A/N: If you have not read the prequel to this story, Love's Unexpected Journey, you may want to do this before you read this story. And if you have, thanks for finding this story and encouraging me to continue Neil and Adelaide's story! And the suggestions of names...helped me brainstorm this name for certain. So, here we go...

Love's Abiding Strength

Chapter 1:

"Adelaide" Neil whispered in her ear and her eyes fluttered opened. "I have to go, sweetheart"

Her lip trembled as she sat up. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"Shh" He kissed her forehead. "We were up half the night. You needed rest to endure today. The kids will be up soon. I went and kissed each goodbye already"

She began to cry as she knew it was time to say goodbye. "I don't want you to leave"

"I know, lass" he kissed her tears away. "Leaving you is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do"

She put her hands on his face. "I love you, Neil MacNeill...with everything in me. Come home to me"

"I love you too, Adelaide" he kissed her and she returned it...their kisses were passionate...full of angst, desperate...before Neil pulled himself away and planted a sweet kiss on her lips. "Stay here. No use watching me leave"

Adelaide nodded and with one last kiss, he rose from their bed and walked out their bedroom door. She could hear his steps down the stairs, the door open and close...and his steps down their porch stairs before there was silence...deafening silence.

Her beloved husband was gone...and she didn't know when he would return. Adelaide rolled over and wept.

One Year Later:

I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.

A slow mist started to rain upon the large gathering of people, who were weeping loudly.

I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.

Creed Allen came to stand beside her. "Miz Addie"

Adelaide Huddleston MacNeill nodded to him, but then her eyes dropped to continue to stare at the ground, her eyes filled with tears at his sweet gesture. She had been standing alone off to the side and Creed had found her so she wouldn't have to be alone.

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

David's voice rang loud and true, but Adelaide was lost in her own thoughts on that grim, gray day. She barely heard the entire service, so overwhelmed with her grief, over the loss of her dear friend...her second one to die within the past six months.

Aunt Hattie's voice began to sing, sweetly but powerfully, drawing her attention back...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Adelaide had never felt so lost as she did at that moment. She longed for the steadiness of Neil's hand in hers, soothing her spirit.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

Her lip trembled as she tried to pull herself together and remain stoic. This year had been full of those dangers, toils and snares so much so that she couldn't the other side of them...would they ever get to the other side?

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

The Lord had given her so many blessings, yet still her heart hurt over all the losses. She knew He was here with her...yet, still...the darkness was engulfing her...

The service ended with the hymn and the crowd began to dissipate. Creed followed his Mama who was weeping loudly. Still, Adelaide was fixed to the spot she was at, her head bowed.

She felt a tap on her arm and startled, she looked up into the distraught face of Jeb Spencer, holding little Lulu in his arms, Clara crying beside him.

"Mr. Spencer" Adelaide's voice was hoarse.

"I just wanted to say, Miz Addie, that Fairlight counted ye as a friend"

"That's so kind, Mr. Spencer" Adelaide's lip trembled. "I counted her as a friend too. I'm so grateful for her friendship. I'm deeply sorry for your loss"

"Miz Addie, there be nothing more ye could have done" Jeb said, kindly. "Will ye write the Doc for me? He would want to know"

"Of course" she nodded. "I've been meaning to...I just haven't had the words"

"I don't have them words either" Jeb said, his voice low.

"Let me know if you need anything" she said as she rubbed Lulu's arm and reached down to give Clara a hug, who immediately latched onto her.

She squeezed her tightly as the little girl cried.

"I will. Thank ye kindly" Jeb he nodded. He reached down to pick up Clara in his other arm and carry both the girls towards the mission house, followed by his other children.

She remained in the graveyard for a few moments, paying her respects to her friend and then walking the short distance to Simon's grave. On the way, she past Tom McHone's grave. The loss of Opal's husband had been shattering for her friend and herself. That fateful night changed the course of her friend's life... and her life forever. Their friendship had grown stronger through their shared grief and Opal was beginning to find healing in the most unexpected source. Her healing, however, wasn't coming. She didn't know if she would ever find her peace again.

It had been a year since Neil left and overall, it had been the hardest year she had ever lived in the Cove.

She stood for a few minutes, staring at Simon's headstone. She didn't think it could get any harder than that first year here- losing her husband and bearing his child on her own. But this year was harder, and she knew it was because she didn't have Neil's presence by her side. He helped her work through things. He helped her process things when she retreated into her thoughts. She hadn't realized how much he drew her out when she began to become overwhelmed or anxious or burdened, until now that he was gone and those thoughts consumed her. She desperately wished he was here.

She left Simon's grave and walked further to the MacNeill portion of the cemetery. She fingered the small cross as tears flooded her eyes. Her sweet child.

She heard a throat clear.

"Miz Addie, it be no good to dwell on the past"

Adelaide straightened, but she continued to look at the small grave.

"You aren't a woman, Mr. Taylor. Losing a babe...especially at 6 months along, it haunts me. Do you know I think of how old he would be?" she turned to him, "he would be about 3 months now. Cooing, babbling, grinning at me. This child was a part of me..." She paused, her lip trembling again...for the life of her, she couldn't keep it still, in spite of her best efforts to remain strong. She took a breath. "This was Neil's son. We dreamed of him not so long after the twins were born. We wanted Simon to have a brother. It's not so easy to forget"

"I meant no offense" Bird's Eye retorted gently, "only that ye must stop blaming yourself"

"I went out in that storm. I knew it was too bad to attempt" she said, "I should have never tried to ride Charlie out in it. It is my fault"

"Ye were trying to help your friend's husband"

"Yes, but Tom still died and I lost my babe" Adelaide said, sorrowfully. "What good did it do? Nothing!"

"Ye mustn't be so hard on yeself. Nobody blames ye. And ye will have another babe with the Doc when he returns" Bird's Eye said. "The fancy Doctor from the city ye parents brought with them said ye will be fine"

"Yes, and he was helping out here, until you ran him off" she shook her head at him. "Was that really necessary?"

"I didn't like the way he was actin towards ye" Bird's Eye told her frankly. "And the young'uns were becoming too fond of him"

"You were imagining things" Adelaide said, waving her hand at him.

"No, Mrs. Doc" Bird's Eye told her, adamantly, "I was not. Ye be just too sweet to know the difference"

"I wouldn't ever..." she began, heatedly.

"No, ye wouldn't" he retorted, "I never thought that. Ye weren't the problem"

"We were friends long before I came here. He was my first husband's best friend" Adelaide titled her head. "And you and I are friends too. Is that inappropriate as well?" she challenged him.

"I'm not some fancy citified man" Bird's Eye told her, frankly.

Adelaide rolled her eyes as she and Bird's Eye began to walk back to the mission.

"What does the Doc say about it?"

"About Edward?" she asked.

"No, I'm assuming ye are smart enough not to tell him on that. About ye losing the babe"

Adelaide shrugged. "There is no use telling the Doc"

"Miz Addie" Bird's Eye's stopped in his tracks and turned to her in shock. "Haven't ye told the Doc?"

"I never told him I was with child, Mr. Taylor" Adelaide said, softly.

"Ye never told him ye were expecting his child" Bird's Eye said, "why not?" he demanded.

"I didn't want him to worry about me" she said. "I know how worried he gets when I am expecting and him being so far away, and mail being so slow, it just seemed more prudent to wait until after the babe was born. I was trying to be the strong one. And I wasn't nearly as sick with this babe as with the twins. I didn't think there was a need. I had thought I would tell him after the baby safely arrived" she sighed heavily. "That was a mistake"

"But didn't ye write to him after? Ye told him about Tom's death"

"Yes, but I didn't give him details. It just seems cruel to tell him now while he is so far away"

"Ye can't never tell him" Bird's Eye pointed out, "it is his babe"

"I know" she nodded. "I'll tell him when he returns- whenever that is"

"Ye are becoming hardened, Mrs. Doc" Bird's Eye said, softly.

Adelaide's lip trembled again. "I'm trying to be strong so I can survive all this death and despair"

"I know" his voice was low. "Ye have done a lot of good here in the past year, Miz Addie. Ye saved so many lives. Ye must think on that"

"I'm finally realizing all that my husband carried on his shoulders for so many years. He never focused on the good. It was the bad that kept him awake at nights." She took a breath. "Did you find Lundy's mama?"

"I found her grave" Bird's Eye said. "She died before her young'un"

"I'm sorry" Adelaide said, softly.

"She was dead to me years ago, woman" Bird's Eye said, "I'm just sorry she couldn't know about the boy"

"He died a hero in the war" Adelaide remarked.

"He was a good for somethin"

"Now who is the hardened one, Mr. Taylor?"

"I be always hardened" Bird's Eye retorted. "But at least now, I know I can marry Opal"

Adelaide smiled through her tears. "And for that, I am very glad. Opal needs you and I dare say, you need her to temper you"

"I still can't believe she wants to marry me" Bird's Eye said. "I think it be pure desperation to provide for her family"

Adelaide looked at him, sharply. "She cares for you, Mr. Taylor and she is willing to share her life with you. That's an honor. Desperate or not, she just wouldn't entrust the welfare of her children to anyone. Trust me, I know. Do not belittle yourself"

"I reckon that be wise advice to ponder on" Bird's Eye said.

"Is Isaak coming around to it?"

"Nah" he shook his head. "He'll get there. Losing his pa was tough for him. And I don't have the best reputation"

"Isaak and Creed have been spending a lot of time at my cabin" Addie said.

"The boys are fond of ye" Bird's Eye retorted. "And ye bake them cookies"

"When Ruby Mae relinquishes my stove" Addie responded. "I'm glad they come. Simon loves them and I always enjoy talking to them"

"I'm going to be off" Bird's Eye said. "I ain't welcome here"

Adelaide shook her head. "Isn't it time this feuding ends especially since you are marrying an Allen? If Opal can look past it, then it is high time the rest of you do the same"

"Woman, ye will never change that way around here" Bird's Eye said, "Just because Fairlight Spencer and Opal McHone can look past it, doesn't mean the rest of us can"

"Jeb doesn't begrudge you"

"No, but he ain't an Allen either. He just married one"

"True" Adelaide said, "I'll see you later then"

Bird's Eye nodded and was off in a flash, Adelaide reaching the mission house by herself for the gathering.

"How are you doing?" Adelaide put her arm around Opal.

Opal's lip quivered. "This be the hardest year of my life"

"I know" she replied, "Fairlight was special. Her name was so fitting for her. She was a light in everyone's life"

"That be so kind, Addie" Opal responded, patting her hand. "Have ye heard from the Doc lately?"

Adelaide shook her head, "Mail is so unreliable with the War. I'll write to him tonight though"

Opal nodded. "Give the Doc my regards"

"I will do that" she said and then went to find her sister, who was grieving the loss of her dear friend. She found Christy, white-faced with one year old Davey in his arms, Catherine by her side.

Adelaide put her head on her shoulder. "I'm going to get you some water. You are looking pale"

Christy turned to her. "Water isn't going to help"

"No" she retorted, "but you still should be drinking"

She found a glass and some water for his sister. David stopped her.

"How are you doing, Adelaide?" he asked, quietly.

"I'm just getting water for Christy" she said, "she is looking faint"

"She has never had to deal with loss of a close friend" he commented, "she is struggling with it"

"Naturally" she nodded. "You did a good job with the service"

David put his hand on her arm. "Were you listening? You seemed out of sorts out there"

Adelaide frowned. "I forgot that you pay attention to people when you preach. I'll be more stoic next time"

"That' s not what I was saying. You were plenty stoic, Addie" He paused, "All, I am saying is if you are struggling, given the past year, it's understandable to allow yourself to be upset. Healthy even"

"I'll be fine" Adelaide said, "You have other people to minister to who need it a lot more than me...don't worry about me"

"But you see, you are my sister so I have to" David said, teasingly.

"Oh I see" Adelaide chuckled, "Well, I release you from your obligation to be concerned"

"Doesn't work that way" David said, his voice low. "Do you need me to write the Doc?"

"No" Adelaide shook her head swiftly, "I will write him tonight to tell him about Fairlight"

"I meant more about you" he said, "if it was Christy, I would want somebody to tell me"

"Please don't" she said, softly. "Neil can't do anything to help from so far away"

"You do know that none of these deaths are on your hands" David told her, "none of them"

"I suppose conceptually, yes, but in reality, I still feel like I should have been able to do more. And it's not random people that I can separate myself from and maintain my objectivity- these are my friends...people I love. It's hard"

"That's natural" David told her. "Where are the children?"

"Ruby Mae kept them at home. I really didn't want them to be exposed to this and she didn't mind"

He nodded. "Good idea. Tell Simon that I will by tomorrow to take him for our walk"

She smiled. "He'll love that. Thank you for doing that every week"

"It's my pleasure" David said, honestly. "I love my nephew and I know he needs a male influence at times"

"He does" she sighed. "Try to talk to him about Neil again, if you don't mind"

David nodded. "If he continues to be angry about it, I wouldn't push the issue"

"It's just going to get worse as more time goes by and then blow up when he returns" Adelaide swallowed hard. "I'm trying to prevent that from happening"

"Doc knew that was a risk when he left" David said, calmly. "You have to let the boy feel what he is feeling, Adelaide, just how you have to let yourself feel what you are feeling"

Adelaide groaned. "I just want to fix everything"

David patted her arm. "Let go of that now, Adelaide. Some things just cannot be fixed"

"I know that all too well" she replied, softly.


Dearest Neil,

Adelaide paused, biting her thumb, a nervous habit which had become greatly pronounced in the past year.

I hope this letter finds you well. I haven't heard from you in a while- I know mail is so unreliable. But I do worry about you daily. It seems that every time I write to you, it's to share more bad news. I don't know how to put this gently and I know this will be difficult for you to read, but Jeb asked me to share it with you. Fairlight has died- complications from influenza. She was the only death and the illness seems to have left the rest of the Cove, but with her death, it is like all the rest of the light has gone out of the place. I told Opal today that Fairlight's name was so appropriate for her. She was a true lady...graceful and beautiful of spirit. Her friendship and kindness towards me and our children will always be close to my heart. I know how close you were to her and how you must grieve her loss. Jeb is beyond himself in despair as you can imagine as well as Fairlight's little ones. Pray for them, please. Other than the bout of influenza, since I last wrote, we have had an emergency appendectomy and have been called to remove a plethora of bullet and stitch up various wounds- some from feuding, some from just plain ridiculousness.

Adelaide wiped at her eyes, her tears dripping onto the paper, smearing the ink a bit. She turned her face away.

The children are doing well. Simon continues to grow taller every day. He continues to look just like his daddy, even more so. Our "wee lasses" are well as well. Three seems to be a better age with the tantrums, although Julia still pulls ones at times that would have you shaking your head and reaching for the spoon. (I do spank her when she misbehaves, no worries there). They are precocious and fun though. I had them paint a picture for you. They shared the paper. We are working on their letters so that is why if you look really carefully you can see a J and an A amidst all the flourishes.

I'm at the bottom of the page, so I must go or postage will be enormous. I love you very much.

Addie

PS. Opal sends her regards.

She sighed, shaking the paper dry before folding it up and addressing the envelope.


Neil looked up from the letter in his hands, frowning as he fingered the smeared ink, knowing that her tears made those marks. He could sense her struggle, even though she tried not to share her burden with him. It tore at his heart. He knew how tough it could be doctoring the Cove. The sorrow was so deep, but there were many triumphs as well. It seemed that Adelaide was losing sight of those. Tom's death and now Fairlight's...Neil put his head in his hands. No wonder his wife felt defeated. He reached for his own paper, knowing these words would reach her well after they needed to...

My sweet Adelaide,

That news is devastating. Fairlight was a beautiful person- and a true friend to both of us. I mourn her loss deeply and grieve for Jeb and her children. How are the wee ones taking it? I know you must feel overwhelmed and burdened by her loss. I wish I was there with you to hold your hand and help you through it. Influenza is a tricky illness at times, Adelaide. Please don't blame yourself. There were so many times that I shoulder the deaths of my patients and that is an awful load for you to bear. I'm concerned about you. Don't try to spare me how you are feeling. Write to me about it. I want to share in it with you- even from so far away.

Thank for the update on the babes. Tell the lasses I love the pretty picture they painted and I'm hanging it up in my office at the hospital.

Research here is promising. I'm hoping to be home soon. This war can't last forever. When it is safe to travel again, I'll tie lose ends up here and come home to you. I promise.

I love you,

Neil

Adelaide held the piece of paper in her hand, holding it against her and wept.


"Are you really thinking about starting Simon at school?" Julia asked, frowning. "He's awfully young"

"He'll be six in December" she said, softly, "and Evelyn said that it was okay to start him"

"I think he would be fine" Christy offered. "The older boys would look after him, especially if you ask Creed and Isaak too"

"And he is awfully bright" David said, "I think it would be good for him to have something to focus on"

"Of course, it is up to you" William told her, "Did you and Doctor MacNeill ever discuss it?"

"No" Adelaide shook his head. "but I think he would say to wait another year. Something about how boys need time to run around and be boys"

"Are you sure you aren't doing this because you are so busy?" Julia asked. "And the fact that Ruby Mae is now going home since her husband is coming home?"

"Well, I am busy, that's true" she said, "and I don't deny that it's going to be a change for all of us not to have Ruby Mae's help, but I really do believe Simon would thrive in school. And I don't have time to do it myself"

"I hate to see him teased because he is so young" Julia said.

"Creed and Isaak won't let any boys tease him" Christy reassured her mother. "They'll fight them before they let anyone pick on Simon"

"He's a good boy" David said, "I think he would be fine. And I'm still around...and Christy too. We would all make sure that nothing is happening"

Julia sighed, "I have to admit, part of me doesn't want him to grow up this fast"

Adelaide nodded her head. "Trust me, I understand all about that. I'm sure I will shed so many tears when I send him off"

"What last name will you use?" William asked.

Adelaide stilled. "I..." She paused, "I hadn't thought about that"

"We know Doc MacNeill feels that Simon is his son" David said, "so I really think it is your choice"

"Yes" Adelaide nodded. "Of course. I'm just not sure"

"I can't believe this hasn't come up before" Julia commented. "I know you use the girls full names when in trouble...what do you do with Simon?"

"Call him Simon Neil" Adelaide confessed, "and leave it at that"

"He doesn't know about Simon, right?" Christy said.

"Not yet" she said, "I think if Neil was here, we would have probably already discussed it with him, just causally, but I haven't felt right with Neil gone"

"He's already so angry at Doc" David said, "he doesn't need to feel angry that he has two fathers that are..."

"David!" Christy said, sharply.

"I'm not faulting the Doc" he explained, "I'm just saying from Simon's perspective that is how he would perceive it"

"It has been a year and a few months" Julia said, softly. "You can't fault the boy"

"Doctor MacNeill should be home soon" Christy said, "You said he was making considerable progress and the war must end soon...don't you think?"

Adelaide put her head in her hands.

"What's the problem, darling?" William asked, "Give him the MacNeill name"

"I feel like I'm betraying Simon" she confessed. "Simon's legacy is in our son and he is he only Napier left in Simon's family"

"I see your point" David said. "That's a hard spot, Adelaide"

Adelaide raised her head. "He'll have Neil's name. When he returns, he can help me explain it to Simon and we'll change his name back to Napier if we think it is best"

"Well, that's awfully complicated for the boy" William commented.

"I don't care" she replied. "I just don't care"

"Sweetheart, I didn't mean..."

"No, Daddy, it's fine" she said. "I have to get back to the cabin. I'm sure the girls are driving Ruby Mae to distraction"

Adelaide rose and gave her family hugs and stepped out on the porch.

"Adelaide" Julia's voice called.

She turned towards her mother.

"You have done a remarkable job with keeping things together while Neil has been gone"

"Thank you, mother"

"Are you worried about his return?"

Adelaide took a breath. "I want him to return desperately. I daydream about it. But at the same time..."

"You have girls that don't know their father and a little boy who is angry at him" Julia said, sympathetically, "and you yourself have been through so much as well"

"He has too" she countered. "I can't imagine what he has seen. We are all changed"

"But your love still remains strong. I see that in your eyes every time you mention his name" Julia said, putting her arm around her daughter. "Don't close your heart off to Doctor MacNeill when he returns, darling"

"I wouldn't..."Adelaide began to retort, then stopped herself because she knew the truth...she was tempted...sorely tempted.

"You have kept everyone at arm's length these past years" Julia countered, "as a way to be strong for your children and the entire Cove. Your feelings are so bottled up, I doubt you even realize them half the time. But he is going to need your support as well. It's going to be a difficult transition for all of you and the only way you will get through it is for you and him to be united"

"I love him" she said, softly. "so deeply, but I have had to numb my feelings...otherwise I would just drown in them"

"I know darling" Julia put her head against hers. "And he has always been your best friend. Try to be his too. It's going to difficult for him to come home as well. You need each other"

She nodded. "I will" she paused, her lip trembling, "will he hate me because I kept..."

Julia shook his head. "No, I don't think so, Adelaide. I think he will understand why you did and want to grieve with you. I think the only way that you will heal from the loss of your child, is allow yourself to mourn with his father"

Adelaide nodded. "I think you are right, though I might be too broken to heal"

"I don't believe that, my daughter. You have to allow yourself too...and you haven't yet. I think you are waiting for Neil to help you through it and that's okay, but that means you have to let him when he returns"

"Perhaps you are right" Adelaide retorted. "I do love you, mother. Thank you for all your help"

"I love you too darling" she said as she took her daughter into her arms.


"Are you sure you don't want to telephone Adelaide?" Julia asked. "I know she would love to hear your voice"

"No" Neil shook his head. "I want my return to be a surprise"

"She'll be surprised alright" William said. "I wouldn't be surprised if she faints away"

"My Adelaide?" Neil chuckled, "Not likely"

"That is true" Julia acknowledged, "but still, she would want to know so she can fix you something special for supper tomorrow"

"I don't want a fuss made over me" he told them. "Truly. I just want to be with my family. Plus, Adelaide will be so anxious all day if she knows I'm returning"

"Very well" she said, with a glance at William. "A surprise for Adelaide it is"

"Tell me about the children" Neil said, quietly.

"Our grandchildren are adorable" William said, fondly.

"Absolutely darling" Julia said with a nod. "This girls especially"

"Julia is a spitfire" William told him, shaking his head. "A true product of her parents"

"Or that curly red hair of hers" Julia added. "Some of the things she says..." she just shook her head. "She's so cute though. We love her to pieces"

Neil chuckled. "She always had a lot of fire to her, even as a wee thing"

"And little Annie" Julia smiled, "such a sweet spirit like Adelaide with just a hint of feistiness that makes her even more endearing"

"Annie is the image of Adelaide as a young girl...from looks to personality" William told her. "She can become pensive at times and take things to heart"

"Also very much like her mother" Neil said. "And the lad?"

"Incredibly smart and an ideal older brother" William responded.

"Very handsome too" Julia offered. "Looks like Simon still. Adelaide pulled out a photograph of Simon as a boy and they could have been twins"

"He would make any father proud" William said. He glanced at Julia who nodded at him. "You do know that it will be an adjustment for the children..."

"Aye" Neil nodded. "I'm prepared"

"We just didn't want..." Julia bit her lip.

"It's okay, Julia" he assured her. "I understand. I've been gone a long time"

"Was it worth it?" William asked, quietly.

"I can't deny that I have made substantial progress on my research and the need was so great over there...yet, I missed my family. I know I missed a lot" Neil shrugged. "I can't say one way or another at this point"

"Adelaide will be thrilled you are home" Julia said, with a smile. "When you were gone, it was like a piece of her was missing..."

"I understand" Neil nodded, "it was a same for me. I can't wait to get home to her"

He couldn't believe that tomorrow he would finally see his wife after two long years apart. It would be a moment etched in his mind for the rest of his life.

* Funeral service taken from Book of Common Prayer

**Amazing Grace, words by John Newton

A/N: So much has happened! Much of the first part of this story will involve them reconnecting as a family as they try to move past their two years apart...which will only make them stronger as they grow together. But there will also be plenty of light moments as well, I promise...especially involving those wee lasses. Hope you will continue to read. Please take a moment to let me know what you think.