Disclaimer: Rights to Catherine Marshall's story 'Christy'
are owned by the LeSourd Family. We're not trying to
infringe on these rights in any way, shape or form. These
stories are for our personal enjoyment Changes to the story
and characters (including the characters' personalities)
are the responsibility of the author. Many thanks to Jill
W. for slowly going crazy while I wrote this, and for the
giggles while reading it.

The Blunt Truth By Miss A.

I looked from the ring to David, then to the children,
Dr. MacNeill, and back again. How could this be happening
to me? David had basically told me he would be proposing,
but I never thought it would be in front of the cihldren!

"Children, go inside. Reverand Grantland will be with
you shortly." I waited until the had obeyed, then turned
to David.

"How could you do that to me?Proposing in front of the
children? You know how they talk! And you know I'm upset
and that I can't think straight when I'm upset. But you
don't care, do you, as long as you get what you want. But
then again, you don't know what you want or you would have
propsed to Sessil months ago. Do me a favor - warn me the
next time you want to ruin my reputation in the Cove."

Whoops and hollers came from the schoolhouse. I shot
a quick glance in that direction, immediately causing
silence, then turned to Dr. MacNeill.

"I'm surprised you're still here, but I'm glad you are." He
looked pleased. I took a deep breath. "How dare you tell
me the dance was what mattered, then go fall into the
arms of your prodigal wife? You told me you didn't love
her anymore - that she was dead to you. And I find you
embracing her?" I paused to take a breath.

"Woman, you don't know what you're saying! I wasn't
embracing her - she was embracing me!" he yelled back.

"You...you weren't?" I asked, partly hopeful and patrly
embarassed.

"NO! Why did you come up to the cabin anyway?"

"I...I wanted...to tell you something." I stammered.

"Yes?" He seached my eyes and smiled slightly.

I blushed, then gathered my courage and blurted out,
"I love you Neil. I could never love anyone else."

"And I love you." His eyes were warm, with a twinge of
pain. we both knew the love we had for each other could
never be until Margaret died for real. David coughed, then
started choking. Neil rushed to his side, all doctor, but
he was pushed away. David dropped to his knees.

"I...don't...need...your help...Mac!" he gasped. Neil
and I stared at him in shock. Only Margaret called Neil
'Mac'! As David continued to cough, blood appeared on his
lips and his hair looked like it was falling down. Suddenly
it all dropped at once. It was Margaret! I knelt at her
side to support her.

"What are you doing Margaret? Are ye mad? What were you
trying to prove?" Neil roared.

"I...wanted..you...out of...the way...Pollyanna...But
now...you...get..your...wish...He's...yours...now." With
that, Margaret gave up trying to breathe and died. We
stared at the body in shock. Then I realized something.

"Neil. Is it all right to kiss you now?" I was still
sitting on the ground. He leaned over, and I closed
my eyes.

"Yes. but first, you need to wake up."

I was confused. "What?"

"Wake up, Lass." I opened my eyes, and saw I was laying
on my bed. Neil wa sitting next to me, amusement in his
gaze. "Good morning. Would you like that kiss now, or
after breakfast?"

I had been dreaming! I grinned at my husband and replied,
"If you please, Doctor, I'd like it now." He grinned back
and kissed me. He was on his way to the kitchen for more
coffee when I remembered something. "Neil?"

"Yes, Love?"

"Remind me not to have Ruby Mae's Punkin Preserves before
bed!"