Christy looked at David in surprise. Something in his expression sent a shiver of excitement mixed with uncertainty through her. Could it be...? Christy should be thrilled when David, the handsome minister, proposes marriage. So why do thoughts of Dr. Neil MacNeill keep popping into her head? Before she gives David her answer, Christy is blinded in a terrible riding accident and all her dreams are threatened. Will Christy be able to teach again? And what does this mean for David's proposal? Based on Catherine Marshall's novel Christy —a New York Times bestseller—the Christy® of Cutter Gap series contains expanded adventures filled with romance, intrigue, and excitement. Catherine Marshall, New York Times best-selling author of thirty books, is best known for her novel Christy . Based on the life of her mother, a teacher of mountain children in poverty-stricken Tennessee, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became apopular CBS television series. As her mother reminisced around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders.A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine's enduring career spanned four decades and six continents, and reached over 30 million readers. The Proposal The Christy of Cutter Gap series By Catherine Marshall Gilead Publishing Copyright © 1995 Marshall-LeSourd, LLC All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-68370-175-0 CHAPTER 1 "Miz Christy! I got a question to ask you! And it's a matter of life and death — yours!" Christy Huddleston paused near the edge of Big Spoon Pond. Creed Allen, a nine-year-old who was one of her students at the Cutter Gap Mission school, dashed toward her. "What is it, Creed?" Christy called. "The Reverend Grantland and I were just about to go for a boat ride." Creed came to a stop, panting. "I know. That's what I got to ask you about." "Actually, Creed," David Grantland said with an impatient roll of his dark eyes, "I have something to ask Miss Christy too. Something very important." Christy looked at David in surprise. Something in his expression sent a shiver of excitement mixed with uncertainty through her. Could it be ... ? David had arranged this special evening so carefully. He'd told Christy to dress up, so she'd worn her favorite yellow dress and braided daisies in her sun-streaked hair. David was wearing his Sunday best, and his dark hair was slicked back. They'd had a dinner picnic. David had brought hand-picked flowers and a homemade cake his sister, Ida, had made especially for the occasion. He'd even brought a candle along in case it got dark. The sun was just now beginning to sink, sending a golden sheen over the pond. Creed tugged on Christy's arm. His freckled face was tight with worry. "Please, Miz Christy. I need to talk to you, in private. It's for your own good, I reckon." "David," Christy said, "would you mind giving Creed and me a moment of privacy?" David sighed loudly. "Creed, do you understand that Miss Christy and I are in the middle of ..." He hesitated, glancing at Christy. "Of ... an appointment?" "Appointment?" Christy teased. "Is that what this is, David?" "Shucks, Preacher," Creed said apologetically. "I didn't know you was appointin'. I just figgered you was sweetheartin'." Christy stifled a giggle as David's cheeks turned as red as the setting sun. "Tell me, Creed," she said, taking the boy aside. "What brings you so far out of your way? What was it you wanted to know?" "Well ..." Creed tugged at a ragged overall strap. "It's like this. Can you swim?" "Yes, I can. But why do you ask?" Creed lowered his voice to a whisper. "See, me and Sam Houston saw the preacher out here after school, practicin' his boatin'. Now, the preacher's mighty fine at speechifyin', don't get me wrong, but he ain't no boatin' man." Creed glanced at David, then hung his head sadly. "It was like watchin' a hound try to strum a banjo. Just 'cause he tries hard don't mean the Lord meant it to be so." "Thank you, Creed, for your concern," Christy said, trying very hard not to smile. "But I promise I'll be fine." "That's a mighty tippy ol' rowboat." "We are not going to tip over, Creed." Creed did not look at all convinced. "Now, you run along," Christy said. "I'll see you on Monday at school." David was waiting by the boat impatiently. "What was it Creed wanted?" "He was concerned about my well-being." "As it happens," David said with a smile, "so am I." He held out his arm. Christy lifted her long dress and stepped into the little wooden rowboat that belonged to the mission. David gave the boat a gentle push and leapt aboard. The boat rocked back and forth like a huge cradle. He fumbled with the oars for a moment, then settled into an uneven back-and- forth motion. Christy trailed her hand in the water. The pond was still cold, although the air was surprisingly warm for May. She had only been in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for a