother." Christy laughed. "I forget about using the telephone. I think of it for emergencies." "Get the scissors, Christy, and we'll open a pre-Christmas present." Christy cut the cords and removed the brown paper that wrapped the package. There were several different boxes, carefully padded. The first box contained a set of glass ornaments. They were so delicate. She picked up a teapot ornament. There was also a frosted pine cone, a bell, and a Santa Claus and many others. "Neil, they are so beautiful." "She wanted to make our first Christmas as newlyweds, special." "She's succeeded." "There's more to open, Lass." There was a box with small candles and candle holders to place on the tree branches. "Will we be able to light them, Neil?" "Yes, but only for a few minutes. There is a danger of fire." "I understand. I'll quickly capture the moment in my mind and treasure the memory forever." "We'll light the candles the evening your parents and George come for dinner. We won't be home on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day. " Neil opened the next box. There was an angel made of glass for the top of the tree. A smaller box contained icicles made out of thin strips of tin that had been twisted. They spent the evening decorating their first Christmas tree together. Afterward, with Christy in Neil's arms, they sat in the rocking chair by the hearth, talking quietly about all the things that still needed to be done. ......................................... The week before Christmas, Christy sat down with Miss Alice to discuss Christmas dinner. "Mother, Father and George will be arriving December 22nd. Neil and I would like to have everyone come that night for dinner. We'll also ask Aunt Hattie so that would make a total of eight, if David accepts our invitation." "I am sure David will be back before thee leaves to go home" Alice replied. "Thee can ask him then." "I thought I would bake a ham" Christy said. "For Christmas dinner we'll have turkey, with giblet dressing, mashed potatoes, turnip and canned green beans from the summer's harvest. "Mother will be bringing fresh cranberries" Christy said. "You won't be able to keep her out of the kitchen. She also told me she'll be bringing fresh yeast, oranges and lemons." "For dessert" continued Miss Alice, "I'll make an apple pie and a sweet potato pie, which is Neil's favorite." "I'll bring cookies." "How are thee feeling, dear daughter?" "I'm fine. Neil warned me about morning sickness, but, so far I have been lucky. It is hard to imagine that there is a life growing inside of me. It is too wondrous to behold." Alice hugged her, wondering if Christy was ready to face motherhood in these beautiful, but often deadly mountains. "Neil says we must take one day at a time." "Thy husband is both cautious and wise." "I know that we will becoming parents together. I am afraid of my ignorance, but I pray for help and guidance." "The Lord will hear thy prayers, dearest Christy." The children were all getting into the spirit of Christmas. They were practicing their parts for the Christmas pageant and learning Christmas carols to sing for their parents. As an art project, each child made an ornament for the Mission's Christmas tree. There was a festive mood in the air. The children would be presenting their performance on December 23rd. Christy's family arrived in El Pano. Neil met them with Jeb's wagon. Christy could hardly wait to see them. Neil stopped at the Mission first to unload their luggage. Alice told Neil she would be by the cabin shortly. Christy stood waiting on the porch to catch a glimpse of the wagon. Julia marveled at the changes in her daughter. There was a new maturity about her. The cabin was beautifully decorated for Christmas. It was obvious that Christy and Neil had worked very hard to fix up their home. Judging from the smells that filled the cabin, Christy was becoming a fine cook. Neil had brought Aunt Hattie earlier in the day. Alice arrived just after the Huddleston's reached the cabin. David had refused her invitation to dinner, telling her her needed to polish his Christmas sermon. Christy understood. Their relationship was tenuous at best. Christy believed that it would improve over time. The dinner went well. Julia and William caught Christy up on the Asheville social scene. Neil could tell that his wife was really only interested in the welfare of her family. She really did not care about who attended what ball given by so-in-so, but she would never let her mother know that. After dinner, the men retired to the parlor, while the ladies cleared up the dishes. The following evening was the Christmas pageant. It would be held in the school, and afterwards, everyone would go back to the mission for a jollification, as Ruby Mae called it. Parents arrived at the Mission. Miss Alice had hot spiced apple cider and freshly baked cookies as refreshments. She'd put Julia to work in the kitchen. Everyone was pleased with the pageant. Some of the men of the cove brought their banjos, dulcimers, harmonicas. Jeb played his fiddle and George played the piano. The Christmas music filled the Mission. Parents joined their children in singing carols. It was beautiful to see this moment shared by neighbors and friends. The Huddleston's glimpsed a true meaning of Christmas. David was happy to see so many families at the Mission. Christmas Day was a joyful celebration. Christy and Neil told her family that she was with child. The announcement was received with much happiness, hugs and handshakes all around from the family. David also congratulated them. Neil assured Julia that Christy would receive the utmost tender care. He would watch out for her health and that of the baby. Aunt Hattie was so happy for her nephew. After dinner, George played the piano. Aunt Hattie led the singing. It was truly a special family celebration, and one that would be remembered for years to come. Neil and Christy cherished the memory in their hearts. 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, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part One) Chapter 4: Springtime in the Smokies Neil couldn't wait to get home. Christy would be waiting for him. The cabin was a true home now. It wasn't just a place to sleep or do research. It was a light and cheerful place, love and happiness filled every corner. Christy was sitting on the porch swing Jeb and he had made for her. She was delighted by the splendor of nature's re-birth as Spring chased Winter away. She felt like traipsing in the woods. The mountain laurel was in bloom. It was on days like this when she truly felt Fairlight's absence. Neil came home earlier than she expected. He took care of Duke and then rushed to her side. "How is Toot? she asked as he hugged her. "His ankle is sprained, not broken. He'll be laid up for a few days. He kissed her. She snuggled her head underneath his chin. They sat together enjoying their closeness. As if he could read her mind he said, "let's go for a walk and bring your sketchbook." Intrigued, she nodded happily and went into the cabin to retrieve her shawl. They took the path behind the cabin. Two new rooms had been added on the the back and the back porch had been extended. Neil improved the area where Christy did the laundry. It was closer to the creek. Water could be hauled a shorter distance now to make it easier for her. They followed a different path today and soon found themselves amid a glen full or flowering shrubs. It was a beautiful sight to see. Then Neil led her further on until they came to an area where a waterfall fell about fifty feet into a circular pool. It was an enchanting place. "I feel like I have stepped out of time" she said. "There is magic here" said Neil. "It has always been special to my family." "Why haven't you shown me this place before?" "I wanted to wait until the right time. With everything in bloom, the colors just add the right touch to the landscape. This is one of my special places, and I felt this was the time to share it with you. I thought perhaps you might like to make a sketch while it is in bloom. In summer it is dark and lush with foliage. It can be a cool haven on a warm summer's day. Each season has it's own beauty, but I love it the most in Spring." "Does this place have a special name?" she asked. "My father always referred to it as 'The Glen', but my mother called the Falls 'Bridal Veil Falls' because my father told her once that when the sun shone on the falling water it reminded him of her bridal veil." "That's a beautiful sentiment, Neil." "Yes, it is." "Thank you for sharing this place with me." "You are welcome, Lass. Why don't you rest and make a sketch." The two sat down on a mossy bank. Christy took Neil's hand and placed it on her swollen abdomen. Neil felt the baby move. "I think our babe approves of this place, Christy." "I think so too" she said. He kissed her softly and was enveloped by her sweet scent. 'Thank you heavenly Father' he prayed silently, 'for this true gift of your love.' Christy gazed into his eyes. No words were needed. She kissed him and nestled herself in his strong arms. Life was sweet and she was content. Her heart was home in Neil's fervent embrace. ............................................ Neil rode over to Jeb's place late one afternoon in the Spring. He had waited until Jeb and John had finished with their planting. "Jeb," he said, "I'd like to hire John to plow a garden for Christy." "Of course John will do it," said Jeb, "but we can't take money for it." "I insist, Jeb. It's hard work, and John will earn every penny, believe me." When John came home from school that day his father spoke to him about plowing for the MacNeill's. "Pa, I can't take money from Doc and Miz Christy." "They will insist on it, John" his father replied. "I'll talk to Doc" said John. Neil also spoke to John Holcombe and Bob Allen about Sam Houston, Little Burl and Creed helping Christy with the garden. Both men agreed, hoping this task might keep their boys out of mischief. The following day the boys spoke to Christy at school. "Teacher, we'd be glad to help ya with your garden" said Creed. Sam Houston and Burl nodded their heads in agreement. "Will Doc MacNeill let us keep any arrowheads we dig up?"asked Sam Houston hopefully. "Of course you can" said Christy. "He told me so last night." "When do we start?" They seemed so excited, they could hardly contain themselves. "I'll let you know soon boys. We have to go to El Pano this weekend to buy seed." John Spencer waited until Neil came to pick up Christy. "Doc" he said, "it ain't right for you to pay me." "John" replied Neil, "you work to help support your family. This will be money that you will have earned by very hard work. Believe me." John nodded. He knew he would not win an argument with Doc. Christy smiled and thanked him. "I'll stop by tonight, and you can show me where you want me to plow." "Thank you, John" said Neil. The next day Ben Pentland brought them five letters from Asheville and Baltimore. "Doc, there's a great big crate from Asheville for you and the Missus." "Christy and I will be going to El Pano on Saturday. I'll see if Jeb can spare his wagon." "Well if you cain't, I'll borrow the wagon from the livery and haul it up to you on Monday." He left to deliver letters to the Mission. Christy scanned her letter from her mother. "Neil, my parents are shipping my old crib and high chair. That must be the crate Ben was talking about." "Let me ride over to Jeb's and ask him about the wagon. I won't be gone long, love, I promise. He kissed her softly and left." Christy made herself a cup of herbal tea sweetened with Jeb's sourwood honey. She sat down in her comfortable chair and read her letters from Asheville. Jeb had to go to the feed and grain store for supplies, so he agreed to take Neil and Christy to El Pano on Saturday. Jeb and Clara came by early Saturday morning. It was a beautiful day. The trip to El Pano went quickly. Neil and Jeb kept up a lively conversation. Christy sat in the back of the wagon with Clara, who soon began to doze against Christy. She put her arm around the sleeping child. Neil glanced over his shoulder at his wife. She was enjoying the scenery. Spring in the mountains was a lovely time of year. Wildflowers and shrubs were blooming in profusion. She wished she had brought her sketchbook. Neil imagined their own child pressed against her and was humbled at the thought. When they reached El Pano, they first went to the station to pick up the crate. It wasn't as bulky as Neil thought it would be. The next stop was the feed and grain store. While Neil and Jeb picked out supplies, Clara and Christy looked at seed packets. Choosing an array of vegetable and flower seeds, Christy put them on the counter. She found Neil and told him she would be at the general store. Doc's missus didn't come into town very often. Pretty soon world spread that she was at the general store. As she attempted to fill her shopping list, women came in to pick up something ( anything to give them an excuse to come into the store), and to say hello to the Doc's lovely wife. She found it a bit overwhelming. Neil came in to see what was keeping her. Seven ladies surrounded her. "Good morning, ladies" boomed Neil. "I've come looking for my lovely wife. Has anyone seen her?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye. The ladies laughed and stepped aside. Neil gathered Christy's purchases, and added a few of his own. He had to re-stock his supply of butterscotch, peppermint and licorice drops. Christy purchased ten yards of cotton flannel that she would cut and fold into diapers. She also bought a small sketch book and pencils, so she could sketch some of the flowers she had seen on the trip into town. as Neil carried the packages, held the door open as they left the store, and bid the ladies inside a courteous good-bye.The group flocked to the windows to watch the departing couple. He held Christy's arm as they crossed the street with Clara. He placed the packages into the wagon. Both men had purchased bales of hay. Neil covered the bales with a tarp. Then, he carefully picked Christy up and placed her on the bales, making sure she was comfortable. Jeb did the same with his daughter. "Can you feel seven pairs of eyes boring into your back?" Christy asked Neil. He laughed with her and nodded yes. Then he took her hand and kissed her palm, and winked at Christy. Seven sighs could heard in the store. Neil offered Clara some candy and she chose a butterscotch drop. For the trip home, Christy had prepared a picnic lunch and they stopped along the way to enjoy the meal. When they finally reached the cabin, Jeb helped Neil unload the crate and the hay bales and feed sacks. Bidding the couple good-by, Jeb and Clara went on their way. At Neil's insistence, Christy had gone inside to rest. They had decided that dinner would be a cold collation of leftover chicken and pickled vegetables. When Neil came in from the barn he found her asleep on the couch. He picked her up gently and carried her into the bedroom, covering her with the quilt Jeb had given them for their wedding. Neil slowly unpacked the crate. There was a crib and a chair for the baby when it was a little older. Christy had called it a high chair. Julia had also included baby dishes and spoons that had been Christy's. There were small china bowls and cups with two handles. There was a large package of cotton flannel diapers and baby clothing and blankets. Neil looked at the delicate garments, staring in wonder. They were so tiny. His concentration was broken by a knock at the door. "Good of you to drop by, Dan." "I wanted to leave you some notes for your patient records. Miss Hattie fell, she is bruised. She missed a step going into her cabin. She's fine, but I thought you should know. Miz McHone will be stopping by to see her tonight." "I'll check on her tomorrow. Anything else?" "Joshua Bean Beck broke his toe. He got angry at his brother and tried to kick him, but ended up kicking the table leg instead. It's really got a nasty bruise, very colorful shades of black and blue. I wrapped his two toes together." "Was it Will or Rorex who vexed him?" "Rorex" Dan replied. "I'm not surprised" said Neil. "Did you get a shipment from Asheville?" "Yes." "Need help?" "I'd welcome it, Dan. It's Christy's crib and high chair from when she was a baby." It took them almost an hour and a half to assemble the furniture. "I don't think I could have done this without your help, Dan. Thank you." "You're welcome," said Dan, thinking Neil had come a long way since his own arrival in Cutter Gap to study under Neil's teaching. 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, CBS series and the PAX movies. Title: The MacNeill's (Part One) Chapter 5: Parenthood Christy was alone in the cabin as a summer storm hit the Cove. The rains were raging down, the winds were whipping through the trees. She was truly afraid. Neil had been summoned in the middle of the night by Gabriel Teague, one of Aunt Polly's grandsons. His wife Jessie had severe stomach pains. Christy hated storms. It was five o'clock in the morning. She decided to bake bread, since Neil had brought her fresh yeast from El Pano the other day. She built a fire in the stove. She took the heavy stoneware bowl and mixed the ingredients together. Then she set the bread to raise. She made coffee, prepared breakfast for herself and did the dishes. Christy sat down at the table and wrote letters to her grandmother, her parents, and her dearest cousin, Charlotte. The clock ticked on. She baked the loaves of bread. No sign of Neil. The rain drummed on the cabin roof. Christy hated being confined like this. She was seven months pregnant with her first child, and in awe that she carried a new life within her body. The baby was very active. Christy spoke with her mother on the telephone once a week. Julia and William were both overjoyed at the prospect of being grandparents. They shipped Christy's crib and high chair months ago. Grandmother Rudd had knitted a layette set for the baby in the color of pale yellow. Every week for the past six weeks, Ben Pentland brought packages from Asheville for the baby. Finally, Neil came home. It was almost three o'clock in the afternoon. She ran into his arms as soon as he opened the door. He caught a glimpse of her fear before she masked it from him. "How is Jessie?" "It was appendicitis. Classic text book procedure. Surgery went like clockwork. She'll be fine. Her sisters Lucy and Jennie came to help look after her." "You look exhausted, Neil. Why don't you get out of those wet clothes, and I will make you some hot soup and fresh baked bread with butter. Then you can get the sleep you need." Christy quickly put together a nourishing meal for Neil. After he'd eaten, he walked to the rocking chair and lit his pipe. Christy joined him. He held her on his lap, and kissed her softly. The baby began to move. "The baby is happy you are home" she said to him. Neil chuckled as he placed his hand on Christy's abdomen. He looked deeply into her beautiful, blue eyes. "Lass" he started to say. "Not another word" she replied. "I want you to rest for a few hours, no arguments." She got off his lap and took his pipe. She gently placed it on the mantle. He stood up and hugged her, lovingly placing a soft kiss on her sweet lips. "No arguments" he said, and he walked into their bedroom to rest. Christy sat down in the rocking chair and smiled to herself. Neil was home safe. She picked up her Bible and began to read her favorite passages. .................................... Weeks later Christy was hot and tired and as Neil told Jeb "A wee bit cranky." She was at the end of her eighth month, and very aware of her appearance. Neil was extremely careful not to mention the words "size" or "weight" in any context in any conversation. In truth, she had not really gained a lot of weight. She was all baby. But, she was very, very sensitive about her size. "Let's take a walk" he suggested late one morning. They packed a small picnic lunch and Neil led her to their favorite mountain meadow. Wildflowers bloomed in profusion. Neil placed a blanket on a grassy bank of a brook babbling through the meadow. As they sat down, Christy said, "Neil I am so hot and uncomfortable." He took off her shoes and stockings, and had her dangle her feet in the water. He wet a cloth and she refreshed her face and neck with the cool water. They lay on the bank, side by side, projecting what life would be like once the baby was born. They had chosen names, if the baby was a boy, he would be called Neil Edward Duncan; if a girl, she would be called Catherine Alice. "I'm scared, Neil. What if I'm not a good mother to our baby? What if I don't know what to do in an emergency? Remember Iris? If Opal hadn't come we could have lost her! "Lass, you'll be a good mother. We'll do our best by our child. Life is a learning process. The baby won't be born with a study manual. We'll work with each other. I'll be here as often as I can be, I'll not leave you alone unless I have to attend to patients. I'll rely on Dan and Alice for coverage. Christy, you must believe in yourself and we must trust in God's plan for our family." He hugged her and kissed her and tried to calm her fears. "Christy, you have to focus on yourself and the baby. Everything is ready. We moved my laboratory into the new addition, and our bedroom into the old one so you wouldn't have to climb the stairs. You've fixed up the nursery area in our room. You've made plenty of diapers for the baby. The cradle and crib are waiting to be occupied. I hope that I am here when you start labor, but we now have the telephone so that we can call Alice at the Mission and your parents in Asheville. I'm sure we'll have unexpected things happen. Life is like that. She nodded and gently touched his cheek with her hand. "I know." "My love, we are in this together. You don't have to bear the brunt of this all this alone. I know that the men of the Cove have very distinct ideas of what is considered women's work. Christy love, I can cook, and I can clean. I can do laundry and pick vegetables from the garden. I don't feel I'll be less of a man if I have to wash your petticoats!" "Neil" she said, "that earned you a kiss, for sure. I wish it could be more." She kissed him soundly. "In time my love, in time, we'll be able to resume our physical loving of each other" he softly replied. ............................. Three weeks later Neil was in Raven Gap. Christy's back was aching. She telephoned the Mission and told Alice how she was feeling. After answering a few questions, Christy was assured that Alice was on her way to the cabin. Two hours later, Christy's water broke. Alice helped Christy change into a nightgown and helped her into bed. She cleaned up the floor, and put Christy's clothes in a washtub to soak. Throughout the hours of labor Alice attended Christy. She loved this young woman like a daughter and Christy returned that love. 'You are my second mother, and my baby will love you like no other Granny' she thought. Neil arrived home during the last stages of labor. Seeing his son being born was the greatest gift Neil ever received. His cheeks were wet with tears of joy as Alice passed him the infant. He cleaned the baby and wrapped him in warm flannel blankets. He said a prayer of thanksgiving for seeing his wife through her labor safely and giving him a healthy, robust son. Neil Jr. weighed 8 pounds and was 24 inches long. He would grow up to be as tall and brawny as his father. Alice left them, kissing Christy on the forehead, giving Neil a hug. Later, Neil called Julia and William in Asheville to inform them that their first grandchild had arrived a few days early. They were thrilled at the news, and planned to come to Cutter Gap as soon as it could be arranged. When Christy woke, she took the baby from Neil and began to nurse her son. Tears filled Neil's eyes as he watched in awe and wonder at the beautiful sight before his eyes. It was humbling, truly indescribable, to watch his wife and child in communion with one another in an experience as old as time. Mother and child together forging an unbreakable bond of love. Christy looked up and realized how emotional Neil had become. She smiled at him in such a special, loving way. She communicated to him the overwhelming love she had in her heart at that moment in time. Neil did the same to her. It became their signature smile to one another throughout their long marriage. Whenever they smiled at each other, with the deep heartfelt feelings they had for one another, time would stand still for a moment. It was inexplicable to any one who did not understand the depth of their true love for one another. In future years their children would do the same with their spouses, following their parents loving example. She finished feeding Ned and began to burp him. "May I?" asked Neil. "Of course, my love. Put this over your shoulder. Miss Alice advised me to do that whenever we burp the baby." Neil smiled at her advice, as if he didn't know what to do. Neil took the baby from Christy. His big hands enveloped his son. He held the baby as gently as one might hold a dandelion puff, so as not to disturb it. Tears welled in Christy's eyes. Here was Neil, tall, strong and brawny holding his son like a precious, fragile piece of glass. "He's a miracle, born of our love" Neil said softly. He gently patted the baby's back. Soon they heard the sounds they were straining to hear. Neil placed his son into the cradle, like his forefathers before him. He gently sat down next to Christy, and kissed her sweetly. "Rest, my beloved, I'll be right here beside you." The End of Part One.