The first chapter will be the only chapter written in Christy's POV. All of the others will be in Third POV.
For clarification, this story is only rated T because it deals with more mature subjects such as rape, and some mild language. I will always warn you before more intense themes pop-up in any of my chapters. This chapter is fairly safe. :)
There is also a Pride and Prejudice quote in here that is from the 2005 movie (favorite) and not the book, but this is fanfiction, so go with it. Please enjoy, lovely readers, and leave a review! More Reviews = Happy writer = More Chapters.
After dinner that night, Christy found David standing out on the porch, staring up at the stars. She stepped toward him, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders. She placed her hand on his back and he turned toward her, pulling her close. She noticed once again how perfectly she fit in his arms, and his head rested softly on top of her's.
"David, I know I didn't ever answer your proposal. But do you understand why I couldn't?"
"Yes," David said softly. "But you know I still want to put that ring on your finger. I still want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"But-the baby…"
"I know, and I want you to understand that I love both of you. I wish I could tell you how much. You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love you."
Christy couldn't help but giggle at his last sentence. "You read Pride and Prejudice?"
"My sister made me. I knew it would come in handy some day."
"Do you mean it, David?"
"Yes. With everything I am. The question is, do you love me?"
She sighed and rested her head on his chest.
"Neil has always been the problem, hasn't he?" David asked.
"Yes."
"I told you that you had to choose between us. I didn't realize then how much you are dealing with. But Christy… Neil McNeil is not leaving this cove. And neither am I."
"You aren't?" Christy asked pulled back to look at him.
"No," David shook his head, looking out over the dark mountains. "When I first came here… this was just a stepping stone for me; a small step to something much bigger. But over time, these mountains do something to you."
"They capture your heart…" Christy added.
David smiled and nodded. "God called me here for a reason, Christy Huddleston. Just like he did when he called you here. For now, God wants me to stay. And I feel that I'm going to be here for a long time."
Christy studied him. "I feel the same way."
David looked back at her. "So we still have a problem."
"David… I wish I could tell you right now exactly what I want. What I need. But I can't. I can't think about anything clearly right now. My brain just feels so crazy and I can't make any important decisions when I need to the most."
"I know."
"I saw Neil and Margaret together today, David."
"What do you mean?" David asked.
"I saw her hugging Neil at his cabin earlier. He was holding her and he was crying. I wasn't expecting it and I hurried out of there as fast as I could."
"That's when Neil followed you…" David guessed and Christy nodded. "Do you love him, Christy?"
"No."
She answered so quickly, and without even thinking, that it surprised her.
"You don't?" David sounded confused.
"No."
"Then why has he always come between us?"
"Because he loves me. And I don't want to hurt him. He's been hurt so much in his life, David."
"Christy…" David whispered, pulling her close. "You're such a compassionate woman. It never ceases to amaze me how much you care about others."
"Sometimes I hate that part of myself."
"Why?"
"Because sometimes I wish I could just do something for myself."
David kissed the top of her head. "Christy…"
"Hmm?"
"I love you, darling."
She smiled up at him and he leaned down and kissed her.
"I'm going to keep the ring in my pocket. When you're ready, I want to put it on your finger."
She nodded, and then looked down quickly, hiding her face from him.
He reached for her chin and gently raised it so that she was looking at him again. He saw tears running down her cheeks, and he frowned.
"What is it?"
"I'm afraid."
"There is no need for that. I've got you, Christy. I'm not going to leave you."
"What will become of us, David? I'm going to have a baby. If we get married, we will start life off with a child."
"I don't care, Christy. I'll go anywhere and do anything for you as long as I am with you. We will be just fine. All three of us. I promise. We'll be more than fine. We'll be happy."
She nodded and he noticed she was shivering.
"Let's get you inside."
"Remember not to tell Ruby Mae," Christy said as he led her in.
David chuckled. "I know! You've only told me a hundred times."
"I know. I'm sorry. I'm just stressed."
David kissed her forehead.
"I think I'm going to head up to bed," Christy said as she and David stood in front of the stairs.
"Alright. Sweet dreams, Christy," David softly said, and then placed his hand on her stomach. "Sweet dreams, baby…"
Christy giggled. "David Grantland, I am convinced you are the sweetest man on the earth. But I don't think the baby can hear you yet."
She watched as he grinned and leaned toward her to kiss her goodnight and she smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Oh Lordy!" Ruby Mae suddenly shrieked, appearing in the doorway.
Christy yanked back from David, backing into the banister. "Ruby Mae! Were you spying on us?"
"I'm sorry!"
David sighed. "How much did you hear?"
"You're having a BABY?" Ruby Mae asked.
Christy groaned and placed her hand over her forehead.
"Go on up to bed, Christy. I'll handle this," David instructed.
Christy nodded. "Thank you. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
David watched her climb the stairs and then turned to Ruby Mae, putting his hand on her shoulder and directing her to the dining table where he told Ruby Mae about the rape and everything. After a string of "Oh Lordy," and "Poor Miz Christy," David had finally calmed the girl enough to send her to bed.
"Preacher…" Ruby Mae said, turning back to him a few steps up the stairs.
"Yes?"
"Is Miz Christy going to stay?"
David nodded. "Yes. She's not going to leave us."
Ruby Mae smiled. "Night."
"Goodnight, Ruby Mae," David smiled as she rushed up the steps and then he slipped out to the bunkhouse.