Disclaimer: I am not seeking profit for this story, etc. Title: A Tender Confession Author: Jan Davis Both seemed unable to speak, as the cardinals continued to chirp overhead. "Now that I'm back, I want to know something. Why did you come to my cabin that day?" Neil began in earnest. "And I want to know why you followed me to the mission after I left." Christy countered. "What you saw was not a mutual embrace, Christy." "It didn't matter, Neil," was her quick reply. "Why did you come?" Neil's voice dropped to a whisper. "I wanted to tell you....that I was still your friend, and ....I wanted your marriage to have a second chance. God would have desired that. Besides....", her words came haltingly. "Yes?" Neil probed her. "It got so ....hard for me. I would have probably have left the cove if you had'nt", she wiped away a tear. "That's why I left! Margaret needed advanced care that she couldn't get here. I had to go! Everyone needs you here, Christy. I couldn't abide your leaving on our account." Neil was emphatic. "On account of YOU?! I was thinking of leaving anyway! I just couldn't think!" She cried angrily as she held her head in her hands. "Oh what was I to do?" she barely whispered. "Alright, I apologize to think you would leave because of Margaret and I. I followed you because she led me to believe that you had accepted David's proposal this time. I did'nt expect to see him standing there, holding a ring box in his hand, if he indeed had proposed. I thought that you surely would have told me. " She gasped, as she saw that he almost believed a lie! "Oh no, ....no ...I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Your presence actually helped strengthen my resolve. ..I struggled so much with this for so long..." Christy searched for words as she conveyed her feelings. "Thank you for being my friend. Somehow it didn't seem right for "love" to have so much pressure, trying to live with other's ideals for me. It was like my life was decided for me before I really felt like I was ready to live it. You never made me feel that way." Christy confessed softly, as she looked into his eyes. "And I won't now," was his soft answer as he brushed his rough hand against her cheek, in that familiar way. Her blue eyes communicated a sort of longing, but he dared not interpret it as such. "Margaret's gone now, and I feel I did right by her to take her from here." He sighed deeply. "She just wasn't going to be happy anywhere. I'm sure Alice told you what happened, so I will spare you the details. I'm glad the reverend was there to lead her into the light, which was an answer to prayer. I'm not questioning him so much as a minister. It's Grantland the man that I take issue with." He coughed a little, and went on. "I have valued your frienship and would never do anything to intently injure it. You understand that I could not write to you personally. I want you.....to tell me.....", he hesitated. "Tell you what?" she grew breathless, as he moved closer to her. His hazel eyes were burning into her blue ones, as he dropped to his knees before her. He chose his words carefully, and he rephrased his question. "I want to tell you that I love you, Christy. More deeply and completely than ever before. I care far too much to rush you into anything you feel that you are not ready for, and that includes love. If you feel anything like that for me....." She turned her head so he would not see her sobbing. "Oh Neil, you love me? I didn't dare think you would have those feelings for me. I thought I was just a naive girl to you. You have baffled me in the past, so how was I to know?" she queried. Her teary blue eyes shone like blue gems, and the sight almost took his breath away, as they were sharing very deep emotions. He took her hand and gently began to rub it, enclosing his fingers around her smaller ones. "Do you remember that day we were fishing? I said the dance is more important than the frying pan. Well, Miss Huddleston", he lowered his voice intentionally, "I want to dance with you." "Surely all dances come to an end?" she gently questioned him, as she attempted a smile. "Not the dance I'm describing. He sported a roguish grin. "Love is something that the whole process should be enjoyed, not hurried. Besides, my dear love, it's you and I we're talking about." "That was you that rode up to the mission that night, wasn't it?" It all fit together now! The dream, the uncertainties about David, the fishing, Neil's night ride....... "Trying to get a glimpse of Juliet." He grinned, as he sighed happily. A thrill of rapture poured over her mind and body as he gently emptied his heart's contents into hers. "Oh Neil, now I know beyond a doubt that its you that I'm in love with!" she cried happily. He drew her close, kissing her hair and moved to her cheek. She closed her eyes, as she revelled in his warmth and tenderness in his actions! "I love you, my little one", he choked as he lowered his lips to meet hers in a gentle kiss. At the touch of his lips, she threw her arms around his neck, and began to cry on his shoulder. His strong, comfortable shoulder. "What is it, Christy? Oh tell me, what did I do?" he peered anxiously into her face. "Oh I'm just so happy, and it's because of you!" she exclaimed. He chuckled, relieved, and drew her closer. "Don't forget that you are one-half of this math equation, dear." They both laughed, and he observed that he had never really heard her laugh. It was a sweet, musical, almost child-like quality to it that endeared him. He glanced at his watch. "Looks like there's a wedding in Lufty Branch that's about. Will you dance with me there?" As if he had to ask! She smiled a radiant smile for him. "With you, my dance card is completely filled." The loveliness of that Easter day as the sun shone through the pines could not be compared with a true declaration of love. As they rode away, Christy had this indescribable feeling of wonderment, thrill and comfort. Love. The End!