Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey Read Free Page B

reading the business card.
    “No ma’am, just passing through. And…I’m Libby. I’m headin’ to the Grand Canyon—after I make a stop in New Mexico to visit my best friend, that is. May I ask your names?”
    “Oh, my goodness,” the woman laughed. “How rude of me! I’m so sorry! I’m Gladys Reid and that’s my husband, Luke.”
    “Well, Mrs. Reid, it’s been so nice chatting with you. Now I mean it, if you need anything , you just call me, collect. Okay?”
    Mrs. Reid put both her hands around Libby’s, “Thank you so much, Miss. Morgan. You have a very sweet soul, and I hope you have safe travels.”
    Libby smiled at the woman, then walked back to her RV, just as Luke Reid arrived back at the vehicle with a bag of groceries. He waved, smiling at her.
    “Thank ya, Miss!”
    “God bless you, Mr. Reid!” Libby called from her doorway.
    Returning to the sofa, Libby calculated she’d been driving for about six hours. “Well, there’s plenty of daylight to get to Jackson, Mississippi before I stop. That’s just four more hours.”
    She sent an email to the Forest Bluff RV Park to check for availability and set her GPS with their coordinates. After refilling her coffee cup, she climbed into the driver’s seat and received the positive response on her cellphone. Libby pulled out onto the highway. Destination: Mississippi.
    As she settled into the drive, her thoughts drifted from the Reids to her parents. She turned on the camera.
    “Megan, I now see how much I took my parents for granted growing up. Their devotion to each other and to their family is so obvious. I want so much for you to feel that way, too. I hope you do!
    “I remember when we would spend Sunday afternoons and evenings sitting on the front porch enjoying the cool evening breeze from spring to fall. Mom would have her guitar and everybody would sing—great memories of family time. Everybody had favorites, and Mom usually requested the same songs on our “porch-side concerts.” Tommy always had to sing Danny Boy , wow did your Dad have the pipes when he was young! I always had to sing the Rainbow Song. Dad would play his harmonica...mostly hymns. Amazing Grace usually ended our little show. Everybody was always so happy after our “concerts.” These were memories I wished you could have enjoyed, Muggs.
    “Mom and Dad had the best relationship. You know, the older I get the more I see it. Sometimes, I think about finding someone who can make you feel, not just wonderful about him, but also wonderful about yourself. Somebody you want to be around until the end of time.” Libby glanced around the cab of the RV, remembering when her parents occupied the seats on one of their many camping trips around the southeast. “I don’t know…relationships can be so tricky, too. When I think about getting involved, I just don’t want to…that is I just can’t imagine myself…what I mean…oh, I don’t know. I mean…eww! Flarflebloo! Boy cooties! Right? ” Libby laughed.
    As a horn blew outside her window, traffic snatched Libby’s attention. She turned off the camera and focused on the road. The long drive was beginning to wear on her, so she was glad her destination was growing closer. Within the hour, the GPS announced the exit for the RV park.

Jackson, Mississippi, Day 1 - Tuesday - continued
    “So, first time in Jackson?” The owner processed her credit card in his pajamas and robe.
    Libby smiled at the sight of him, “Actually, yes. Not my first RV experience...but first time here. I’m very happy to be here!”
    “Well, if there’s anythin’ I can do, you jus’ let me know. You need some help gettin’ setup?”
    “Nah, thanks. I wouldn’t want to bother you…I’m sure it’s like ridin’ a bike,” Libby smiled as she shook her head.
    “Nothin’ to it!” he interrupted her. “Let me get my shoes on, and I’ll be right out. Won’t take us long, together. By the way, folks ‘round here call me ‘Buddy,’ so