Disclaimer: I do not own Christy. It belongs to the Marshall-Lesourd family and this merely for fun and not profit.

Chapter 1

Christmas time in Cutter Gap was a very special time of the year. I was busy at work trying to keep the children occupied these last few weeks. This was one time of the year that even the poorest of families in the cove had saved for. They would hunt for their turkey's and slaughter their fattest hogs and have one last big feast before the winter months set in and food would become scarce. Even in Cutter Gap Christmas was a time to celebrate. The people here didn't have much, but they did know how to have a good time even when there wasn't much to be had. I looked around the classroom at all of the children's faces. They were so young, yet the lines etched into their skin with sunken eyes and hollowed out features showed the weariness of the old. I could not help but wonder if any of these children knew who Santa Clause was or if he even came to visit them. I quickly glanced around the classroom and decided that the bland room could use some decorating. It really needed a tree and some ornaments to spruce it up and make it more cheerful. The children could make them and then take them home right before the Christmas break. I would run my idea by Miss Alice and David . I was almost certain that they would agree with my plan.

As soon as school was out for the day I practically ran towards the mission house, my mind swimming with ideas for the classroom. I ran up the steps calling for Miss Alice as I did so, "Miss Alice!"

"whoa child. I might be getting older, but I am not deaf, at least not yet."

"Sorry Miss Alice. Is David around," I eagerly asked.

"No, he had to go to Cataleechie to perform a wedding ceremony."

"Oh," I said. Miss Alice's face told me that she saw the disappointment spreading across mine.

"I can see that the wheels have been turning in that head of your's Christy. What plans have thou been making?

"Well I was thinking that the schoolhouse could use some Christmas cheer. I think the children would have fun decorating it and then maybe we can have a small Christmas party on the last day of school for them and their families where they can show off some of the work they have done."

"I think that would be a splendid idea."

"Good then, I'll start planning. When will David be back?"

"I'm afraid he will be gone until tomorrow evening."

I sighed, "well there goes that part of the plan."

"What plan?" There was no way to mistake that Scottish brogue voice with any other. I looked up to see Dr. MacNeill standing in the doorway smiling at me.

"Oh it's nothing, really. I was just hoping that David would be around to help me with a Christmas party for the children. I was hoping that he could help get a tree for the children to decorate, but he's going to be gone until tomorrow evening and I know he won't have time to do it on Sunday."

"Well if it's a tree you be needin' then perhaps I could get one for you. Who better to chop down a tree then a real mountain man who knows where to get the best one." His lips turned slightly at the corner to reveal a coy smile and he winked at me making the blood rush to my cheeks.

I hurriedly shifted my eyes to the floor trying to hide my blushing face and just as quickly I looked back up at him with utter excitement gleaming from my eyes. "Oh that would be wonderful. It would be great if we could have it by Monday. I would like to surprise the children with it when they come back to school after the weekend.

"Well tomorrow is Saturday so I think I can manage to find some time to go get one for you, but I might need some help to pick out just the right one. What do you say Miss Huddleston, how about coming with me? I'll make us a lunch and we can go find a tree for the schoolhouse."

I could feel my heart start to race, an effect that Dr. MacNeill seemed to have on me lately. My feelings about him had become more muddled over the past few months. He could make me so furious at times, yet at other times I found myself completely confiding in him and trusting him with some of my deepest hopes and desires. He continually confused me.

"I would love to accompany you," I found myself saying. The words seemed to fly out of my mouth without even thinking it through. When did I become so eager to spend time with Neil MacNeill?

"Good then, I'll be by the mission at about 9:00 tomorrow morning. Now I've got to go stock the dispensary." With that he turned and headed out of the room. I was suddenly very nervous and I didn't know why. I would be spending almost a whole day with Neil MacNeill, something that I hadn't done since his wife had died. It made me feel a little uneasy, but also very excited.

"Christy," Miss Alice's voice cut through my thoughts, "thee is day dreaming."

"I'm sorry Miss Alice. I was just thinking about how confusing Dr. MacNeill is. I just can't seem to figure him out. Sometimes he can be so stubborn and other times….."

"he's a caring, compassionate, loving man," she finished the sentence for me. I blushed with embarrassment. "One thing I have learned about Dr. MacNeill is that he is far from being predictable." Miss Alice flashed me an all knowing smile, "but I am sure that thee has discovered that already through thy relationship with him."

"I'm not even sure what that relationship is anymore Miss Alice."

"Give it time Christy, thee will discover it and it will eventually be more defined for both of you."

"I hope so Miss Alice."

"It will, God will see to it. Come now, let's go see if we can help prepare dinner.