DISCLAIMER:  Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by the 
Marshall-LeSourd Family, L.L.C.  We are in no way seeking profit or credit 
for her story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement 
only. Any additions in story line and characters were invented by the 
writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the Christy Mailing List. The 
content of each story is the responsibility of the individual writer. The 
fanfic here is being posted as a service to the Christy mailing list, Pax 
Christy Forum and Alt.tv.christy News Group.


AUTHOR'S NOTE:  What if Neil had gotten on his horse that day and left for 
Baltimore and not come back to tell Christy how he really felt?  It is now 
over three years later.  This is a long story so bear with me as I lay the 
background.  This is my Christmas gift to you, my Christy friends.  I'll 
send it in Chapters.  It is written from Neil's viewpoint.  Thank you.

by SaraJane - sarajane83@hotmail.com

Whispers In The Snow:  The Shortcut

Chapter One

The mug of hot chocolate cut the snow drifted miles from Dr. Neil MacNeill's 
throat while he watched the elderly blacksmith re-shoe his horse's left 
front hoof.  It was less than 4 days until Christmas.  And cold.  Colder 
than cold.  He pulled his coat up around his neck while the chill came clear 
to his bones.  It never used to bother him so much.  Sweat traced the 
wrinkles of the old man's face - Jacob Hodges.  Neil used to see the man in 
his younger days win throws during horse shoe games at the county fair.  How 
the man could find the strength to even lift Charlie's leg was a mystery.  
He looked so frail, like a twig bending in the wind ready to break.  Yet, 
Jacob whistled a tune just as clear and beautiful as Neil had heard many a 
time when he and his mother had ventured to El Pano and Neil found his way  
inside to  watch the blacksmith while his "ma" perused the general store.  
Neil wondered why the old bird was so happy.  It was a Christmas tune.  God 
Rest ye Merry Gentleman.  *Yes*, thought Neil.  *God rest us*.  The new shoe 
was probably a good sale to the poor man.  One thing about money in these 
times; it made everybody smile.

The general store lay just beyond the reach of the smithy's lair so Dr. 
MacNeill made his way inside to see if he could get his share of flames that 
licked around inside the pot-bellied stove before his journey would 
continue.  Inside the store there was a measure of warmth mixed with the 
smell of old wood, harness leather and dry goods.  From behind a long, 
wooden counter a fan hummed a drowsy song, no doubt trying to spread the 
warmth about the room.  It was a trick he had also learned in Maryland.  The 
inside of the place stirred Neil's memory of another store practically a 
twin of this one on the edge of Knoxville, with penny stick candy in jars on 
the counter.  That had been long ago -- so long now that it seemed like a 
dream.

A wry grin touched his generous mouth.  Had he ever been a boy?  Somehow the 
years had become mixed up into a repetition of working days and sleeping 
until all traces of boyhood were lost - save for the fishing.  As he turned 
to place his empty mug on the counter he noticed the calendar and his green 
eyes clouded.  December 21, 1915.  Three years ago when he had left Cutter 
Gap to work in research with colleagues in far away Baltimore.  Physically, 
yes, he had left, but one part of him had remained and it pained him as it 
beat methodically in his chest.  The door to happiness had closed behind him 
shutting out the world.  And her.

Who cared?  Not Frank MacDonald, the Chief of Internal Medicine where he 
worked.  MacDonald had set up fictitious medical charts on patients then 
juggled their accounts into place to blame Neil.  The government had awarded 
Neil a generous grant for his trachoma research only to find MacDonald had 
been moving the monies to fund his own.  Four days ago the President of the 
Hospital had presented him with a check for $2,500 dollars-- a thousand for 
each year, and another half that  Neil had lost in research monies.  "To 
show we're sorry," he had said.

No amount of money paid for those lost years.  As soon as he was found 
innocent his first regard was to return home, home where he had been useful, 
where life had purpose.  He could not have returned any sooner.  He was not 
going to lay such an accusation in the faces of those who trusted him with 
their very lives.  But in the battle he had lost two precious years.  It was 
then he had cut off any and all communication with "home" to spare them the 
pain of his news.  He remembered as the hospital staff whispered to each 
other the day he'd walked back into the hospital.  Now he could return with 
a clear conscience and if they would let him, throw himself into the work of 
a busy country doctor once more.

He had thought about starting a new life elsewhere, but the cabin of his 
family had called to him lately and curiosity had gotten the better of him.  
Moving back to the only window in the store he could see two weathered 
houses, one of them with a barn-like building leaning the way the wind had 
pushed its gaunt frame through the years.  El Pano.  Not much had changed.  
A train depot, a general store, Mrs. Tatum's boarding house, a post-office.  
The newest structure looked to be a one gas pump.  One or two cars lined the 
main street.  Neil would rather have his horse.

He was beginning to grow impatient.  He wished Mr. Hodges would hurry.  His 
shoulders ached from hours of riding.  From his curly blond-red hair down to 
his booted feet his body ached to be horizontal in his old bed.  No doubt 
Charlie would welcome the sight of his old resting place as well.  The 
elderly man came through the door and Neil sighed with relief, then frowned 
as he saw a farmer and a boy about ten years old appear out of nowhere and 
began to engage Mr. Hodges in a conversation.  Both the farmer and the boy 
were dressed in faded bib-overalls and blue work shirts.  No coats.  The boy 
was bare-footed, his blond hair as straight as his body.  The man walked 
with a loose, easy motion, his right hand carrying a galvanized bucket 
filled with eggs.  Except for deep wrinkles bracketing his mouth, his 
features were otherwise healthy looking and clean.

The farmer spoke only a few words.  Neil could see that Mr. Hodges had tied 
Charlie to the railing outside.  As the boy passed by Charlie he suddenly 
reached over and began petting the horse's neck, but the movement made 
Charlie a little skittish.

"Careful there, laddie," cautioned Neil in as friendly a voice as he could 
muster.

The farmer turned and scolded the boy, then grinned as he came through the 
door.  "You'll have to excuse him, Mister.  He don't see such nice horse 
flesh around these parts."

"No problem.  I just didn't want him to be my first patient coming back to 
the area."

"I'll just put Mr. Baker's eggs in the cooler, and...," the store clerk, Mr. 
Benson, said.

The boy came inside, his bright blue eyes darting briefly to the candy 
counter, then edged up near Mr. Baker and stared at Neil, his hands buried 
in his pockets.

Mr. Benson came in from the back room.  "I counted six dozen, Jack.  Right?  
He turned to Neil.  "All right ifn' I take care of Mister Baker, Doc?"

"Sure.  Go ahead," answered Neil, curious to know who these people were.  
They had not recognized him but they had the coloring of dozens of families 
in the cove.

Mister Baker thought for a moment.  "Well, let's see.  Pound of sugar, a box 
of salt, pound of coffee, and a sack of flour ought a do it."  Reaching down 
he tousled the boy's hair, adding, "And a penny's worth of stick candy for 
Gideon."

Mr. Benson added up the items with the stub of his pencil, then frowned.  
"Eggs are down, Jack.  You'll have to leave something."

Neil could feel Mr. Baker's embarrassment and looked away.  Baker chewed his 
lip for a second, then said, "Reckon I can do without the coffee.  Gideon, 
you can pick out your candy."

The boy's face beamed as he moved to the row of jars.  The sight stirred 
Neil.  The boy probably seldom got candy.  He could remember times like 
that.

Neil fingered the change in his pocket.  There was enough to buy the entire 
jar.  Suddenly he froze.  The boy was voicing his choice but in 
unintelligible sounds, and pointed to some peanut-filled candy.  MaryJanes.  
Neil's eyes met Baker's and saw the agony there.  Drawing Gideon to his 
side, Baker said, "He can't talk.  Hearin's fine.  Reckon as long as the 
Lord wanted somethin' wrong with him, this is best.  A man who can't see or 
hear misses too much of life."

Picking up his purchases Baker turned to leave.  On a foolish impulse, Neil 
mutely offered Baker the coffee.  Baker's jaw ridged, then relaxed.  "No 
thanks, mister.  The free coffee would jest spoil me."

As Neil paid for his bill after the farmer and boy left, he said, "Wasn't 
his credit good for a lousy nickel?"  Neil was disgruntled by the whole 
scene.  No coats, no shoes, dead of winter and the man couldn't even afford 
to enjoy the warmth of a simple cup of coffee. He remembered how she had 
first reacted, she...... Life in Cutter Gap had not changed, at least, not 
for that family, and this time during his stay, he was going to do something 
about it.

Chapter Two

 

Mr. Benson handed Neil his change; he pocketed the coins and turned to leave the establishment. The incident before had left him with a depressed feeling. As he
stood outside he was pensive, his eyes trying to see into the past recalling all the times his choices had taken him away from the place he loved and then, the
homecomings. Oh, it wasn’t like when he was gone for a week or two involved in some medical emergency, no; this had been years and with them he had changed,
grown more inside himself, even a little run down. That quick-fired temper which burned hotly before was reduced to embers, though the incident in the store did
bring some color to his cheeks. He swore no one would hurt him again. The one thing he had to be thankful about, which had made the thorny road he had traveled
much brighter, was that he had not gone through it alone. Soon after his whole world had turned upside down he had come face to face with God and they had
become friends.

As he made his way through town he was amazed by the smiles on the faces of those who knew him. A tip of his hat or a wave of his hand brought "howdies" and
"bless my soul" from several citizens. Most amazing was the cavalier statement of Uncle Bogg McHone – "I’ll meet up with ya at yer place in a couple a’ days" and
that was all, just as if the years away had never existed. Two hours had passed since his arrival and if he were to wager a bet, surely half the cove knew he was
there by now. He smiled and the corners of his eyes wrinkled, then his face became sober. Passing out of town his eyes settled on the great deal of road left to
travel. The Mission House was seven miles away, his own home four miles beyond. 

The wind was practically non-existent and Neil was glad. You didn’t want to get caught in deep drifts this time of year. It had been an early snow and so unlike the
area. Heavy snow and blizzards hit mostly in January and February, the times when babies decided it was time to enter this part of the planet. Many a time, wet from
exhaustion and the elements, he would arrive just as the babe was almost born. More and more the women had come to trust him, although he admired the
midwives and their expert practices. He’d not so much minded not being a part of the children's arrival, but he felt his part was to see they survived.

Much later that evening Neil found himself about a mile from the Mission House. He’d had a conversation with his mind while sauntering the path with Charlie. *Do
I push ahead or stop to see Alice? No, it’s late, she’ll not be up. What of Christy and Grantland? Can I face it? Am I over it? If I am over it then why
is my heart pounding so hard in my chest? I’m tired. Charlie’s tired. I could sleep in the barn, I’ve done it before. Yes. I’m too tired to go too much
farther.  I will stop. I must.*

"Charlie," Neil called to his horse, "let’s call it a night at the Mission House. How’d you like that fella?" Neil asked as he patted the horse’s neck. Now that the
decision was made he became anxious to arrive and stirred Charlie into a gallop, then a full run. The cold air on his face felt somehow invigorating at the time. He
came up on a long curve fast, slowed Charlie a little, then accelerated just enough to hold him steady as he felt his hooves grab the road. As he came out of the
curve, there was "the boy" walking near the center. It all happened in seconds—the mouth opened in shock surprise, the eyes filled with fear, Neil fighting for control
and reining Charlie so hard it caused Neil to fall from the horse. The boy was unhurt.

Mr. Baker ran up, breathing hard. "Are you hurt? Lordy, I thought the boy was a goner!"

Neil, dazed, and more than a little out of breath groaned, "Only my pride’s been hurt". Then in exasperation. "What was the boy doing in the middle of the road?"

"Jest a fool notion of walking in the middle. Always has, I reckon," replied Mr. Baker. "I sure thank you, mister, for swerving in time. If’n you hadn’t the boy might a
been killed."

"Yeah, or me" replied Neil getting up and inspecting Charlie. The shoe, the new one, had worked loose. Charlie seemed to favor the opposite leg which didn’t look
good. Neil shook his head. He raised his hand and pointed a finger at the boy. "You ought to have better sense!" In that instant he recalled pointing a finger at Lundy
Taylor admonishing him to listen but it had done little good.

Frightened by Neil’s words, the boy moved nearer Baker. Baker put his arm around the boy’s shoulder, saying, "I know you’re a might unstrung, mister, but I
know, and you know, is was purely an accident."

Reading the fear and hurt in the boy’s eyes Neil replied. "I’m sorry. I was afraid I had killed him." He paused. "There’s a family close by. The Spencers. I’ll just take
my horse there for the night."

"That’s jest down the road a piece," Mr. Baker replied. "That be where we’re headed. We live with the Spencers. I’m his cousin." A big grin lit up his face. " I
know’s you can stay there till you get your horse’s shoe fixed. In the morning I’ll have the boy run to El Pano and fetch the blacksmith. Jeb may even loan us the
wagon."

Neil studied Baker’s appearance. Had Jeb run into hard times as well? Because he was curious to know, he agreed to go. What other choice did he have? Neil
reached out his hand to the man. "No hard feelings. My name’s Neil MacNeill."

They shook hands. Mine’s Jack Baker. Ah already told ya this is Gideon."

"You’re right. I’m too tired to travel anymore tonight and Charlie needs to rest." Neil didn’t say more, didn’t reveal he was a doctor or that Cutter Gap was his
home. For some reason his name wasn’t recognized by the man.

They proceeded to walk slowly with Neil leading Charlie behind him. The road to Jeb’s farm was thick with white powder. It must have fallen farther West from El
Pano. *It’s beautiful* thought Neil. Little prints from some varmint left cris-crossed marks along the road. The farther they walked the more it seemed to Neil that
he had left time behind. From a distance came the lowing of a cow. The woods ending on one side, Neil saw the narrow valley sloping gently at the far end to the
timbered woods of Spencer land. A field of silage looked dry even in the snow. As they moved around the bend Neil saw the familiar split-rail fence. He saw the
cabin and beyond it a small barn. He noted there had been an addition added to the back. Bee hives littered the land to the southeast. It was a welcome sight.

Baker called out as they entered the yard. Jeb was protective of his family. They walked up the steps. The front door opened and a young woman stepped through.
Pre-occupied with watching the boy run between them into the house, Neil finally looked up and thought his heart would beat out of his chest at the sight, for there,
standing right in front of him, was the only woman he had ever truly loved.

Chapter Three - A

 

Neil’s breath caught. *No. Not now. Not like this.* He looked down at the ground to hide his feelings from her, from them. *How is it I can survive all that I
have been through only to be instantly knocked down by a glimpse of her face. If this is what I am to face I cannot do it. This was a mistake. A
mistake. It is too late. Oh God, please help me. Help me. I know it’s wrong but I love her more than life itself.* Obtaining courage from his short prayer,
Neil looked up. Soft blue eyes stared at him with open curiosity. Her lovely brown hair was combed back and pinned into a loose bun at the back enhancing her
flawless ivory complexion. He could smell the odor of fresh baked bread. Her face was flush. *What a blessed man, Grantland is.* 

Christy stepped back into the room, clearly shaken by the meeting and made a path for Jack and Neil to enter, then closed the door. Jack instantly turned to Neil
and looked at Christy.

"Ah guess ah forgot ma’ manners. Christy, this here is Neil MacNeill."

The introduction held great awkwardness as Neil stood looking at Christy, not knowing what to say first. *How do you do? How have you been? How’s
married life?* At that moment the most timely interruption came in the form of Jeb Spencer rushing to the circle holding his arms out, a big grin on his handsome
mountain man’s face.

"Doc! What a surprise! You sure are a sight fer sore eyes!" and as he exclaimed his delight in seeing his old friend he put his arms around him and gave him a warm
hug. Neil was overwhelmed by his generous welcome and he smiled as his eyes clouded over for the second time that day. The Spencer children, upon hearing who
the guest was immediately bombarded him with howdies and smiles, and "right glad ta see ya!" Neil felt a small amount of his apprehension fading at the joy of seeing
the children. It interrupted his fears for the time.

"Doc?" exclaimed Jack. "Doc! This here be the Doc tha everyone’s always talkin’ ‘bout? Shucks, ah feel like a fool. Cain’t recall ever hearin’ yer front an’ back
name, jes’ Doc. How about that!" he stated with a grin and shake of his head.

"You’ll be stayin’ tha’ night" stated Jeb. 

Neil cleared his throat and spoke in a quiet manner. "Ah…..I had not planned on doing so but Charlie’s leg and shoe…we had some trouble on the road……"

"T’were Gideon’s fault, but it came to naught, ‘cept fer the horse. Ah offered fer Gideon ta run ta El Pano in the mornin’ and fetch the blacksmith," offered Jack.

Christy had moved away from the group just after Jeb had greeted Neil. She walked over to the table where she had been preparing supper and thought her legs
couldn’t carry her there but she made it; shaking, she leaned to brace herself against the back of one of the wooden chairs. In unison, both she and Neil thought at
that moment *What is he – she – doing here?*

Neil could feel Christy’s eyes studying his appearance. *No doubt*, he thought, *wondering what she had ever seen in me, that she had even bothered to
once call me "friend"*. She finally found her voice. "Jeb, he could use the spare room out back," then, to Neil directly, "would you like to freshen up before
supper?"

He nodded. He could not speak at the sound of her voice, a voice that had whispered to him across the miles, full of encouragement and faith. It was her whispers
he remembered for they had caused him to listen and not merely just "hear". But all of that was for naught as she had sent him away, or just as good as sent him out
of her life. *I left when she made her choice and I made mine. I am back now, but nothing has changed, at least, not for me. I am weak, Lord. Give me
strength.* He meekly followed her down the hall.

Chapter Three - B


Neil began to feel he was imposing on Jeb by taking up a bedroom.  He didn't 
have an opportunity to talk to him about it as Jeb and Mr. Baker had left 
the cabin to haul in more wood.  The uncertainty of the situation left him 
feeling at a loss on what to do next and therefore he did nothing but take 
what came moment by moment.  He was amazed at the size of the cabin as it 
stood today.  From the front it looked as it always had, and yes, he had 
noticed the addition but it had added so much more space. The one room 
holding all their living was now divided into spaces.   Jeb had a large 
family and what with Gideon and Mr. Baker there the space was a real 
necessity.  *Does Baker have a wife?  Has Jeb re-married?*  And still yet on 
his mind, *what is Christy doing here?*  There was no sign of another woman 
that Neil could see except Zady.  Zady was all grown up. She had turned out 
to be a warm and lovely young lady.  *Funny.... how you think time stands 
still, like when you're young and you remember the picture window being so 
big and then as an adult you find it was just a normal-sized window.*  Neil 
continued to let the thoughts stream through his mind until they came upon a 
small room at the back left.

Christy walked inside with the pitcher of water and set it on a crudely made 
dresser.  Neil stepped in, his shoes making a loud sound on the wooden 
floor.  She opened one of the drawers and pulled out a towel.  Then she 
turned to look at him.

"I could heat up some water for you after supper when we get our dish water 
ready.  "It's a comfortable bed" and she ran her hand across the 
counterpane, then decided to pull the extra quilt from the end of the bed 
over the entire cover.  It was one of Failight's quilts, done in hues of 
blue.  Beautiful.  Neil laid his medical bags and leather pack on the floor 
next to the bed.  "It does get cold in here at night because the heat 
doesn't reach this far with the door closed.  You may want to sleep with the 
door open, but..." and for the first time a little smile presented itself on 
her face "you'd probably have a few curious visitors as the children haven't 
seen you in such a long time."

She began to pull the top cover down and fluffed the feather pillow.  
"Ah....I can do that, Christy.  You don't need to wait upon me.  I rather 
expected to sleep in the barn with Charlie tonight, at the Mission, but 
Gideon...."

"Gideon needs to learn to listen, but he's got a good heart.  He wants to 
please, he just tries too hard."

Neil grabbed onto the bedpost looking deep into her eyes.  He couldn't help 
himself.  They stood looking at each other with so many unanswered questions 
lying deeply within.  "Christy....."

Christy abruptly moved to the door and before she shut it she said, "Supper 
will be on the table in ten minutes."

***********************************************************************

After eating a helping of rabbit stew with country gravy, green beans and 
raw fries, Neil pushed his plate away with a deep sigh and looked at Jeb.  
"I haven't had a meal as good as this one in ages."  Zady smiled.  Then to 
Christy in a voice filled with amazement, "You're a good cook!"

Christy got up from the table and began to remove the dishes.  "I've had a 
lot of experience, I guess.  There was a time I thought you liked my 
cooking" she said matter-of-factly which drew a frown on the brow of Jack 
Baker.

"My Fairlight, now she could cook!" joined in Jeb and with that comment 
there were "ayes" all around the table.  Christy smiled her thanks anyway 
while Jeb suggested the men retire.  "You youngin's git to bed, now" and his 
order was met with disappointed groans.  Neil sat down by the fireplace.

"We was hopin' fer a story from Doc MacNeill."

"No stories tonight.  It's late.  Cain't you see the Doc be plumb wore out?  
Now get along, all of ya."  They each scattered to their respective sleeping 
places with Gideon leaving last, standing in the doorway staring at Neil 
until his father cleared his throat loudly so that Gideon took off like he'd 
been struck by a thunderbolt.

"The boy's so afraid he's gonna miss out on somethun" Jack said.

"I remember being the same way.  Can't say I blame him, " answered Jeb.  
"I'm ready to call it a night" and he and Jack left the room.  Neil did not 
attend to where they went as he stared into the flickering flames.  How many 
times had he come to this cabin, this very place, to be an answer to their 
fears when a child lay sick with the fever or dropped from a tree and broken 
an arm.  The payments in honey, the meals shared, the love and respect they 
had mutually shared.  For a man with hardly any family Neil realized these 
people had been his lifeline to all that was good in the world.  Then, there 
was the worst memory of all.  Fairlight.  It was as deep a loss as if they 
had been blood.  Neil wasn't ready to be alone with his thoughts so he 
remained a little longer while Zady and Christy cleaned up.  Before he 
realized it, Neil's head began to nod.  He was wakened by a soft hand on his 
shoulder.

"Neil" she called, and before she moved away he felt her hand squeeze his 
shoulder.  He looked down and for the first time noticed there was no ring 
on her finger.  Shouldn't there be?  Did she take it off?  Surely she was 
married by now, but to whom?  He looked up only to see her move to the back 
of the house and he heard a door close.  In his sleepy haze he got up and 
stretched and moved to the room she had showed him earlier.  *She was 
sleeping here tonight.  Oh what sweetness to know she is near.  But with 
who?  And where is Grantland?*


************************************************************************
Please see the first chapter for the disclaimer.

Whispers in the Snow: The Shortcut

By SaraJane - sarajane83@hotmail.com

Chapter Four

It seemed he had no more than closed his eyes when he was wakened by 
Christy's voice calling him to breakfast.

Fifteen minutes later they were alone in the kitchen.  His eyes never left 
her as she moved about from the squat kitchen stove to the tall maple 
cabinet as she sat before him a plate of eggs, biscuits, and strong, black 
coffee.  He couldn't remember food tasting so good.  Being alone with her 
only heightened his sense of well-being.

When Christy sat down with a cup of coffee he noticed how graceful her hands 
were as she toyed with her cup.  Neil ate like a man in prison savoring his 
last meal.  He knew he would be out the door today, at least he earnestly 
hoped so.  He couldn't take another night like the one he had last night.  
Dreams came and went in the night and with them his hope for a quiet 
entrance into his old life.

Finished and just sipping the rest of his coffee he politely thanked Christy 
for the nice breakfast.  "It's just simple food, Neil" Christy replied.  
There, she'd said his name again.  It was too much and he let out a long 
sigh.  She raised her cup and then stared at him over the rim.

"You didn't sleep well.  My room is next to yours.  I could hear you 
mumbling and tossing..."

"Next to mine?  Ah....I slept fine--fine," he said quickly, perhaps too 
quickly, and she frowned.  The thought that she had been that close at hand 
was disconcerting.  "I was more tired than I thought, I guess.  I hope I 
didn't keep you awake.  There was a pause.  "Where's Mr. Baker?"

"Oh, he's out helping Jeb with chores this morning."  It seems a calm day.  
He wanted me to tell you they'll be having Mr. Hodges over to check on 
Charlie today.  He and Jeb have been working part-time in El Pano at the 
sawmill to tide us over for the winter.  The bee business was pretty good 
this year but we've had a serious drought.  There wasn't much of a crop this 
year.  I feel sorry for Jeb and Jack.  They work so hard.  Life is often 
very hard on a farm," she said matter-of-factly.

Neil swallowed up the courage to ask.  "What are you doing here Christy?"

"This is my home, Neil."

She got up and glanced through the kitchen window that looked out on the 
hills.  "You of all people know it isn't always like this.  The autumn is so 
beautiful--full of color, and I love the winter with its clean drifts of 
snow along the hills."  She smiled softly.  "And spring always brings new 
hopes."

Neil got up to stand behind her his voice just above a whisper in her ear.  
"But this...this is so different."

Christy continued to look out the window.  "Different?  I'm just a city girl 
who happened to come to Cutter Gap in hopes of helping make a difference as 
a school-marm.  That my life has taken an unexpected turn doesn't matter.  
What's important is that I am here and I pray I am making a difference.  I 
owe it to them."

"Owe what and to whom?" asked Neil.  Christy turned and as she did Neil 
backed away.

Christy looked up at him and smoothed the apron tied around her waist.  "I 
wish I could speak of it, but I can't Neil.  Not right now."  *This 
conversation was getting too serious*, she thought.  *I need to change the 
subject*.  She moved away and began clearing the dishes from the table.  
Suddenly she turned to him and a smile swept over her face.  Neil was taken 
aback by it.  "I will tell you something which I find quite amusing.  Creed 
Allen is now the Teacher's assistant at the Mission School."

Neil laughed.  "I cannot believe it."  To hear him laugh brought such joy to 
her heart.

"You should laugh more often," she said.

"Why?" he asked, his eyes searching hers, moving his face closer.

She drew back, lowering her eyes for a moment, then raised them saying "You 
look happier--less serious, less worrisome."  She broke off, looked away, 
then back.  "I'm sorry, Neil, I don't mean to pry."  Again she paused for a 
short length, then, in a more light-hearted manner, "I suppose as soon as 
Charlie's leg is fixed you'll be on your way, perhaps to some high 
adventure."

Her remark caught him momentarily off-guard.  Recovering quickly, he smiled. 
  "Not really.  I'm just a country doctor desiring the cabin of my 
ancestors, and hopefully, a purpose in life again."

"You can go where you wish, why come back?"

Neil didn't know why but a boldness came over him and he took advantage of 
the steadiness he was feeling.  "I just want to be home, Christy.  Where the 
people are that I love and care about.  That's all."  Reaching out, he took 
her hand.  She didn't resist.  "What about you, Christy?  Tell me about 
you."

"Me?  My life is, I suppose it's.....I....."

They were interrupted by Gideon slamming the door as he came in.  Neil 
dropped Christy's hand.  Gideon entered the kitchen area carrying a shoe 
box.  He began to make noises to Christy.  She turned to him with patience 
and compassion.  "He wants us to sit down."  Gideon opened the box and 
brought out an arrowhead.  Neil immediately thought of Sam Houston.  How was 
Sam Houston and what had become of him in the last three years?  With a shy 
smile Gideon offered the arrowhead to Neil.  Neil frowned, glancing at 
Christy.

"He wants you to have it," she said.  "It's a prayer arrow--his favorite.  
He and Sam Houston have won ribbons at the county fair with their 
collections."

Neil picked it up and studied it.  This one appeared to be flawless, with 
its shades of dark and light red rippling to a fine point.  After a moment 
he handed it back to Gideon.  "No, thank you, I cannot take it."

Gideon's face faded to a look of hurt.  Giving Christy a glance he picked up 
the arrowhead and shuffled from the room.  Christy was on her feet 
instantly, running after him, calling his name.  Returning a moment later, 
she returned, her eyes blazing, "Why did you hurt him like that?"

Neil brought a hand up to his face to hide a smile.  This was the Christy he 
remembered.  The champion of the children.  Would she ever understand he was 
one as well?

"Oh, you think its funny, d'you?" she said.  "Jack told me what you said to 
him in the road about sense."  Her eyes narrowed then softened.  "He's a 
fine boy.  Very smart and hopes someday to be a doctor!  Jack and 
I....that's all we work and plan for."

Neil felt his chest had been blasted by a 30 gage shot gun.  *She's married 
to Jack?*  "Christy, you don't understand.  It's worth a lot of money - it's 
perfect.  It would break up his collection."

"That's a poor excuse, Neil MacNeill.  There's more to it than that.  You 
made him feel responsible for your accident.  All he was trying to do was 
make it up to you with the only thing of value that he has, and you treated 
it as if it were nothing."

Neil groped for words that wouldn't come.  Nothing.  He knew what nothing 
was.  How did you explain years of agony while people thought you were a 
criminal even though you were totally innocent.  Years of trying to hold 
conversations with people without them looking at you with unsure eyes; 
working as a pharmacy assistant in some corner drug store, passed by when 
the owner suddenly fell ill of a stroke in the store last Christmas only to 
be told to go and get a "real" doctor.  Here, standing in front of him was 
the most innocent woman he had ever known.  How could she understand?  He 
understood Gideon's gesture.  Sure, he'd been pardoned--the slate wiped 
clean, surely as a teacher she could understand that analogy.  But....the 
scars were still there.  Time was a healer, so they say.  Unable to find the 
right words Neil stood abruptly leaving the room, moving to put on his coat 
and check on Charlie in brooding silence, hiding the tears which had fallen 
from his eyes.

Chapter Five


For the first time in three years, out of nowhere, he was brazenly faced 
with his feelings for Christy.  That he loved her was never the issue.  He 
loved her enough to leave and ensure her happiness at the cost of his, and 
he loved her enough to stay away.   He had thought time apart would have 
mended his broken heart.  It had not.  *God.  Why are you doing this?  What 
am I to learn from this experience*?   A moment ago she had responded to 
him, she had allowed him to hold her hand.  Surely as a married woman he had 
breached the confines of good judgment with her.  There were no simple 
answers.  Life was not a multiple choice where you struck the obvious 
answers in favor of the most likely, correct one.  Yesterday life had no 
purpose. Today it had meaning.  As much as he wanted to go back inside and 
tell Christy everything, he couldn't do it for fear she would reject him 
completely.

Hearing the gate to the barn squeak, he looked up to see Jack and Jeb 
leading Mr. Hodges into the barn.  He followed them inside.  An hour later 
Charlie was saddled and ready to go.  Mr. Baker nodded his head at Neil and 
led Gideon out of the barn and back to the house.  Zady came running from 
the house with a basket tucked under her arm.  "Miss Christy says you're to 
take this with ya, Doc.  We wouldn't want ya ta be starvin' yer first day 
back to yer cabin."  She smiled up at him as Neil bent down from his place 
on the horse and pulled the basket up to his saddle.

"Thank you, Zady.  I'm beholding."

"Nonsense Doc," she replied.

"Ah'll be by yer place in a couple of days if that's alright, Doc MacNeill.  
Ah got that hay fer you an' ah got something on my mind that needs getting 
out," Jeb said as he looked up at Neil.  Neil nodded his assent.

Neil led Charlie back to the path, and down the road he went not looking 
back.  The air was crisp but the sun had come out to fool those tucked 
inside their warm and cozy cabins that they could venture outside with nary 
a care to don a coat or hat.  Funny how the days when the sun shone outside 
were some of the coldest but Neil understood the clouds were a welcome sight 
in winter as well for they were like blankets in the atmosphere keeping the 
cold from getting down to the air beyond. In hardly any time Neil caught 
sight of the Mission House.  Not much had changed.  The church stood off to 
one side looking like a pastoral painting decked with crisp snow on the roof 
and the cross at the top shone like a beacon against the robin's egg blue of 
the sky.  Neil led his horse to the house, jumped off and tied Charlie to 
the railing.  He made his ascent up the steps and stopped at the door.  He 
knocked.  He could hear footsteps coming and then the door opened.  It was 
Alice Henderson.  After a slight pause she found her voice.  "Neil.  Neil!  
Thou art a sight for sore eyes.  Come on in!"

Neil stepped inside and received a warm hug and welcome from Alice before he 
had a chance to remove his coat.  "Well, let me look at you.  How have you 
been?  Would you like something warm to drink?  Please come to the kitchen 
and let me fix you something."

Neil followed Alice to the familiar kitchen while she poured him a cup of 
coffee and set it in front of him.  He had conflicting memories in this 
house and his mind was determined to cling to the ones that had the warmest 
remembrances for him.  "Would thee care for something to eat?"

"No, thank you, Alice.  I had a big breakfast at the Spencers."

Alice gave Neil a knowing look.  *How much does he know*?

Alice sat at the table and proceeded to bring Neil up to date on the Mission 
House and the medical concerns in Cutter Gap.  "The doctor in El Pano has 
done a wonderful job but some days it was mighty hard taking care of folks.  
I want to thank thee, Neil, for the money and medical supplies thou hast 
continued to send our way these past few years.  We could not have managed 
without them.  I trust thee has received my letters?  Why did thee not 
answer?  I haven't heard from thee in almost two years.  I would have become 
worried except for the fact that the supplies kept coming."

"I'm sorry, Alice.  I tried to write several times but I never sent the 
letters.  Please forgive me for any worry I may have caused you."

*Is this the Neil MacNeill I know?  "Of course, Neil.  May I ask what thee 
is doing here in Cutter Gap?"

"I'm coming home, Alice," Neil replied plain and simple.

"You'll find there's been a few changes since you left."

"I'm already beginning to realize that, Alice.  I don't want to stay long 
today; I am anxious to get up to my cabin.  I may see you at church on 
Sunday."  With that statement Neil got up, took his coat from the chair and 
put it on.  "Don't look so shocked, Alice.  You'll find there's been a few 
changes with me, too" he said with a small grin.

"Well, that's all right, Neil.   We'll see you on Sunday, then."

At the door Neil turned to Alice.  "Just a couple of questions, Alice.  Is 
David Grantland still here and is Christy married?  I'm sorry, Alice, I need 
to know.  I hope you understand."

Alice looked down at the floor.  "Yes.  David is still here."  Neil looked 
surprised.  She read his reaction to her answer.  "Yes, I'm as surprised as 
thee is for I thought David would be back in Boston by now.  He's proved to 
be an admirable asset to the ministry.  Christy is not married...but someone 
else you know is."

Neil's eyebrow curved up in question.  Alice brought out her hand to show 
him the ring on her finger.  "Dr. Ferrand and I.  Almost two years now."

"Well, well.  Congratulations, Alice," Neil said with genuine pleasure.  
"How long has Christy...."

"Not long after you left.  I am sure you don't have time for the whole story 
now, Neil.  Come back and talk to me or David about the reasons."

"I'll do that, Alice."  Neil reached over and patted Alice's shoulder in 
thanks for the information and walked through the door and down the steps.  
Alice closed the door and leaned against the inside.  "Lord.  Bring some 
good tidings to that man's life."

**********************************************************************

Neil was at the edge of his land and it was a good thing for the snow had 
become thick and made the journey more difficult though Charlie kept up his 
pace well considering he'd had to be re-shoed twice now in the last two 
days.  Neil's initial worry over his other leg had come to nothing and for 
that, he was grateful.  Reaching the barn Charlie let out a whiney in 
recognition of the home that had been his several years before.  Neil could 
see that someone had been to the cabin recently and removed snow making a 
path from the house to the barn.  Smoke filled the chimney and left a wood 
smell in the air, a smell that Neil loved.  The porch had also been shoveled 
along with the steps.  *Yes.  Word has gotten out that I'm back* thought 
Neil.  What an unexpected welcome.  It brought joy to his heart.  *Lord.  
I'm here.  You're here.  You rescued me and have been with me from the 
beginning and now to the end.  My mind has so many questions but I know the 
answers lie in you.  In my weakness, you are strongest.  When I'm all alone 
I know that you are here.  Thank you.  Amen*.

Inside the cabin Neil found a fire that looked to be about two hours old.  
The floor had been swept, the tables and counters wiped down with a pine 
cleaner.  His bed so long awaited was still unmade but clean sheets were 
lying on top of the mattress along with a couple of quilts he recognized 
from childhood.  He left the room and made his way to the kitchen.  He had 
placed the basket on the counter in the little kitchen area and set his 
medical bags over the chair by the small dining table.  He recalled sitting 
there many a night under the light of the lantern reading his medical 
journals in search of an answer to a perplexing set of symptoms, or filling 
his own private pharmacy.  Some nights he fell asleep there only to awaken 
in the morning with a "crick" in his neck.  Moving to the fireplace he 
placed another log on the fire.  It felt good.  Better than good.  In the 
next couple of days he'd have to spend his time cutting wood to ensure 
adequate heat.   Today was December 22. * Three more days until Christmas*.  
He was glad his Aunt Hattie had moved to Knoxville for the winter months.  
She was getting on in years and finding the cold harder to deal with.  A 
second cousin, Anna B., had made the offer and Neil had strongly advised her 
to go.  While he had not written to Alice, which he felt badly about, he had 
kept tabs on what was happening with his Aunt.  For that he felt no cause 
for guilt.
*I'll just keep myself so busy for the next few days that I won't even 
realize Christmas has come and gone*.

The first order of business was to feed Charlie.  Carrying a 50 pound sack 
of oats on Charlie's back was asking a little much of the horse to bear his 
own meal; Neil had arranged to get hay from Jeb and supposed Jeb would be 
bringing it in a couple of days so Charlie was taken care of.  Meanwhile, 
Charlie managed to graze some tender grass he found through parts of drifted 
snow.

The end of the next day found Neil laying a stock of wood inside the cabin 
and the woodpile had grown to several feet.  Another pile lay neatly stacked 
outside in a lean-to.  Neil felt like every muscle in his body was crying.  
What he needed was a good hot bath.  Hauling water in winter was an 
unwelcome task but the growing need for the bath had won out over reason.  
Feeling he had made a hundred trips until he had enough water gave him a 
feeling of accomplishment as he had gotten the water hot and poured into the 
galvanized tub.  It was noon time.  Some say it was an off time for bathing 
but living alone had its rewards in that no one could tell you when you had 
to do something, it was strictly up to you.

Neil stoked the fire in the fireplace until the large room was good and 
warm.  He then removed his clothes and sank into the welcome warmth of the 
water.  He washed away the dirt and grime and the aches and pains and 
relaxed for a moment and closed his eyes.  He had almost fallen asleep when 
there came a knock at his door.

Chapter Six

December 23, 1915

Startled, Neil quickly grabbed the towel lying on the floor.  "Just a 
minute," he yelled.  Taking it up towards him to shield himself he called 
"come in."  The door opened and Jeb Spencer walked slowly inside, then 
seeing Neil he turned to go to the fireplace.  Neil sighed in relief.  He 
had not thought about being interupted.  He had spent too many months in a 
normal job where you could count on work time and free time.  Thank goodness 
it was only Jeb.  What if it had been Christy?  He smiled.  Well, it 
wouldn't have been the first time.

Putting his hands together and standing in front of the fire Jeb began to 
talk quickly.  "Doc, we need ya back at ma place.  It's Gideon.  He's lost 
and Miss Christy is beside herself with worry." Neil exited the tub and 
quickly dried himself off,pulled on some clothes, tightened his belt and sat 
on a chair to put on his socks and shoes.

"What happened?"

"This morning Miz Christy and ah was having a serious talk about her a 
staying there.  Ah told her she'd have ta leave the first of the year on 
account of me asking  Jillian Tatum ta marry me.   Jillian moved in with her 
Ma last year and we kind of hit it off If'n ya know what ah mean.  It ain't 
like Fairlight, but ah do love her.  Jillian and ah been talkin' and we both 
decided it would be better if we could have a fresh start together as a 
family.  You know how ma youngin's feel about Miz Christy.  Opal agreed it 
were fer tha' best.  Christy done got all upset an' Jack, he were no help 
a'tall.  He gets down on one knee in the middle of the whole thang an' asks 
her ta marry him.  It were too much fer Gideon when she refused.  Said she 
didn't love him that way."

Jeb, who had sat down in a cane rocker, played with his hat.  "How long 
ago?" asked Neil.

"About three hours ago."

Neil rubbed his chin, looked at Jeb, then walked over to where his medical 
bags lay, picked them up with one hand and his coat with the other.  "We'd 
best be making tracks, Jeb."  Both men flew out the door, Neil to saddle 
Charlie and Jeb to unhitch the wagon load of hay.  In no time both obstacles 
to their departure had been accomplished and they sped off to the Southeast.

***********************************************************************

Jeb and Neil arrived to find Christy standing on the porch.  Practically 
leaping off, Christy ran towards the woods.  She had promised Jeb she'd stay 
put until his return and now that he was there she could look for Gideon 
herself.  Neil raced after her, finally catching up to her and grabbing her 
by the arm to slow her down.  "Whoa, Christy.  Slow down."

She pushed him roughly away.  "Don't try to stop me," she said, her eyes 
filling with tears.

""Please," he said.  "Maybe I can help" called Neil as he caught her arm 
again.

She twisted from his grasp.  "Gideon is upset.  Now he's disobeyed us.  He 
isn't ever to wander in the woods alone or go to the river by himself.  And 
do you know why, Neil?  If he got into trouble nobody would hear him.  You 
understand?  He might drown."  Turning, she raced on.

Neil frowned, though slowly, trying to push aside the anguish in her voice 
that had cut deep.  What had he done except try to help?  All rivers had 
dangerous traits; a bad under-current, drop-offs, maybe quicksand, and in 
winter, the temperature itself.  Surely the boy knew better than to enter 
the river this time of year - he was familiar with the dangers.

He began to hurry his pace as he saw Christy disappear into the woods.  Just 
before he reached the edge of the river, five minutes later, he saw the 
three of them coming around a curve in the path.  Christy was dabbing her 
eyes with a handkerchief.  Baker was grim faced.  "Found him sittin' on a 
stump.  Ah was tempted to wail tha' daylights outta him.  Ain't got tha' 
heart.  Reckon since he didn't go any further, to tha' river, he minded 
after all."

Neil took a deep breath and let it out.  He felt a great weight had dropped 
from his shoulders.  His medical bags wouldn't be needed after all and he 
was glad of it.  "Baker, I'd like a word with you."

"Sure."

Christy and Gideon moved on.  "Christy worries her fool head off over that 
boy."

Neil studied Jack while he deliberately slowed their pace.  In the few short 
hours he had known this man, for some reason he had grown to like this tall, 
lean fellow who smelled of sweat.  What was it that had put those deep lines 
in his otherwise smooth face?  He sensed it had something to do with the 
boy--something that had happened in the past.  Whatever it was it had to 
involve Christy.

Jack broke the long silence between them, giving Neil a sidelong glance.  
"Christy told me about the arrowhead."

Neil squirmed inside.  "I'm really sorry about that.  I was wrong."

"You had yer reasons," Jack replied.  He paused for a moment to stare at 
Neil, then continued. "I've noticed the way you look at Christy.  I reckon 
yer curious about 'us'.  So I reckon you have a right ta know a few thangs.  
Christy and ma wife became friends shortly after ah moved in with Jeb.  That 
was after you left to go to the city.  One day, Claire, ma wife, Christy and 
the boy went swimming.  It were a hot day, probably tha hottest a' tha' 
year.  Twas almost three years ago.  Christy was engaged to tha Preacher."

"I know."

Jack paused and Neil saw the lines deepen around his eyes.  He waited 
patiently for him to continue.  "Claire got into deep water and got the 
cramps.  Christy was playing with the boy in the shallow water---she cain't 
swim.  Miz Christy took Gideon to the shore and turned to help Claire but 
the water were too deep.  Her body were found a week later downriver.  
Christy's never stopped blaming herself.  She vowed she'd raise tha 
boy--take tha' place of his mother."

Neil stared at the ground in silence.  What torment Christy must have 
suffered all these years.  How well he knew what the suffering was like.  
"Christy's a fine gal," he heard Jack say. "I hate ta' see her wastin' her 
young years.  She shoulda been married by now an' raisin' youngins of her 
own."  Letting out a long sigh, he added, "I don't hold ta' what she's 
doing.  They asked her ta' leave the Mission.  Said it weren't right her 
living with two unmarried men and all.  We've both tried ta' talk some sense 
inta her, but it don't do no good.  With Jeb gettin' married she'll have ta 
leave, though ah sure will be sorry to see her go.  I've been mighty 
grateful fer all her help."

So that was the story.  Neil tried to piece it together in his mind.  He had 
left for Baltimore and she had remained engaged to Grantland.  Some time 
shortly after his departure Jack and his boy had moved in with the Spencers. 
  That summer Gideon's mother had drowned and Christy had felt responsible 
so she left the safety of her job as teacher, or rather, was asked to leave 
and moved in with Jeb and Jack to help raise the boy.  The engagement to 
Grantland was off?  She had refused to marry either Jeb or Jack as she did 
not desire a loveless marriage.  What the poor girl had been through.

They were some distance from the house when a man arrived on a horse and 
tied him to the railing.  Baker grunted.  "Jim Benson," he said, answering 
the question in Neil's eyes.

"Benson?  Who is he?"

Baker chuckled lightly.  "Fella that's been trying ta spark Christy fer 
about two years or so.  Owns tha' bank in El Pano.  Hard worker, ah' been 
told."

"Is she serious about him?" Neil asked, feeling a wave of jealousy sweep 
over him.  A moment later the feeling intensified by seeing Christy and 
Gideon come out of the house and talk to him.

"Some, maybe," Jack replied.

Neil stared at Jack momentarily.  "I know it's none of my business, but how 
come you haven't married her before this?  To me, it would only seem natural 
with your being together all this time.  She's a beautiful woman..." He let 
the words drag out as he saw Baker's face turn red.

"She loves someone.  Won't give her heart ta nobody else.  It's like them 
ducks you see in the pond.  Mate for life.  With her, that's a love of a 
lifetime, but ah don't know who.  She would never tell me."

Neil bit his lip.  Touching Jack's arm lightly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Baker."

After a moment Baker's face relaxed into a smile.  "If'n it makes you feel 
any better, Christy's more like a sister ta me."  He paused, his face 
clouding up, then added, "Right now, I wonder where you be sittin' with 
her?"

"I honestly don't know."

They had reached the house.  Christy's visitor tipped his hat to them and 
rode away.  Jack turned to Neil, "Talkin's good sometimes."

Christy looked at them both and went inside the house.  Jack's face was 
impassive as he paused to look at Neil.  Neil picked up a stone that had 
fallen on the porch and toyed with it a moment, then said, "What kind of 
person would you say I am, Jack?"  He had used his front name.  "I mean, 
what do you think of me?"

Twas a strange request coming from a man who usually never cared what people 
thought.  "Wa'll, you act like a man that's lost somethin' and ain't quite 
sure where ta look fer it."

Neil stopped toying with the rock.  *Was it that plain?  Had Christy seen 
this in him, too*?  Baker was far more astute than he originally had 
thought.  Baker went on.  "Now you take a few days ago.  There you was in 
tha little country store, dressed in nice clothes and ridin' a mighty fine 
piece of horse flesh.  You looked as tuckered out as a sick hog, and about 
as cranky and put out on tha' road as a man with a bad stomache ache.  When 
you came roun' tha' curve you were sure in a hurry ta git somewhere's, or 
runnin' from somethin' and don't know where ta run."

Neil drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.  "You'd make a good 
fortune-teller, and which do you think it is?"

Baker suddenly stretched his long legs and arms, saying, "Well, I'd say ya 
was runnin; from somethin' cause you seemed in an all-fired hurry ta git 
where ever ya was headed."

Neil had been staring out at the fields as Jack spoke.  Now he turned to 
stare directly at him.  "What if I told you I am in love with Christy?"

Baker turned his head and stared back.  "Doesn't surprise me much."

Neil was amazed by his calm reply.  Only a few days ago they were total 
strangers.  Surely Baker must have some resentment toward a man whom 
suddenly appeared out of nowhere and was a threat to his hopes for Christy.

"You're not sore at me?  Me, a stranger to you?"

"I done heerd about you fer a long time.  Yer a hero ta some in these parts. 
  The good ya done folks cain't be denied.  While some folks didn't always 
agree with what ya was doing, they knew yer heart were right about it.  Ya 
listen with yer heart and not yer head.  Ah never figure ta interfere in 
Christy's life ceptin' when it comes ta Gideon.  About Miz Christy.  Go easy 
on her, Doc.  Let things take its natural course, like tha' river down 
there."

Neil nodded, knowing what Jack meant.  Neil didn't need to be reminded of 
the fragile feelings Christy had.  When she felt, she felt things deeply, 
and when she loved, it was the same way.  He just wished she loved him like 
that.  He would not tamper with Christy's feelings but draw her out, if he 
could.

Jack stretched again, breaking the silence.  "Let's see what Christy's fixed 
ta eat.  I'm a mite hungry."

"I can't impose, I've stayed long enough..." Neil was unable to end his 
sentence as Christy came to the door and called them both to the table.  
After Jack passed Christy, Neil followed feeling apprehensive until Christy, 
not speaking, laid her hand upon his arm sending shivers down his spine, and 
guided him to the table.

Chapter Seven

The dinner table contained a lively amount of conversation with the children 
full of questions, laughs, pokes and smiles.  Even when times were hard food 
and family around the table brought a measure of contentment to a man.  Neil 
knew he'd face loneliness in his cabin but solitude wasn't a bad thing if it 
were self-imposed.  Jeb had faced a deep loss in his life but the strength 
of his character and determination had moved him forward.  Though 
unschooled, his common sense won out and had him successful in the eyes of 
his family and friends.  In Baltimore, Neil had met many a scholar who 
lacked good common sense, though brilliant in the working world, they were 
nearly worthless in the realities of life.  If Neil had his choice, common 
sense would win over every time.  What he needed to work on was his 
stubbornness and pride.  Yes, that he was aware of it was an admittance in 
itself, but how to conquer it?  He felt it worked for him in his work, gave 
him the energy to meet the challenges head-on.  Christy had taught him to 
slow down some but it was easy because he knew she felt he could do 
anything, like the time he refused to operate on Becky's eyes.  Her 
confidence had stirred him on to the next level.  When she had grabbed his 
hand in his lab that day she didn't realize she had been throwing him a 
lifeline.  When finally making the decision to go ahead with the surgery he 
could hardly contain his relief until he had a chance to tell her.

The supper meal being over, Neil stood and brought his plate over to the 
sink.  He turned to thank Christy while she warmed water on the stove.  She 
moved to his side and placed something in his pocket.

"For later.  When you're at home, " she said simply.

Neil's heart jumped a beat or two.  *What is this*?  He fingered the item in 
his pocket.  It was a piece of paper.  "Thank you, again, Christy, he told 
her looking deeply into her eyes."  He could think of nothing more to say 
that could keep him in the kitchen so he moved to get his coat.  Looking at 
Jeb he said, "I'd best be getting back."

"Thanks for coming to help," said Jeb.

"I did not do much."

"Fact that you came was enough."

Neil waved to all and was met with "Night Doc" and out the door he went.  
The piece of paper was already burning a hole in his pocket.  He returned to 
his house after meeting dusk on the road, it's pink hue creeping out over 
the snowy woods.  Once inside his cabin he lit a couple of lamps framing the 
kitchen window in yellow lamplight and after throwing a couple of logs on 
the fire Neil caught the smell of woodsmoke spiraling up the chimneypot.  
His blood tingled with a sereneness that he was home.  He was tired, but it 
was a physical tiredness that was somehow relaxing.  He looked over at the 
tub full of water in the kitchen.  He'd deal with that tomorrow.  He sat 
down to recall the events of the day.  Once, during supper he had found 
himself smiling at Gideon, which, unknown to him, had brought a smile or two 
from Christy.  Not once had she mentioned Jim Benson and that pleased him.

He reached into his pocket and drew out the paper Christy had tucked inside 
earlier that night.  It was folded in fours.  He opened it and read:

Dear Neil,

I would like to talk to you about a matter which is very dear to my heart.  
I remember when we used to talk, how I could tell you anything, how you 
would hear me out and listen.   I know you just got home but if you'd give 
me just a little of your time I would be so grateful.  I'd like to come over 
tomorrow afternoon.  As a thank you, I'll bring an early supper.  You don't 
have a phone or I would call you from the Mission.  I am still friends with 
Miss Alice and David; they let me use the phone to call and check on my 
parents.  I hope I am not imposing.  I need your help.  Please say yes.

Sincerely,

Christy Huddleston

Neil smiled as he read her name.  "Christy Huddleston."  At least she was 
still a Huddleston.  He pondered for a moment on what she wanted to talk 
about but he guessed it had something to do with her situation at Jeb's 
cabin and Gideon.  He knew what he wanted to tell her, what was on his 
heart, but he would do as she asked.  He'd do anything she asked of him.  He 
would listen.
**********************************************************************

December 24, 1915  - Christmas Eve

Neil had been called away in the early morning to Birdseye Taylor's cabin, 
no less.  Birdseye had been picking off crows from his front porch and the 
gun had jammed sending gunpowder across his left forearm.  The burn was 
nasty and matched his consternation.  Neil had bandaged it up in near 
silence.  It was no use telling him to change his habits.  Birdseye Taylor 
was a man to be reckoned with and Neil didn't want any trouble today.  
Nothing was going to spoil this day because he would see Christy .  
Birdeye's orneriness was heightened by Neil's good nature.  Birdeye's 
cousin, Beau, would see that he took care of keeping it clean so as not to 
cause an infection.  Infections were the most dangerous part of burns.

Neil slowed Charlie down, dismounted, and led him into the barn.  He noted 
another horse had been secured beyond Charlie's stall.  A few minutes later 
while exiting the barn Neil looked up and noticed it was beginning to 
flurry.  It was a light and airey snow, the kind that reminded him of the 
laundry flakes he had used in Baltimore.  It was nearly 3:00 pm; Christy 
must have beat him there.  His palms become sweaty.  He cleared his throat 
several times.  He looked up at Heaven to obtain a blessing, stepped on the 
porch, and then stoically walked in through the front door.  Standing by the 
stove, dressed in a forest green gingham, her hair tired back with a red 
ribbon, was Christy.

Whispers In The Snow:  The Shortcut

Chapter Eight

"Have you looked outside, Christy?  It's starting to snow," commented Neil 
nonchalantly, bringing forth the subject of weather as it was a safe topic 
when one was as nervous as he was, and he was nervous!  He tried to relax 
but seeing her, memories flooded past his mind; of the meals they had shared 
together in the past.  *She's not taking care of herself - too thin- she 
needs to eat.*  He took off his coat, hung it on the nail behind the door, 
then placed his medical bags on a side table, across from the sickroom area. 
  Gloves he brought back and shoved into the pockets of his coat.  His gray 
scarf, one which Christy had made him almost 4 years ago, he pulled from his 
neck and hung it on the coat collar.  It was a habit of his to keep his 
outdoor clothing in one spot as in some cases, time was of the essence in 
his departure to doctor someone and minutes could not be wasted searching 
for the necessary outerwear needed.

Christy turned to Neil with a frown on her face.  "More snow?"  She was a 
bit agitated about it.  "Can I get back home, do you think?"

"Do you want me to tell you what I hope for or what the reality is?"  He 
hoped she was thinking he was still speaking of the weather.

"I brought a simple meal.  I needen't stay long."

Neil's heart began to sink in his chest.

"There's not much to go around and I survive on the money that my parents 
send right now.  They have been quite understanding, though I think they are 
waiting for me to 'grow out of it'."

"Birdseye paid me the usual - a jug or his finest.  I need to go to El Pano 
and stock up on supplies.  Guess that will wait until the day after 
Christmas.  Whatever it is, it smells good," commented Neil and he gave her 
an appreciative grin, sniffing the air.

"It's just vegetable soup."  Christy felt some mirth grow in her.  "Course, 
I guess you could call it chicken soup because I let Gideon's pet chicken 
run through the broth."

"Neil threw back his head and laughed while Christy gave him a warm smile 
and turned back to the stove to stir her soup, feeling contentment.  She had 
missed Neil, had missed their meals together, their talks, even their 
arguments.  She felt excited and scared all at the same time.  Her 
counterpart, now standing near the stove, shared equally her feelings but he 
would overcome his fears this time. She would not leave his home tonight 
without knowing his true feelings, and there was a great relief that swept 
over him having made the decision.  But how to carry it out?

Christy had already set the table.  In the middle was an array of pine 
branches and their cones, surrounding the lantern. It gave the table a 
festive look.  Neil was amazed at her self-sufficient ways.  Cook, teacher, 
decorator, and, she could light a very good fire.  How he longed to have her 
lean on him for his support through this trying time.  After his 
conversation with Jeb he knew she had more decisions to make and he was sure 
that was why she was here today.  She wanted to know what he thought.  He'd 
tell her, given the chance.

Christy poured a generous helping of soup into two bowls and brought them to 
the table while Neil washed his hands.  She went to pull her chair out to 
sit down but Neil had beat her to it, pulling it out and helping her sit, 
then walking back to his chair across from hers.  He bowed his head to pray.

"Neil,?" Christy said in a questioning voice.

Neil looked up at her.  "Oh," he said, "Sorry."  He took hold of her hand in 
his and bowed his head again to pray.  "Father, thank you for this day and 
your watching over us.  Thank you that I was able to help Birdseye today.  
Thank you for bringing Christy here, thank you for the food you have 
provided, and bless her and the effort she made for us, and be with us as we 
have this special time together.  Amen."  He gave her hand a squeeze and let 
it go.

Christy's "Neil" had been said merely to exclaim her surprise at his action 
to pray for the meal, but Neil had thought he was doing it wrong.  They had 
always held hands in the Mission.  She found his newborn faith delightful.  
As they raised their heads from the prayer he smiled at her with a slightly 
embarrassed look - it was the first time he had prayed outloud in years.

They began to eat in peaceful silence enjoying the warmth of the food and 
each other's company.  Neil had given her a gift without saying so - she 
knew she had his forgiveness.  He didn't want the meal to end.  Soon she 
would say her piece.  Then she would be gone into the night's wintry air 
before it got too late, too dark, and too snowy.  It would seem time and the 
elements were against him.  He'd had experience with that before.

"Christy.  Before you tell me what's on your mind I wanted to tell you 
something that has been running through my mind the last couple of days."

"What is it," Christy asked, a little scared.

"It has to do with Gideon."

"What about him?" she said a little defensively.

Neil didn't know any other way to say it other than just say it plain and 
simple.  "I believe he will talk again."

Christy's eyes lit up.  "Really, Neil?  You think so?  Why?  Please tell 
me."

"I was talking with Jack the other day.  He told me that Gideon had once 
talked, regular, as a baby, then as a young child.  He stopped talking when 
he was two, and after that and until now he has spoken in stilted speech, 
which grew progressively worse after the accident with his mother."  Neil 
knew he had hit a sour note in bringing up the accident but he couldn't be 
anything but completely honest with her.

"More than anything, I want him to talk again.  I've tried working with him, 
loving him, talking to him, but I can't get through.  I have always had some 
small hope in my heart for a miracle but Jack said we should just accept 
what God brought.  He made me feel guilty for wanting things to be 
different."  She reached out to Neil and took his hand in hers. "Thank you 
for the gift of hope, Neil.  It helps me to be able to tell you why I really 
came here today."

Neil stood, keeping her hand in his.  She stood and together they walked 
over to the fireplace and sat on the hearth.  "Why did you come, Christy?"
*********************************************************************
Chapter Nine

"Things are changing, Neil.  Jeb has decided to marry again.  Jillian Tatum is a 
wonderful woman.  She will make him very happy.  She'll be a wonderful 
mother to those kids.  I think Opal and I filled a need in their lives, but 
they need someone more permanent, someone who can love their Daddy and make 
him happy as well.  I think she can do that. She's taught Zady so much, and 
she has a daughter, Bethany, who has become great friends with Zady.  Jeb 
has asked me to leave."  Neil frowned at her words knowing it must have hurt 
her inside.

They continued to hold hands and Neil looked at Christy and gave her an open 
look, so she felt completely at ease to continue.  It was as if time had 
erased all the hurts and brought them back to the early months of their 
acquaintance.  "Jack has asked me to marry him."  She paused, waiting for 
his advice.

"Do you love him, Christy?"

She hesitated, then spoke.  "I love him, and Gideon, but I turned him down.

"Why?"

"I can't put it into words, Neil, I can't explain what I feel or how I 
should think, especially about Jack.  I have felt God wanted me to be a part 
of their family and despite some people's protests, I did what I felt was 
the right thing, but now, I don't know.  Should I marry Jack and make a real 
family for him and Gideon?  It is such a struggle.  Jack is very prideful 
about accepting help.  I have two coats and two pairs of shoes for both of 
them wrapped and under the Christmas tree and I just pray he will allow me 
to give them these gifts.  I know I had to leave some day.  Miss Alice has 
kindly offered me my old room at the Mission.  I moved my things there this 
morning."

Christy's eyes were misting over and Neil resisted the urge to take her in 
his arms and comfort her.  Instead, he stood up and said "Christy.  Get on 
your coat and hat.  We're going outside."

Christy stood and looked at him in surprise.  "Now?"  She almost cried in 
disappointment.  "You're asking me to leave?"

Neil took her coat and started helping her into it.  "Of course, not, 
Christy.  I just want to go outside."

Christy was curious about his sudden need to be outside and so, after they 
donned their winter wear he led her outside.  The flurries which had fallen 
an hour earlier had turned into the biggest flakes and already an inch or 
more had fallen on the ground, and more looked to fall before the night was 
over.  It was dark outside but the falling snow brought a certain brightness 
to the landscape.  Neil took Christy's hand and led her to a flat area of 
ground down from the porch.

"Now lie down, like this."  And Neil proceeded to lay completely horizontal 
in the snow.  "Lie down like this, next to me, but not too close, about 4 
feet."

"I feel silly, you're asking me to do that."

Neil shook his head a little at her.  Pleadingly he said, "Just do it. Humor 
me."

"Okay."  Christy laid down in the snow as Neil asked and turned to look over 
at him.  "Now what?"

"Just stay there and stay still."  Neil then proceeded to flail his arms and 
legs.  First, his arms, from the top of his head and then reaching down 
towards his legs.  He moved his legs in and out in the same manner, then 
carefully got up and looked down at the ground.  He walked over to Christy 
and put out his hands to help her to her feet.  "Careful, now, we don't want 
to ruin our impressions."

He lifted her to her feet but lost his grip and they both fell to their 
knees facing eachother.  Neil reached out to steady her and then turned her 
to look at the impressions.  "So?" she asked.  He kept his hand on her 
shoulder.

"What do you see?"

Christy took a deep breath and a small smile came to her face.  Looking at 
the ground she said "I see a very big angel standing next to a small girl."

The snow was falling more finely now, the wind had calmed down.  Neil and 
Christy's clothes began to take on some of the winter white.  "Will you hear 
me out, Christy?"  Christy continued to look straight ahead at the snow 
angel and the girl.  "Yes...."

Neil hesitated, and then in a voice that was just a whisper in her ear he 
said, "May you always have an angel by your side.  Someone there to catch 
you when you fall, encouraging your dreams, inspiring your happiness, 
holding your hand and helping you through the good times and the bad."

Christy turned to look at Neil as he continued to whisper while the snow was 
falling around them.  "In all of our days, our lives are always changing.  
Fears come as well as smiles.  Along the road of your life may the miles be 
a thousand times more lovely than lonely.  May the angel remind you of 
brighter days ahead, giving you hope as certain as the sun rising each day, 
may you have hopes to keep you warm..."  At this he stopped momentarily to 
take her in his arms in a loving gesture, "May you always have a dear friend 
in whom you can confide and someone wonderful to love.  May you always have 
an angel by your side."

Christy stayed in his arms, unable to speak.  Neil completely understood how 
she was feeling, what changes were ahead of her based on her decision to 
marry Jack, or, if not, perhaps leave Cutter Gap and return to Asheville.

Whispers In The Snow:  The Shortcut

Chapter Ten


Neil released Christy and helped her to her feet.  "It's really coming down 
thick now," said Neil.  "I'd best get you to the Mission before you're 
unable to travel."

Christy looked around her as they walked back to the cabin.  "I won't argue 
with you, Neil, but I'll do it only if you agree to one thing."

They had reached the porch and Neil opened the door, let her in, and he 
stepped inside and shut the door soundly behind them.  Christy moved to 
gather her things.  Neil stood with his hands on his hips.  "And what might 
that be?"

Christy answered him as she packed.  "You come with me and stay at the 
Mission tonight.  I won't sleep a wink if I know you're out there in this 
kind of weather, and....I don't want you spending Christmas Day by 
yourself."

"Christy...I don't know if that's a good idea..."

"Don't forget to bring your medical bags, just in case."

He could see she wasn't going to take 'No' for an answer.  Typical.  
Stubborn.  *It's the same as when I went away three years ago.  Why am I 
always the man standing, waiting, and watching another man's love for her 
come in front of mine*?  No matter, he wanted to be with her at almost any 
cost, the feelings were so strong.  He must not let her know the depth of 
them.  She had plenty to cope with without adding his ardor to the list.

Neil silently acquiesced and gathered the items he would be needing, moved 
to his bedroom and finding a small satchel, filled it with his nightshirt 
and a set of clean clothes, and his green plaid vest.  After all, it was 
Christmas tomorrow and he wanted to look his best for Christy.  *My best.  
What kind of a notion is that?  I feel like a school boy*.  Exiting his 
bedroom he saw that she was ready to go.  "I'll just go outside and saddle 
the horses and we'll be on our way."

**********************************************************************
Neil had come back into the cabin and claimed Christy and brought her to his 
horse.  "I want us to ride together.  Charlie knows the snow drifted trails 
better than Prince.  I don't want to risk an accident tonight, especially in 
this kind of weather."

Neil climbed up on Charlie and then gave Christy a hoist up with his arm.  
She put her arms around his waist and settled herself for the ride.  Prince 
was led behind them.  His usual independent streak was docile tonight.  He 
didn't like the weather.  Smart horse.  Christy and Neil rode along quietly 
for the first three or so miles, then Neil spoke.

"Christy?"

"Yes."

"Let me share in your struggle" he said simply.

"I don't know, Neil," she said hesitantly.  "I can't ask that of you, it 
wouldn't be fair.  Three years have gone by and I don't know if we can just 
erase time like that."

He closed his eyes.  *If she could only love me the way that I love her*.  
"It's okay, Christy.  Forget I mentioned it."

Christy began to feel badly about hurting Neil.  The snow continued to fall 
in large flakes, though the wind was still somewhat calm from the East.  
Christy laid her head against Neil's back and wondered what she should do.  
She felt peaceful and taken care of.  She had done so much caring that she 
was now at a point where she would welcome help from someone else.  Never in 
her born days did she think she'd come to such a place in her life.  *Lord, 
I can't even pray because I don't know what to say, what to ask, what to 
thank you for.  If it's all right with you, Lord, can I just "be"*?

Neil's breath took a sudden, sharp intake as he felt Christy's head between 
his shoulder blades.  *At least she feels safe with me.  At least she knows 
she can come to me.  Lord, use me in any way to help Christy.  I don't care 
about myself, even though you know I will love her to my dying day.  Give me 
the strength to do what is right*.

After they reached the Mission house, Neil gave Christy his arm to help her 
down from Charlie and told her to go into the house while he unsaddled and 
fed the horses.  Gratefully Christy entered the living room.  Miss Alice and 
David were sitting there, both reading, though Miss Alice's head was bobbing 
from sleepiness.  "Ah, Miss Huddleston.  Did thee enjoy thyself at Neil's?

"Yes.  It was a good time of fellowship and catching up on the last few 
years.  I hope it's all right, but Neil brought me home and I asked him to 
come and stay overnight and spend Christmas with us."

"Splendid!" said Miss Alice.  "I wanted to invite him myself but I forgot to 
mention it to thee, then you left and I thought I could just phone, then I 
remembered he doesn't have a phone up there."

"Thanks to Christy's stubbornness, we have phones all over the cove.  
Remember the first few times the phone rang?  I thought you'd jump clear out 
of your shoes, Alice," David remarked as he took off his reading glasses and 
looked over at Alice.

Alice smiled.  "Yes, yes, I remember, David."  There were smiles all around 
the room.  Just then the front door opened and Neil entered, shaking the 
snow off his coat and hat.  "The wind's picking up.  It's a good thing we 
started off so early."

Alice stood.  "Welcome, Neil.  Christy says you're staying tonight.  I'll 
just go and grab some blankets.  I assume you want to sleep on the floor by 
the fire?"

"If you don't mind, Alice."  Neil walked over and laid his medical bags and 
satchel on the floor by the hearth.  Alice left the room to gather the 
blankets.

"Well, Doc, I'm glad to see you."

"And you, Grantland."  Neil reached over and gave David a handshake.  David 
smiled at Neil.  "We're glad you're back."

The comment caused Neil to raise an eyebrow.

"I'll be turning in for the night.  I hope you sleep well. Don't stay up too 
late - remember, tomorrow's Christmas.  Jeb,Jack,Tom,Opal and the children, 
of course, will be coming over in the morning.  I thought I'd give you fair 
warning.  Goodnight."

Neil and David turned to Christy's voice.  "Goodnight."  "Goodnight".

Neil took off his coat and laid it on the floor, then sat on the hearth.  
Reaching back into the pocket of his coat he pulled out his pipe.  "Do you 
mind?"

"No.  Go ahead."

After Neil had lit his pipe he took a drag of the cherry blend and sat back 
to enjoy the warmth of the fire.  "I was surprised to see you still here, 
Grantland."

David closed his book and turned to Neil.  "I bet you came home to a lot of 
surprises.  One of them being that Christy and I aren't married."

"I didn't want to bring that up, but now that you mention it, I was very 
surprised.  Alice has written me letters the past few years but never 
anything about you and Christy.  I'm not sure why.  She didn't even mention 
her marriage to Dr. Ferrand.  By the way, where is he?"

"He was out on a late call yesterday and didn't get back until four o'clock. 
  He went straight to bed."

"I certainly know that feeling," said Neil.

"So do I," remarked David, dryly.

Neil got a smile on his face.  "Yes, I would guess you do.  I understand the 
people around here have come to love and respect you and your ministry."

"It's been a long time coming.  You know what I mean, surely, when you first 
came back after being gone to Scotland.  You have to build up their trust.  
You have to earn it."

"You don't say," answered Neil with a friendly snicker in his voice.

"All right, all right.  I guess I do remember a certain doctor trying to 
tell me that once or twice."

"And I recall a certain preacher trying to tell me about God.  He was right, 
you know."

"I had heard from Alice, Neil.  Welcome to the family."

"Everybody needs a family, David.  Thank you for your prayers.  I know I was 
a threat to you when it came to Christy.  That's one of the reasons I left.  
If it was to be, it was to be.  Christy had made her choice so I made mine."

"Yes.  Christy knows how to make choices though I don't know they're always 
the right ones.  She thinks too much with her heart.  Now that she's older 
her head is starting to catch up with her plans.  Neil.  Can I speak 
plainly?"

"Yes," Neil answered as he held his pipe in his hand, balanced on his knee.  
"Go ahead."

"She's in love with you."

"Grantland."

"It's true.  Now...what are you going to do about it?" asked David as he got 
up off his chair, smiled at Neil, and turned to go to his room.

Neil sat there dumbfounded at what David had said.  *I don't know.  I don't 
know*.

Meanwhile, Miss Alice had been standing in the hall and had heard the end of 
their conversation.


Whispers In The Snow:  The Shortcut

Chapter 11


Miss Alice softly entered the room to find Neil in a contemplative look, 
sitting on the hearth.  The deep lines she had seen on his face were 
smoother, but his brow had those familiar furrows neatly planted cross-ways. 
  You could always tell when Neil MacNeill was thinking hard.

"Neil" called Alice as she interrupted his thoughts.  "Here's your blankets 
and a pillow.  You sure the floor is where you want to be?"

"Oh...Alice.  I'm very grateful for the floor and the blankets, thank you," 
replied Neil as he reached for the items and set them on the floor.  Alice 
took a moment to sit in the place that David has just vacated.  "Do you need 
someone to talk to, Neil?  I know I wasn't always a good listener.  Marriage 
has taught me a few things," she chuckled.

Neil thoughtfully took his hand and rubbed it across his face and chin, the 
beard stubble made a scratchy sound to his ears.  "Nothing's changed, Alice. 
  Let me clarify.  A lot has changed, but one thing remains constant, my 
love for Christy.  To tell you the truth, I'm in agony.  In my heart, in my 
soul; physically I feel like throwing up just thinking of facing her with my 
feelings and the ultimate rejection."

"How does thee know thee will be rejected?"

"Alice, it's been years.  She's thinking of marrying Jack and making a home 
for him and Gideon; then, there's this Benson fellow."

"Christy will not marry Jack.  She does not love him that way.  When Christy 
marries it will be for love and not for a sense of obligation.  Don't look 
at me with those eyebrows raised, Neil.  I thought I knew what was happening 
in your marriage to Margaret but I didn't begin to understand it until I was 
married for myself.  You married for the wrong reasons.  Would thee think I 
could stand by and watch Christy do the same knowing the pain that would 
come from the relationship later in life?  It was painful enough to see her 
give up the life she had made for herself here at the Mission.  No one could 
fight her sense of obligation; you understand, the circumstances surrounding 
the death of Jack's wife.  No, if ever someone was sent here from God to 
help Christy, for this moment, it is you, Neil MacNeill."

"Alice.  I don't know what to say..."

"Don't talk.  Go to sleep.  Tomorrow is Christmas Day, the day we celebrate 
the beginning of salvation brought down to man through the gift of His son; 
no longer to be under the law, but redeemed, and under the grace of God.  
Rest in His grace, Neil, rest in his promises.  Ask and ye shall receive.  
Goodnight."

Alice leaned over and gave Neil a kiss on the cheek.  It was too much for 
him.  He turned his face away as tears came to the surface.  He moved his 
face back and watched her gracefully exit the room.  Dare he hope?  He 
turned to stoke the fire.  Next, he laid out the blankets and pillow on the 
floor.  Quickly removing his clothes, he threw them off to the side and 
changing into his long nightshirt he settled the blankets around him.  
Taking his satchel from near his medical bags he grabbed a pencil and a 
piece of paper.  He wrote until his eyes grew weary.  He placed the paper on 
the hearth, laid his head down on the pillow and slept one of the most 
peaceful sleeps he'd had in months.
**********************************************************************
Christmas Day

Two hours earlier the women at the Mission had gotten up and started 
preparing breakfast, and then the noon meal.  Neil seemed to sleep through 
all the rattling of pans, clinking of dishes and silverware, loud whispers 
and chairs being scraped across the hardwood floor.  However his imitation 
of a hibernating bear appeared to the occupants of the Mission, the bear was 
soon to be awakened for in through the door came running Clara, Lulu, Little 
Guy, Gideon, and Will, followed by John and Zady.  Ruby Mae and Will Beck 
came next with their son, Raef, a bawlin' his eyes out.  Jeb and his 
intended, Jillian, came next, followed by Jack, and Jillian's sister, Beth.  
If that wasn't enough, an anxious Sam Houston came running so fast into the 
living room, spotting the site of Doc MacNeil that he tripped and fell on 
the braided rug right on top of sleeping Neil!

"Argh! cried Neil.  Soon he couldn't speak for Sam Houston's arms were tight 
around his neck, hugging him and wishing him a Merry Christmas.  Soon the 
other children followed, even Gideon, who had slipped his hand on Neil's 
shoulder.  Zady and John waved their "howdies" and made their way into the 
kitchen with the other adults.

Neil sat up feeling like he had grown five pairs of arms and legs and lived 
in the sea.  "Well, well," he addressed them as he began to dis-entangle 
himself, "let's take a look at you."  Each one began to back away, all 
smiles to see the Doc was back.

"Ah cain't stay long, Doc, but when ah heerd you was here ah jest had ta 
come.  You ain't changed a bit!" remarked Sam Houston.

"Well you sure have, Sam Houston.  You've grown about a foot!"

Sam seemed pleased at Neil's remark.  Each one took his turn letting the Doc 
check them out and give them his report on how much they had "grown up".  
Christy entered the room to find Neil surrounded by little and not-so-little 
people.  "All right, you all leave Doctor MacNeill alone and let him get up 
and get ready for breakfast."

"Breakfast? said Little Guy.  That was hours ago!"

"For you, maybe, but you all come into the other room, now."  One by one the 
children exited the living room.  Ruby Mae and Will had already moved to the 
kitchen at their entrance to warm a bottle for Raef.  He had been born early 
and Ruby Mae had only been able to nurse the first month, which was a 
disappointment but the boy was flourishing and had caught up the lost weight 
in no time.

Christy looked down at Neil in his nightshirt and with a big smile on her 
face she dryly said,  "Are you going to lounge around in bed all day, Neil 
MacNeill?"

Neil stood up and Christy laughed.  His nightshirt fell to just past his 
knees and on his feet were a pair of the ugliest green and purple socks she 
had ever seen.

"What?" said Neil defensively, but playfully, for he knew the object of her 
disdain.  He looked down at his feet. "Payment from Granny Barclay.  I 
grabbed my clothes in such a hurry yesterday I wasn't watching what I was 
taking.  My feet got cold in the night.  Well, at least you can say you can 
see me coming," and as he finished he started walking towards Christy.

She was in a playful mood this morning and didn't quite understand why.  *It 
must be Christmas* she thought to herself.  She didn't budge knowing full 
well Neil had expected a retreat.  Now that he was face to face with her he 
didn't know what to do.

"Go ahead and kiss, her, Doc," he heard Jeb Spencer call out from the 
hallway.  "She put herself right there under that mistletoe."  With a wink 
Jeb moved back to the kitchen.

Neil and Christy both looked up.  Neil got the biggest smile on his face.

"You can't."

"I can."

"No".

"Why not?"

"You're not dressed."

"Turn around and I'll get dressed."

"Neil..."

"Turn around.  Hurry, before the room is full of people.  They're eating 
breakfast."  As she did so Neil dashed over to grab his clothes and dressed 
so fast he almost fell down getting his pants on.  He felt of his face.  *I 
need to shave.  But, the warrior must go into battle when he can*.    
Christy continued to argue the point of her leaving.

"They need me."

"I need you."

"What did you say?"

Neil was in front of her and there was no escaping.  "It's tradition, 
Christy.  You stood under the mistletoe so you owe me a kiss."

"On the cheek."

"I don't think so."

"I don't remember putting any mistletoe there when I hung the decorations 
yesterday."

"Providence."  Neil smiled and Christy fiddled with her apron.

Her blushed face had turned a most becoming pink.  She looked up at him.  
Their smiles faded and she closed her eyes.




Chapter 12

Neil was as nervous as a fox in the hen house but he wanted this kiss more 
than anything.  He leaned in towards Christy and took her face gently in his 
hands.  Her hair, which she wore down today, was tangled in his fingers.  He 
took a quick look at Christy in anticipation and bent his face until their 
lips met.  He allowed the love he felt for her to flow into his kiss, soft, 
gentle, and loving.  Only a moment later he pulled away and took his hands 
away as he opened his eyes.  That they had both felt this kiss said more 
than words was written on both of their faces.

"Merry Christmas, Neil."

"Merry Christmas, Christy."

Christy turned and practically fled upstairs to her room.  Neil bent and 
picked up his things, folded them into a pile in the corner, then left the 
room in search of a cold basin of water.  Upstairs Christy sat thinking.  
*It can't be, Lord.  I love him.  I have always loved him.  How could I have 
been so blind?  What a mess I have made of things*.  She took her fingertips 
and felt of her lips.  Christy bowed her head and prayed God would help her 
tell Neil today how she felt about him.  *But how, with a house full of 
people*?  She gathered her composure and made her way to the kitchen.

The cold water felt good on his head and neck.  After cleaning and shaving 
Neil looked at himself in the mirror.  *Don't be a coward.  You've kissed 
her.  Surely she must know*.  He opened the door and made his way to the 
kitchen.

The late morning and early afternoon was a mixture of mirth, joy, and 
recollection as these inhabitants of Cutter Gap shared their lives together 
on this, the most precious of days.  Food and fellowship brought out the 
good cheer in all and even baby Raef was a bundle of contentment.  The men 
retired to the living room while the women worked at cleaning the kitchen 
and putting away the food.  The children came inside and gathered around the 
"Doc", playfully bantering about Christmas and the bags of goodies they 
would receive at church later that evening.  Each child was given a sack, 
and, if there were any leftovers, the adults as well.  Inside each they 
would find an apple, an orange, some stick candy, roasted peanuts and a pair 
of knitted mittens or slippers.  Some exchanging was always done and each 
was excited to be remembered.  All were grateful, especially the children.

Christy had been shoo-d from the kitchen and she went in search of the stack 
of school papers she had offered to correct for Beth, the Mission 
schoolteacher.  She found them resting on the hearth behind Neil.  Her hand 
accidentally brushed his back and he turned to look at her with a smile.  
She smiled back and went and found a seat on the couch.  Gideon approached 
Neil with a gift.  He reached out his hand and took the object from Gideon.  
Unfolding a napkin he found the arrowhead which Gideon had tried to give him 
days before.  This time Neil grabbed the boy and hugged him and thanked him 
for his generous gift.  Sam Houston was on his knees eye-balling the 
arrowhead knowing it was one of Gideon's best.  Christy's eyes filled with 
tears as she sought out Jack, who, meeting hers, tipped his head at her to 
let her know he approved of the gesture.

Neil cleared his throat.  "Well, boys and girls, I don't have anything to 
pass out as a gift for you today, but....I will share a Scottish Christmas 
story with you, that is, if you're up to it..."

His offer was met with claps and squeals of "ayes".  Even the adult's ears 
were tuned his way in anticipation.  Neil looked at Christy and began.

"There was an ailing king of the Western Isles who had one son and his name 
was Andrean Thomas. The father was ill but the son was a fine man and 
strong, who could run like the hare in the heather and hunt with the 
swiftness of the hawk on the mountain. And happy was he in his father's 
house for many years.

One day the prince had gone out hunting but found no game at all that day, 
only a blue falcon that flew past him as he made his way homeward. Carefully 
he aimed his arrow at her but he could not kill her for he fell in love with 
her beauty."

Sam Houston interrupted the story, "Doc, this be one a them romance 
stories?" he asked with his face scrunched up like a corkscrew.

"I thought you were leaving early."

Sam Houston slunk back into his place and waited.  "Go on, Doc."

"Thank you."

He continued.  "She flew so swift that only a blue feather fluttered down 
from her wing to the forest floor. The prince put the feather in his 
hunting-bag and returned home. When the King saw him he asked him what he 
had caught today.  Only this, said Andrean, handing him the feather. This is 
a feather from the blue falcon, said his father.  I have not seen the falcon 
these twenty-nine years.  When I was a young man the falcon appeared on my 
windowsill.  It was on the Eve of Christmas, and I was distraught with many 
matters of the Kingdom.  Her look and song assured me that all would be 
well, that God had taken watchcare over her and He would do so as well for 
me.  What I wouldn't give to have a visit from her again.  I will find her, 
Father, and away Andrean went to seek the blue falcon.

Prince Andrean traveled through the wildwoods, endlessly seeking the blue 
falcon, but not a trace of her could he find. The winter dusk came early and 
the little birds were flying from the bush tops to rest beneath the briar 
roots, but Andrean stumbled on through the blind, dark night, hopeless and 
alone.  At last he rested under a bramble bush, when who should come that 
way but Gil Martin, the fox.

You're a sorry sight, Andrean, said the fox, and what's more you chose a bad 
night to come. I have only grapes, but I'll share my supper with you.  They 
kindled a fire and after eating the Prince told the fox of his quest.  I can 
tell you where the falcon dwells, said Gil Martin.  She is in the house of 
the giant of two heads and I will show you where he lives. You can be there 
by morning and you must ask for work. Look after his birds well and he may 
trust you to feed the blue falcon.  Be very good to her, and wait for a time 
when the giant goes out, and then you can run away with her.  But of one 
thing you must take great care - not one feather must touch anything in the 
house or it will not go well with you.  So the prince set off the next 
morning, and he came to the house of the Giant with two heads.  He hammered 
on the door and the giant stuck both heads out of a high window and they 
roared at him; "What do you want?  It is work that I want, replied the 
prince.  What can you do? roared the two voices of the giant.  I can tend 
pigs and I can tend cows, rake the muck of the pen, toss the hay, feed the 
hens in the coop, but I am particularly good at feeding birds, Andrean 
said."

The children were really getting into the story.  A giant with two heads was 
better than any romantic nonsense.  Christy watched as Gideon's eyes were 
glued to Neil.  She looked down and corrected another paper while listening 
intently to the story.

"It is the likes of you that I want, blared the giant, and let the prince 
inside. The prince was a marvelous help to the giant. He had a wonderful way 
with beasts of all kinds, and it was not long before the giant let him look 
after the blue falcon. He tended the beautiful bird so well that the giant 
thought he could trust him well enough to leave him alone in the house. As 
soon as the giant left, the prince put forth his hand and the blue falcon 
came to him.  Her song was sweet and gentle (at this he looked over at 
Christy to see if she was watching and their eyes met for a brief moment), 
just what his father needed.  He seized the falcon and swiftly made for the 
door. But as he crossed the threshold, the falcon saw the light and spread 
her wings out so that one feather touched the door-post and the door-post 
let out a screech and the falcon flew out the door and away.

Back came the giant and grabbed Andrean  by the scruff of his neck.  So, you 
want my falcon do you?" he roared and threw Andrean out the door.  As he 
picked himself up he found himself nose to nose with Gil Martin, the fox.  
Well, you're a sorry sight, said the fox. You did not do as I said, and the 
sun is going down. What's more, you chose a bad night to come. But come, 
I'll share my supper once more with you.  So they kindled a fire and cooked 
biscuits and gravy. In the morning the fox said, now I suppose I must tell 
you how to get the falcon again.

We must press forward to Moray Firth and the North Sea beyond.  And he 
turned himself into a ship full of sails and off they sailed to Moray Firth 
with the wind behind them.  When they came to the shore, the fox-ship rammed 
itself up against a tall rock and the fox told Andrean that to do.  Off went 
the Prince to the King's castle of that land and knocked on the door.  Out 
came the King and his wife, the Queen.

O misery me, cried Andrean.  A great storm has swept my ship onto a rock, 
and I am quite stuck.  Suddenly he heard the song of a beautiful bird.  They 
all looked at one another and the King asked Andrean to wait in the Great 
Hall.  That's her!  I am in quest of the blue falcon for my father.  It is 
her song I heard.  I must take her to comfort my father.  His words were 
drowned out by their loud footsteps on the marble floors.

Moments later the two re-appeared with the falcon safely tucked inside a 
beautiful birdcage.  What makes you think you are worthy of her?"

At that sentence Christy looked up from her work.

"Prince Andrean thought for a moment.  Worthy?  I love her, her gentle ways, 
her song, her faithfulness, her beauty.  Would that she were a maid and I 
would love her to my dying day."

*That's right, Neil* David thought as he smiled to himself.

"Would you give your life for her?  That my father's last day would be 
filled with peace and joy, yes, I do believe I would.  Great is your love, 
said the King.  Go.  Take her and our blessings go with you.  They released 
the blue falcon to Prince Andrean.  He, the fox, and the falcon sailed back 
to the Western Isles and to the castle of his father, the King.  Time had 
stood still.  It was Christmas Day.  Andrean Thomas stepped into the room 
and released the blue falcon which flew and perched on the windowsill just 
as she had done twenty-nine years before.  The King was overjoyed to see her 
once more and his hopes for a recovery were much brightened.

Andrean stepped closer to his father's bed and held his hand.  Merry 
Christmas, Father.  The bird is wonderful, Andrean, said the King.  But,it 
is the love of a child that truly makes Christmas special."

As Neil finished the story each parent smiled in agreement.

"That's all? grumbled Ruby Mae.  "Ain't the blue falcon gonna turn into a 
Princess?"

"That", replied Neil, "is another story.  Now, off with ya!"  At his 
direction the children got up and went to their parents. As Christy turned 
to the next paper to correct she saw familiar handwriting.  This wasn't a 
student's paper.  It was in Neil's handwriting.  She began to read:

Early Christmas Morning, 1915

Christy,

When the night is still
In those small hours of silence
I trace the patterns of my thoughts
And think of you with love to keep.

What can I say to you to erase any doubt
That I love you.
You need not fear.
If I could but touch your hand
You would know that you are loved.

I walked a lonely path before you came
But lonely no more.
I give you my heart
With love and the most tender of feelings.
With you, I am all things
Without you, nothing.

With all my love,

Neil

Christy's breath caught in her throat.  She looked up at Neil.  Neil sent 
back a quizzical look until his fear was realized.  He looked down at the 
hearth for his poem and it was gone.  Looking back at Christy he saw her 
hold up his tome.  "Neil", she said, "do you always believe in happy 
endings?"

Whispers In The Snow:  The Shortcut

Chapter Thirteen and Final


"Why did you never marry, Christy?

Both heads turned to the loud Christmas greeting of Jim Benson as he came 
happily through the front door.  Neil couldn't believe that he had been 
interrupted yet again.  Christy stood to her feet while Neil watched Jim 
stride over confidently to Christy and lay a kiss upon her cheek.  He was in 
a very good mood.  Neil suddenly was not.  Jim was carrying a small box with 
a ribbon tied upon it.

"Sit down, Christy, I have something to show you," said Jim.  He turned to 
Neil.  "Ah, if you'll excuse us, Doctor MacNeill, I've got something 
important to show Christy."

Neil wished he could hate the man for what he was about to do, but the truth 
was, everything he had heard about Jim Benson in the last couple of days was 
good and could he blame him for wanting his Christy?  *My Christy...she's 
not yours, man*.  Neil shrugged as he watched Jim set the box on the table 
next to Christy, take off his hat and coat, and throw them on the sofa 
beside her.  Next he gave Christy a big smile, which was so sincere she 
couldn't help but smile in return.  Then, the anxious look Jim gave her made 
Neil feel his presence in the room was as unwanted as an extra rooster in 
the hen house.  Neil politely excused himself and started down the hall to 
find a place to hide.

"Christy, please...sit down."

Christy placed her corrected papers on the table next to the box but she 
took the poem Neil had written her, folded in fours and put it in her apron 
pocket.  She then turned to Jim and gave him her undivided attention.  *What 
terrible timing, Jim*.  She turned to look down the hall where Neil had just 
exited.

"Christy?"

Giving him her attention once more, "Yes, Jim?"

Being in a hurry he knelt down and took the box off the table and handed it 
to Christy.  "Christy, open it and tell me what you think."

Neil turned around in the hallway and leaned against the wall thinking.  
*She read my poem.  Surely she knew I loved her with my kiss under the 
mistletoe, but the poem, it was all spelled out, my feelings, my hopes, my 
desires.  I can't let her go, I can not*, and he turned and went back 
towards the front parlor.  He reached the doorway when he saw Jim on his 
knees in front of Christy.  He watched her take the small green box in her 
hand and untie the ribbon.  When she opened the lid Neil could see from his 
vantage point that it was a diamond engagement ring.

"Oh, Jim, it's beautiful..."

Neil didn't stay in the doorway long and he sure wasn't going to stick 
around to hear the rest.  He walked through the room, grabbed his coat and 
hat and with quiet dignity he walked out the front door.  Christy felt like 
a rabbit caught in one of Birdseye's trap - no hope.  She wanted to run 
after Neil but here was Jim before her.

"Well, tell me, Christy, was it worth the wait?  I can't tell you how much I 
have come to value your help, your encouragement, but most of all, your 
friendship these past few months."

Christy rose and as she did so, Jim got to his feet...

Later...

As Neil was nigh upon his cabin he thought to himself that he would be 
thankful for the solitude he would find there: to be alone with his 
thoughts.  Once more his plans had gone awry but he could be thankful he had 
not gone so far as to tell Christy of his life the past three years.  He 
still held on to a shred of self-respect.  He had been so pleased to find he 
and Christy alone and the memory of her nearness sent his heart to pounding. 
  *Will that feeling go away in time?  Oh, Christy, how I wanted to kiss 
you.  You looked into my eyes with simple trust.  Had I a right to accept 
the gift of your kiss*?  It was unlikely now that she would ever find out 
anything about his past, but suppose she did?  When they kissed he had felt 
a love so wonderfully fresh and new.  Was it strong enough to meet some 
future test?  *No, that was not possible now*.  Jim Benson had come upon 
them with delight in his eyes and seeing her reaction as he presented his 
ring could only bring him to conclude they would be announcing their 
engagement that very day and Christy's precarious situation in life would be 
made right.  It was clear to Neil that Jim Benson adored Christy and would 
make her a faithful and attentive husband.  He wanted only her happiness; 
yes, she deserved to be loved that way.

*****************************************************************************

Christy bundled up Gideon and made sure his shoes were properly tied.  Next, 
she helped him put on a warm hat and a pair of gloves.  She knew he could do 
these for himself but she was no longer with him day in and day out and she 
missed doing those small motherly things for him.  She hoped he'd keep these 
shoes on his feet.  Gideon had found her crying in her bedroom and she had 
confided in him that Doctor MacNeill had left and that made her very sad.  
Gideon had suddenly become insistent on their going to find Doctor MacNeill. 
  He grabbed paper from his coat and a pencil and wrote:  "I seen the way 
you smile at him.  Do you love my Pa that way?"

"No," Christy answered.  "I love him but not like Dr. MacNeill."

"Do you love me?"

"Yes, Gideon, I'll always love you."

"I love you, too, Miss Christy," he wrote.  "Please, please, I can make this 
right for you if you'll let me."

"How?"

"I'll show you," he wrote.

"It's too late, Gideon."

He wrote back to her in big letters, "NO!"  He looked up at her with such a 
hopeful look upon his face that she didn't have the heart to oppose him.  
She put on her coat, hat and gloves, then leaving a note on the table to let 
Miss Alice know where they were going, they silently slipped outside and 
away from the holiday gathering of people inside.

******************************************************************************

Neil was caught in his reverie.  *Isn't it strange--how you read about love 
in books, and you think--it never happens like that, then suddenly, you 
know*.

"Neil?"

Neil suddenly stopped, thinking he was hearing voices.  He looked up and 
came face to face with Christy.  She didn't mince words with him.  Stepping 
up, with her gloved hands she took hold of the lapels of his coat.  "When 
you went away I later realized I lost my heart.  Now that you've returned, I 
have found it again.  Can you see that I long to live in the heart of your 
story?"

"My story?"

"The blue falcon, Neil."

"Oh" he replied taken more than a little off guard.

"Neil, I asked my heart a question and it answered me."

"What was the question?"

"Who do you love?"

"The answer?"

"Neil.  Only Neil.  Always, Neil."

"I love you, Christy."  There.  It was out.  He had finally said it.

"I love you, too, Neil."  They completed the space between them with only 
one step and held each other in a warm embrace.  Snowflakes began to fall.

"I knew I loved you," he whispered into her ear, "but I couldn't ruin your 
happiness with Jim Benson in the parlor by declaring it."

"Jim Benson?"

"Yes, the ring".  He turned to look her in the eyes.  "I saw him on his 
knees..."

"Neil, the ring wasn't for me."

"It wasn't?"

"No, it was for Beth.  Jim and I are friends; that's all.  Beth didn't want 
Jack to know so we pretended he was interested in me.  It's a long 
story...I'll explain later."

"I didn't know.  I was jealous".  He paused and kissed her hair. *How 
wonderfully blessed I am to have this woman love me in return*.  "We'll get 
married right away."

"Is that a proposal?"

"Well, no, I mean, yes, well, not a proper one.  Yes, I guess it is," he 
sheepishly smiled at her with a glint in his eyes.

"Yes," she whispered in his ear.  He pushed her gently away and stared at 
her face filled with tenderness.

"You're not afraid?"

"Afraid, should I be?"

"You know nothing about the last three years, Christy."

"I know I love you, Neil."  She turned her face to his and brushed his lips 
with her own.  He hugged her to himself and felt the love poured out to him 
by her kiss gave him all the courage he needed to tell her his story.

He began slowly, taking her hand and walking the road with her as the snow 
was falling around them.  He was faltering for the right words but as the 
story flowed from him, a weight seemed to drop from his mind.  When she was 
silent for what seemed an eternity to him, after he finished, he feared the 
worst.  Then suddenly her arms were around his neck, "I'm glad you told me, 
Neil.  I could feel the sadness inside you--the way you would suddenly stare 
off into space.  It makes everything so much clearer."

His chest tightened with emotion.  For a moment he was speechless, then said 
softly, "Jack told me about your vow concerning Gideon.  It's all changed 
now."

"You don't really understand after all," she said, her eyes misting with 
tears.

"Christy," Neil said as he looked around them.  It's starting to snow pretty 
hard.  My cabin is in sight."

She turned from Neil and started walking fast.  He ran after her.  Once they 
reached the cabin Neil saw the boy sitting on the porch.  Surprised, Neil 
took him by the hand and led him inside.  He immediately packed the firebox 
with kindling and started a fire.  As soon as the wood was burning he heaped 
a couple of large logs onto the pile and before long a warmth started to 
envelop the room so they each removed their coats.  He motioned for Gideon 
and Christy to come and sit by the hearth.

Christy reached for a blanket that hung over the cane rocking chair and 
wrapped it around Gideon.  He smiled up at her.  He lay down on the rug by 
the fire.  In his heart he thought he had made everything better between the 
Doc and Miss Christy.  He liked the Doc.  He liked the way his voice rumbled 
when he told that story.  He had a big smile on his face as he turned his 
head to look at the flames of the fire and he let his eyelids close.

Neil walked over to Christy and tried to embrace her, but she pushed him 
away.

"Christy," Neil pleaded quietly.  "You can't give up your life or spend the 
rest of it thinking of the dead.  Believe me, I know from experience.  Even 
Jack says that."

"I owe a debt.  Living here has taught me what it means to be beholding.  
Nothing will change that.  Not even my love for you."

"So that's final?"  As soon as he spoke the words he saw the hurt in her 
lovely blue eyes.  He turned to look out the window.  A snowy white had once 
again crept over the mountain and the quiet calmed the charged atmosphere in 
the cabin.  Neil took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh.  *Maybe 
the peace I found at this moment came so quickly because in my heart I 
yearned so desperately for it*.  It was late.  Neil looked at Christy and 
motioned for her to follow.  He picked up the boy and gently laid Gideon on 
the bed in the corner normally reserved for patients, and Christy followed.  
She lay down on the bed next to Gideon and Neil covered them both up with 
the quilt.  She closed her eyes.  He bent his head and kissed her on the 
forehead as he had done so many years before.  "Goodnight," he whispered and 
sought the solace of his own room.

****************************************************************************

In the morning Neil was awakened by a frantic Christy.  She couldn't find 
Gideon.

"He's probably back at the Mission.  Did you look for a note?"

Christy hadn't thought of that.  Walking back to the kitchen area she saw a 
piece of paper propped up on the table and recognized Gideon's handwriting.  
Neil walked over and took the paper from her.  "You know something, he's got 
nice handwriting.  His English is better on paper than most of the way 
people talk around here."

"I had time, I taught him how to read and write.  He's like a sponge soaking 
up learning faster than I can present it to him.  It was good for me to be 
able to teach him, it made my missing the school children easier.  I had 
hoped to teach Jack, too, but he said book-learning wasn't for him.  With 
Gideon's problem of not talking I know that reading and writing will help 
elevate him higher than if he didn't have any.  I thought it could give him 
hope."

"Perhaps God used you after all, Christy.  If the boy ever begins to talk 
again he'll have the advantage of understanding.  We'd best get Charlie 
saddled and be on our way."

Seven miles to the Mission and neither one spoke a word.  Neil had so much 
to say, but how?  Where to start?  With Christy worrying about Gideon he 
couldn't put any emotional burdens on her.  Inside he thanked the Lord for 
another day and just asked Him to guide their lives.  There was nothing more 
to say.  He could not control what would happen next though he longed to 
help God along.  *I'm a stubborn Scot, Lord*.

Entering the grounds of the Mission house on this sunny, wintry morning, 
David Grantland passed them on his way to Alice's cabin, bearing a load of 
wood in his arms.  "Morning!  There's somebody on the porch that's been 
waiting to see you."

"Thank you, David," answered Christy.

Neil jumped off of Charlie and turned to help Christy down.  He held her for 
a moment, searching her eyes.  He could see she was relieved to see that 
Gideon was all right.  Neil let her go and they both turned to the porch.  
Neil stopped short, a frown creasing his forehead when he saw Gideon's eyes 
turn and focus upon him.  David turned at that moment and said a prayer in 
his heart and thanked the Lord for taking such an interest in His children's 
lives, then continued on his way to make up a fire in Miss Alice's cabin.

Sitting up quickly, Gideon took out a folded piece of paper from his coat 
pocket and handed it to Neil.  Neil unfolded the paper, his frown deepening 
as he read its content.  After he finished, he folded the note and slipped 
it into his pocket.  "Did Christy tell you to write this?"  When Gideon 
shook his head, Neil said, "Don't you think she would be worried sick 
wondering where you were?"  Gideon lowered his eyes.  Neil cupped the boy's 
chin, staring down into his soft brown eyes.  He bent and whispered into 
Gideon's ear while Christy stood and watched.

As soft as a whisper he said to Gideon, "Did she really cry a lot when she 
knew that I was gone?"

Gideon nodded, then reaching into his coat pocket he brought out a pad of 
paper and a pencil.  He wrote something, trying to keep it from Christy's 
eyes.  Neil read what he wrote.  Tousling Gideon's hair, he said, "Okay, 
son, I love her, too and I want her to be happy.  This will mean she won't 
be living with you anymore.  Do you understand?"

Gideon turned his head and stared at Neil, his face grave, then suddenly 
smiling.  Neil stood, knowing Gideon had given his approval.  They both 
turned to Christy.  She started to scold Gideon while giving Neil a stern 
look of reproach.  Neil took Christy's hand.  "Stop scolding us Christy.  
He's fine.  The whole world is fine," and he picked her up and twirled her 
around.

"But Neil...I don't understand," said Christy, brushing her hair away from 
her forehead, "you...Gideon..."

Neil explained about the note.  Christy blushed.  "He shouldn't have told 
you."

"Think what might of happened if he hadn't?" Neil responded, leading Christy 
up to the porch.  Jack was watching them from inside with a bemused 
expression.  Gideon was grinning from ear to ear.  Neil captured Christy 
with his arms.

"Even Gideon knows that life must go on.  He loves you, Christy.  That love 
would not let him see you unhappy for one moment."

"Oh, Neil.  I don't know what to say."  Suddenly her heart felt as light as 
the snow falling around them.

"Christy...I just thought about it a minute ago.  How did Gideon reach my 
cabin before us?"

from behind them they heard a stifled young boy's voice answer, "I--I--took 
a shortcut!"

Neil and Christy turned in amazement.

"By the--saddle--'tween the trees--there's--a--a--shortcut through there."

And the joy of his voice filled their hearts.

The End