Cutter Gap

February 1912

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

Jeremiah 29:11-12

Chapter One

"Fairlight!" Christy Huddleston ran after her friend as they were leaving church. She had been detained by one of her sweet students who brought her some cookies, but rushed to catch up with the woman who was quickly becoming her very best friend.

"Well, now, don't be taxing yerself, girl." Fairlight laughed at her heavy breathing.

"I need to talk to you."

"Somethin' wrong?" Fairlight's beautiful blue eyes showed concern.

"Do you have time to walk with me today?" Christy asked.

"Yes, always for you, Christy Huddleston." She smiled and patted her cheek. "Lemme tell Jeb I'll be home in a little bit."

Christy studied her hands, trying to think how she wanted to word her problems. She had been in Cutter Gap almost four weeks, and if she didn't get this sorted out now, she didn't know what she would do. She needed an older sister to talk to. Her mother wouldn't understand Christy's confusion. And, as her mother kept asking her to come home, Christy knew she couldn't tell her mother what was troubling her.

Christy watched Fairlight talk with Jeb. She already realized that the two of them were among the finest couples in the Cove. Their love could easily be seen as they looked at each other and how they raised their wonderful children.

"All set!" Fairlight said, stopping in front of her. "Where ya wanna walk ta?"

February in the mountains was a sight to behold. Sun glistened off the snow on the trees. Today there was only a slight chill in the air. It was so crisp and fresh, it brought joy to Christy's heart.

"Will you show me a new spot?"

"Of course!" Fairlight threw her arm around Christy's waist. "I said I have plenty a places to show ya"

They walked on for a bit, neither saying anything, but these lengthy silences were becoming more comfortable and common between them. Christy had never had a friend like Fairlight. The woman was so insightful, and Christy knew no one else could give her the guidance she needed. She had considered going to Miss Alice, but just knew she couldn't talk to the older woman about this. It had to be Fairlight. There was no one else who would understand.

"Here, take my hand."

Fairlight reached out and took Christy's gloved hand, leading her across a low creek, with ice on the edges and slippery stones leading across. Christy giggled when she slipped. But Fairlight held her tight and they made it safely across. They climbed up a short hill and onto a ledge which overlooked a green valley below. Christy took a deep breath, just appreciating the view. She smiled at Fairlight and after finding a rock, sat down, crossing her legs under her skirt.

"Well, spit it out, girl. I can feel how troubled ya are." Fairlight sat near her, leaning back on a wide tree trunk.

"Is it that obvious?" Christy asked, her lip tipped up in a half-grin.

Fairlight shrugged. "I know it ain't the children, they love ya so much and I ain't seen no one love youngin's as much as ya do. So, what's got ya frettin'?"

"Men."

Fairlight broke into laughter and she clapped. "I knew it!"

"You did?" Christy's mouth fell open. "How?"

"I ain't sayin'" Fairlight grinned. "I just knew it. So, what's got ya all worked up?"

"I don't think I'm upset," Christy said. "I am confused, though." She cupped her face with her hands as she rested her elbows on her knees.

"Someone back home?"

"No," Christy whispered. "They are both here."

"Two men, eh?" Fairlight lifted her brows. "Now, that could be a problem."

"Maybe, maybe not." Christy sighed. "I don't know what to do."

"Did ya have any suitors in Asheville?"

Christy nodded. "A few." She grinned. "Just no one really held my interest very long. The men I met were more interested in themselves than me." She sighed. "Nice men, but self-absorbed. My father made sure I only met a certain sort of man, and I'm afraid what he thought was best for me, just wasn't to my liking."

Fairlight leaned over, touching her shoulder to Christy's. "Did ya kiss any of 'em?"

Christy blushed, refusing to meet Fairlight's eyes.

"None of that now, girl. Ya want to talk about men, you gotta be straight with me. No embarrassment and no side-stepping the truth!"

Christy sat up straight and nodded. "Oh, Fairlight, I think I am falling in love!"

Fairlight laughed. "Why do ya look so upset about it? He ain't married, is he?"

Christy's mouth dropped open. "No! As if I could fall in love with a married man!"

"Then where's the problem?"

"I don't think he likes me very much." She frowned. "Or, at least I don't think he thinks much of me."

"Hold on now, girl." Fairlight's eyes widened. "I think ya must have some other feller on your heart. The one I thought ya were fallin' fer has been right down obvious about his feelings for ya."

"There's my problem, Fairlight," Christy whispered. "One man tries to snatch a kiss and wants to hold my hand and touch me all the time and the other, the one I am really interested in knowing better, doesn't seem to know I'm alive."

"If he's a single fella in the Cove, he knows you're alive." Fairlight rolled her eyes. "Ya best be spelling it out for me Miz Christy, so we don't have no confusion."

"Promise you'll keep this a secret?" Christy begged.

"You can hold me to my word," Fairlight said, her work roughed hand resting on her chest as if making a pledge.

"David Grantland is very persistent," Christy started. "I have a younger brother named George. Whenever David tries to kiss me, it feels like I am with my brother." She grimaced. "He is kind and handsome and everything a man ought to be, but… I can't…" She shook her head.

"Have ya told him how ya feel?"

"Yes, but it is like he doesn't believe me! After I leave you, I will be telling him precisely how he makes me feel, but I don't wish to hurt him. We must work together at the mission, so I don't wish to lead him on to believe there could be something when there never will be anything."

Fairlight laughed. "Ya got yer heart and tongue all in a tangle don't ya?"

Christy laughed again. "No! Well, it is all quite clear in my mind. I just have to say it properly to David so there is no confusion."

"Do ya think ya can, knowing how the preacher feels about ya?"

"I must." Christy nodded.

"Alright," Fairlight said. "Ya got that one settled in yer mind. Can ya tell me who the man is that owns yer heart?"

"Oh, Fairlight." She covered her face with her hands. "He's all I can think about when I'm not thinking about the children. I see him and my heart flutters." She moved her hands away and grinned a silly grin. "He talks to me and I then I do get all tongue tied. He asks me questions I can't answer, challenges me, flusters me. His eyes… oh, Fairlight."

"Ya got it bad."

Christy just nodded. "What if he feels for me like I do for David? Worse yet, what if he doesn't even like me?"

Fairlight grabbed her hands. "Tell me."

Christy leaned forward and whispered the name in Fairlight's ear.

A smile spread slowly across her face. "Yer just what he needs, Miz Christy. Oh, land sakes, I couldn't be happier."

"What am I going to do?"

"This is goin' be fun." Fairlight rubbed her hands together. "Will ye let me help ya?"

"Somebody has to," Christy said with a nervous chuckle. "I don't know how to attract a man."

"It ain't gonna take much, once ya set things right with the preacher. Thing is, though, you gotta be willing to stay here forever, Christy. Ya can't be leading him on and then suddenly pull up stakes. Ya know he was married?"

Christy thought back to the Sunday four months earlier at his cabin when her skirt was wet from the mule getting stuck in the swollen river and he gave her a pretty flower sprigged dress to dry off in. She remembered the shivers his laugh had sent through her body when he teased her about her nose. He had shared with her his past, at least in part, and the men who had helped him become a doctor.

"Yes, but I don't know anything about her except she's gone."

"I won't tell ya more, that's his story to tell. I just was wonderin' if you'd mind being a second wife. Some girls don't like that, ya know." Fairlight said. She shook her head and chuckled. "I sure thought ya was sweet on the preacher."

"Have I acted like it?"

"Naw." Fairlight shook her head. "Now that ya explain he is the one putting pressure on ya, it makes sense why he is always around ya. I'd wager, the man of yer heart thinks he can't quite compete with the fancy preacher from the big city."

"That's silly." Christy thought about the two men and knew there was no contest for her.

"Maybe ya think so, but men don't think like women." Fairlight tapped the side of her head. "You gotta remember that. And the man you want is proud and stubborn and set in his ways. I can't wait to watch ya shake him up." She laughed. "Ya like it here." It was a statement, not a question.

Christy nodded. "It was so strange but within two weeks, I knew this was exactly where I belonged. I had no idea what to expect coming here, but I felt a pull, a force to come here. I have so many ideas! I just want to be given a chance, and I know I can't do it alone."

"I knew ya was coming," Fairlight admitted with a shy grin. "Sometimes, I have these dreams, and I saw ya, not yer face, but when ya first came to my place, that day Bob had his head surgery? Well, I knew then that we'd be important to each other and ya were meant to be here."

She leaned forward and hugged Fairlight. "Thank you for your friendship."

"I think I need ya as much as ya need me." Fairlight squeezed her hand. "When did you last see Doc?"

"He came to the mission to refill supplies yesterday."

"Did ya talk to him?"

Christy shook her head. "David was there." She rolled her eyes. "David is always there."

"Stakin' his claim, I reckon. Then, ya got no choice but to go to the Doc. It won't work if the preacher is always around."

Christy nodded.

"Ya got some science question or something ya can go ask him? Maybe share with him some of yer ideas fer changes. He might have some of his own ideas that he's been too busy to put into place."

"Maybe. I'll think of something." Christy's mind was racing with ideas. "Do you think he will think me too forward? I don't want him to think I am chasing him."

"But ya are," Fairlight told her with a smile. "Ye just can't make it obvious. He's gotta get used to ya, is all. Trust will come hard to him, but once ya got that, his heart will follow."

Doctor Neil MacNeill halted Charlie outside the Spencer's cabin. If he had to choose his favorite family in the Cove, it would be this one. Jeb and Fairlight had created the sort of family and marriage he had always hoped for. He climbed down from his horse and John was quick to meet him and tie up the reins on the post. Lulu, the youngest girl was fast to hug his leg, knowing he always had a sweet treat in his pocket for her. Today, it was a bag of peppermints. He offered her one and after giving his leg another hug, she took off, holding an extra one for her younger brother.

"Hey, Doc!" Jeb greeted. He was tending his bee hives and Neil walked up the short hill to reach him.

"Jeb." He nodded. "How's the bee business?"

"Better this year than last," Jeb said. "Did ya come to fetch yer bread?"

Fairlight, thankfully, willingly took on the chore of making bread for Neil every week. He wasn't horrible in the kitchen; he'd been forced to see to his own needs for a very long time. Bread was something he never seemed to get just right. Fairlight, on the other hand, made the best breads, and he was glad to pay for her to keep him fed.

"I did." Neil nodded. "I need some honey, too. Then I'll be headed to the McHone's for some of Opal's apple butter."

Jeb laughed. "It's time you got yourself a new wife, Doc."

"Haven't had much luck finding one," Neil said with a smile.

"It ain't so hard," Jeb said staring at him with an intense look. "In fact, I reckon there's a pretty young thing that's right under yer nose."

Neil knew he was speaking about, of course. And Christy Huddleston was more than pretty. She was glorious. She had the most beautiful eyes and smile Neil had ever seen. She was tiny but plucky, with a spirit that brought his own alive again.

"I think the preacher has already claimed her," Neil said quietly, fussing with the gloves he held in his hands.

"No ring on 'er finger," Jeb said. "Next time ya see 'em together, look how she reacts ta the preacher. He may want her, but she don't want nothin' ta do with him. At least not as a beau."

Neil was an observant man, could he have missed something? Reverend Grantland and Christy were together so much, it just seemed they were becoming a couple. Of course, they both lived at the mission, so it was natural that they would be with each other often, but would she choose to be with Grantland if they weren't forced together all the time?

"She's too young for me," Neil argued. "I need a nice widow or spinster who can cook and clean."

Jeb snorted. "Young ones are the best, ya know." He winked at Neil. "Ya can teach 'em exactly what ya need from wife. An older gal will be all set in her ways." He laughed. "Look at that sister 'a the preacher… Miss Ida… ya wanna find a shrew like 'er?"

Involuntarily, Neil groaned. Ida had made no secret in her interest in him. As hard as she tried, Neil had no desire to be around that woman. She could cook, but her personality irritated him to no end. She complained about everything in the mountains which he held dear. He avoided the mission as much as possible, just to dodge the woman.

"'A course, ya might already have a gal in El Pano or one of yer other stops. Never stopped to consider that possibility."

Neil shook his head, with a grin. He supposed he could have women in every stop. He could have a gal in El Pano or one in Knoxville, but he certainly didn't. After Margaret, he had been gun shy when it came to women. He didn't think he could trust another one, but there was something so alluring about the city raised school teacher, Neil thought maybe she might be worth the effort and possible rejection.

"Well, just think about how many new folks show up here in Cutter Gap. Chances are pretty slim you'd find someone as special as Miz Christy again."

"When she leaves there will be another teacher," Neil said. "And then another and another." He chuckled. "None of them think Cutter Gap is good enough for them."

"Miz Christy is a different sort 'a gal," Jeb said. "What makes you think she's gonna leave? Fairlight says she's taken ta this mountain like a bear to honey. She loves it here."

A commotion at the house drew Neil's attention. Fairlight was entering the yard and all the kids swarmed her like the bees in the Jeb's hive. She had hugs for all of them, even John, who despite being an almost fully grown man, still liked his mama to ruffle his hair.

"Now ain't that the prettiest sight ya ever seen? My woman surrounded by 'er babies, all giving back the love she's showed 'em since they was born. Tell ya what, Neil MacNeill, I might not have much money or material things, but what ya see right there…" Jeb pointed. "That's what counts in the end. That's what makes life worth living."

Neil swallowed. Jeb was right, of course. For all his fancy schooling and knowledge, he knew it was love that made life worthwhile. He was lonely, had been for years and sort of got accustomed to it. Part of it was fear of losing someone again. He had made a mistake with Margaret, she had never settled here, never found her place and quickly became miserable and dragged him down with her. What if that happened again? Was it worth a shot with Christy? He couldn't even be certain the woman even liked him. They fought all the time, sometimes fiercely, but the love she had for the mountain children was obvious and made him consider how she would be as a mother to her own children.

"I know what you're thinking, Doc." Jeb rested a hand on his shoulder. "But, you gotta remember not all women are like Margaret. Fairlight and my youngins' can't speak highly enough of the teacher gal. Might be worth yer time to give 'er a chance. Life can be dang short in these mountains, just as well be happy with the time God's giving ya."

"Doc, I got your bread for you!" Fairlight called out, waving him toward their cabin.

Neil turned to Jeb. "I'll think about what you said."

Jeb smiled. "Ya do that. I don't think you'll be disappointed."

As Neil walked toward the porch, he realized how much he had locked inside himself. What he showed the world was just his outside shell, he had no one to confide in, no one to share his thoughts and feelings and frustrations with. If he died today, no one would remember him in five years. Another doctor would come and take over his cabin and the people of the Cove would move on. And what would the next five, ten, twenty years bring him? Would he only get pleasure from his research and fishing? He moaned silently, imagining long hours and days dragging out in front of him.

Neil entered the Spencer's cabin and took the cup of coffee Fairlight offered him. "There's a chill in the air, but it sure is nice to have the sun out."

"You want one loaf or two?" she asked.

"Two," he said. "I need a jar of honey, too."

"It's cold in here," Fairlight said. She rubbed her upper arms and then added a log to the fire. "I was out walking with Miz Christy, I guess I got a chill. That girl wants to soak in everything all at once." Fairlight laughed. "She's got such a spark in her it makes me happy to just be with her."

"Reverend Grantland probably feels the same," he said, before he could catch himself.

"Maybe." Fairlight shrugged. "She don't like him that way, though. She compares him ta how she loves 'er brother. She just told me so today."

"Could have fooled me," Neil said. "She sure seemed to be smitten."

"Naw, he's just following her around like a lonely puppy. She's got such a kind heart she don't wanna hurt 'im, but she ain't interested in 'im."

He was very glad he had stopped at the Spencer's house. He had kept Christy Huddleston at arms-length, believing she was already involved with Grantland. He had been polite, friendly, but had not tried to engage her in any meaningful conversations. He liked looking at her, he liked her voice and smile. He knew she was a fiery, he had heard about her classroom management, especially regarding Lundy Taylor, who continued to go to school even though she was very tough on him.

"I am headed on over to see Opal for some apple butter. My cupboards are bare." He chuckled. "How long do you think Opal's got left?"

"Oh, I seen 'er yesterday. She said maybe a week before the baby comes? Granny Barclay claims it's a girl, so she's extra excited since she's in a house with all menfolk." Fairlight handed him a burlap bag with his bread and honey.

He pulled some money from his pocket and handed it to her. "Thanks for the bread."

"You take care, now, Doc."

"I'll try my best." He smiled at her as he rode Charlie out of their yard toward the McHone property.

Could Fairlight be right? He frowned, thinking about what Jeb said, too. Maybe Christy was in Grantland's company only because they both lived and worked at the mission. But, what did that mean for him? Could she come to care for him? He was older than her, but did that concern her? He didn't mind.

She did love the mountains. He found her wandering throughout the trees and along the rivers and streams more than once. She might be a city girl, but she did like wandering outside. Maybe he would ask her on a picnic? Was that too forward to begin a courtship? He had never had to court Margaret, she was so forward and brash there had been no doubt in even his innocent, inexperienced mind what she wanted from him.

Opal was sitting on a chair outside the McHone cabin when he rode up. She stood with some effort, her distended belly making it more difficult. He hopped off Charlie and wrapped the reins around an old tree stump.

"Opal!"

"Hidy, Doc," she said, a smile lighting up her face. "What can I do ya fer?"

"Well," Neil started, "I am in need of apple butter." He smiled at her. "I was just at the Spencer's for honey. It seems I run out of everything at the same time."

"I'll get ya a jar. You just hang on."

Issak came bounding into the yard to say hello, closely followed by Vincent. "Hey, Doc!"

"Where's Toot?" he asked. The youngest brother was always close on their heels.

"He ain't feelin' quite right so he's in bed."

Of course, that caused a sense of concern in Neil. He decided to see if Opal mentioned it herself. She came from a long line of herbalists and relied on long held superstitions. Neil had grown up with the family, and he knew better than to overstep.

"Here ya go, Doc." She carefully descended the rickety wooden steps, holding the railing as she went.

He took the large Ball jar from her and reached in his pocket to pull out some money. In his other pocket, he still had some peppermints left, and offered Isaak and Vincent each one.

"Grab one for Toot, too," Neil said. He turned to Opal. "How are you feeling?"

"Fat," she said straight faced.

He chuckled. "That's how you should be feeling. Any problems?"

"Naw." She shook her head. "Just ready to be done with 'er."

He nodded. "I never know how you women do it. Nine months is a long time to wait for anything."

"Well, I reckon it's our lot 'cuz of Eve."

Neil held onto his groan. He was not a firm believer in God. Sure, he knew there was some sort of starter force to the universe, but as a scientist, he couldn't see much in life that could not be explained with logic and reason. Being the person with the most formal education in the Cove, he had long accepted the futility of arguing with people.

That was another reason he was interested in Christy. She was smart, truly curious. The questions she asked were not superficial, and although she was a firm believer in God, she had to be, or she would not have come to the Mission, he could tell she also realized much could be solved through logic, which he appreciated.

"You let me know if you need anything," he told her as he climbed back on Charlie. "Give my best to Tom."

"Thanks, Doc."

He could not make her accept his help. He could not force her to admit Toot was sick and might need Neil to look in on him. If he had learned nothing else about practicing on the mountain, change came hard to people, and time moved very slowly. Even though he had been raised here, he still often felt like an outsider.

He considered going home, but he didn't want to spend the day alone. His mind was racing, trying to come up with a plan to woo the teacher. He chuckled to himself at his foolishness. What the hell would a finely-bred, smart, attractive young woman want with him, anyway? His usual self-doubt crept inside his head, but he shook it off. Jeb was right, Christy Huddleston was too special to let get away without giving it a valiant effort. He could be charming or at one time he could be. It had been so long, he didn't know if he remembered how to be a real gentleman, with city-girl-acceptable manners

Instead of going to his lonely cabin, he headed to his Aunt Hattie's house. As his only living relative, he relied on her as he might a mother. She was his father's baby sister, and once his parents passed, she had taken him under wing. Blinded by Trachoma, she was the reason he began eye research in college, and why he remained committed to finding a cure for the eye disease.

"Aunt Hattie? Are you home?" He called out.

"I am, Neil," she called back.

After he tied up his horse, he entered her tidy little cabin, and as usual felt the weight of the world just slide off his shoulders. He bent and kissed her gray head before giving her a squeeze.

"How is my favorite Auntie today?"

She laughed. "Real well, Neil. I have had a number of visitors today. Sunday callers, I reckon, people out enjoying the sunny day. What brings you here today?"

"Do I need a reason?" he teased. He rubbed his hands together, chilled in the small cabin.

"No." She smiled. "You know you are always welcome here."

"Thank you. I am so glad to still have you to call on. I'm going to start a fire for you. I don't know how to stand the cold." He grabbed some wood from the pile next to the fireplaces and threw it in hearth. He lit a match against his boot and got the wood burning.

"Oh, that feels good, Neil." She smiled. "I don't realize how cold it is until I get a fire going."

Neil chuckled, warming his hands at the fire. "It's only February. You'll need fires for a few more months for sure."

"Pull up a chair," she offered.

He chose a ladder-back chair and pulled it next to her. "You said you had visitors today. Have you met the new teacher yet? Christy Huddleston?"

Hattie laughed. "I have not, but as much as people talk about her, I feel like I already know her. She was home when I went to the singing at Christmas and we haven't had one since."

Somehow, Hattie always knew what the latest news was in the Cove, despite hardly ever leaving her home.

"I will bring her by to meet you soon," Neil said. Perhaps she would understand his meaning without him having to spit out what he was feeling.

"I would like that. I understand she has eyes as big as mine, but a lot darker blue?"

Neil nodded with a grin, not that she could see it. "Yes, that is true. But your eyes are still as beautiful as they ever were."

"Aren't you the charmer?" Hattie laughed. She reached out her hand and he took it in his. "Has this girl caught your eye?"

"She has," he admitted.

"Margaret has been gone a long time, Neil. It's not good for a person to live a life without love. What does she think of you?"

"I am not certain just yet. I will keep you updated and maybe when I bring her up here, you can let me know what she thinks of me." He laughed.