Disclaimer: This story is written for entertainment only. The
characters of Christy belong to the LeSourd family. I am in no way
seeking profit from the continuation of the story.

Title: The Heart's Desire
Author: Tara 
Summary: It's just your generic fanfic that starts at the end of "The
Road Home." It's very short and only consists of a few chapters. 

Chapter 1

  Christy held the small blue box in her slim trembling hands and time
stood still as she gazed at the beautiful diamond ring. Thoughts were
running wild through her head; most too quickly for her to even
comprehend. She was confused and not sure about what to do. 
  Her heart, on the other hand, was very calm, clear, and sure.
Christy's heart held love for both of the men she stood between. David
she loved for his dependable nature and love of God. Christy knew she
would always care for this man for all his love and kindness towards
her. However, her heart swelled more fully with the love of another
man. Neil MacNeill was the man she truly loved and wanted to be with
more than anything. She had always known, but never realized it until
her talk with Fairlight. 
  Christy raised her eyes to the man perched on his horse. The longing
and love in his eyes was unmistakable, and made her pulse quicken.
Suddenly, the memory of Neil and Margaret embracing by the river
flashed before her. Tears glistened in her eyes and her vision began
to blur. Neil, sensing her thoughts, jumped down off his horse and
quickly encircled the small figure into his arms. His strong embrace
was inviting and Christy allowed herself to be comforted.
  "It's not how it looked, Christy," Neil spoke softly into her ear.
His closeness made her dizzy. "Margaret is nothing to me now. All love
I once harbored for her died when she left me the first time. There is
only love for one in my heart, and I believe you know that person is y-"
  "Christy," David's voice stopped the doctor from finishing his
sentence. 
  Reluctantly breaking away from Neil, Christy let her eyes fall on
David. She looked deep into his eyes and found the pain that lay
there. A stab of guilt went through her sharply. She had never meant
to hurt him so, but she couldn't help the way she felt. 
  Closing her eyes, Christy began to speak,"David, it's not right for
me to keep silent any longer." She took a deep breath and continued.
"I care deeply for you, David. You have been my guiding light and my
guardian angel. I cannot, however, tell you that I will marry you. I
don't love you in the way you wish me to. My heart will always belong
to...another."
  David looked as if he had been hit by a train. Her words stung his
pride and his heart, but Christy had to continue, "I know that we
wouldn't be happy and you would come to resent me. Cutter Gap is my
home, and if you and I left, I would come to resent you for taking me
away from here. Please understand that I never meant to hurt you and I
hope we can still be friends."
  Turning to Neil, who had watched her whole speech in silence,
Christy said in a now tear-choked voice, "We will never be able to be
together, but I had to let you know how I feel." Unable to say
anymore, Christy ran towards the mission as tears streamed down her
face and closed the door behind her. Leaning back against the door,
she sobbed uncontrollably as her deep emotions came flying to the
surface.
  David stood still, his head lowered and his eyes glued to the
ground. He wasn't exactly sure what to do next, and he couldn't muster
enough courage to look at the doctor, who still stood speechless in
the school yard. Suddenly a small hand was tugging on his trousers and
David turned to look into the puzzled face of Little Burl Allen.
  "What's happenin', Preacher?"
  In all the excitement, David had forgotten about the children
standing on the school house steps and he cursed himself for his
foolishness. Forcing a smile, he ushered the small child back into the
building.
  "All right children, let's all go back inside and continue with the
lessons." His words were met with many looks of disappointment as the
children slowly went inside.
  Neil stood silently starring at the door to the mission. He longed
to go to the girl leaning against the other side of that door, but his
feet would not move. Her words had made his heart swore, yet they had
also crushed his hopes. She said that the two of them could never be
together because he was a married man, yet she had expressed her
feelings to him anyway. He hadn't been prepared for her confession and
it had a very particular tingling affect. Without thinking, Neil
forced one foot in front of the other and began walking toward the
mission.
  With a heavy heart, David watched as Neil knocked on the mission
door and then went inside. Trying not to think about what was going on
behind that door, David concentrated on the math lesson he was giving...




Chapter 2
  Standing silently for a few minutes, Neil and Christy were both
trying to think of what to say to each other. There was so much to be
said; they just didn't know where to begin. Things between them were
different now that they knew each other's feelings. They could never
go back to the way it used to be. Secretly, however, both were very
relieved at finally getting their feelings out in the open. 
  Breaking the silence, Christy spoke with a soft voice, "I'm so
sorry, Neil. I never dreamed things would turn out this way."
  Neil's compassionate eyes caught hers. "This is not your fault,
Christy. No one's to blame. I just wish there was something I could
do. If I wasn't so foolish in my younger days, I would be free to love
you. But I'm not. I'm bound for life to a woman I don't love and am
force to watch from a distance the one I do love. It will break me to
see you everyday knowing how you feel and not be able to hold you in
my arms. But I'd rather live with that pain and still be near you,
than to never have known this love I feel right now."
  Tears were free-flowing down Christy's cheeks and she was unable to
speak for fear of breaking into sobs. Moving slowly, Neil gave Christy
one last tight embrace, kissed her ever so tenderly on the forehead,
and quickly walked away. 
  Watching him go was the hardest thing Christy had ever had to do. It
took all her strength not to run after him and ride off into the
sunset. But she knew she could never do that. He had taken an oath
before God to honor and cherish Margaret...until death do they part.
Christy shuddered at that last part, and quickly pushed the thought
away. The day's events seemed to catch up to her all at once and she
realized for the first time how truly drained she felt. Dragging
herself up the stairs and into her room, Christy fell onto her bed,
not wanting to move. Too emotionally exhausted to do anything but
softly cry into her pillow.

-----

  Watching Neil ride off, David simply HAD to talk to Christy. Knowing
he could never finish the day's classes, he let school out early.
Happy to be out on such a wonderful day, the children galloped off
into the fields. 
  David's heart began to beat faster as he walked-almost ran-to the
mission. He had no idea what he was going to say to Christy, but he
had to discuss a few things with her. He had to make sure she knew
that although he was hurt, he still needed and valued her friendship.
He also was curious on whether or not she would confide in him about
what was said between her and MacNeill. Ashamed of his latter motive,
David gave up a simple prayer for God to guide him and keep his
thoughts on the welfare of Christy. 
  When David reached Christy's door, he could hear her soft sobs and
his heart went out to her. He gently knocked and when he was answered
with silence, tried the door handle. It was unlocked, and he pushed it
open. Christy, hearing David enter, looked up with a tear-streaked
face. Her eyes held pain far more hurtful than David's could ever be
and he could think of nothing but to comfort her. 
  "David, I'm so sor-"
  "Hush now. I'll have none of that. None of this is your fault. You
only did what you felt was right. Just let it all out. You'll feel
better, I know you will." Silence encased them now as the two held
each other. Christy was greatful for the way David was acting towards
her and was glad she could still use his shoulder to cry on.

-----

Neil slowly brought his horse to a stop when he approached his cabin.
Looking down by the river, he could see that Margaret had not moved
from the spot by the tree where he had left her. He silently wished
that she had died that day four years ago when she first disappeared,
then cursed himself for such a thought.
   Hearing the horse approach, Margaret turned to gaze at the man who
had once loved her; who had once touched her tenderly as a husband.
She knew he would never look at her with love again and she hated
herself for letting him go. Neil met her gaze for an instant, but
quickly looked away. He didn't notice the tears that were present in
her eyes. Neil disappeared inside and Margaret turned to resume her
look toward the river. 
   Thoughts were running through her head and Margaret didn't know how
to handle it. "Why have I been such a selfish brat??" Margaret thought
to herself. "Can't I see how much love Neil has for the schoolteacher.
I always mess things up. My life, Neil's life...Mother's life." The
tears were replaced by anger. Not at Neil or Miss Alice as she had
always done, but at herself. She felt that the world would get along
just fine if she were really dead. Neil could have Christy, and Miss
Alice would never have to worry again about her whereabouts. Resolute
in her decision, Margaret took Neil's horse by the reigns, mounted
him, and road off in a wild fury...


The Heart's Desire Part 3

  After entering his cabin, Neil went straight to his laboratory and
locked the door. His heart could not take Margaret's spite and
sarcastic looks. She had been wrong about Christy marrying David. "She
probably just lied about it," Neil thought to himself. "That sounds
like something she would do." He was full of anger at Margaret, pain
over what he had lost, and love for Christy. He wasn't quite sure how
to deal with all these emotions. Being a doctor, he tried to
disconnect himself, but when Christy came into his life, it was like
he was reborn. Yet he wasn't prepared to handle all these new
feelings, so he shut himself up in his laboratory.
  Suddenly Neil realized that the sound of retreating hoof prints was
in his ears. He ran to the window just in time to see Margaret riding
his horse off into the woods at a break-neck speed. 
  "Where the devil is she going??" Neil spoke out loud. "She'll kill
herself going that fast." The thought stuck in his head. "She'll kill
herself..." He repeated. Realization flashed across his face and Neil
bolted out the door after his wife. 

-----

  Alice Henderson could tell something was wrong when she approached
the mission on horseback. The schoolhouse was empty and not a soul
could be seen, which was very unusual for this time of day.
Dismounting, she glanced around again just to make sure her eyes were
not deceiving her. 
  Upon entering the mission, Miss Alice found it to be deserted as
well. She could, however, hear the quiet muffled voice of someone
upstairs. Very curious as to what was going on, Miss Alice ascended
the stairs to find Ruby Mae with her ear pressed against Christy's
bedroom door.
  "Ruby Mae!!"
  The redhead girl jumped at the sound of the voice behind her and
instantly turned a very deep shade of red, embarrassed that she had
been caught.
   "You should be ashamed of yourself, eavesdropping on Miss
Huddleston that way! It would not please thee very much to have her
meddling in thy affairs, now would it?" Miss Alice spoke with a calm,
but very authoritative voice. Ruby Mae knew that listening in to
other's conversations was wrong, so what had tempted the girl to do so?
  "Oh Miss Alice, I surely 'm sorry. I didn't mean t'be a-pryin', but
I's just dyin' t'find out why Teacher's so upset. Sure was a sight to
see; her standin' thar 'tween Preacher 'n the doc with that ring in
her hand. And it was such a perty ring, too. All big n'shinny. Boy,
wouldn't I likes t'have a ring like that one! It'd make me t'happiest
gal on this side o' t'cove! Ain't neva seen Miz Christy a-cryin' so
like she was. I bet she's just happy over marryin' the Preacher and
all." The redhead stopped to take a breath and Miss Alice grabbed the
opportunity to break in.
  "Ruby Mae, thee should learn to hold thy tongue." Miss Alice
continued, "It was wrong of you to spy and I know thee will never do
it again. Please go downstairs and finish up the wash. I'm sure the
clothes on the line are dry by now."
  Ruby Mae did not even try to conceal her disappointment as she moped
down the stairs. Miss Alice was still in awe at the girl's ability to
ramble on so. Taking a deep breath and smoothing her hair, Miss Alice
softly knocked on the door saying, "Christy? It's Miss Alice. May I
speak with thee?"
  Opening the door, Miss Alice saw David and Christy sitting on the
bed, both had the look of sorrow on their faces. Without a word of
explanation, Christy crossed the room and went straight into the
awaiting arms of her dear friend. The two embraced for a few minutes,
neither one wanting to let go right away. 
  Christy, although glad to have the comfort of Miss Alice, was
reluctant to express her heart. After all, she was in love with Miss
Alice's son-in-law, no less. How would the woman react to this? She
must know that Christy did care for Neil. She had always seemed to be
able to read Christy's feelings so well.
  "What's troubling thy heart, Christy? Thee can speak truthfully to
me without the worry of judgment, you know." Miss Alice spoke with a
voice full of compassion and understanding. The young woman in her
arms had grown to mean so much to her, and she hated to see Christy in
such despair. "Tell me, Child."
  Breaking away from the comforting arms of Miss Alice, Christy looked
up into wise eyes that were shining with friendly kindness and
understanding. All of Christy's previous apprehension vanished, and
she realized that Miss Alice would never be disappointed or like her
any less--no matter what the problems were. Miss Alice, wonderful Miss
Alice, would always be there. Taking a deep breath, Christy began to
retell the events of the day.

-----

  The horse was running wildly through the trees; it's rider being
thrown left and right as the horse dodged branches. The beautiful
autumn leaves were just a blur to the rider and she rode swiftly
through the dense woods. A low-hanging limb nearly knocked Margaret
off, but she didn't care. As a matter of fact, she willed a branch to
hit her. She was sick with TB anyway, so why not go out with a bang
now rather than waiting for the slow painful death that's sure to
come? Besides, there was no one left for her. She had destroyed all of
the love Neil and Miss Alice had once felt towards her. "Wouldn't it
be better for everyone if I just left this hateful world behind?" was
one of the many thoughts that swirled through her head.
  The horse, enjoying his sprint through the woods, began speeding up.
Margaret's grip on the reigns grew tighter as the wind hit her face
and her hair streamed behind her. The feeling was wonderful and
Margaret felt almost free at that moment. Free like she could fly. The
reigns fell from her hands as Margaret lifted her arms out to her
sides like wings. Eyes closed, heart pounding, Margaret felt a peace
with the world, and a certain smile spread across her face. 
   Opening her eyes again, Margaret stared in shock as a large tree
branch was heading towards her. Her eyes grew large in surprise and
she grabbed for the reigns, but was too late. The hard wood smashed
into the soft body of the woman; the force slinging her backwards and
landing her hard on the ground. The horse, not caring about the loss
of his rider, continued on through the woods, leaving the figure lying
deathly still on the ground...


Chapter 4 

Neil, although on foot, was close enough to hear Margaret fall from
the horse. He stopped dead in his tracks at the sound, hoping it
wasn't what he thought it might be. Not sure about which direction the
sound came from, Neil called out, "Margaret?!! Margaret, can you hear
me?!"
  When he was answered with nothing but the usual noises of the
forest, Neil moved quickly on. The farther he went, however, the
angrier he got. His thoughts turned to the quiet moment he and
Margaret had shared by the river. "What gave her the right to even
CONSIDER my taking her back?" Neil angerly thought. "She always was a
selfish person, why would she be any different now??" He tried to
control his temper, but this last stunt that Margaret pulled--this
running off on his horse like that-- was the final straw. She had
always been able to make him so mad. She knew exactly what to do and
say to get his blood to boil. As Neil walked along, he began to doubt
he'd ever catch up to Margaret or his horse. The thoughts of turning
around and heading back to his cabin were beginning to sound like a
good idea. 
  Neil stopped suddenly in the middle of a clearing. He wasn't sure
why, but his feet just refused to move. With the strangest feeling,
Neil slowly looked around and that's when he saw the motionless body
lying face down in the leaves not 20 feet to his right. Rushing over,
he gently rolled Margaret over on to her back; careful not to further
the damage of possible internal injuries. Almost immediately Neil
could see that the delicate neck of his wife was tragically broken. 
  "God Almighty," Neil breathed as he held the still form to his
chest. "What have I done?"
  
-----

  David, Miss Alice, and Christy were all feeling much better after
the brief, impromptu prayer session and bible reading they had held in
Christy's room. It always helped to turn their problems over to the
Lord and let Him take the burden for them. Christy had prayed for the
Lord to watch over the MacNeills and to give her the strength not to
interfere in the marriage any more that she already had. David sent a
prayer up to the Lord as well. His simply requested the understanding
and patience to stand by Christy and her decision not to marry him.
Miss Alice's prayer was that Christy and David would find happiness in
the world. Each had their own inner thoughts to let go, and now a nice
cup of tea would hit the spot. 
  As the three approached the kitchen, Neil burst through the mission
door, out of breath and obviously deeply disturbed.
  "Neil!" Christy cried in surprise.
  The look in Neil's eyes told them that something dreadful had
happened, and they were all trying to brace themselves for bad news.
  "Neil, what is it?" David asked with sincere concern.
  "It's Margaret," Neil said between breaths. The unexpected mention
of Margaret's name took them all by surprise. Especially Miss Alice
who assumed her daughter had left Cutter Gap for the final time. 
  "Margaret?!" Miss Alice gasped. "What about Margaret?! Is she sick
again? Neil, tell me...Please!"
  Neil tried to hold back his anger. He pitied the woman before him
because he had to tell her of her lost daughter, but he couldn't help
being annoyed. She could be so stubborn sometimes. "Alice, she's had
an accident. She fell from my horse and the fall...it..." Neil had
trouble finishing his words. 
  "Please, Neil, just tell us." Christy begged him to continue. 
  "The fall broke her neck. She's dead, Alice." The final words were
so soft, Christy had to strain to hear them. But Miss Alice had heard
them loud and clear. The horrible news smashed into the poor woman
like a ton of bricks. Her knees began to wobble and the color drained
from her round face. Slowly, Miss Alice sank to the floor, shaking
with sobs. 
  Now it was Christy's turn to comfort her friend, and the news of
Margaret's death was still too unreal for her to understand the
meaning of it all.  Christy placed her slim arms around the sobbing
body and slowly began rocking her like a mother rocks her crying child.
  "She felt no pain, Alice," Neil tried to assure his mother-in-law.
He leaned down and took the older woman's hand in his and quietly
said, "She will never feel pain again. She is with God now." The words
were a comfort to Miss Alice and, although unable to speak, she weakly
squeezed Neil's hand to show her appreciation.
  Christy sat in wonder at Neil's comforting words. He hadn't said
those things about God just for Alice's sake. It wasn't like him to be
so. Perhaps he was realizing the true nature of God, and finally
seeing the light, even if it was only a small glimpse. 
  The four people sitting on the floor of the kitchen gathered hands
at that moment and they all sent up their own prayer to the Lord.
Neil, hesitant at first, found himself believing in the power of
prayer and slowly began to mouth the words of thanks. He prayed for
Margaret, Miss Alice, and of course, Christy. 


Chapter 5

  Neil knew that Margaret would not want to be buried in Cutter Gap.
She had always been running from it, never wanting to stay too long.
For him to place Margaret eternally in the cove would displease her,
and although it seemed silly, he didn't want to do that. So he
ultimately made arrangements for her funeral and burial to be held in
Ashville.
  Miss Alice, knowing Neil was right, did not refuse to have her
daughter forever laid to rest in the city. Margaret didn't belong in
Cutter Gap--never did. Although she would always wish for Margaret to
be closer, she couldn't go against what she knew and felt to be right. 
  Christy decided to attend Margaret's funeral, not only as support
for Miss Alice, but she also wanted visit her parents while she was in
Ashville. She spent the remaining part of the week after Margaret's
death comforting both Miss Alice and Neil. Each night she would pray
to the heavens for the strength of such a task. Considering what she
had been through, Miss Alice was taking the death rather well.
Sometimes, Christy would see tears glistening in the older woman's
eyes and she would go to her with a knowing look, and the two would
embrace. Without the love and support Christy was giving her, Miss
Alice knew she would never had made it through.
  The night before the train ride to Ashville for Margaret's funeral,
Miss Alice had retired early, Ruby Mae was staying with Bessie, and
David returned to his bunkhouse to prepare for Sunday's surman.
Needing to get away, Christy headed down that all too familiar path
towards the river. Her thoughts were not on the up coming train ride,
or the events of the previous week. She had deliberately left those
back at the mission. This walk was not to ponder ideas or organize her
thoughts. No, this walk was to clear her mind and breathe deeply the
cool autumn air. 
  The soft flowing sound of the river was soothing and Christy
instantly felt calm and at peace. She suddenly realized how completely
stressed she had been the past few days and this river was the perfect
spot for her release. The moon was rising high above the canape of
trees and cast a wonderful silvery glow across the water that took
Christy's breath away. No matter how long she stayed here in the
Smokies, she could never stop marveling over the splended beauty.
Breathing deeply, Christy closed her eyes and smiled, loosing herself
in the moment.
  She didn't hear the twig break under the pressure of a man's foot,
nor did she realize she was not alone until the quiet night air was
filled with that familiar Scottish voice.
  "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Neil spoke softly as if trying not to
shatter the peaceful bliss. 
  "More than words can express," was Christy's response. Secrectly,
she had hoped her walk might be interupted by this particular man.
They hadn't had a chance to talk since that day nearly a week ago when
they both expressed their feelings toward one another. Christy knew
that Neil was free to love her now, but she wasn't sure on how to
approach it, or even when to bring it up; thinking it was too soon
after his wife's death. She had resolved to herself that Neil would
come to her when he felt the time was right. She knew it in her heart
and soul. 
  "Christy, I..." Neil's voice was soft, but the sound of pain was
unmistakeable. "I...want to be with you more than anything. You know
that I love you with all of my body, heart, and soul."
  These words made Christy's heart swell. To be loved by this man was
the one thing that could make her truly happy in life, but she
couldn't help to sense that Neil was holding something back; that
there was something else he had to say. Not knowing how to respond,
Christy reached her hand up to his rough cheek to gently caress the
handsome face. However, Neil's large hand stopped hers before it could
reach it's destination.
  "Please, don't. I can't...we can't." The pain was obvious now and
Christy's mind was awakened by his reluctance. Slowly dropping her
hand back down to her side, Christy looked up into Neil's hazel eyes
with confusion. The hurt he was causing the young woman stabbed Neil
straight through the heart. He couldn't bear causing pain to Christy,
but he had to continue.
  "Christy, Margaret's death was my fault," He spoke bearly above a
whisper. Christy began to speak, but Neil's raised hand stopped her.
"Please, let me finish." Christy silently obayed and tryed to prepare
herself for what she was about to hear.
  "Bringing Margaret back here was a stupid and foolish thing for me
to do. I should have known that the quiet beauty of this place
couldn't satisfy her. I was never there for her like I should have
been, never seeing how much she needed me. I love you too much to do
that to you, Christy. I don't want to hurt you the way I hurt
Margaret." Although it was dark, Christy could see the tears welling
up in his eyes. 
  "But Neil," Christy began, "I love these mountains and all the
people in them. This is my home and I don't ever want to leave."
Pleading with her tearful eyes, Christy looked up into the face of her
heart's desire, willing him to see how much she needed and loved him.
  The love in Christy's large blue eyes was almost more that Neil
could handle. It took all he had not to capture her up in his arms and
hold her next to him forever. But he had thought the whole thing
through and knew that he was doing the right thing. Letting Christy go
now would be far less painful than to see her slowly wilt away as
Margaret had done. 
  Leaning down until his face was inches from her's, Neil gazed deeply
into Christy's eyes. Her light breath was warm against his face and
Neil could actually hear his heart breaking. Slowly, Neil leaned in
and brushed his lips to her warm mouth. The spark that was sent
through each of them was both wonderful and painful. Backing away Neil
spoke bearly above a whisper, "I'll always love you..."
  Turning, Neil walked quickly away, disappearing into the darkness
like a dream.
  Christy's throat was tight and she could not breathe. His words had
cut deeply and the pain they caused was too much. Shaking feircely
Christy crumpled to the ground in sobs, crying out to God not to let
this happen. Catching her breath, Christy lifted her head and looked
out into the dark trees. 
  "Neil, please don't leave me." was all she could manage, but the
doctor was gone.
 
 

Chapter 6

  The next morning, Christy awoke from her restless sleep with a heavy
feeling. The events of the night before had completely crushed her
hopes and dreams. She didn't feel like facing anyone today, but she
couldn't back out on her commitment to accompany Miss Alice and help
her get through the funeral. Not wanting to get up yet, Christy laid
there in her bed, and her mind drifted back to the previous night.
Neil's soft kiss had awakened something Christy that reached to her
very soul, and even the thought of it was sending shivers down her
spine. His lips were so soft and warm. Christy could still feel his
breath on her face when he leaned close to grace her lips with his.
Christy closed her eyes, trying desperately to hold on to the vision
of Neil so near her. Tears emerged from behind her closed lids and
traveled down her checks. 
  Deciding to finally get up, Christy rose from her covers and quickly
dressed. Before leaving her room, she sent up a prayer for God to give
her the strength she'll need to face Neil again. The thought of having
to ride the 6 hours to Ashville with him was like a vice on her heart.
"No," Christy thought, "I can't let what's happened ruin everything.
We must go on." Feeling a little better and standing a little taller,
Christy emerged from her room and went down to breakfast.
  Miss Alice was sitting at the table with an uncharacteristically
silent Ruby Mae, trying to force down some food. At Christy's
entrance, a weak smile spread across her face and the wise eyes
lightened up. 
  "How are you doing this morning, Miss Alice?" Christy asked, hoping
the answer was a good one.
  "Much better, thank you, Miss Huddleston." was the reply. Greatful
that no one asked about her well being, Chirsty walked into the
kitchen to get a little breakfast before the long train ride.
  About an hour later the two women were ready for departure. David
was loading their luggage on to the mission's old wagon when Dr.
MacNeill rode up on his horse.
  "Doctor," David politely acknowledged the approaching man.
  "Reverend," Neil responded. "Are the ladies ready to leave?"
  David was about to answer when the two women walked out of the
mission followed by Ruby Mae. Knowing Miss Alice wasn't in the
condition to ride, Christy was to ride the older woman's horse, while
Miss Alice rode in the wagon with David.
  Neil's eyes met and held Christy's for an instant; an apologetic
look flashed across them. Not willing to look at him any longer than a
few seconds, Christy adverted her eyes and pretended to be busy with
the horse's harness. 
  The train ride was rather uneventful. Miss Alice dozed while Neil
and Christy avoided each other with the exception of necessary small
talk. The ride seemed to go on for hours longer due to the
uncomfortable silence between its passengers.
  The Huddlestons had insisted the trio stay at their house for the
duration of the three day visit. So when the train chugged into the
Ashville station, William Huddleston was there waiting for his guests.
Excited at seeing him again, Christy flew across the platform and in
to the awaiting arms of her father. The two hugged each other for a
few minutes before reluctantly letting go. Miss Alice watched the
scene with an amused smile while Neil pretended his thoughts were
elsewhere. 
  "It's nice to see thee again, Mr. Huddleston," Miss Alice spoke with
a strong clear voice. The nap she had on the train was refreshing and
had made her feel better.
  "Indeed, it is. I just wish we could have met again under different
currcumstances, Miss Henderson." William said sincerely. "Please
accept my condolences on your loss."
  Miss Alice only nodded her head in thanks. Neil approached William,
and shaking his hand, said "You seem to be getting on rather well. No
complications since the stroke, I hope." He couldn't help but ask
after his "patient". The doctor in him could never quite let go.
  "No need to worry about me, Dr. MacNeill. I'm fit as a fiddle!" With
that, the four people weaved through the crowd and were on their way.
  Julia Huddleston was still trying to make preparations for her
guests when William arrived followed by Christy, Miss Alice, and Neil.
Tears of joy were in Julia's eyes when she beheld her daughter again.
It was only Thanksgiving when she last saw Christy, but it seemed like
forever. 
  That night around the dinner table, the talk was mainly of Mrs.
Huddleston relaying the events of Ashville to her guests, especially
Christy. After dinner, Neil and William retired to the den for "man
talk" while the women stayed in the kitchen. Miss Alice, feeling
drained, said her good nights and went to bed, leaving the mother and
daughter to talk alone.
  Julia had known the moment she saw Christy that something was wrong,
but did not mention anything in front of the others. Now that the two
were alone, Julia thought it a good time to inquire into her
daughter's thoughts and troubles.
  "You seem troubled, Christy. Would you like to talk about it?" Julia
probed gently. 
  "It's nothing, Mother. Just a misunderstanding, that's all." Christy
new that she couldn't hide much from her mother, but she still hoped
that Julia wouldn't see what was really bothering her. Much to her
dismay, Christy's mother was right on target.
  "It's the doctor, isn't it?" 
  Christy looked up in surprise, and Julia smiled at her correct
guess. "I saw the way the two of you were avoiding each other and
trying to say as little as possible. You can fool some people, Christy
Hubbleston, but you can't fool your mother."
  Knowing her mother would not relent unless she told all, Christy
decided to tell Julia about what Neil had said to her the night
before. Mrs. Huddleston listened intently until her daughter was
finished. Thinking for a few minutes, Julia finally spoke.
  "Christy," she began,"I know the kind of person you are and I know
that when you want something, you go after it. Nothing much can stand
in your way." Julia smiled at her daughter. "And I don't see why this
situation is any different. Follow your heart, dear, it won't guide
you wrong. I promise."
  That night Christy pondered her mother's words. Lying awake in her
bed, Christy wondered if she would ever find a way to convince Neil of
his foolishness. Slowly Christy began to get sleepy and she fell into
a deep, dreamless sleep. The last thought she had was the face of a
child who had her big blue eyes...and Neil's unruly curls.
  

Chapter 7

  Margaret's funeral was short and simple. Money was one reason for
the plain ceremony, but Neil and Miss Alice both felt that a simple,
but sincere good-bye would be best. There were a few girls from the
teahouse present, but the group that surrounded the grave on that
over-cast day was basically a small one. 
  During the final prayer, Christy glanced up to catch a tear stream
down Neil's face. Taken back by this display, Christy wasn't sure how
to respond. She knew that he didn't love Margaret anymore, so why the
tears? Gently, Christy reached over and took the large hand in hers
and held it tight. Neil tried to pull back, but Christy's hand
wouldn't let his go, so he finally allowed the tender touch to continue.
  When the final "Amen" was said, everyone turned to leave, making
sure to pass by Miss Alice and pay their respects. Neil and Christy
did not let go of each other's hands until they reached the house.
Only then did they force themselves to release the other. For Christy
is was like letting go of a part of her soul. At that moment, when
Neil's hand was no longer in hers, Christy realized just how much she
truly needed him. She was fully aware of her love for the doctor, but
she had never given life without him a thought. She *couldn't* imagine
life without him...it wasn't an option for her.
  Christy resolved that she was not going to let him get off that
easily. If Neil MacNeill truly wanted to live the rest of his life
without her, then he was going to have to fight for it, because
Christy was not about to let it all just slip away. 
  Upon ariving home from the funeral, everyone ventured toward the
kitchen for something to eat. Mrs. Huddleston had a great dinner
prepared and not many were about to pass it up. Christy walked into
the kitchen and straight up to Neil who was chewing on a juicey piece
of baked ham. 
  "Doctor, may I please have a private word with you in the parlor,"
Not waiting for a reply, Christy spun on her heals and briskly walked
back through the door to wait for Neil in the other room. 
  Neil, who had been completely caught off guard, stood motionless for
a few seconds, wide-eyed and in shock. Then, realizing that everyone
was looking at him, regained his composure and quickly chewed the rest
of his food before speaking. "If you'll excuse me..." he said with a
slight bow of his head. With an extremely curious, yet apprehensive,
look, Neil moved towards the door, not really knowing what to expect. 
  Just before he exited, Miss Alice reached for his arm and stopped
him. Glancing up into Neil's face, she gave a knowing smile. "I just
want thee to know that you are not to blame for Margaret." Neil looked
away, but Miss Alice continued, "She did this to herself. Neither thee
nor I could have done anything more for her. So believe me when I say
that thee are free from guilt. Love her, Neil," Miss Alice said,
gestering towards the parlor. "She needs thee."
  Christy was sitting straight-backed in a chair when Neil arrived.
Her arms were crossed determindly across her chest and Neil had to
smile at the fire within her. She was just a stubborn as he could be,
maybe even more so. Wiping the smile off his face, Neil cleared his
throat to get her attention. "You wanted to speak with me, Miss
Huddleston?"
  "Yes, Dr. MacNeil," Christy's voice was all business. "I did. Please
have a seat." 
  Trying to supress a grin, Neil walked over to a chair opposite the
one Christy occupied and sat down. He knew what she was wanting to
discuss, but he decided to have a little fun and let Christy do all
the talking. "What is this regarding, if I may?"
  Christy took a deep breath. She wasn't sure how she should begin, so
she thought for a few seconds, then spoke. "Well, I would like to
discuss your behavior the other night, among other things." Neil did
not flinch at the mention of the tender moment they had shared. He
wanted to keep up his shrade as long as possible, just for Christy's
benifit. 
  "I'm listening."
  "I don't know if you realize this, Doctor," Christy said, "but you
need me. We are two people who share a bond that cannot be broken. You
and I-" 
  "Excuse me," Neil interupted her speech. He promised himself that he
would let her have her say, but he couldn't resist. "What was that you
said? I 'need' you? Was that it? How is that, Miss Huddleston? Why do
I need you?"
  It was Christy's turn to be thrown off guard. She hadn't expected
him to question her, and now that he had, she wasn't sure what to say.
   "Well, it's true." was her only reply. At this, Neil couldn't hold
his smile in any longer. As a matter of fact, he out right laughed.
This unnerved Christy and she began to get angry. How is it that no
matter what the situation or converstation, Neil always managed to
turn her words to his advantage, making her feel like a child. 
  Noting her expression, Neil silenced his laughter, but it was still
present in his hazel eyes. "I'm sorry, Christy. You just...it's just
that-" Neil fumbled for an explaination, but none would come to mind.
The two stood silent for a few moments. And then a few moments more.
Christy was feeling like a failer. She came into this determined to
"win back the man she loved" but that was completely ruined. Now she
didn't know what to do. 
  Suddenly, Christy felt the warm hand of Neil's taking a hold of
hers. The touch sent an electric shock up her arm and straight to her
heart. Neil spoke, his voice was completey serious. 
  "You're right, you know. You always are when it come to me. I do
need you, Christy. I need you as much as, if not more than, the air.
When I'm not with you, my throat tightens and I can't breath." Their
eyes met and locked. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to
me, Christy, and I was a fool to think I could let you go."
  Tears were flowing down Christy's cheeks, and she couldn't say a
word. All she could do- all she wanted to do- was to stay right where
she was, looking deep into the eyes of this man. Neil moved his hand
up by Christy's face, and lightly caressed the soft skin. At his
tender touch, Christy closed her eyes. She was so full of love and joy
at this moment that she didn't dare to move for fear she would burst. 
  Slowly, Neil leaned down to Christy like he did that night he said
good-bye. He pulled the small body close to his muscular frame and
their lips met for a second time. At that very moment, the angels were
singing in heaven and the world was perfect.

The end