Disclaimer
Title: The Wedding Part 
Author: Betty 
Email: JBKITT@email.msn.com
Summary: Christy prepares for her wedding.

The Wedding Part  I

May 19, 1914 was the most glorious day these eyes have seen.  A gentle, 
cooling breeze whispered through the mountains as the sun radiated it's 
warmth on my wedding guests. Thankfully, the torrential Spring storms 
that swept through the Cove the entire last week were now gone. Our 
original wedding date had been Saturday, May 16. Mother, Father and 
George had arrived a week early to help me prepare, but the storms 
continued to pound and soak the earth to a muddy brown. I was forlorn at 
the thought of having to postpone my wedding, but Neil insisted we wait 
for the weather to break. And, he promised we'd marry on the first nice 
day. So, Monday, the sun peeked through the dark grey clouds just enough 
to begin to dry the meadow. Word spread across the mountain. The wedding 
would take place on Tuesday.

When I awoke that morning, the first thing my eyes fell upon  was my 
grandmother's wedding dress. I was somewhat grateful Mother and I had 
these unexpected extra days to complete last minute alterations on the 
dress. It was a beautiful ivory white dress but somewhat old-fashioned 
for the present times. Mother and I worked into the wee hours of each 
night lowering the neckline and transforming the puffy long sleeves into 
simple layers of lace which fell  just below my bare shoulders. It was 
more revealing than anything I had ever worn, but it was starting to 
look like my dream dress I had seen in a past issue of Harper's Bazaar. 
Our most difficult task was removing the bustle and straightening the 
skirt, which had been meant to be worn over a hoop skirt. But when all 
was finished, it was perfect.

There was a light knocking at my door, then Mother entered. She looked 
positively radiant as she sat next to me on the bed. I smiled to her, 
"Today is the day, Mother."

She brushed back a few stray hairs from my face. I could see she was 
choking back tears. Quietly she said, "I know. And there are a few 
things we need to talk about, like tonight, after the wedding, when you 
ride off with Neil to his cabin. I'm not sure I've done my duty as a 
mother in explaining to you what you can expect and what is expected of 
you."

I had to smile at Mother's choice of words. I'd almost forgotten how 
proper she could be when discussing uncomfortable topics. I could have 
let her continue but decided to lessen her anxiety, "Mother, I have 
lived in this Cove for a year and a half now. I can assure you, I know 
more about the birds and the bees than you can imagine. As for what I 
expect," I paused and took a deep breath, "I expect that Neil will treat 
me with the same gentleness as he's always shown me. And as for what's 
expected of me, I can only imagine that Neil expects nothing more of me 
than to express my love for him in the best way I possibly can; 
physically, spiritually, and emotionally." I kissed her on the cheek, 
"So don't worry, Mother."

She patted my hand and dabbed her moist eyes. Just then, Father entered. 
In a hearty voice he called out, "There's the woman of the hour! How is 
my only daughter on this fine day?"

"Fine, Daddy," I giggled as he embraced me, "I'm ready to get started!"

"Patience, my dear, patience. Good things come to those who wait, and I 
must say, Dr. MacNeill is getting the best."

"Oh, and you're not the least bit biased!" I teased.

"Why not at all! I only hope Dr. MacNeill knows he's getting the jewel 
of my crown." He kissed me on the top of my head then headed towards the 
door, "Now if you ladies will excuse me, George and I are off to see 
that the nervous groom makes it to the ceremony in one piece. From what 
I've heard all ready this morning, he's cut his face at least three 
times while shaving and has torn his cabin apart searching for a 
matching pair of clean socks!"

Mother and I giggled at the thought. Poor Neil! He had been through this 
once before. I hoped he would be more sure of himself than I, but 
according to Father, my nerves seem to be faring much better.

As Mother and I ate breakfast, I could feel the buzz of excitement in 
the air. Ladies and young girls from all over Cutter Gap began to gather 
at the mission house, bringing with them aromatic fruit pies, corn pone, 
jams and jellies, hams and beef, and an endless array of vegetable 
dishes. Miss Alice almost seemed frazzled as she directed the ladies 
while attending to her own steaming pots in the kitchen. The younger 
girls busied themselves by decorating the churchyard and gazebo with 
vines and a colorful assortment of flowers. As with most weddings, this 
was turning into a community event.

After breakfast, I soaked in a warm tub, taking time to enjoy the 
peaceful, private moments before the noontime ceremony. Upon returning 
to my room, I found Mother, Opal, and a very pregnant Ruby Mae making 
last minute preparations.

"Oh, Miz Christy, I'm jess so excited fer yu! I knew all along you and 
the Doctor were made for each other. I have a second sight when it comes 
to these things, ya know. People was always sayin'...that Ruby Mae, she 
knows what two hearts are tied together, sure as spittin' ain't it the 
truth! Why, I knew the first time I set eyes on my Will, we'd be gettin' 
hitched, oncst we was of marryin' age and all. And the weddin' night, oh 
my Miz Christy, have yu got some surprises in store fer yu!"

"Ruby Mae!" Mother's voice interrupted Ruby Mae prattle. I don't think 
Mother wanted to hear anymore of Ruby Mae's details about the wedding 
night, "Why don't we just concentrate on getting Christy dressed in 
time, okay?"

Ruby Mae blushed, "Yes'm."

Opal unwrapped the veil she had been working on all week; a ring of 
intertwined vines and leaves covered with blue german iris, cornflower, 
and blue violets, lightly sprayed with bits of baby's breath. Along the 
back of the ring, Opal sewed a four foot long veil, made from leftover 
lace Mother saved from Grandmother's altered wedding dress. I was at a 
loss for words.

"Fer yu, Miz Christy....something blue. I'm hopin' yu like it." Opal 
placed the delicate ring of flowers in my hands.

"It's the most beautiful headpiece I've ever seen." Tears welled up in 
my eyes at the beauty and pricelessness of this gift of the heart, 
"Nothing in Asheville could ever compare." Opal's warm tears fell on my 
shoulder as we embraced.

"And now for something borrowed," Mother interrupted, "The same strand 
of pearls I wore on my wedding day." She clasped the stand of perfect 
pearls around my neck, "I hope they bring you the same joy and love your 
Father and I have shared these many years."

"Thank you, Mother," My fingers glided over the rough pearls, "They're 
beautiful."

"May I interrupt?" Miss Alice peeked in the doorway then entered, "I 
have a gift for thee also Christy." She placed a small blue velvet box 
in my hand. In the box was a small gold cross hanging from a thin gold 
bracelet, "Now thee has something new."

By now, the tears  were flowing freely among all the women in my room, 
including me, "Thank you, Miss Alice. I'll treasure it always."

The joy of the moment was pearced by the sound of a shotgun blast 
nearby. Startled by the unexpected blast, we collectively gasped.

"What on earth was that!?" Mother raced to look out into the mission 
yard.

"Miss Alice peared through the curtain and smiled, "Looks as if the 
celebration has begun." 

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

Summary: Black Betty ceremony commences, Christy speaks with David.

The Wedding Part II

The "Black Betty" festivities had begun. The ladies and I watched from 
the porch. I was glad not to be down in the middle of it. The jug would 
surely have been passed to me. I would have caused a great commotion by 
smashing the jug to the ground. I wanted no part of this celebration and 
made it widely known far in advance.  At the crest of the hill, I could 
see John Spencer leading the pack. He raced to Uncle Bogg, who was 
holding the prized jug high in the air. John snatched the jug out of his 
hands and circled his horse around Uncle Bogg. Whooping like an Indian, 
John Spencer held the jug above him as the other riders gathered around. 
John took the first drink, then passed it to the others. I wanted to 
shout out as the jug was passed to Sam Houston, but Jeb caught the 
mistake and quickly took it from him. 

With jug in tow, Jeb headed for the church, where I discovered Neil, 
Father, and George had watched the celebration from the steps. Jeb tried 
to hand the jug to Neil and Father, but both declined. Jeb then passed 
it to George, who slowly placed it to his lips until Mother shouted out, 
"George Huddleston! You better not think about drinking any of that 
moonshine!" George took some ribbing from the crowd then quickly tipped 
the jug and smiled towards Mother. The roar of the men below proclaimed 
their acceptance of George. Mother was furious, "I ought to take a 
switch to his britches!" Then she laughed, "If he wasn't bigger than 
me!" As we all chuckled at this, I caught something out of the corner of 
my eye. It was Neil. Almost oblivious to the rowdy crowd around him, he 
stood up on the church steps and looked towards me. Our eyes locked. 
Here was the man I was to marry, looking so sophisticated in his black 
pinstripe suit with the high white collar. The sun reflected off his 
lapel. I could see it was his great-great-grandfather's emerald and ruby 
kilt pin, which had been handed down through the generations. It was 
then that I realized this pin, which was one of Neil's most beloved 
possessions, would someday be passed down to my son, our son. Neil and I 
exchanged smiles, until Ruby Mae broke the lock our eyes had on each 
other.

"What are yu doin'!? Yu and the Doc cain't be seein' each other afore 
the ceremony! It's bad luck!" She shooed me back into my room.

Mother held up my wedding gown, "It's time, Christy. Let's put your 
dress on then we'll work on your hair."

I slipped my robe off and held my hands high as Mother and Opal slid the 
gown over my head. I had put on my corset, stockings and petticoat 
earlier, just as I had gotten out of the bathtub. With Mother hovering 
over me, I knew privacy was going to be an issue this day. Ruby Mae 
buttoned the twelve buttons which almost ran the length of my spine. 
Slipping my white pointy toed ankle boots on, Opal fastened the buttons. 
Although grateful for the helping hands, all the attention was getting 
to my nerves. The day I thought would never arrive was really here.

Not wanting to hurt Opal or Ruby Mae's feelings, I whispered to Mother, 
"I hope you understand, Mother, but I really would enjoy some time 
alone." I looked toward Ruby Mae and Opal, hoping Mother would get the 
message,  "I can finish my hair and make-up from here."

Mother patted my hand, "I understand, dear. And don't worry, you look 
beautiful." Having said this, she escorted my bridal attendants from my 
room under the guise of checking to see all preparations were in order 
and as planned. I was ever so thankful for her understanding and 
patience, which lacked at times during the week long preparation. Mother 
never ceased to surprise me.

I breathed a sigh of relief at the peace that filled the room. Pinning 
my hair up, I stopped to gaze at myself in the mirror. Here I sat, a 
girl of barely 21, in a mission house far from the city I used to call 
home, and on the verge of marrying a man 14 years my senior. How far I 
had come in less than two years! From the naive, sheltered city girl to 
a mature woman whose eyes opened to the realities of this world and 
whose heart had found it's home and love in a country cove. What Miss 
Alice always said rang true, "The Lord's plans are greater than our 
own." No one greater could have devised a more unexpected path for me. I 
thank Him everyday for His blessings.

After a slight rapping at my door, David entered, "Christy, you're 
breath-taking. Dr. MacNeill is a lucky man." After a moment of 
uncomfortable silence, David continued, "I hope you don't mind, I wanted 
to take a minute alone with the bride. You've changed my life, Christy, 
and for this I will be eternally grateful. If it were not for you, I 
might have given up my post here. But you showed me that some battles 
are worth fighting and others, well, let's just say others can be let go 
of." He kissed me softly on my cheek, "I'm honored to be performing the 
ceremony today, joining you with the man you love, and who I hope 
deserves you." He paused and smiled widely, "I'm teasing, Christy! I 
know you and the good Doctor will have a long, happy marriage together."

"I'm so glad we are able to remain friends, David. You are a very 
important person in my life and I hope we continue to work together for 
many years to come. You don't know how much I hope my children are as 
lucky as I to have your influence in their life." I meant every word to 
the depths of my heart. Just as we embraced, Father walked in.

"The attendees are ready. The groom is more than ready. And it looks 
like the Reverend is ready." He placed his hands gently on my shoulders 
and looked into my eyes, "Are you ready, sweetheart?"

Taking a deep breath, I replied steadily and assuredly, "I'm ready, 
Father." 

Moments behind David, on the arm of one of the world's greatest men, I 
exited the room I would no longer call home.

**********************************************************************
Summary: The ceremony.

The Wedding Part III

As Father and I descended the mission house steps, I saw the huge crowd 
gathered around the gazebo. It was a much larger crowd than I had 
expected! David, Neil, and Jeb Spencer had taken their places under the 
gazebo. Mountie O'Teale lead my processional, followed by Ruby Mae and 
Opal. As we drew near, John Spencer began to play "Amazing Grace" on his 
pipe and the sweet sound of the children's voices lifted through the 
air. It was their wedding gift to me! Their outpouring of love was 
almost more than I could bear as tears glistened my eyes once again. 
Father and I made our way down the aisle formed through the crowd. Most 
faces I recognized, others I had never seen. Later, I discovered some of 
these families were from as far away as Cataleechie, Raven Mountain and 
El Pano. They had all been patients of Neil at one time or another, and 
came to show their respect and gratefulness for the man who changed 
their lives with his healing hands. Mother, George, Miss Alice, and Miss 
Ida were seated in the front row. There were few seats, reserved for 
those closest to the bride and groom. Jeb Spencer stood proudly as best 
man next to his childhood friend. It was almost perfect. But seeing Jeb 
standing there, my heart grieved once again for Fairlight. Although Opal 
and I had become close these last few months, I couldn't help but wish 
it had been Fairlight standing next to me as my matron-of-honor. I 
suddenly felt a peace as I realized Fairlight was all around me. I found 
her love in Jeb and their children, her faith in Miss Alice, her 
strength in the mountains, and her gentleness in Opal. She was with me, 
and I would call up her memory whenever I needed her for the rest of the 
days of my life.

David began, "Who gives this woman to Holy matrimony?"

Father chimed in on cue, "I do." Then kissed me on the cheek and seated 
himself next to Mother, whose tears started flowing the moment she saw 
me on the mission house steps.

I looked up into Neil's hazel eyes and saw a solitary tear fall upon his 
cheek. I brushed it away, allowing my hand to linger on his cheek. He 
placed his hand on mine, and from that moment, our hands were joined by 
our sides during the entire ceremony. We didn't care if it seemed 
improper. It was merely a natural reaction to the overpowering love we 
felt at this moment, at this place, in the presence of our loved ones.

David continued, "Neighbors, friends, family members, we are gathered 
here today, in the presence of God and among the beauty He has created, 
to join this man, Doctor Neil MacNeill, to this woman," David paused as 
his eyes met mine, then composed himself, "Christy Rudd Huddleston. 
Marriage is an honorable estate, not to be entered into lightly. Love 
between a Christian man and wife means caring as much about the welfare 
and happiness of your marriage partner as about yourself. You will be 
looking in the same direction together. Burdens will be lighter because 
you divide them. Joys will be more intense because you share them. No 
other human tie is more tender, no other vows more sacred than these you 
are about to assume. Now as you stand in the presence of God, you must 
remember the responsibilities of a Christian man and wife." David turned 
to Neil, "Do you, Neil, take Christy, whom you hold by the right hand, 
to be your lawful and wedded wife? Do you promise to love, to cherish, 
to honor, to protect, forsaking all others, in sickness as well as in 
health, in adversity as well as in prosperity, for better or for worse, 
and to cleave only to her so long as you both shall live?"

Neil looked into my eyes. With much emotion and sincerity, he promised, 
"I do."

David turned to me but my eyes were locked on Neil. The words David 
spoke fell on my deaf ears. All I could hear was the pounding of my 
heart as I looked upon the man who was to be my lifelong partner. Neil 
suddenly smiled and squeezed my hand. A bit flustered, I replied, "I 
do." A light chuckle rose from the crowd. I had to place my finger to my 
lips to contain a giggle. I had been caught!

David cleared his throat then continued, "Neil, what token do you give 
to show that you will faithfully perform these vows?"

Jeb handed the gold ring to Neil, who held it high for all to see.

David went on, "The circle which forms this ring is the emblem of 
eternity, and the beautiful metal out of which it is wrought is the type 
of that which is least tarnished and most enduring. It is to show how 
lasting and imperishable is the faith now mutually pledged. You will 
place this ring on Christy's finger and repeat after me . . . With this 
ring, I pledge myself to thee with all the affections of my heart so 
long as we both shall live."

Neil placed the shining band on my trembling hand and repeated these 
words.

David called for prayer, "Let us unite in Prayer. We thank Thee, 
heavenly Father, for this home that is now called into existence, and we 
ask Thy blessings upon Neil and Christy all the days of their lives. 
That as united into one family, they might glorify thee. That they might 
serve Thee acceptably, and that their lives together might present the 
glorious truth of God's Word--the union of Christ and the Church. Bless 
them to this end, for we ask it in the name of the Kind of Kings and 
Lord of Lords, even Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen." David placed his 
hand on Neil's shoulder and gave him a smile, "Well, Doctor, you may now 
kiss your bride!"

A collective cheer emanated from the crowd as Neil kissed me so 
passionately it took my breath away.

David shouted out, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Dr. and Mrs. 
Neil MacNeill!"

**********************************************************************
Summary: The feast and celebration continues. Ruby Mae has a surprise.

Part IV

The crowd gathered around us as we made our way down the aisle. So much 
rice was being thrown, I had to shield my eyes for fear of being 
blinded. Neil whispered to me, "They want to make certain we have lots 
of babies." He roared with laughter as he saw my mouth gape open and a 
light red hue developed across my cheeks. Babies! We hadn't even gotten 
to the wedding night yet!

The feast began as the crowd made their way from one make-shift table to 
the next, sampling all the fine cooking. Tired of being constantly 
chided for her possum dishes, Ruby Mae proudly unveiled a stuffed 
chicken covered in oranges and glaze. All the ladies were very 
impressed, and I was happy Ruby Mae was finally coming into her own.

As the large meal was winding down, the dancing was starting up. With 
Jeb on the fiddle, Wraight Holt playing the banjo, John Spencer on the 
pipe, and Smith O'Teale strumming the dulcimer, Uncle Bogg called out 
the dances.

With an air of dignity, Neil swept his arm gracefully in front of him 
and bowed to me, "May I have this dance, Mrs. MacNeill?"

Returning his airs, I replied, "Why, certainly, Dr. MacNeill." I put my 
hand in his and before I could blink, he whisked me from my seat and 
onto the dance floor, where he twirled me around in his strong arms as 
if I was as light as the breeze. At times Neil would sing out heartily, 
at other times his rich baritone voice filled my ears with the warmth of 
his breath.
                                      
        "Where trout and salmon float about around Lough                       
Erne's way, 
         There John led Mary by the hand to the chapel in Roslea. 
         The lark and linnet tuned their notes, they sang them o'er            
and o'er, 
         As John got wed to Mary and left his home no more."
                                    
                        and another....

        "The Kyles doctor, he was greatly beloved; 
         There was beauty in his countenance and much kindliness. 
         There are women in these parts who have fallen so much in          
love with him, 
         That they would roam the world to get hold of him."

I had to laugh at this last song, "So, Doctor, have you left many broken 
hearts?"

"Not I sweet lass," There was a twinkle in his eyes as he looked down on 
me, "But I imagine a few hearts are breaking in Asheville."

"Hmmm, maybe a few." I teased as we shared this light moment.

The rest of the day was filled with eating, laughing, dancing, singing, 
and joyous community fellowship. There was never a sign of rain, 
feuding, or even Bird's-Eye Taylor. I couldn't have asked for a more 
splendid day! Toward's dusk, the ladies began to swarm around me, 
buzzing like bees in a hive.  In all the confusion and hub-bub, I 
wondered what was going on. Then I recalled Ruby Mae's wedding and how 
the ladies gathered around her before she was....shivareed! Through the 
crowd of women, I could see Mother standing off to one side with Lenore 
Teague. From the lack of color on Mother's face, I knew Lenore had just 
filled her in on the shivaree custom. Before the women could corral me 
into the mission house, I saw Neil, struggling to ward off his male 
antagonists of this custom. Arms were flailing and legs were flying as I 
heard shouts of, "Git 'im, men." and "He's a biggun, don't let 'im git 
away." I wondered if Neil could have gotten away had it not been for his 
side-splitting laughter zapping his strength. He might have found it 
funny but I wasn't about to consummate my marriage with the entire 
population of Cutter Gap and other communities gathered in the mission 
house and yard. I protested as the ladies pushed me towards the steps 
leading up to my bedroom. Just then, Ruby Mae let out an ear-piercing 
scream which could be heard above the commotion going on outside. 

Within a minute, Neil burst through the front door followed by the rest 
of the men. He looked startled by the scene before him; the women 
gathered around Ruby Mae and I sitting on the steps. Ruby Mae had a 
death grip on my hand. Neil ran to me, "What is it, Christy?!"

A desperation filled my eyes as I looked up at Neil, "I think she's in 
labor."
**********************************************************************
Summary: Ruby Mae undergoes a change.

The Wedding Part V

Neil asked the onlookers to wait outside while he and I helped Ruby Mae 
settle into a room upstairs. She was quite upset about the possibility 
of delivering her baby six weeks too early.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," she pleaded, "I've been havin' these pains in my 
belly since yesterday but I didn't think it could mean the baby's ready. 
It's too soon for this baby to be wantin' out."

"Shhh, It's alright, Ruby Mae," Neil assured her, "Babies have their own 
timetable. It's nothing that you've done or could have stopped."

Will stumbled up the stairs and into the room. Looking at his 
dishevelled condition, anyone could see he had too much moonshine during 
the course of the day. Neil physically escorted him from the room, 
"You'll be no good to her in your state, Will. Get some coffee and come 
back when you can walk straight."

"But, Doc," Will protested, "She havin' the baby! She needs me!"

Miss Ida gently escorted Will down the stairs and into the kitchen. 
While Neil assessed Ruby Mae's condition, David rode to his cabin to 
retrieve his medical bag. Miss Alice and I waited impatiently in the 
sitting room. Within fifteen minutes, Neil returned from Ruby Mae's 
room. He had a troubled look on his face.

"It doesn't look good I'm afraid. Until David gets back with my 
instruments, I won't know how the baby's faring. But, right now, I fear 
for Ruby Mae's life. The contractions are strong and getting closer by 
the minute. She's gained too much weight too rapidly. I think her blood 
pressure is spiking, which could cause the death of her and the baby." 
He ran his hands down his troubled face, "If she has to deliver the baby 
now, I'm afraid it's lungs won't be developed enough to survive outside 
the womb." He turned to Miss Alice, "I'll need boiled water and plenty 
of towels and sheets. We have to be prepared for the worst."

"I'll see to it." Miss Alice looked relieved to have something to occupy 
her time.

Neil took me in his arms, "I'm sorry about your wedding night, love."

"Neil MacNeill. What is one night compared to the thousands we have 
ahead of us?" I cupped his rugged face in my hands, "I knew what I was 
getting into when I agreed to marry you. For better or worse, remember?"

He smiled softly, "I love you, Christy MacNeill."

"I love you, too, Doctor." 

David's arrival interrupted our kiss. With medical bag in hand, Neil 
returned to Ruby Mae, where he discovered the baby's heart rate was 
dropping, her blood pressure was indeed climbing steadily, and she was 
not yet dilated. To the dismay of all concerned, she would  have to 
deliver the baby by cesarean. But, the risks and complications of such 
surgery far outweighed the impending death of both mother and child. 
Neil and Miss Alice were prepared for surgery within the hour. To my 
surprise, David agreed to administer the anesthesia. During the typhoid 
epidemic, he had not wanted anything to do with the ill directly. 
Somehow, for Ruby Mae, he found a strength within himself to help her.

Mother, Father, George, Will, Miss Ida and I kept a vigil around the 
kitchen table. With the passing of time and several pots of coffee, Will 
was beginning to sober up. After his third attempt towards the stairs, 
George took him outside for some fresh air. I had long since changed 
from my wedding gown, which now hung in the same spot where my eyes 
first saw it this morning. The waiting was getting to Miss Ida. She soon 
busied herself by filling baby bottles with goat's milk, and even 
managed to blanket a makeshift cradle which she fashioned from an old 
telephone crate.

The sun had long set when I heard Miss Alice call out for me from the 
top of the stairs, "Quickly, Christy, we need your hands." 

I raced up the stairs and into the room, just in time to see Neil pull 
the baby from  Ruby Mae's insides. It was a girl! I washed my hands as 
Neil suctioned the baby's nose and mouth. A small cry escaped from the 
child, which Neil said was a good sign. Neil continued to assess the her 
condition, then wrapped her in a sheet and handed her to me.

"As quickly as you can, wash her off with the water in that pot, wrap 
her in several towels, then take her downstairs and place her as near as 
you can to the open stove," Neil's eyes conveyed his solemnity, "It's 
imperative we keep her as warm as possible."

"And Ruby Mae?" I had to know what her chances were.

Neil placed a soft kiss upon my forehead and whispered, "Keep her in 
your prayers."

**********************************************************************
Summary: Christy cares for the baby. The surgery is completed.

The Wedding Part VI

This was the smallest baby I had ever seen. She was so still in my arms 
as I carried her down the stairs. Twice, she let out tiny whimpers like 
a newborn baby kitten. How it would ease my heart if only she would 
wail! Then I would know she had the strength inside of her to 
fight....to survive. Two more kittenish cries, then she was quiet and 
still. It ripped my heart apart knowing there was nothing I could do for 
her.

Mother and Miss Ida gasped as I came into the kitchen, but I had no time 
to respond. All I could think of was keeping her safe and warm. I rushed 
to the stove, placed a chair next to it, and sat as close as I could to 
the open door without fear of embers popping out on the baby. Panic and 
anxiety overwhelmed me as I held the precious child to my bosom and 
began to rock her vigorously. Tears fell from my eyes like pouring rain. 
My heart was in my throat as I tried to speak between sobs, 
"Ne-il....Neil said we....we should keep her warm."

Mother's eyes were moist as she mustered a gentle smile, knelt beside me 
and wiped a tear from my face. I know it broke her heart to see me in 
such pain, but she couldn't fix this like she fixed a tear on my 
favorite dress or blood on my scraped knees. She spoke softly, "What can 
I do?"

I composed myself as best I could, and replied, "There's nothing more we 
can....except pray."

Father went for Will and George. Will was so excited to see his precious 
baby girl, he practically danced with her around the room. At the young 
age of seventeen, I don't think he understood the seriousness of her 
condition. He walked around with her for a few more minutes, but to me, 
it seemed like an eternity. When she began to whimper, he looked unsure 
of himself. He handed her back to me and said, "Yu best be takin' her. I 
don't know much 'bout babies." I was relieved to have her back in my 
arms, and took my seat next to the stove.

An hour later, Neil and David joined us in the kitchen. They looked 
tired and drained from the intense operation. Neil read my mind as my 
eyes implored of Ruby Mae's condition.

"The operation went better than expected. Ruby Mae is a strong young 
girl. Her blood pressure is beginning to drop and I expect a full 
recovery barring any complications from infections." He tried to 
suppress a yawn then shook it off, "She should be able to have more 
babies without this recurring. It only seems to happen to some women 
during their first pregnancy. After that, it never returns."

"When kin I see 'er, Doc?" Will asked, relieved at the news.

Neil placed his hand on Will's shoulder, "I think you should wait until 
the morning. She's resting peacefully now." He turned to me and reached 
his arms out, "Christy, let me check on my newest patient."

I placed the tiny baby in his large hands and he laid her on the table 
as he unbundled her. She squirmed a bit and made tiny gurgling sounds. 
As Neil poked his fingers gently on her midsection, she suddenly opened 
her gorgeous blue eyes and let out a wail as loud as a banshee! 

My heart stopped until Neil grinned widely and chuckled, "I think I made 
her mad!" As she continued to wail, Neil listened to her heart and 
lungs. He swaddled her again and cradled the tiny child in his arms. 
Looking down at her, he spoke to her lovingly, "You're a fighter aren't 
you, wee one. Stubborn as a mule. You're going to be fine, tiny I'll 
admit, but you'll be fine."

I sunk into the chair next to him and covered my face in my hands. The 
extreme emotions of the day drained every last drop of my energy. 

Neil soothingly ran his hand up and down my back, "Are you ok?"

I managed a small smile and replied, "I'm ok. It's just been a long 
day."

Miss Alice returned from Ruby Mae's room and smiled at the baby, "Is 
that not the most wonderful noise thee has ever heard!" She took the 
baby from Neil, "It is late. And I know thee will want to stay close to 
your patients so I suggest you and," She paused, grinned at me and 
stressed the words, " 'Mrs. MacNeill' stay in her room this evening. 
Miss Ida and I can tend to the baby until morning. I will see that Will 
is settled in, also."

I kissed her on the cheek, "Thank you, Miss Alice. You are a Godsend."

She smiled and simply replied, "Sleep well, Christy."

Neil held onto my waist as we made our way upstairs, ready to spend our 
first night together as husband and wife.

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

Summary: Neil and Christy's first night together. The conclusion.


The Wedding Part VII

A familiar feeling wracked my body. It was exhaustion, the same 
emotional exhaustion I felt as I stood by helplessly during Tom McHone's 
surgery, trying to come to grips with the reality of life in these 
backwoods. And then the physical exhaustion of completing the seven mile 
trek from El Pano to the mission. Although it was unfamiliar to me, I 
had never been so happy to see the mission house, and the warmth and 
serenity it held for me within its walls. This same comforting feeling 
washed over me as Neil and I entered my bedroom. My room looked almost 
the same as the first time I had seen it, somewhat bare since most of my 
things were packed  in the trunks now neatly stacked near the door. But 
there near the vanity hung my wedding dress. Neil stopped to watch as I 
ran my hands over the lace dress and wondered about the wedding days of 
my mother and grandmother. Would my daughter wear this same dress? Would 
my granddaughter? If this dress could speak, what stories it could 
share!

>From behind, Neil quietly cradled me in the security of his arms. My 
head rested against his muscular chest as we almost imperceptibly swayed 
to and fro. His soft whisper rustled in my hair, "Not exactly the sort 
of wedding day you had in mind was it, love?"

I had to smile recalling the events of the past eighteen hours, "I 
couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding. The weather was 
brilliant. The groom was more handsome than any I've ever seen. And 
thanks to the timing of that precious baby, I have an interesting story 
to tell our children and grandchildren." I turned to look into his 
bloodshot eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, "As long as I'm with 
you, every day is perfect."

Time stopped as Neil's soft, tender kisses gave me a sense of 
intoxication and exhilaration. The fatigue which weighed on my body was 
now replaced with the surge of passion and yearning  I had struggled to 
suppress these past six months.  Neil sensed this as my kisses became 
more eager. He swept me into his powerful arms, and pulled his lips from 
mine.

Searching my eyes for any sense of apprehension, he sweetly asked, "Do 
you know how much I love you, Christy?"

His sensitivity warmed my heart. Although words could never convey the 
trust and security I felt in his arms, I smiled assuringly and replied, 
"Not any more than I love you."

Creatures of the dark serenaded as we were swept away into marital 
bliss. Neil's strong hands were as soft as velvet; his supple lips as 
light as silk. His love fed my hunger and immersed my soul. Before this 
moment, I never imagined I could love Neil any more. But on this starry 
moonlit night, I found the true meaning of complete love.

The morning sun found me cradled in Neil's arms. His soft, rhythmic 
breath blew across my hair causing it to tickle my cheek. It's constant 
fluttering was more than I could bear. My middle quivered as I tried to 
hold back a giggle. Neil must have felt this and been awakened by it. 
Purposefully, he pursed his lips together and blew across my cheek. Our 
giggles erupted in the silliness of the moment. 

In our spoon-like position, Neil squeezed me against him, "You're in a 
fine mood this morning, Mrs. MacNeill."

"And why shouldn't I be?" I turned to face him, "I have a place on earth 
to call my own. I have the schoolchildren. And now I have a wonderful 
new husband who I adore more than he can possibly imagine. All my wishes 
have come true."

"There's nothing more you could want?" Neil asked.

Teasingly I replied, "Well, I might be able to think of something!" Much 
to Neil's delight, I smiled and pulled the coverlet over our heads. 

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

That evening, Neil and I saw my parents and brother off at the train 
station in El Pano. Father shook Neil's hand and bid him to take care of 
me. Mother wept at the thought of leaving her now married daughter. She 
wanted to stay for the rest of the week, to help me set up my household 
but I assured her I could handle it.
George was his usual self, teasing that next time he saw me, I'd 
probably be an expectant mother. He was right!

Ruby Mae recovered nicely from he delivery. Upon seeing her tiny baby, 
Ruby Mae burst into tears of joy. Because of her tiny stature, alabaster 
skin, delicate features and strength to live, Will and Ruby Mae named 
the baby Pearl. She was the first of three children, the last two 
delivered without complication.

Our wedding night was the last Neil and I would spend at the mission.


The End