When Christy awoke the next morning, she had hope. She quickly dressed and went downstairs to find Alice and Ruby Mae at the table. Ruby Mae jumped up and grabbed a plate of food from the kitchen. "Miz Christy, Miz Alice said you was leaving early so I went ahead and made ya a plate of pancakes."
"Thank you Ruby Mae, but I really don't have time right now." Christy gave a half smile to her and then turned towards Alice. "I'm just going to get it over with. I'll be back later." Then Christy turned to the door and walked out to saddle her horse. When she got to the barn, the horse was already saddled and ready to go. "Miss Alice is so kind to do all this for me." She mounted Prince and started to ride toward Neil's cabin.
Once she got there, someone was on the porch but it wasn't Neil. "Hello! Is the doctor here?"
The young man walked down the steps. "Hi. I'm Harold Wade. I work with Dr. MacNeill. I would assume you to be Miss Huddleston. Neil has described you enough that I can tell just by glancing at you. He went for a walk by the river. I don't know that he will talk to you though. He was pretty upset yesterday when he arrived. But you're more than welcome to try."
"Thank you Dr. Wade. I appreciate it." Christy turned and walked down the path to the river. When she got there, she noticed Neil standing off in the distance. He had his hands in his pockets and was looking down into the river. Praying? Crying? She didn't know. But the only way to find out was to get closer. She walked forward.
"Can I help you Miss Huddleston?" Neil asked, not even looking up. Christy stopped in her tracks.
"How did you know it was me? I haven't seen you look up from the water since I got here."
Neil turned. "I told you yesterday that I was in love with you. I know what your footsteps sound like. The wind carried your scent before I could even hear your footsteps. Why are you here Christy?"
She took a deep breath. "You were right Neil. I do share the same feelings. I do love you. I'm sorry it took me so long to see it. And it might be too late, but I wanted to let you know that I gave David his ring back. The only man I want to marry is you. Please forgive me for being so blind." Christy looked down at her feet. She couldn't look Neil in the eye. Not after all that's happened.
She heard him take a few steps toward her. Neil tugged Christy's chin up, forcing her to look at him. "You really gave Grantland back his ring?"
"Yes. Last night."
Neil's face broke into a huge grin and he took Christy's hands in his. "And you're sure you love me? You're sure this is what you want?"
"Yes. I've been so blind. But I know now that I love you. I love you with all my heart."
"Well then Miss Huddleston," Neil said as he dropped to one knee, "Will you marry me?"
"Of course, Neil! I would love to become your wife!" Neil stood up, hugged Christy and started spinning her around in his arms. Then he stopped and took a small leather pouch from his vest pocket. "Oh Neil. It's beautiful." Inside the pouch, nestled in white satin, laid a ring. The band was silver and in the middle was a square diamond. Around the square diamond and down both sides of the ring, were smaller diamonds. It looked expensive and Christy couldn't help but wonder if it was real.
"It was my great great grandmothers. It's been passed down every generation since. The diamonds are all real. My mother mailed it to me years ago, when I was engaged to Margaret. But I couldn't bring myself to give it to her. It just didn't feel right. But everything about giving this to you is right. I feel it in my heart. I love you Christy Huddleston." Neil put the ring on Christy's finger and stood up. It was a perfect fit. "Look at that. I don't even need to get it adjusted for you. This is just a sign that we belong together. I had the small diamonds added in so it would be different and special for you, but still hold the family tradition of it being passed down." He smiled sweetly down at Christy.
"Neil, I love it. I'm honored to wear it."
"Okay Lass, just so I don't get slapped again, may I kiss you?"
"You don't have to ask. Now I'm yours to kiss whenever you want." Christy smiled up at him as he leaned down. Their lips met and sparks flew. Christy felt her knees starting to go weak. Neil must have felt it to because he pulled her against him, as if supporting her from falling. When the kiss ended, Christy was light headed and a bit dizzy. She leaned her head against Neil's chest and let out a content sigh.
Neil had no idea how long they stood just holding each other, nor did he care. This morning her was planning on leaving Cutter Gap and never coming back, as there were too many memories of Christy here. Now he knew he could stay, and move back home to take care of the people that were so dear to his heart. And he would have a companion.
Christy pulled back. "I'll have to call my mother and let her know. And we need to start planning the wedding. After all this time, I don't want to wait very long to be your wife."
"I need to go back to Baltimore, Christy. I have to turn in my resignation and get all of my belongings. I'll stay as I planned for three more days. And then I will leave for two and be back here. Will that be okay?"
Christy gave a little pout. "That will be fine. I'll miss you for those two days though. We weren't even engaged these past three months and I missed you like crazy."
"I missed you too, Lass, more than you know. Now let's get back to the cabin. Harold will be glad to hear that you're finally mine. I must have driven him crazy talking about you every day in the lab." Both of them laughed and then headed hand-in-hand back to Neil's Cabin.