DISCLAIMER
The Story and Characters are the property of the LaSourde family.  This work
of fan fiction is for personal amusement only, and no infringement of their
rights is intended.  The writers seek no profit or credit from this story.  Any
additions of the story line and characters were invented by the writers.



Title: Christmas Reservations
 Author: Donna S.


Christmas Reservations

Chapter 1

Christy stirred the embers of the dying fire with a stick, wondering how long
She had sat there.  All they could do now was sit, wait, and pray for the child
in the small lean-to.  She put another log on the fire.  The snow was deep and
it was very cold this far up into the mountains.  Neil was doing a thorough
check-up on the boy, looking for improvements.  The father, looking helpless,
kicked the dirt impatiently, wondering how his child was.  The conditions here
were even more primitive than in the Gap.  “Why had God brought them to this
place? They had been here since last night” she thought.  It was two more ‘til
Christmas and it didn’t look like she and Neil would make it back in time to
celebrate at the mission.

Flashback

Christy was at her wit’s end.  It was Friday, close to the time the children
went home.  They had been fidgety the whole day, spending lots of time staring
at the first snow of the year, dreaming.  They were looking at her with pleading
eyes, to set them free for the weekend, which held the promise of fun in the
snow.  Creed Allen was the one to say it first.  “Aw, Miss Christy, the snow is
so perty out thar, cain’t we go a runnin’?  Besides, Monday be Christmas!”
Christy gave Creed a stern look of disapproval, then smiled.
“Everyone, there is a present for each one of you, from my congregation in
Asheville.  After we open presents, you may go home,” she said.  There was a
unique gift for each child, according to their own accomplishments.  A doll for
Mountie, A Christmas Carol for Rob Allen, and the list went on.
“Everyone, enjoy your weekend.  I know I will.  See you at church on Sunday.”
The children bolted from their chairs, and ran down the stairs squealing with
excitement.  As soon as they got outside, the boys started throwing snowballs at
each other. The girls pointed and whispered secrets to each other, while trying
to dodge the flying snow.
It was then that she heard the Scottish brogue.  ‘Wheare are ye goin’ so fast,
wee ones? Sloow down, ah doon’t want eny brooken boones.”
Christy looked up with a smile.  “What can I do for you, Doctor?” she said.
“Weell, aye was wonderin’.  My Aunt Hattie is in sore need of company, since
Daniel went to visit his mother in Kentucky.  Would ye goo visitin’ with me?” he
asked hopefully.
“I’d love to Neil.  I’m sure I could find something bring her, in exchange for a
song.”  Christy hurriedly picked up her coat.  “I should go over to the mission
to let them know where I’m going, though.”
Christy and Neil walked into the mission, which was uncannily silent.  Neil
looked around.  “And just wheare is everyone?”
“Oh, Miss Alice left last night to help with a birth in Low Gap,” Christy stated
flatly.  “She didn’t think it was necessary to alarm you, since the pregnancy
was progressing well.”
“Yes, ah knoow of her.  Nellie’s on her fourth child and could handle the
delivery herself.  Alice is just there if she needs anythin’.”
Christy wanted to let folks know where she was going, and decided to look for a
piece of paper and pencil. While hunting around, she heard Creed Allen screaming
for the Doctor.  Neil turned his head toward the cry.
“Creed, what’s all this yellin’ aboot?’
“Doc! It’s Billy! Billy Long!  His son’s a hurtin’…told me to tell ya. He said
you’d know where to find him, and rode back home.  Looked awful scared, he did.”

“Thank ye for tellin’ me lad.  I’ll look after it.”
Neil turned to Christy with a concerned look on his face.  “Christy, ah might
need yur help.  Ah doon’t knoow what the problem is.  Could ye come with me?
Bein’ that Alice is in Low Gap, and Daniel is in Kentucky.’
Christy felt the old familiar feeling in her stomach again.  She thought, “Oh
no, not again, I wish I had a less sensitive stomach.”  “Of course I’ll go with
you Doctor.  Just let me get some things together, and I’ll leave a note.  I’ll
have to ride with you though.  David is visiting Cove residents today, and Ruby
Mae borrowed Buttons today.”
“That’s fine, we’ll just have to do.  Some of the terrain can be tricky anyway,
I’d rather ya rode with me.”
“Where are we going anyway?”
“Billy’s place is way up past God’s Fist, very remote, and very treacherous.
Especially with the snow and all.”

End of flashback

Chapter 2

As Christy stirred the embers of the fire, her stomach reminded her it was
breakfast time.  She figured Neil was hungry also, they hadn’t eaten since
yesterday. She thought about what Fairlight taught her of herbs and other foods
you could find in the forest.  She stood up, thinking about what she could find
for a perspective meal.  As she was walking, she thought she heard something
behind her.  Looking around, she saw nothing, there it was again.
“Hello, is anyone there?”  Christy started to feel like someone was watching
her.  “Please come out, you’re scaring me.”
She heard a noise from behind her again.  Turning around, she saw a handsome
male child with black curly hair and nearly black eyes.  As times before,
children always made Christy feel better.
“Hello, what is your name?”
“Ma name be Joseph, Joseph Longfeather.  Ma brother is sick, you here with the
Doc ta holp ‘im?”
“Yes I am, however, I was beginning to get hungry and I was looking for food.
Would you like to help me?  I know how to find herbs and greens, it’s so cold, I
doubt I would find any.  I don’t know how to catch anything either.”
Joseph smiled and agreed to help her.  “Aint ya never caught nothin’ afor?”
“No, and I need all the help I can get.”
Christy heard Neil come out of the lean-to, worry lines were quite apparent on
the good Doctors face.  She thought, “Well, at least I can keep Joseph’s mind
off his brother.”

Chapter 3

Neil spoke to Billy, “Billy, it looks like ah got the Anti-Tetanus serum in
Freeman before it was too late. I’m glad we got here last night. He’s still
runnin’ a high fever, with delirium. His lungs are slightly consolidated but
it’s not pneumonia and his skin color is not good. I’d like his temperature
lower. He needs as many fluids as we can get in him. All we can do now, is wait
and see the effect the serum has.
“Thank you for comin’ Neil, ah ‘preciate it.  Ma boy, means everthin’ ta ma wife
and me.”
“Whaere is Mary?” Neil looked around to see if she was busy with work.
“She’s with her mother, who took ill a week ago. She left before Freeman got
sick.” Billy’s face had a deep look of concern.
“Would ya like me ta look in on her mother, since I’m here?” Neil thought, I
hope I don’t have to leave the boy.
Billy thought about it, and with the look of a concerned father, he said, “Na,
Mary can take care of her mother.  Freeman is in serious condition, and in need
your attention more.”
Neil felt relieved. The boy’s father was right, he did need a Doctors attention.
The illness could take many different directions. Neil looked at Billy with
concern, “Ye might want to send for Mary, and send one of the other women in the
tribe to take care of her mother so she can return.”
Billy nodded in agreement, “I’ll send for her right away.”
“How is your wife Margaret doin’ these days, Doc?  Ah know she was feelin’
poorly.”
Neil appeared to have a dark cloud over his head.  “She had a bad bout with her
tuberculosis, which went into pneumonia.  She died six months back.”
“I’m sorry ta hear that.  I know you’ve been goin’ through a hard time with her
an all.”
Neil’s face turned red. He didn’t want anyone’s pity, even his old friend
Billy’s. “Ah, …don’t concern yourself with it, I’m fine.”  He displayed more
confidence than he felt.
It took all morning for Joseph and Christy to find something edible for her and
the Doctor. She just couldn’t believe what it was though. Joseph helped Christy
prepare it for cooking, and showed her how to prepare the skin for curing.
Christy took her well earned prize and started roasting it over the fire.
A little while later Neil smelled something that made his stomach growl.  “Hmmm”
He thought to himself. “Ah guess ma stomach is hollerin’ fer somethin’ ta eat.
He went over to Christy, who had some critter cooking over the fire.  “Smells
good lass, just doon’t burn it.”
“Neil MacNeill, don’t tease me like that, or maybe I won’t share it with you!
Christy’s face was red with mock anger, and her eyes were hot with a blue
flame.  Until she couldn’t hold it in anymore, and let out a small petite
giggle.”
Neil said, with a smile, “You are a scamp, lass.”  Neil nervously combed through
his unruly locks with his fingers.  He put his hand on Christy’s shoulder and
immediately felt and electricity between them.  Neil might as well have gotten
hit by lightening.  He wondered if Christy had felt it too. He felt her shiver
underneath his hand.   “Ah guess that answers that!”  Not realizing he said it
aloud.
“Answers what?”
“What?  Oh, I was just thinkin’….ma prayers have been answered.” Neil kicked the
ground nervously. “Ye hungry, lass?  Let’s eat, I’m starvin’. Looks wonderful.
What is it?”
Christy’s face turned red with embarrassment, “It’s possum, the only thing
Joseph and I could catch.”
Neil threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, “Ah hope it tastes better
than Ruby Mae’s possum dishes!”
Joseph said, “I think I’ll check on my brother”. Feeling as if he was intruding
on a private moment.
When Christy saw that Joseph was out of earshot, she said, “Neil, how is
Freeman?  I know his brother is very worried about him”
“As he should be.  Yu knoow more that anyone how bad tetanus can be.”

Chapter 4

“Ah can’t lie to ye Christy, he’s in serious condition and it will probably be a
week ‘til we know for sure.  I’m sorry, I know ye had plans to go to yur parents
fur Christmas.  We won’t be able to leave ‘til the boy shows signs of
improvement, and then, there is the snow. Tis getting’ deeper all the time.”
Neil put his arm around Christy to comfort her. He knew she missed her family
terribly, and it was his fault she wouldn’t see them this holiday. Neil needed
to say something to make him feel better about the whole mess. “Ah lass, I’ll
get ye home as soon as ah can.”
 “Thank you Neil.” Christy smiled, as she gave Neil a light kiss on the
forehead.
Neil loved looking into her blue eyes, especially when she smiled. He smiled at
Christy with a twinkle in his green eyes. “By the way, I think you should take
Ruby Mae’s place, cookin’ the possum. ‘Tis very good, almost as good as ma own
Mothers, and ‘twasn’t burned either.” Neil laughed after he teased Christy once
more.
“Neil MacNeill, you exasperate me!” Christy threw a snowball at Neil and hit him
square in the face. Neil pushed Christy back in the snow, tickling her until she
cried out.
Christy rolled in fits of giggles. ”Stop Neil, I’ve giggled so hard, my side
hurts!”
Neil stopped tickling her, laughing.  “That’s what you get for throwing a
snowball at me, scamp.
Christy wiped the snow out of Neil’s eyes, smiling. I’m sorry, I thought it was
the right thing to do, since you were teasing me, AGAIN.”
Neil kissed Christy’s hand that was clearing the snow from his face, then her
nose.  Christy blushed at his attention. His face was so close to hers that her
heart started to pound faster. She wondered if Neil noticed, when he leaned
closer to her, and kissed her on the mouth. Christy met his kiss, and melted
deeper into his soft lips, until both became self-conscious. They separated with
a heart-felt sigh.
Neil swallowed hard, then said, “I think I’ll check on Freeman, I’ll be sittin’
with him this afternoon. Billy said he would sit with him tonight.”
Christy focused on the lean-to Freeman was in, then looked at Neil with her blue
eyes that spoke volumes. “Please stay a little longer? Billy is there with him
and will call you if he needs you. You need a break Neil. You sat with him all
night and you can check on him later.
Neil’s heart melted when she looked at him and he couldn’t resist her charm.
“What an extraordinary woman, different than anyone of the female persuasion
he’s ever known.”  She stirred a feeling inside of him that he hadn’t felt since
he was a boy. He felt at peace and complete around her. He wished he could tell
her. “Ah suppose ah could stay a little while.” He said with a warm smile.

Chapter 5

“Neil?” Christy asked, looking at the Doctor, wondering. “When did you first
meet Billy Long?”
Neil looked a Christy with a smile, remembering when he first saw the Indian
boy.  “Do you remember the story ah told you, of the Great White Buck?”
Christy nodded her head, yes, with anticipation. Neil was known for his
storytelling abilities in the Gap. The only one that was a better storyteller,
was Uncle Bogg McHone.
Neil swallowed nervously and ran his fingers through his curly locks,
formulating his thoughts. He began his story, bringing him back to the day of
the white buck.
“Ah went in the direction the buck was followin’, after he disappeared into the
forest. Ah was lost before ah saw him, but he led me back home. All night, ah
was thinking of the white buck, not a wink did I sleep. Ah needed to find him
again. It was then ah decided, ah would have to go back to look for him again.
I left the next mornin’, before ma parents woke. I was looking for tracks of the
big white buck. What ah found were moccasin tracks, which ah followed for a
while. Ah thought ah heard somethin’ behind me. Ah turned, saw nothing, turned
to ma original direction and just aboot fell over the young Indian lad. We both
fell into a heap.  Ah doon’t know who was frightened more, the Indian lad or
me.”
Neil looked at Christy, who was riveted to the tale, noticing the darkness
behind her. “Lass, I think we’ll have to finish this up later. Ah need tu check
on ma patient now.” He leaned over and kissed Christy on the forehead.
Christy smiled at Neil and agreed they would continue this later. The Doctor
notice that Christy looked tired after her trip up here, and being a nurse to
Freeman. “Come with me Christy, we’ll get you settled in your lean-to, then I’ll
check on the boy.”
Christy looked grateful to go to sleep, she was exhausted and cold. Neil brought
a blanket from his horse and put it in Christy’s lean-to. He built a fire to
keep her warm, as close to her sleeping quarters as possible.
Neil saw that Christy was shivering, and falling asleep on her feet. He looked
at her with concern, feeling foolish for bringing her up here. “Come on lass,
let’s get you into bed.”
Christy had the look of shock and hurt on her face. “You don’t need any help
with Freeman?”
Neil tried to smooth her ruffled feathers. “Ah always need your help, but you
look very tired, and if you get sick, you won’t be able to help me or the boy.
Now, let’s tuck you in so you stay warm and if you need anything durin’ the
night, just call me. I’ll come runnin’.” He gave her that smile that made her
blush, the smile that said something only her heart would understand.
She melted into his eyes, and gave into her exhaustion. She smiled at him with
tired eyes.
Neil helped her get settled in. “There ye go lass, all tucked in, nice and
toasty warm.” He kissed her on the forehead and Christy reached around his neck
and pulled him to her, kissing him firmly on the lips. “Goodnight Neil.”
“Sweet dreams darlin’.” He thought of Christy’s soft, warm lips and sighed.
“Goodnight my love.” Neil thought to himself.

Chapter 7

The Doctor reluctantly walked toward Freeman’s lean-to, wishing he could stay
with Christy.
When he entered the shelter, Neil saw Billy sitting next to his son with his
head leaning against the wall, asleep. Freeman looked so peaceful that the
Doctor regretted having to disturb the boy. He went to Freeman’s side and began,
in a methodical manor, taking his vital signs, looking into his eyes. The boy
stirred from the Doctors ministrations and sat up so Neil could listen to his
lungs with a stethoscope, and took his temperature.  Neil’s eyes smiled at what
he found. He looked at the wound that caused this dilemma it the first place.
Oh, the laceration is looking much better and the infection has started to clear
up. Neil said in a professional tone. Billy woke up, he groggily ask the Doctor
how his son was doing. Billy… Freeman’s temperature has decreased, his lungs are
clearer, eyes bright, and the infection has decreased in his wound.  I would
still like to keep and eye on him for a few days. Tetanus can be very tricky and
I don’t want him to regress. We’re still not out of the woods yet.”
Billy stood next to Neil contemplating his words. He looked at his longtime
friend, the one who he would trust his life with, and shook his head in
agreement. “I hope things continue to go this well. I trust your judgement my
friend. Neil, you look tired, get some rest, I’ll sit with Freeman tonight.”
Billy looked at Neil, exhaustion was written all over his face.
Neil nodded and went to his shelter. He tried to sleep, but all he could think
of was Christy’s kiss. He grumbled at his thoughts. What right did he have
thinking Christy would love him, he had nothing to offer her, but friendship and
respect… and love. That wouldn’t give her the things she was used to.
He turned to his other side trying to sleep, which he spent many nights chasing
after, but never quite catching it. He tried counting sheep, but instead, he ran
after them in his mind, scaring them away. He sat up to stretch his soar muscles
and thought he heard something. He listened more closely, someone was crying.
Who was it? “I better check on Christy.”
Neil went to where Christy was sleeping, and heard her crying. He softly called
her name. “Christy? What’s wrong?”
Christy looked at him with pools of water in her eyes, and tears running down
her face. “I’m sorry if I woke you Neil, I was thinking of home and about not
being there for Christmas and…” Christy looked down at the ground. “I was
frightened of the dark.”
Neil sat down beside Christy and took her in his arms.  “I’m sorry for messing
up your plans.  Is there anything I could do to make this up to you?” He looked
at her, the lines in his face creased with worry.
Christy melted into his embrace feeling a little better with him there. His
body, warming her cold one, both spiritually and physically. She smiled up at
him. Could she let him know how he made her feel? Christy thought of being in
his arms,… she felt warm, safe, complete, and like she should stay there always.
She sighed, with contentment.
Neil heard her sigh and smile to himself. He bent his head down and kissed her
on the top of the head, holding her closer. He loved her and was fearful of her
response, if he told her that. He thought to himself,  “You stupid Scot, your
acting like a teenage boy! Just let her know how you feel and face the
consequences.” Neil grumbled.
Christy thought back, at what Neil said earlier. He said, “Oh, I was just
thinkin’ ma prayers have been answered.” She wondered if he did pray and what he
prayed for. She smiled at the thought. “Hmm” wondering out loud, but not meaning
to.
“What Christy?” Neil inquired.
Christy’s face turned red. “Oh, I was just thinking about what you would pray
for?”
“What prayer?” Neil looked at her puzzled.
“You said earlier that your prayers had been answered. What prayers?” She gave
him that look that always melted his heart.
He gave her that look that always made her blush. He smiled, swallowed hard and
thought, “Well, here goes”. “Ah love you Christy Huddleston, ….more than life
itself. You stir something in me, that Ah thought was long dead a long time ago.
Ah hoped that you love me… as much as Ah love you.” He looked at her hoping for
a favorable response.
Christy looked at Neil with big blue puddles. “Oh Neil, all my mind has been
filled with lately is thoughts of your warmth, your soft lips, and how much I
love you. There are times I wish I could make things easier for you, when I see
you in mental anguish. I want to be with you always and be the helpmate you’ve
needed and wanted.”
Neil looked at Christy with tears of happiness in his eyes. He gently bent down
and kissed her lips, the kisses becoming harder and more intense. After a while,
both of them eventually succumbed to the tiredness of their bodies and
innocently fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Chapter 8

The next morning was beautiful, the sun was shining and the temperature showed
the promise of a warmer day.
Neil struggled to open his eyes, feeling something warm next to him. He then
remembered what transpired during the night. He smiled to himself and realized
he and Christy must have fallen asleep in each other’s arms. He started to
wiggle out of Christy’s embrace, hoping not to wake her.
She sighed and stretched, Christy realized she and Neil were still holding one
another and hopped out of his arms. “Oh Neil, I hope no one noticed.” She said,
embarrassed at the thought that they spent most the night in each other’s arms.
“What would people think?”
Neil swallowed hard as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Ahhh…. Christy, I
think I’ll check on Freeman’s condition, want to help? Then we can find some
breakfast.”
Christy nodded, “Sure, let’s go.” Willing to let go of her embarrassment.
Neil and Christy entered the shelter and saw Billy sleeping with his head next
to his son Freeman, and Joseph was cuddled up next to his father, their dog
curled up, touching each one of them. Christy thought, with endearment,  “I wish
I had my art pad and charcoal. This would make such a precious picture.”
Neil and Christy heard a noise behind them, they both turned to see what it was.
Christy gasped, as she saw the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Her hair
was straight and as black as a raven, extending down to her tailbone. She had
the blackest of eyes, but the portrayed a magnitude of warmth. She walked with
such grace that you could barely hear her move.
Mary looked at Neil and Christy and wondered as to the identity of the young
woman, thinking they made a nice couple. She could feel the magnetism between
them both, ready to spark at any moment. She looked at Neil and then Christy.
Neil looked at Christy and said, “Ah, Mary this is Christy Huddleston, the new
teacher in Cutter Gap. She came to help me should I need an extra pair of
hands.” She smiled warmly at Christy and nodded her head, then looked Neil’s
way. “Well Neil, how is my son?” Bravely standing there and waiting for the
worst.”
Neil smiled at her, “Mary, ah haven’t looked in on him yet this mornin’, but
last night his condition was improving. I’ll have to perform a thorough
check-up, then I can give you my report. How is your mother doing? Does she need
a Doctor’s attention?
“My mother improved enough to take care of herself now. Thank you for asking.”
Mary, Christy and Neil turned around when they heard Billy and the boy’s stir.
Joseph said to his father with excitement, “I think I hear Ma. Is she back from
Grandma’s?
Mary quickly went to her family’s side, kissing each one of them. Buck, the dog,
barked and wagged his tail happy to see her again. “Yes Joseph, I’m back and I’m
very happy to see my family. I missed you all very much. Freeman, how are you
feeling?” Concern written all over her face.
Freeman tried to sit up, to greet his mother, but his body wouldn’t obey. He
plopped down in his bed and weakly said, “Feelin’ better this mornin’, just not
all better. When can I have somethin’ to eat?”
Everyone smiled at that question. Neil took that as his cue. “You’ll not be
eatin’ ‘til ah can take a look at ye boy.” He smiled at him and took his medical
equipment out of his bag.
Mary left to get something to eat for everyone. She was sure they didn’t eat as
well as they should while she was away. She thought a stew would do nicely for
everyone, after all, last night had been very cold. It was already shaping up to
be a nice day.  The snow had begun to melt in the warm sun.
Christy followed Mary asking her, “Is there anything I could do to help? I very
happy to see Freeman recuperating.”
Mary smiled warmly at Christy,  “Could you get some water?  Joseph will show you
where the stream is, and he can catch something to put in the stew.”
Christy took Joseph by the hand and followed him to the stream. Christy
wondered, “Joseph, does your family celebrate Christmas?”
Joseph had a twinkle in his eyes, “Yes we do, Papa says the whites celebrate
differently than my family, but we still have fun.”
“Well, what is you family tradition?” Christy inquired.
Joseph thought about how he could word it. “My family gets together on Christmas
Eve and we have a glorious meal and a singin’. We give thanks for all of to be
together, which is the biggest gift of all.”
Christy felt badly because they’re Christmas centered on gifts for each other
and the giving part of Christmas. She was amazed how children could be such good
teachers. All of a sudden, she felt homesick for both Cutter Gap and Asheville.
She was supposed to leave on the train yesterday morning. “I hope Miss Alice
called my parents.”

Chapter 9

Christy helped Mary clean up the table after everyone got up. Mary said to
Christy,” Thank you for coming here to help our Freeman. It means a lot to us.
We don’t get many visitors here, so it’s special when we do.”
Christy smiled, Oh, your welcome, I help Neil when Miss Alice or Dan aren’t
around. Dan is a medical student under the Doctor’s tutelage. He helps him with
many of the cases around the Cove, which leaves Neil free for other aspects of
medicine.”
Mary wondered if she should approach this subject, so she plunged in. “Tell me
Christy. I saw the look in your eyes when you and Neil were looking at each
other this morning, before you noticed me there. Are you in love with our
wonderful Neil?”
Christy sharply drew a breath, shocked at her forwardness. She turned away from
Mary so she wouldn’t see her reddened face. “I…. Ah…What I mean to say is…..yes,
I guess I am.” She felt cornered.
Mary looked at Christy with ‘I knew it!” look. She smiled and thought to
herself, ‘We’ll have to do something about this, it’s time Neil was married
again.’
Billy brought a bowl of stew to Freeman, who had fallen asleep before breakfast.
He entered the shelter, looking to see if the boy were awake. He was greeted
with a smiling, very hungry boy. Freeman said, “Papa, where have you been, I’m
very hungry.
Billy laughed at his son’s impatience. “You were sleeping and we didn’t want to
wake you. So we ate while we could, and brought you food now.”
Neil walked into the lean-to, he laughed to watch the boy eat with so much
gusto. “Slow down Freeman, you’ll regret it later.”
The men turned when the heard the ladies giggling and sharing secrets. Neil
overheard Mary telling Christy about a few embarrassing moments pertaining to
him, that he’d like to forget. “Mary, don’t tell Christy about being surrounded
by Indian girls, who caught me taking a bath. That’s embarrassing.”
As Christy strolled past the Doctor, trying not to giggle, Neil commented under
his breath, “Now, you wouldn’t know about such things, would you Miss
Huddleston?” Christy’s face turned a brilliant shade of red and hurried past the
Doctor to Freeman’s side.
Mary looked at Neil, then she gave her husband a look that said, “Go do what I
asked you to do.” Mary said to the men, “Why don’t you fella’s go huntin’ for
tonight’s Christmas dinner. She smiled a coy smile at her husband. The men felt
they better obey her. They both went to get their guns.
Billy and Neil walked toward the woods in the comfortable mountain silence.
Billy looked at Neil and said, awkwardly, “Yep, I don’t know what I would do
without a good woman at my side. Mary is the most beautiful woman I ever spied.
What do you think Neil?”
Neil wondered where this was going. “’tis true Billy, a good woman is worth her
weight in gold.”
OK, so Billy went a little further, see how far he could push his blood brother.
“Ah, … so … Neil…when are you gonna get another woman? Mary says that school
teacher would fit the bill. How do you feel about her?”
“Ah knew it!” Thought Neil, “They had somethin’ up their sleeve.” “To tell ye
the truth, (his Scottish brogue getting stronger and more pronounced) Ah think
Ah’m in love with her, but Ah would be afraid that she doesn’t love me, an old
shriveled up country doctor!” he confided in Billy. He could always talk to him.

Billy smiled, ah ha, gotcha, “Neil, I have a way to find out her feelings for
you, and what direction you should take.”
Neil’s face was red with fire “You mean going on a dream quest? The last time I
did that, I was in a dream for three days!”
“It couldn’t hurt Neil, and it will give you the purification you need after
being hurt by Margaret.”
Neil looked defeated, “When will we do it?”
Billy smiled, “Right this way, the Elders are waiting for you. I took the
liberty to have a gift to give them.” Billy pulled out a pouch of tobacco for
each one of the Elders.
“What?” Neil exclaimed. “You had this whole thing worked out! I’ll not do it!”
“Oh yes you are, if I have to drag you! It’s our gift to you and Christy for the
holiday. It’s the least we could do after you saved our son.”
Neil scowled, “the least YOU could do!”
Billy escorted the Doctor to the sweat lodge, Neil struggling in his grasp. They
entered the lodge, and there were four other men. Neil looked at them and said
meekly, “Ah…Ah… have some tobacco for you Sun Dog, and the other Elders as
well.” He didn’t know the other one’s names. The old man laughed weakly at Neil,
who he thought of as a son, and motioned for him to prepare for the sweat.
When Neil was ready, he sat down with the other men. The elder poured water on
the rocks piled in a heap over a fire. Neil wiped the sweat out of his burning
eyes with a rag. The elder spoke to the Doctor, “White Buck, what are your
feelings toward this young lady you brought to us?” The lodge got hotter and
hotter, Neil felt he was drifting in and out of the conscious realm, he felt he
was falling asleep.
It was then, he had the vision, of a family. Christy was making dinner and there
were children close to her, they were in his cabin. The smallest boy toddled to
Christy, “Mama, when Papa come home? He asked in toddler words. “Me go fishin’.”
She smiled at her son, the one with reddish, curly locks and green eyes.
“Neilly, Papa will be home soon, just be patient.” Neilly twirled around,
hearing his father come through the door. The toddler squealed, “Papa! We go
fishin’?” He ran for his father who picked him up spinning around and around.
The toddler wiggled with laughs and giggles, as he looked at his father who had
a smile from ear to ear. Then Neil bent toward Christy and passionately kissed
his wife. He retrieved his fishing rods from the wall and walked out the door
with his son in his arms. “Be back soon me love.” Christy said, “Don’t be late
for dinner, you two!”
Neil came out of his trance, not sure how much time had transpired. He found it
was nearly dark out. “Fool” he thought. Ah should be watchin’ the boy. But he
thought about his vision and he liked it the scene that played out in front of
him. He felt peace and resolution. He must pursue Miss Huddleston in earnest.

Chapter 10

The men returned from the sweat to join the women at the singing for Christmas
Eve. They were met with wondrous smells of food. Neil looked for Christy and
didn’t find her until he entered Freeman’s shelter. She was getting him ready
for the singing. Neil sneaked up behind Christy and said, “Miss Huddleston,
where do plan on taking this lad.”
Christy turned toward the sound of the Scottish brogue and warmly smiled,
wishing she could run to him and enfold her arms around his neck. “Freeman is
the guest of honor at tonight’s singing. Isn’t that exciting? Freeman has been
telling me what their get-together’s are like.”
Christy and the Doctor jumped when they heard something that sounded like
thunder. Neil looked at Christy and Freeman and gave them a wink and a smile.
“Come Christy, let’s help Freeman to the festivities. They are about to start.”
Christy heard the throbbing of drums, which vibrated her whole body. As they
were walking to the party, people were singing in a language she never heard
before. “What language is that?” spilling over with excitement.”
Neil smiled, “That, Miss Huddleston, is Cherokee!” He said with pride.
Christy watched as everyone, except for the drummers, were dancing around a big
fire. Neil gleamed at Christy, “Let’s sit Freeman against this seat in the
middle, near the fire. The seat of honor will be comfortable and warm. Then we
can join them. Will you dance with me, Miss Huddleston!
As the couple dance with Billy’s people, Christy thought, “There is a feeling
I’ve never had before. It felt like a strong energy, making the dancers and
drummers combine their heart’s, beating the same beat. The whole nation as one.”

The People danced ‘til the early morning hours. Christy thought all these things
were a wonder. There was dancing, singing, and the storyteller’s would put Bogg
to shame. Christy learned more history of these people and the people of the
Cove, than the History books could ever tell. “Oh!” Christy thought, “It would
be wonderful, to have a real Pow wow at school. The children would learn local
History and it would come alive for them.”
The singing was coming to an end, Christy figured she could ask Billy about
bring some people with him to have a Pow wow at her school.
Neil asked Christy to help him get Freeman back to bed. He had fallen asleep
during the singing. She smiled, “Of course Neil! I’ll help you.”
After tucking Freeman in for the night, Neil looked at Christy and saw how tired
she looked. “Come on lass, let’s get you tucked in next. I’ll be in the next
shelter if you need anything. Mary’s going to stay with Freeman tonight. We
shouldn’t have a repeat performance of last night though. ….Christy, Freeman is
doing well enough, that we can go back home tomorrow.  Is that OK with ye?
Christy looked at the Doctor wearily, “Yes, I think that would be fine.” She
smiled at Neil as he tucked her in for the night. “Good night love.” Neil kissed
Christy gently on the forehead, then the lips. “Ah love you Christy.” He
whispered, but she was mostly asleep. “I love you to.” She said tiredly.
Neil checked on the sleeping Freeman, and made sure Mary was there with him.
“Good night Mary. Just holler if you need anything. Alright?”
She smiled, “You’ll be the first one I call. Good night Neil, sweet dreams, if
you know what I mean.”
Neil grumbled as he walked to his lean-to.

Chapter 11

Neil stretched, the morning sun shined brightly in his eyes. He straightened his
body to a stand, and started for Freeman’s shelter. He looked into the lean-to
and didn’t see Freeman or Mary. He decided he’d check on Christy, who wasn’t
where she should be either. “Neil looked at the sun, with a grumble. “What time
is it?” He looked at his watch. It said 9 o’clock. Oh no, I wanted to be gone by
now!” he stumble over to the fire to have some breakfast and found everyone
feasting on leftovers from last night
“Good Morning sleepy head. I tried to wake you up but you were sound asleep. Are
you hungry Neil?” Christy said cheerfully.
He absorbed her beauty in the morning dew, and smiled. “Why, yes ah am”
“I’ll dish you up something right away.” Christy said.
Neil could only think about the vision he had the day before, and …he smiled. He
loved her more than anyone he’d ever known. He felt needed her so badly, it
hurt.
Christy brought him a plate brimming with food. “Here you go, I hope I picked
out things you like.” Their hand brushed each other’s, which sent a charge of
energy between them. Neil reached out for Christy’s hand and held it. “Thank you
Christy, this is wonderful.”
She smiled back with a sparkle in her big blue eyes. “When do you plan on
leaving Neil.” She asked.
“Ah figured we would leave after ah check Freeman one last time. Will you be
ready?” he asked questionably.
“I’ve already packed so we could go whenever you’re finished with Freeman.”
Christy was ready to go home. The snow had melted enough to get down the
mountain safely and she trusted Neil’s horsemanship.
Neil gave Freeman a clean bill of health, but requested he stay in bed for a few
more days. Christy packed his things up while he was with the boy. Billy made
sure everything was packed on Charlie securely. When they were ready to go, Neil
and Mary came out of the shelter. Neil instructed Mary how to administer the
medicine he gave her for her son.
He looked at Christy, “Well, are ye ready to go home lass?”  She looked relieved
to be returning home. “Yes I am, everything is packed and ready to go.”
Neil and Christy gave Billy and Mary hugs with a promise to return when the
weather was warmer.  “We’ll see you soon.” Said Neil and Christy. With a wave of
the hand, they were gone.

Chapter 12

On the trip home, the mountain was just as steep as it always had been. The only
difference was that the snow had been melting and there were small streams
running down the declines cutting away some of the soil. Alice had told Christy
to stay away from the mountains after a big melt, but she never realized it was
this treacherous. The paths that they had followed up here had been washed away.
“Neil, do you think we will make it down OK?”
Neil replied with concern in his voice. “Ah don’t know lass ‘til were at the
bottom, I’ll let ye know then.”
They spent an hour getting down the mountain, each step carefully planned , in
silence. Neil was tired from the intense concentration it took to reach the
bottom alive. “Well lass, Ah think we need a break.” Neil helped Christy down
off the horse with care, onto a large rock. Everything was so muddy that they
sat on the rock for lunch. Mary had packed enough food to last an overnight
should they need it. Christy laid out the blanket she used at Billy’s camp, for
the picnic lunch.
Neil watched Christy and thought of the family they were meant to have.
“Christy, we need to talk about what happened at the Indian camp.”
“Oh yes, I did ask Billy if he could do a Pow wow for the school and he said he
would be down in the spring, as soon as he could make it down the mountain.”
Neil gazed at her with intensity. “Ah’m not talkin’ aboot that.  Ah need to tell
ye how much ah love ye lass.” He took her in his arms. “Ah’m askin’ permission
to court ye!”
Christy looked at him with so much love in her eyes. “Neil, I love you too. Yes,
I would be honored for you to court me.
He looked with concern at Christy. “Only understand Ah need time to make sure
that we are compatible as a couple. Ah doon’t want to make the same mistake
again. Ah’ll do this one by the book.” They embraced for a long time, not
wanting to break the magic between them. They ate in silence, caught in their
own thoughts. Then they picked up the blanket on their way to Cutter Gap.
Christy and Neil saw some familiar sights, and realized they were nearly to the
mission. They could see the church steeple peaking over the rise. Neil hurried
the exhausted stallion into a gallop. Charlie seemed to understand he was home
and he would be fed soon, so he ran a little faster that usual. As they
approached the largest building, they heard Ruby Mae squeal that she saw Teacher
and Doc MacNeill. Everyone came running out of the mission. Fairlight was waving
a kitchen towel. Miss Alice had her hands over her mouth, with tears in her
eyes, and David stood in front of his bunkhouse, a tower of strength. Ruby Mae
screamed their names and started running toward them.
Christy and Neil thought in unison, “Ah, it’s nice to be home.” Coming home to
their beloved Cutter Gap, the love they had for each other, and the love their
friends had for them was the best gift of all. They both felt blessed, indeed.
As Christy and Neil neared the mission they yelled:

“Merry Christmas Everyone!”

The End!