Christy recovered from her injuries relatively quickly. Neil and Alice had to be firm with her about taking it easy, but overall she was more compliant than they had expected.
As their relationship became known throughout the community, Neil and Christy were surprised that there wasn't much ruckus from the cove. Miss Alice had given them her blessing, and Christy's parents were more than pleased that she finally chose Neil; after all it had been so obvious when they were there for Thanksgiving that her heart was really with him. Neil phoned them one day while Christy was busy at school, to ask their permission to marry. He enthusiastically received it.
Things had moved in a positive direction with David as well. After a few weeks, everyone was surprised to see his first love, Sissel return to the cove. She had realized since leaving the first time that she really did still love David. They soon began courting as well. This greatly eased the tension between all parties concerned. The two had decided to move back to Massachusetts in six weeks time and marry; by then a new preacher would be posted to Cutter Gap to replace him.
Neil was glad to have Dan Scott as an apprentice, and it was working out very well. Dan was able to take on some of Neil's duties, even be on call at times, thus freeing him up quite a bit.
That day Christy had gone to Neil's with the intention of wooing him into accepting and teaching Dan Had been in the back of her mind for months. It was clear that she had hurt him then; he had admitted as much to her that night on the schoolhouse porch durring the scarlet fever outbreak. What a mess that had turned out to be! She had been wrong to do that, to toy with his feelings. More recently she had been musing that she should make it up to Neil.
One Saturday, Christy decided that it was time to make some reparations. She started out to Neil's cabin midmorning, a basket laden with ingredients on her arm. Hopefully he would be home, she thought. Well, she would stay there until he returned, if he was out on a call. When she arrived, she called out his name, but there was no answer. She let herself into the cabin and got right to work on her preparations. She was determined that this time it would turn out right!
An hour later, Neil arrived back from his rounds. There was the smell of roasting chicken in the air; he shook his head and figured he must be imagining things. He put Charlie up in the barn, and headed towards the cabin. That smell again... It was coming from the cabin! As he climbed the porch steps, he saw that the door was open, and he heard humming from inside. His heart leapt at the realization the it was her, here in his cabin, cooking a meal for him. "Christy!" He exclaimed upon entering, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" He said with a grin, his azure eyes glowing with pleasure.
Christy whirled from the stove to see him. "Neil! I'm so glad your back. I've been thinking, you deserve a proper meal, after that burnt chicken and ruined dance last time..." She blushed.
"Oh, so you're not here campaigning for anyone today?" He asked teasingly.
"Only for myself," she smiled, as Neil stepped towards her and drew her into his arms. They kissed, gently at first, but it soon became passion-filled. The vegetables were sizzling on the stove, calling them back to the present moment, and Christy broke away to stir them.
"I can't get distracted again while cooking for you!" She said, face flushed.
"No, we wouldn't want that, now would we?" He said, arm still around her waist, peeking over her shoulder to see what she was stirring.
"That was a cruel thing for me to do to you last time... I hope to make it up to you," she smiled back at him.
He kissed the back of her neck softly, "You already have."
Christy's meal turned out wonderfully. Finally, an opportunity to show Neil that she 'could' cook a chicken! While she was busy in the cabin, He had set the table outside, complete with a vase of wildflowers. They leisurely dined, enjoying each other's company. He helped her clean up afterwards, then set up the phonograph outside. Christy came to the door, drying her hands on a towel. "My, we certainly are going to recreate the scene, aren't we?" She smiled brightly.
"Well, not exactly," Neil grinned. He had been pondering how and when to propose to her; this seemed a wonderful opportunity, and he couldn't wait any longer. He took her hand and drew her outside. She placed the towel over a chair and followed him down the porch steps. He led her down to the river, where they had spent much time together.
Neil turned to her, and got down on one knee. All of a sudden the realization hit her - how she has been waiting for this moment! Neil puts his hand in his pocket and drew out a beautiful heirloom gold filigree ring. He spoke softly, "Christy, you have become my closest confidante, brought love and joy back into my life, and restored my faith. I love you more than you could ever imagine. Will you marry me?"
Tears sprang from Christy's eyes. She gazed down at him and replied, "Neil, I have loved you for longer than I ever even realized. You are my best friend and my true love. Of course I will marry you!"
Neil slid the ring onto her finger. She threw herself into his arms. They kissed passionately, enfolded in each other's embrace.