Love's Unexpected Journey: A Different Path

A/N: This story is an AU on my AU... Thank you to all my wonderful readers who read and review Love's Unexpected Journey & Love's Abiding Joy. I've become a bit attached to the characters of those stories and I wanted to take them on a different path (I just get the ideas in my head that I just have to try out!). This is an AU story with an OC, but it is very much in the Christy universe though it doesn't put Christy and Neil together (I know...the shame!) Christy is happy with David though...this story splits from Love's Unexpected Journey during Chapter 10. Neil has just rescued Adelaide from the snowstorm and they are stuck together in their cabin...but the baby never comes during their time together. How does that change the story? Will they get to that happy, fulfilling love that they had in the other stories? That's the premise of the story...hope ya'll enjoy!

Disclaimer: All the recognizable characters of Christy belong to the wonderful Catherine Marshall.

Chapter 1:

Adelaide looked out the window. "The storm is quite bad, Neil" her voice shook as the wind howled. She felt so jumpy having come so close to danger out in that storm alone. Even now in the safety of the cabin with Neil, she was still frightened.

"Aye" Neil nodded, his eyes always discerning, "but you are safe in here. We have plenty of wood and food and supplies. We'll be fine for a few days at least."

"A few days?" she shifted, her hand on her very swollen belly. "Are you sure we are stuck here?"

"Aye" Neil told her, "and you are damn fortunate you are here and not out there"

"I know" Adelaide paused, "I'm grateful, Neil, but..." she couldn't hide the worry, "are we in trouble here?"

"Propriety wise?" Neil asked her, frankly.

She nodded, rubbing her back, absently, it completely strained and aching from her adventure in the snowstorm. The gesture was not missed by Neil.

"Come sit down" Neil hopped up and gripped her elbow, this time guiding her back to sit on the couch with him, so he could push her down if she tried to get up again. He knew when she was restless and anxious, she tended not to be able to sit still. "you are thirty-nine weeks pregnant and just strained yourself in that storm, ye need to be off your feet"

She sat with him and he moved a stool over so she could elevate her feet. "You are not answering my question" she said, still patting her belly.

"Let's not worry about that now, Adelaide" Neil said. "I don't want you stressed"

"But I'm so pregnant, you don't really think people would think..." her face reddened considerably, "I mean surely..." she paused, not knowing how to delicately state what was on her mind.

"You really are stubborn" Neil stood to stoke the fire, "you know that, don't you?"

"I have been told" she confessed as she watched him.

"I'm asking you not to worry about that now, lass" Neil said, quietly, "and considering I just rescued you from this storm and was the one to call you parents for you, you could respect that"

She couldn't deny he was right in that regards. She was dreading having to tell her parents that she had wandered off so far while she was about to have the baby and now was improperly stuck for days with an unmarried man. She might be a widow about to deliver her first child, but even that was too much for her to take.

She sighed, "You're right"

"Any more contractions?" he asked, casually.

She shook her head, "They baby will probably be 2 weeks late and all of this is just him or her teasing me"

He nodded. "I hope. I know you don't want me delivering the babe unless there is a problem"

"I really don't, no offense" Adelaide said.

"None taken" Neil told her. The baby moved, visibly shifting her whole belly.

"Ahh" Adelaide winced. "I am sore now that the baby is so big" she shifted again, trying to get comfortable. "Nobody ever tells you that"

"Among other things?" Neil asked, amused.

"Actually, yes" she shook her head, wearily. "Thankfully I knew most of what to expect from my nursing, but still"

"You do look miserable" Neil told her, candidly.

"Thank you, Doctor MacNeill, your bedside manner never fails to impress me" she grinned.

"Well, you aren't technically my patient right now" he said, smiling back at her good natured teasing.

"No, I suppose I'm not"

"I'll be back" he went into the lab to get her a pillow. "Lean up now. Good girl" he put the pillow behind her back. "Is that better?'

"Much, thank you" she said. She patted her stomach, "It's rest time now, little one"

The baby moved again.

Neil laughed as he sat back down beside her, "the babe listens so well to you, Adelaide" he teased, his eyes dancing.

She sighed, "I'm thinking it's a sign of days ahead. I'm sure Simon would have had this little one under his thumb"

"You'll do great with the wee one" Neil told her. "How were you as a girl, Adelaide?"

"Lovely and compliant" Adelaide retorted, "didn't cause a lick of problems"

Neil snorted, "I highly doubt that"

She laughed, "It is true, Neil. It wasn't until I was older that my rebellious nature emerged. Christy was always the mischievous one, but she was the baby and cute, so my parents pretty much ignored all of her mischief making"

He inclined his head, "And you were the responsible big sister"

She nodded, "You can confirm it all with my parents later"

He chuckled, "I believe you, lass. And I'd wager, you were the pensive one, holding all of it inside of you"

"I was that"

"Top of your class" he guessed.

"Yes, I was such a perfectionist about my marks" she admitted.

"How much of a perfectionist?" he asked.

"I'm ashamed to admit how much" Adelaide said, "What were you like?"

"A complete rascal" Neil responded.

Adelaide chuckled, "You do have a strong will. I don't think I would have wanted to be your mother"

"Probably not" he told her.

She looked at her belly and then back up to him, "Did you have brothers and sisters?"

He nodded.

"And?"

"There were six of us. They are all gone" Neil said.

"All of them?" her voice held her surprise. They had never talked about Neil's family, but Adelaide assumed he had family somewhere, but Aunt Hattie was truly the only family he had left.

"Aye, the three of my siblings that made it past infancy died of typhoid, scarlet fever, influenza throughout the years" he sighed, "There was no doctor here- Granny's word was gospel, as it often still is today, but unfortunately, while some of her remedies worked, a lot of them were just plain old wives tales"

"And you parents?" she asked, softly.

"My mother when I was in Scotland and my father while I was completing my residency in Philadelphia"

She frowned. "I'm sorry, Neil"

He nodded. "We all lived here in this cabin. It's been in my family for generations. I was an active lad, mischievous- constantly drove my parents towards insanity"

"How did they handle it?"

"Probably harshly by your standards" he responded. "Had my hide tanned often"

"Do you really feel like that amount of harshness is appropriate?"

"I didn't feel like they were overly harsh- strict, yes, but I never felt unloved" he paused, then looked at her squarely, "physical punishment in itself is appropriate discipline, Adelaide, and I was never abused"

"Do you think Bird's Eye is abusive towards Lundy?"

"I think Bird's Eye takes his frustration about his wife on his son" he told her. "But in spite of what Christy might have told you, the man does have some redeeming qualities"

"Such as?"

"He is entirely loyal to his friends" Neil replied, "Think about how he treats Opal or Aunt Hattie. The world isn't so black and white, Addie. There are those shades of grey"

She twirled the end of her hair, absently, contemplating his words. "I suppose you are right"

He nodded, accepting her judgment. "Are you never going to spank this wee one?" he gestured to her tummy.

"No" she shook her head, solemnly, "I've been reading this book and it really frowns upon physical punishment as discipline"

Neil raised an eyebrow, "Who wrote such nonsense?"

"It's not nonsense" Adelaide retorted, "It is written by a very respectable physician"

"What type of physician?" he looked, skeptical.

"A woman who has raised four children while running her practice"

"You mean whose nanny raised four children while she ran her practice" Neil clarified.

"Well, regardless, the book makes a lot of sense" she told him, "I'll let you borrow it, if you'd like"

"That's alright" Neil's eyes twinkled, "I'll take your word"

"It really isn't nonsense" Adelaide defended.

"Let's see you with a hellion of a two year old and see how long it takes you to give him smacks on the bottom" Neil chuckled.

"My child isn't going to be a hellion" Adelaide smiled at him. "He'll have Simon's easy going nature"

"I'm sure" Neil smiled at her.

They fell silent, easy with each other's company, when Adelaide spoke again, "Tell me about your ancestors, Neil. Miss Alice said there was a story there. I'd love to hear it now if you don't mind"

"I'd like to tell you it" he said.

They spent the next few hours, talking about anything and everything until it was the wee hours of the night.

Adelaide yawned.

"You are falling asleep" Neil told her.

"No" she shook her head.

"You are" he chuckled.

"Maybe" Adelaide said, "but in my defense, I'm not used to all your late night medical calls..."

"and you are growing a wee one inside of you" Neil said, "you'll be used to late nights soon"

"Oh, don't remind me!" Adelaide said, with a smile. "Do you want me to just sleep in the lab?"

"The lab is a mess" he said, frowning.

"That's fine" Adelaide said, "I can clean it up for you"

"Adelaide, its one o'clock in the morning" he countered.

"Is it really that late?" she asked. As if on cue, the clock struck one. "I suppose it is"

"You need your rest" he said, "Take my bed for the night. I'll sleep on the sofa"

Adelaide shook her head, swiftly. "I don't think that is a good idea"

"Why not?" he demanded.

"Well, I can't sleep in your bed" she crossed her arms, "For one, what would my mother say?"

"Considering you are a mature lass of twenty two, you don't have to tell her" he grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes at him. "I still don't feel right about it. It's your bed and it really isn't proper regardless of what my mother would say"

"Listen to me, we are already sunk propriety wise" Neil told her, "I want you comfortable"

"You said not to worry about it" Adelaide titled her head, "Just how sunk are we, Doctor MacNeill?"

He gave her an impish grin, "The worst thing that can happen from all of this is that they insist we marry"

"Who?" Adelaide's eyes were wide.

"The Cove"

"Neil" Adelaide reached up to grip his arm as he stood. He turned back to help her up off the couch. "I'm so pregnant, surely they don't assume we would do anything inappropriate"

Neil looked at her evenly, "It wouldn't be enough for them to assume we wouldn't"

Her eyes widened, "Is that so?" she asked, aghast.

He chuckled at her shocked expression, "Aye, lass"

"I don't know quite what to say to that" she responded.

"So great with the babe and still so innocent to the ways of the world" He teased as he winked at her.

"More like the ways of the Cove" Adelaide retorted, "I just can't imagine. They really..." she shifted, awkwardly, "this far along?"

"It's true" Neil confirmed, "The grannies have always encouraged it. Says it brings on laboring"

"I doubt that" Adelaide said.

"I wouldn't be so sure" Neil shrugged. "But to get back to your original concern, considering the closeness of our friendship and you are my nurse, it's a touchy situation"

"They would really think we would do something?" she paused, "Will there be problems for you?"

"I honestly don't know" Neil's look never faltered. "I'm more concerned about you though and your reputation"

He was so sweet to her at times. Her mood shifted, suddenly, as tears sprang to her eyes. Her lip trembled.

"No" Neil's voice became low, "none of that now"

The tears fell, "I've put you in a horrible situation through my carelessness and all you have done is be the best friend to me"

He reached out to squeeze her hand. "Listen to you. I'm not overly worried. We'll deal with it when it comes" He dropped her hand to wipe away her tears with his thumb, "please don't cry. The most important thing in all of this is that you are safe, Adelaide. I'm grateful I found you when I did. When I think of what could have happened" he paused for a few moments, looking at her intently, before adding, quietly, "It will work itself out, lass"

"Thank you" she said, her throat dry, "for saving me from the storm. I don't think I told you that. I was so scared"

He impulsively leaned over to kiss her head, "You're welcome, Adelaide"

Her stomach stirred.

"Take my bed tonight, please"

She acquiesced almost immediately, "Okay" she wiped her tears.

"Good" he reached for the lantern. "I'm going to try to find you something to wear tonight"

"I'll be fine" Adelaide said.

He shook his head. "The bottom of your skirt is still soaked through, Adelaide even with sitting by the fire. You should have problem taken it off"

She sighed, "Yes, I know"

"Are you chilled?"

"No, I'm not, truly. The tea helped" she shifted awkwardly again, "Speaking of the tea, any chance I can make it to the outhouse?" her face blushed ever so slightly.

"Not hardly" he told her, "Unless you want to get lost on the way or freeze out there"

"I guess I could take the chance"

"Not after I worked so hard to save you" His eyes twinkled, "Is the baby lying in an uncomfortable position for ye, lass?"

"No" she shook her head, solemnly and then paused, "Yes, unfortunately"

He laughed outright then, "I'll show you. I'm sorry I should have before"

"No" she blushed more, "It's not quite proper for us to talk about"

He smiled at her, "you are a nurse and I am a doctor. We have talked about bodily functions before and you don't blush or squirm. In fact, you respond to my questions in a way that would horrify your poor mama"

"True, but in regards to patients, not me" she said. "And it's my job"

"That makes all the difference" Neil teased.

"Oh, it does indeed" Adelaide chuckled.

"Your face is getting redder by the minute"

"I can only imagine" she said, shifting again, her hand on her belly. "Are you quite done teasing me?"

"Aye" he laughed, "Come on now"

She woke up the next morning to the smell of frying bacon and eggs and coffee. Her stomach rumbled- she was starving. She groaned and managed to roll over. Neil's bed smelled like him and she found that the scent in itself had become quite comforting to her. She had slept well for the first time in ages.

She hoisted herself out of bed, as she looked around the room. It was undeniably masculine. For the size of the cabin, it was a good size room. The bed, nightstand and dresser were the pieces of furniture that lined the room. Adelaide looked at the nightstand and smiled as she fingered the medical books on top of it. That was exactly her idea of nighttime reading.

Not wanting to snoop, Adelaide reached for her dress, the floor creaking as she walked across the room...well, more like waddled across the room. She winced. She felt like a whale these days.

The baby kicked again as she changed out of the nightgown Neil had scrounged up from Margaret's things and back into her clothes. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, trying to make it more presentable without brushing it through, but it was a mess. She quickly made up Neil's bed when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come on in"

"Morning, Addie"

She smiled at him, "Good morning, Neil"

He tossed her a hairbrush, her catching it easily. "Thought you might want this. It was Margaret's too"

"Thank you. That's very thoughtful" Adelaide said. "I'll be down in a few minutes"

"Take your time"

He left her alone and she took down her hair, brushed it out and decided to leave it half down.

Neil was humming in the kitchen when Adelaide came down the stairs- not so gracefully.

He turned to her, "You should leave your hair down more often"

"That wouldn't be proper or practical" she told him.

"Aye, I know. I'm just sayin that it is pretty down"

"You've said that before"

"And I mean it each time" Neil told her. He studied her, "How's the wee one?"

"Kicking up a storm" she said, her hand on her belly.

"I think you have grown bigger overnight"

She went over and poked him teasingly, "You were just being so sweet"

He chuckled, "I had to make up for it"

"Clearly" she laughed, "Let me take over making breakfast"

"Nah" he shook his head, "You can go sit over there with your feet up"

"Neil"

"Adelaide" he answered, evenly. "I'm almost done and I don't mind"

"Alright, if you insist" she said as she sat at the table and put her feet up.

"Good girl" he smiled at her. "Plus, knowing your cooking, you would ruin my efforts"

"I hardly think it is as bad as that" Adelaide grinned.

"Close to it" Neil winked at her. "I remember the first time you cooked for me in my cabin"

Adelaide laughed, "Who could forget that? I was trying to be nice"

"Not to mention you were hungry" he chuckled at her.

"I was so hungry" Adelaide giggled, "And the mission seemed so far away and we were right in the middle of dissecting those articles"

"You and your cravings"

"You didn't mind at the time I suggested it"

"But then you almost burned down my cabin"

"That is a bit of an exaggeration, Doctor MacNeill" She looked sheepish, "It has to be the stove. I cooked for you in Asheville, remember?"

"I do" Neil said, "and you did very well. I'm sure it's just the stove"

"You know you get a distinct look about you when you are humoring me" Adelaide titled her head with a smile.

"Do I?" Neil asked, innocently.

"You do, which is funny, because you usually don't humor people"

"You are an exception on account of the babe and all" he told her.

"Hum" Adelaide grinned at him, her eyes sparkling at clearly catching him off guard. Neil had the rough exterior of a mountain man at times, but inside, he was quite a softie and Adelaide brought that out of him.

"Don't look at me like that" Neil grunted, "By the way, Adelaide, Merry Christmas"

She paused, immediately distracted, "It is Christmas! I completely forgot! Merry Christmas! How's the snow?"

"Still falling, would ye believe it?" Neil shook his head, "We haven't had a storm this bad in years"

"I have exceptional timing"

"That you do" he put the eggs and bacon on two plates, "As long as the babe of yours doesn't have exceptional timing, I think we are good"

She patted, "Hear that, little one? Doctor MacNeill has spoken and he is the boss"

"Don't let your mama fool you. She only lets me think I'm the boss" He placed the plates on the table and leaned over to put his hand on her belly, the baby kicking in response right away to his touch. Adelaide's eyes widened in surprise.

"The baby likes you already, Neil"

"Of course, he does" he sat across from her. "Let's eat"

She bowed her head and quickly prayed before taking a bite, "This is delicious. Thank you"

"You're welcome"

Adelaide was amazed at how comfortable it felt to be here with Neil. It wasn't awkward at all- probably a testimony to their strong working relationship and their deep friendship.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his eyes on her.

"Actually, yes" Adelaide said, taking another bite. "for the first time in ages"

He smiled at her, "I'm glad, Addie" He took a bite of his food and handed her the coffee. "I wasn't aware that you weren't sleeping well"

"That's quite normal at this stage of my pregnancy" she commented.

"True" Neil nodded, "Just restless?"

"Partly" she said, vaguely, "I have a question for you"

"Sure"

"Since we are stuck here forever, could you humor me more and help me practice stitching?"

"Hum" Neil twirled his fork, "you could help me practice my stitching"

"True" Adelaide said and Neil's eyebrows rose, "For stitching wounds" she clarified, "but I want to practice more delicate techniques for surgery. There is deftness to it that I can't get and you have it, even though your hands are huge"

"There is an art to it" Neil commented, putting his fork down, his full attention on her. "Have you been trying to figure it out on your own using Simon's medical books?"

She had the good sense to look sheepish, "Maybe"

He pointed his finger at her, "I knew it"

"Help me, please?"

"Why?" he asked.

"Well, what if you are away and there is an emergency?" Adelaide pointed out.

"You'll maintain care until I arrive" Neil told her, his voice turning stern, "not play hero"

"Of course, that goes without saying" she frowned at him.

"I'm serious about that Adelaide" he told her. "Very serious. I gave you a pass before with Ruth Tatum..."

"Wait a minute" Adelaide put down her fork now too. "What was I suppose to do?"

"You could have tried a number of things" he told her. "Including forceps"

She shuddered, "I don't think there was enough time"

"I know" Neil nodded, "I just want to make sure that you know my expectations for patient treatment in my absence"

"You have made them quite clear. I promise I won't use those skills. I just want to have them" Adelaide said, picking back up her fork and taking another bite and he did the same, "Come on, Doctor MacNeill, it would be a fun way to pass the time while we are snowed in"

"Only you" He laughed, in wonder.

"Is that a yes?"

"Sure, later today though"

She grinned, "Perfect"

They talked as they ate and afterwards, Adelaide insisted on cleaning up and Neil disappeared into the lab.

He came out a few minutes later as Adelaide was drying the last dish. He cleared his throat and she turned and stilled at the sight of what he was holding- a beautifully made cradle.

"Merry Christmas, Adelaide"

"Neil" Adelaide's voice was hoarse with emotion as she looked at the cradle. "Is this for me?"

"Technically it's for the babe, but aye" he said. "I made it myself"

Adelaide went over to examine the cradle that Neil sat down. "It's lovely. I can't believe you made this for us" she said, in wonder.

"The babe needs a cradle until it learns to roll- the crib ye got is way too big- babes like to be snug or at least that's what all the womanfolk tell me"

"It's perfect. Thank you" She reached out and touched his hand. "When did you have time to do this?"

"Here and there" Neil said, "I've been working on it since you said you were staying in the Cove"

"I'm grateful"

"I'm grateful to you, lass" he responded, "for everything you have done for me as my nurse but also as my friend"

"I haven't realized that I've done anything as your friend" she said, still fingering the cradle.

"Just being you, you've done more than you will ever know" he told her, his voice low.

She nodded and went over to give him a hug. "It's perfect. Thank you again"

"You're welcome" he pulled away. "I also have something for you"

"Do you?"

"I do" He handed her a small package. She took it, curiously.

"Unwrap it" Neil prompted.

She unwrapped it carefully.

"Don't be so timid. You can tear the paper" he teased. "I know you want to"

"Maybe" she said as she tore through the paper, to examine the journal that it uncovered. "A journal"

"You need some way to gather your thoughts, Adelaide" Neil said, "And maybe record the memories you have of Simon"

"That's so thoughtful" Adelaide looked up at him. "I love to write"

"Simon may have mentioned that before" he told her.

"Did he?"

He nodded. "You need to preserve those good memories and keep them close to you" he told her.

"And this is a fine way to do that" she smiled. "And write of my adventures staying in the Cove" she added. "Thank you"

He took her elbow, "Let's sit. You should be resting"

"Okay" Adelaide said, still holding the journal.

They sat on the couch next to each other. She looked at the empty pages of the journal, waiting to be filled.

"The memories are becoming fuzzier" she said, softly.

"Aye" Neil nodded. "And they will become even more so as time goes on"

Her heart ached, "I don't want to forget one thing about him"

"I know, lass" his voice was quiet as he reached to pat her hand, "but you have the babe growing inside of you to always remember him by"

"It's a blessing" she nodded, "Thank you again for this and for the cradle"

"You should be all ready for the babe to come...after the snow clears, of course"

"Of course" she said, but he didn't miss her anxious look.

"Hum" he responded, "as we are to be stuck here for a while, you might as well tell me what that look was about"

"I suppose I should" she said. "Don't think I'm ridiculous"

"No" Neil shook his head, "If you were truly concerned about something, I would never find you ridiculous. We are friends, right?"

She nodded.

"And friends tell each other things"

"They do" She fiddled with the ends of her hair, "I'm having dreams"

"Dreams?"

"Yes" she said, looking at him, "about Ruth Tatum's delivery mixed with my own. I've been having them since it happened"

"For so long?" Neil was aghast. "Why didn't you say something to me?"

"So you could tell me how irrational it was?" she asked, tilting her head, challenging him.

"Adelaide, you can't help what you dream" he told her, "you can only help what you think. Are you nervous about your delivery?" he asked.

"Terribly so" she admitted, "I'm completely anxious when I think about it"

"It's because you know everything that could go wrong" he said, gently, "but you have to remember that usually everything goes smoothly"

Her lip trembled, "The things I saw, Neil...if my parents knew, they would have forbid me to work there. They would have never suggested it in the first place. I didn't tell them of course- I held inside, but it was awful"

"It doesn't have to be that scary process that you assisted in, Adelaide" he told her, frankly.

"I don't know any different" she told him, honestly. "And my mother will be there and..." she sighed, "she adds stress sometimes"

"Alice will be there as your midwife" Neil told her. "She will keep everyone in line"

"I just wish that I had Simon" she told him. "His presence was so calming for me and he knew just the right way to reassure my fears and soothe my anxiety"

"Maybe you can ask Opal" Neil suggested. "She's a friend and she often midwifes as well. That way you have two people you trust there to keep you calm"

"That's a good idea" she said.

"Adelaide" Neil looked at her, evenly, "why are you so worked up about it? What did you see?"

"I saw a lot, Neil" she told him. "I don't know what was worse-the woman who had money to be sedated or the woman who didn't...and then the complications" she shuddered. "And there were a few women who came in completely healthy and never left" she swallowed hard, "I'm scared I'm going to die"

"Adelaide" Neil's voice was kind, "you can't think like that. If you go into it afraid, you'll never get through it. The women here will tell you that you have to accept the process as what you were made to do"

"There is a lot of shame in childbirth back home" she told him, honestly.

"Like sex?"

She nodded, "Yes, similar" she stared at her hands, "Woman aren't valued at all. You should see how the doctors treated them. It was one thing that stood out about Simon...and some of his friends. They were kind. Some of the other doctors I worked for were just mean"

"I know" he sighed, "I would like to tell you that woman are valued more in the cove, but it's not the case at all. It's just different evils we have to fight"

She looked up at him, evenly, "I know you don't believe in woman's rights- that woman should be on equal footing as men"

"Not quite" he admitted, easily, "when it comes to careers or even marriage" He paused at her look, "now don't get huffy, lass" Neil told her, "What I do believe is in the value of all life, especially the women who sacrifice so much to bring children into this world"

"I know you do" she said, relaxing, "I admire that about you. It's why I'm here" She paused, twisting her hands, "I really don't want to go through this" she said, her voice soft.

He reached to pat her hand, "I know, but I'll be at the mission while you are laboring"

"Really?" she asked, surprised.

He nodded, "the minute I get word, I'll come and wait in case you need me"

"What if there is an emergency?" she asked, "I know that's a promise you can't keep"

"We just have to hope there isn't" he said, "but I want to be close by. It would make me feel better as well"

She frowned, "Are you worried?"

He paused, "No" he shifted, "You are healthy and should be fine, but you are my friend, Adelaide and I care for you. They wouldn't let me come in with Margaret and I've always wondered if..." he stopped himself.

"What is it?" she asked. When he remained silent, Adelaide continued, "Friends tell each other things, right?"

Neil chuckled, "Aye, lass, they do" he took a breath, "I always thought that maybe I could have saved her"

Adelaide shut her eyes, pained. "Oh, Neil"

They sat for a few moments, them both trying to contain their emotions, when Adelaide spoke, "Who was there with Margaret?"

"Granny came"

"Alice didn't?" she asked.

"Alice and Margaret were estranged for a bit"

Adelaide stilled, "Miss Alice was estranged from Margaret when she died?"

"Unfortunately" Neil sighed, "It haunts her"

"I'm sure" Adelaide thought for a few moments, "Miss Alice is so gentle" she commented.

"She has another side to her" Neil countered.

"We all do"

"Aye" he nodded.

"What was the rift over?" She paused, "That's none of my business"

"No" Neil sighed, "Margaret was angry that Alice followed us here and how taken Alice became with the people here"

Adelaide looked down at her hands, "That's awful"

"It is" Neil said, looking down as well.

"What caused her death?"

Neil looked up and Adelaide met his eyes, "I never got a straight story from Granny"

"What do you suspect?"

"That she hemorrhaged" he swallowed hard.

"Oh, good Lord" Adelaide's heart twisted for him. "And the baby?"

"A bonny wee lass" Neil took a breath, "Died a day later"

"The baby lived for a day?" she looked at him in surprise.

"Yes" he nodded, "the babe was the spittin image of her mama too"

"You never told me that"

His throat felt dry, "I named her"

"Did you?" she asked, softly.

"Margaret had suggested a name when we were talking about the babe"

"What was her name?"

"Rose"

"That's lovely" tears filled her eyes, "was she just too premature?"

"Aye" Neil nodded, "A fighter though to live a day"

"I'm so sorry, Neil" her voice cracked.

"Me too" he searched her, "Am I scaring you?"

"It's not anything I haven't seen"

He nodded.

Adelaide bit her lip, "Granny has hinted that she wants to attend my birthing in case I need her"

He looked at her sharply, "What did you say?"

"Nothing" Adelaide shrugged, "she hasn't come right out and demanded it"

"You are an outsider still" Neil murmured.

"Yes"

"Granny doesn't attend many more birthing since Alice has come to the cove. She or Opal handle it"

Adelaide nodded. "Will I be insulting her if I just don't tell her that I'm in labor?"

He shook his head, "No, I don't think so, maybe that you would allow me to treat you before sending for her, but that is becoming more common all the same"

"So, you will be there?"

"Yes, I don't want anything to happen to you and me not be there" he told her, continuing to let his guard down with her. "I would never forgive myself if you had an emergency and I wasn't there for you" he paused, "Childbirth isn't something I take lightly...not anymore"

"I'd feel better knowing you were close by as well" Adelaide said, honestly, looking down at her belly.

"Addie, look at me for a minute"

Adelaide looked up. "What is it?"

"Supposing there is a situation with you, I need to know that you will trust my judgment. You'll be no position to make a decision"

"Of course, I trust your judgment" she said, "besides Simon's, your judgment and skill is the one I trust the most"

"Good" he responded, "Please don't fight me on treatment, not in the middle of an emergency"

"I'll try"

"Is that the best you can give me?"

She nodded, "I trust you, Neil, but I tend to be a little...um" she searched for the word. "I'm not the calmest person when it comes to letting other people doctor me"

"What can I do to make sure that you are calm if you need treatment?" he asked.

"Could you make sure that if anything happens and I'm scared and panicking that you talk me through whatever is happening? I need to know what exactly is going on and what you are doing"

"Aye, I can do that" he studied her, "You still look frightened"

She nodded.

He scooted closer to her and reached to put his arm around her shoulders. "Please don't fear. Where is that faith that you have? Isn't now the time to rely on it?"

She smiled. "It's still here. It just gets muddled sometimes when I become anxious"

"I know" his voice was low, "but I will do everything in my power to keep you and the babe safe. I promise you that, Adelaide"

"I know you will" she dropped her head on his shoulder, them sitting like that in silence for a few minutes, propriety the last thing on their mind at the moment.

"No, not quite" Neil said, patiently, "Here" he adjusted her hands and walked her through the motions, standing beside her. "Try yourself"

Adelaide's brow furrowed in concentration as she worked through the stitches, "No, that's not right" she stilled her hands and then adjusted her hand motion, then stilled her hands again, unsure.

He smiled at her indignant expression. She was getting frustrated at herself, the perfectionist that she was. "Don't get frustrated"

"Show me again?"

"Okay" He reached and took her hands again, "It's not a precise science to it"

"Shouldn't medicine be about science?" Adelaide grunted.

He chuckled, "not when it comes to skill work like this. It took me a while to get the hang of it too and I was in medical school with some of the finest instructors"

"You are a fine instructor too" Adelaide countered as he scooted closer to her and moved her hands again, going through the motions.

It was then Adelaide realized how close they were. She turned her head towards him and at that moment, their chemistry was undeniable. Neil had opened up to her earlier and since them, her feelings towards him had become even more confusing. She didn't think it possible for them to have a moment together with her belly a clear presence in the room, but she couldn't deny it. Her stomach quivered and she froze, unsure. Neil cleared his throat as she tensed up.

"Why don't you try again?" he said, in his voice low, dropping her hands.

"Sure" Adelaide took a breath. She forced herself to concentrate.

"There you go" he said, quietly. "Good job"

"Thank you" she continued the technique. She paused, "Are you sure this is alright?" For a moment, he sensed her vulnerability with him. He wagered she was talking more than just her stitching technique. He felt the charged moment between them as well, but he didn't want to spook her.

"Aye, I'm sure"

"Very good"

"Is it?" he questioned, lightly.

She looked over at him. "You tell me"

He searched her face and then decided to give her an out. "The technique is perfect, lass. Practice a few more stitches and them I'm ordering a nap for the mama to be"

She sighed, "Bossy, bossy" she paused, "but I am tired"

He nodded.

The next morning, the snow had finally stopped falling, the worst storm they had in years. Adelaide was cooking up eggs when they heard a call from the yard,

"United States Mail"

Adelaide looked to Neil, panic on her face. "How in the world did he get through?"

"Neither rain nor snow" Neil muttered. "Come on in, Ben" he called.

Ben shook the snow off his boots. "Howdy, Doc. Got this package of the medicine ye were a lookin for"

"Come warm yourself, Ben, before headin out again" Neil said, taking the package from him.

Ben froze. "Miz Addie" his voice held his surprise.

"Mr. Pentland" Adelaide nodded, "I'm just making eggs here. Why don't I make you some too? And you look like you need some hot coffee"

"I'd be obliged" he eyed her, suspiciously as he took off his coat, scarf and mittens and sat by the fire. He had definitely caught them in quite the domestic scene...and truth be told, Miz Addie looked awfully comfortable in the Doc's cabin, her hair down, humming a tune while she was cooking. What's more, Adelaide knew how it looked as well.

Adelaide looked to Neil and he could tell her distress as she poured the coffee. Neil took the mug from her.

He cleared his throat as he handed Ben the coffee. "Adelaide got stuck out in this storm two days ago" he explained.

Ben's eyes were wide. "Ye were out in this here storm, Miz Addie?"

"Doc rescued me" Adelaide said, "before I got completely lost...and we were closer to his place than the mission. I don't think we would have made it to the mission"

"We wouldn't have" Neil said, adamantly.

"And we have been stuck here ever since" Adelaide offered, "and with this" she patted her belly, "we have to be extra careful"

"Ye be right" Ben frowned, "Ye shouldn't try to make it out in this snow. The drifts be real deep...not fitting for any woman, not to mention in ye condition"

"She isn't going anywhere" Neil said, firmly, "until it is safe to do so"

"The folks here ain't gonna like this though" he told them frankly. "It looks real bad for ye to be here with the Doc alone. They are gonna have lots to say about this one, that's for sure, Doc"

Adelaide glanced at Neil, her coloring heightening.

"Ben" Neil's voice held a warning, "Don't scare Miz Addie right now" he admonished.

"Of course" Ben said, gruffly, "My apologies, ma'am"

Adelaide nodded.

Ben shared a meal with them before insisting that he must continue on his journey. When he was gone, Adelaide looked to Neil as she was doing the dishes.

"Neil?"

He frowned, "It was rotten luck, lass" he told her, his voice low.

She sighed as she gently placed the last dried plate on the shelf. "I should go home. If Ben can make it through..."

"Absolutely not" Neil's voice was harsh. "I will not have you risking your health or that of your child"

"But this is going to cause so much trouble for you" Adelaide retorted, "I saw the way he looked at me- he was making assumptions...about me and you. I didn't think it was possible with how grossly pregnant I am, but apparently, you are right, that doesn't matter"

"Anybody who knows you knows..."

"They accused Christy of being with John Spencer" Adelaide's face was pale, "before she married David"

"Yes"

"And we know how innocent she is" Adelaide said, "and John is a child. You're a man and I've been married before, so..."

"But when they found out she was with me, the issue settled" he pointed out.

"Yes, your midnight meeting in the moonlight...the epitome of a romantic moment" Adelaide murmured. "maybe the issue shouldn't have been resolved so easily, then she would be here with you and I would be..."

"Dead?"

They fell silent, the tension high between them before Adelaide told him, resolutely, "I can make it home. I'm strong and if it causes me to go into labor, then good"

"I said, no, Adelaide" Neil's voice rose. "You wouldn't make it twenty feet. There are high drifts out there and the babe weighs you down. You aren't as strong as Ben. Don't be foolish. You'll end up having the babe in the snow or worse"

She turned to him, "I can make decisions for myself" The look she gave him made him sure she would attempt such a foolish venture.

"The damage is already done, woman" Neil yelled, frustrated. "You will wait until it is safe. I'll restrain you here if I have to"

"I'd like to see you try"

"Oh, I'd try alright" Neil retorted, "Do you doubt me?"

She stared at him a moment before retreating into the lab without another word, needing space.

Neil came in a few minutes later and sat on the bed next to her. "I'm sorry I yelled, lass"

"No, it was well deserved" she murmured, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I was panicking and it was clouding my judgment. Of course, I'll wait until you feel it is safe"

"Good" he nodded, "Why were you panicking?"

She stared at her hands, "I would never...even without the baby..." her voice cracked. "I never have been accused of being that way. I've never gotten that look before."

"There was no look"

"Neil" Adelaide smiled through her tears, "you are a horrid liar"

"I suppose I am" he admitted, sheepishly.

Adelaide wiped her tears, "but you are a good friend"

"I know you aren't that way" Neil soothed. "and they don't truly believe that, but you need to expect repercussions. It is naïve for you not to"

She sighed, "Yes, I know. What repercussions will there be?"

"They will put pressure on both of us"

"Pressure?"

"Most likely to marry" Neil said, seriously.

"I thought you were joking" Adelaide turned to him.

"No, lass, I said it jokingly so you wouldn't panic"

She dropped her head in her hands, "I'm sorry. I was so foolish" she cried.

"Hush now. Don't carry on so" Neil put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him.

"How can you be so calm about this?"

"Marrying you, Adelaide, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world- far from it"

Somehow his sweet words made her feel even more horrid. "You shouldn't be this sweet to me"

"Yes, I should" He kissed her head. "Any man would be lucky to have you as his wife"

"But not being forced into it" She sniffled. "No man wants to be trapped"

"Nobody is being trapped here" Neil assured her. "It's going to be just fine, Adelaide. I promise. You focus on the end of your pregnancy and your baby. I'll take care of the rest"

And in spite of the anxiety she felt, she allowed his words to comfort her. She trusted him, she just didn't know how it would all turn out.