Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (27 page)

Charleston,
South Carolina, Day 44 - Wednesday

Just before 9:00 a.m., Joe dropped Libby at Will’s downtown Charleston office. The early island traffic was particularly brutal. “I’ll just go look around downtown while you take care of your business,” Joe offered. He wanted to shop for a wedding gift for Libby. Megan was on standby for his phone call as soon as he delivered Libby to Will’s office. She had become a great conspirator with Joe.

Will greeted Libby and ushered her back to his office. “I hear you’ve been given free-reign of the island for three weeks for the ceremony, if you want it. Jane seems to think you’ll start your honeymoon right there on the island. That’s fantastic, the place is beautiful. Hey, I’ll kick the guests off the island if you want me to!” Will laughed. “Janie really pulled some strings on this—she’s...no,
we’re
all so happy for you Libby.”

Libby smiled at the thought. “I know it will be wonderful. I can’t thank you, Jane and Grace enough. Will, I want to get right to the point. I know we don’t have much time, but there are some arrangements I obviously need to make. Please tell me there’s time...”

“Anything for you, dear Libby,” Will replied. “In case you didn’t know, heaven and earth move at your desire.”

* * *

The following weeks blew by, as everyone pitched in to make the disguised wedding as spectacular as possible for the guests, and as simple as possible for Libby and Joe. Joe often escaped to his favorite spot, the swing on the front porch, with Maggie’s guitar and a notepad. He smiled a lot these days, because Libby was quite the musical muse.

Island off the coast of South Carolina, Day 59 Thursday

Early Thursday morning, Libby, Megan and Joe moved into the main house of the Stono Corporation’s island retreat off the coast of South Carolina.

Grace, Jane and Will moved into the two-bedroom guest cottage next to the main house to be near the activities. Around 2:00 pm, the caterers arrived with dinner for the first guests’ arrival, as Grace and Jane completed final preparations.

“Joe, since this is supposed to be a surprise, why don’t you keep this...” Libby held her left hand to Joe, displaying her engagement ring. “It’s kinda a give-away, don’t you think?”

Joe smiled, “I don’t wanna take it off though...it might be a bad omen.”

Libby laughed, “I don’t think so...it’s either that, or tell everybody. They’re gonna notice this thing...it’s kinda...big.”

“Too big?” Joe asked feigning innocence.

Libby smiled, pulling the ring from her finger. “You don’t
really
expect me to answer that, do you?” She slid the ring in his pants pocket, letting her hand slide a little too far. Joe’s eyes sparkled and grew wide.

Libby laughed. “Later. Let’s go!” as she slid her hand out slowly and kissed his waiting lips.

The first plane landed just after 3:00 pm at the Charleston Executive Airport. Joe and Libby happily greeted Joe’s parents, along with Chuck, Rick, the band members, and Laura and Jimmy. Libby wanted to be sure they had as much time to spend together before the other guests arrived, so she arranged to bring them in earlier.

“Marshall, Lee, it’s so great to see you!” Libby hugged them both enthusiastically as they met on the tarmac.

Joe hugged his mother, then his father, “I’m glad you’re here! I know it’s not easy for y’all to leave the horses.”

“Ah, son, we needed a good excuse for a vacation. Thanks for bringing us out!” Marshall said as he shook Joe’s hand.

Lee’s face lit into an even bigger grin as she watched Joe and Libby intently. “I knew it!” Her eyes were sparkling.

Joe looked shocked, as his eyes met his mother’s. He hugged her again quickly, “Shhh...” he whispered in her ear. Joe chuckled and shyly looked at his mother as he released her from his embrace. “You’re too wise, woman….now, all in good time!” He looked sharply at her as he turned his attention to the rest of the crowd, now joining them.

Libby had passed the elder Kings to hug Rick, then Chuck. “I’m so glad you guys are here! I can’t wait for you to meet Megan.” She welcomed her old chum, Laura, then Jimmy, each with big hugs, grins and welcomes.

“I’m really glad you guys came,” Joe greeted Rick and Chuck with a brotherly hug.

“Libby, I want you to meet the band…that didn’t get to tour with us. This is Rocky Lewis, he plays the drums; Frankie Leighton, bass; and Cody Steele, guitar. Guys, this is...Libby. Man, I’m so glad you all could come on such short notice! It’s gonna be a blast!”

“Nah, man, this is cool! Thanks for bringin’ us out!” Cody replied.
Rick punched Cody in the shoulder, “C’mon, let’s get this party started!” and the two shuffled ahead of the others.

“Rick and Cody went to high school together. You’ll find they’re practically inseparable when they’re together,” Joe whispered to Libby.

“Cody’s my long-lost son, I think,” Lee added, laughing. “When they were kids, he was at our house more than his own!”

“So, uh, Libs…are all your rich, single friends joining us?” Chuck grinned?

Libby laughed, “Well, there’s Grace, but she may be a bit…mature… for you. Laura, of course, but she’s taken, as you know, and so is Jane. Megan is here, but she’s off limits!” Libby pointed a finger at him and shook it, with as much menace as she could muster.

The group headed for the vehicle. “Well, they don’t have to be single,” Chuck mumbled. Lee smacked him with her purse, and everyone within earshot laughed. “I’m just organizing my
to do
list! I’d think you’d applaud my management skills!” he laughed. Lee poised her purse for another hit, but he side stepped her, grinning.

Once the luggage and instruments were loaded, the group climbed into the Stono Corporation’s mini-bus, with Joe behind the wheel.

“Joe! I just love the sunkissed curls you’re wearing these days!” Lee gushed.

“We’ve been taking walks on the beach every chance we could. We took a picnic to a marsh area not far from Libby’s house…and on the way we came around a curve in the beach and met up with an alligator sunning on the sand!” Lee gasped and the guys all laughed.

“What’d you do?” Marshall asked?

Joe glanced at Libby, who laughed, “He
threw the chicken
he cooked at it!”

“Joe cooks?” Lee exclaimed.

Libby nodded, “He’s good! ‘Course, the second piece...he took a bite out of it
before
he threw it!” Libby laughed harder than everyone else at the image of Joe stopping for a nibble before he shared the chicken with the ‘gater.

“I’d say island life agrees with you, son,” Lee mused.

Libby played tour guide as they drove the thirty minutes back to the island, sharing details about the South Carolina coast as they made their way to the secluded retreat.

Crossing the single-lane causeway bridge, Libby wrapped up her tour as Joe dropped the Kingstons and TBK band members among the closest cabins to the right of the main house.

“How’s dinner in about an hour sound?” Libby cheerfully asked.

“Great! I’m starved!” Marshall called out. Lee nodded and the two headed toward their cabin.

Pointing to a doorway on the side of the cabin, Libby added, “There are golf carts to take you to the main house, which is that way,” Libby pointed left, past the trees.

Marshall waved as he entered their cabin. Cody and Rick took the next cabin; Frankie and Chuck settled for the furthest from the main house.

Libby and Joe returned to the main house and helped with final preparations for dinner.

Shortly thereafter, the group began to assembly at tables that surrounded the pool and a cozy fire pit. Faint background music could be heard during the rare moments of silence. Festive lanterns surrounded the entire area. The seafood buffet stretched across the porch, wafting the aromas of the many good things to come. Beautiful flowers and candles adorned the tables, as well as the pool. Introductions were made as guests arrived. Soon, everyone was enjoying fruity drinks with umbrellas or beers from the bartender. Will and Jane escorted Marshall and Lee to begin the buffet line, dipping plates of the local fare seafood in delectable recipes and describing the choices as they proceeded along the tables.

“Finest South Carolina has to offer! You just have to try those crabcakes! They’re amazing!” Jane suggested to Lee. “Grace has wonderful connections for catering and facilities. She’s helped pull all this together!”

Libby stepped behind Lee, “Don’t let her fool you; Jane had a large part in all this too!” Libby laughed.

“It’s all so beautiful, and everything looks so tasty! I can’t wait to dig in,” Lee chimed in.

Soon, everyone had a place around the table. Laughter and stories filled the air for hours.

Island off the coast of
South Carolina, Day 60 - Friday

All remaining attendees were scheduled to arrive within a 45-minute window on Friday morning. The minibus and a driver waited to bring them all onto the island. A luau luncheon was scheduled for 3:00 pm.

When guests arrived for lunch, Louie Lovrette was missing. Libby sent him a text message, “Where R U?”

Louie replied “Missed flight, resched. Xpect arr L8 have surpriz 4 u-hope u like. Thx 4 incl me N ur wknd!”

Libby texted, “Sorry for probs, look fwd to c’ing u!” As an afterthought, she sent him the address, in case he didn’t have it with him.

As guests were presented with their cabins, their agendas were pointed out. The first event listed was poolside cocktails, to be served at 2:00 p.m. Dress was casual all weekend.

Guests mingled in the well-acquainted living area, the wrap-around porch with the wooden rocking chairs, and around the pool where extra seating had been arranged. Joe and Libby greeted the new guests as they arrived and managed introductions. The party was in full swing by 2:30 p.m. The luau buffet placed on the porch had guests excited and impressed.

Around 4:00 p.m., tiki torches were lit to discourage the insects from joining the party. In all directions poolside, the glowing flames began the ambiance for the celebration that was to come. Down the boardwalk, flames guided the party onto the beach.

Libby and Joe slipped to the back of the crowd, who made their way to the beach in the late afternoon. Returning to the pool area, Joe put his hands on Libby’s face and kissed her passionately. “I’ll see you soon...right?”

Libby glowed as she smiled at Joe, “No place else I’d rather be. No one else I’d rather see. Until the time you’re married to me.” She giggled as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. He spun her off her feet and set her down gently with a proud grin and a sparkle in his eyes.

“Leave the prose to me, woman,” he laughed as he gave her one more kiss and pushed her in the direction of the cottage, where Megan and the powerhouses would meet her later.

“WAIT,” Joe called out, joining her at the cottage door.

Libby stopped in the doorway.

Joe pulled the engagement ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger. “Now….that’s better,” he said, kissing her finger, then her lips.

* * *

Grace, Megan and Jane followed instructions to guide guests to the beach to watch the sunset. While the east-coast sun didn’t set over the ocean, there was a beautiful view of the marsh just beyond the point down the beach. As the night progressed, whippoorwills sang along with the frogs, crickets and other wildlife in the distance. Egrets waded in the distant marsh, and a heron swooped in for treats unseen by the party guests. The glowing flames of the tikis lead to two poles with red roses streaming around them. Flames of a firepit lapped the air beyond the poles, as the view gave way to the setting sun.

Once everyone had found seating in the haphazard collection of chairs, stools and driftwood, musicians strumming Spanish-styled guitar music made their way down the path, giving Megan and Grace the chance to slip away without being seen. Waiters arrived with beverages to keep the crowd contained and happy. Jane stood at the end of the pathway, snapping photos with Libby’s digital camera before taking her leave as well.

* * *

Almost an hour later, Joe appeared on the beach wearing shades, a white cotton shirt and white cotton pants, rolled above his ankles. His left hand in his pants pocket, he smiled as he made his way through the crowd to the rose-draped tikis and turned to face the curious guests.

Before he could speak, Libby appeared from the pathway in an off-shoulder white cotton dress with a full white cotton skirt just above her ankles. Her hair was lifted into wispy, loose auburn curls that floated around her face. The melting sunlight glinted against the natural gold highlights in her hair and made her glow. She carried in her hand a single red rose.

After a few gasps, the crowd quieted at the sight of her. As Libby arrived among her friends on the beach, the guitarists began playing the Wedding Song. Will walked between the two tikis and faced the group, putting his hand on Joe’s shoulder.

“Please stand for the bride,” Will asked, smiling at Libby. Someone in the crowd clapped as the group rose to their feet, watching Libby pass by.

Libby, beaming at Joe, made her way through the small crowd. Joe’s eyes teared at the sight of Libby, so beautiful in the glow of the setting sun.

Libby’s mind drifted momentarily to the first day she saw Joe. The proud man standing at the makeshift altar didn’t look at all like the haggard, angry soul she first saw months before. His stance reflected his pride and the smile on his face beamed with the joy that was in his heart. As she moved closer to him, she fixed on his sunglasses. Her head cocked to the side automatically as her face became quizzical. She touched the edge of her eye slightly with her hand and smiled. Joe grinned, pulling off the shades and tossing them underneath the tiki beside him. Once she saw his beautiful blue eyes, her face was alight with adoration. So much love was shared in his gaze that Libby’s eyes teared. Blushing, she lowered her head to keep from crying.

The crowd no longer could remain silent as Libby passed, with murmurs of excitement at the idea they were actually brought to this beautiful island for a wedding.

As Libby approached Joe, Megan stood and walked beside her. Joe looked around the crowd for Chuck, then motioned for him to join them. Chuck was beaming as he stepped up as best man.

“Why didn’t you tell me!” he whispered too loudly, eliciting laughter from the group.

Joe smiled at Chuck, the crowd, then Libby as he reached out his left hand and took her hand in his.

While Jane photographed the big event, Will officiated the sunset ceremony.

“I’ve known Libby all her life. It has been my honor and my privilege to watch her grow into this beautiful, giving woman that we see here today. Libby, I don’t want to make this wonderful happy occasion sad, but I know that if your folks were here, they would be so proud...” Will closed his eyes for a brief moment as he tried not to choke on his eloquent words. “You’re an amazing woman. You deserve an amazing man.

“Joe, in the short time I’ve had to get to know you, I truly do believe that your heart and your love for our Libby is a most wonderful gift to her, and we all welcome you and your family and friends into our lives, as I’m sure your family and friends welcome us,” Will smiled at Joe, then his family.

“Besides, I know you’re gonna do right by our girl...cause if you don’t...” Will eyed him in a mock threat.

Laughter was heard from the congregation as Joe smiled at Libby and nodded at Will. When the moment subsided, Joe looked deeply into Libby’s face. Libby’s look of adoration and love brought a tear to Joe’s eye. He brushed a curl from her face and touched her cheek with his finger. He returned his hand to hers as Will continued.

“I believe you two have rings...and vows,” Will called out.

“Joe, if you please...place your ring on Libby’s left hand as you offer your vow.” Joe nodded as he removed the ring from his right pocket and took Libby’s left hand. He removed his left hand from his pocket, revealing a bandage wrapped around his hand. Libby saw the bandage and shot a direct look at Joe, as if asking a question without words.

Joe shook her off with a slight smile. Placing the ring on her hand, Joe began his vows as Libby studied his face more carefully, noticing a bruise on his cheek beginning to appear.

“Libby, I never felt grounded, until I met you. You’ve become ‘home’ to me, somehow I knew the most important thing in the world left when you left me standing alone in that parking lot. You called me out on everything that felt wrong in life...but I had no clue. Yet, somehow you knew. I know that I can’t last a day without you, and you’ll never know how happy you’ve made this man by standing here today—with me—and every day that makes up the rest of our lives. It is my honor to love and cherish you forever, no matter what.”

A faint, feminine sob was heard from the congregation on the beach.

Will continued, “Libby, you have a ring for Joe?”

“Yes,” she turned to Megan and took the ring. She placed the ring on Joe’s hand, carefully studying the bandaged arm without a smile as she did so.

“Joe, I’ve never felt so grounded, either. You’ve made me whole, and I’m not exactly sure when or how, because I surely didn’t think it was possible. I have everything I could possibly want: love, family, belonging. Not so long ago, I really thought I’d lost it all...well, except for my sweet Megan. I was afraid destiny meant I could only lose people I loved, not find someone like you…someone who loved me too. You’ve made all that different. I now see hope for a beautiful future. Not without challenges, I’m sure, but forever seems like a promise, not a fear. I owe all that to you, Joe. I promise to love, honor and cherish you also, no matter what.”

As the sun edged past the horizon, Joe looked at Will as they were pronounced husband and wife, just to break her intent gaze. Joe tenderly kissed Libby, his beloved bride. The crowd jumped to their feet in laughter, cheers and tears.

Joe forced Libby to face their family and friends in an attempt to stop her from asking about his arm. He grinned as folks filed by their makeshift altar and patted him on the back, congratulating the couple.

Libby tried to smile and accept well-wishes as the crowd’s eagerness and excitement filled her attention, but all the while her concern over Joe was foremost in her mind.

Will announced, “As the sun has left the party, please, if you can…bring your chairs to the fire pit, we’ll be serving champagne momentarily. Exclamations over the beautiful surprise could be heard long after the vows took place.

Libby took Joe’s arm and led him back down the pathway to the house. When they were out of earshot of the crowd, she demanded, “Joe, what happened?” She turned his face to see his now obviously bruised cheek.

“Come on, I’ll tell you,” Joe spoke in a hushed tone as he led her into the house. He picked up a phone and called a number written on a notepad beside the phone. “Yes, I need you to send a patrol car to, Libby, what’s this address?”

Libby stammered the address.

“Yes, well, the nature of the call, a man tried to...attack me. I have him subdued, and I need to have someone come and get him. Please, ask them not to use sirens and lights. The situation is under control, and, well, I just got married, and we don’t want to upset our guests. Thank you,” Joe replaced the phone on the receiver and took Libby to the sofa.

“Sit down.” He waited for her to be seated then sat beside her. “Libby, I know who’s been behind…all this mess. When I came in to change, I found...Bret Puckett...in the closet. He had a knife. I don’t want you to be upset—he’s still in there. Well, I need to go check on him...wait here...but it’s all gonna be okay...right? Wait here.”

Libby grew pale as she heard Joe’s words.

As he rose, he again asked her, “Stay here...I’ll be right back. I’ll explain everything.”

Chuck blew into the room, “Hey you too! You can’t start the honeymoo...what’s wrong?”

Joe motioned for his brother to follow him, “Come on, Chuck.” Chuck noticed the serious expressions of the happy couple and followed quickly with concern.

Libby sat on the sofa for a moment, then followed behind them as well. Joe opened the bedroom door to the shriek of Bret Puckett, who was gagged with duct tape and hog-tied with the rip cord from the drapes. His face was bruised and bloody. Clearly, Joe had the upper hand in this fight.

“What the hell?” Chuck was shocked at the site—items from the dresser were on the floor, the curtains half-hung on the window. The room showed just what a struggle the two had.

“He was hiding in the closet when I came in to change. He was expecting Libby,” Joe turned to look at Libby as he called her name. A knock at the door interrupted the explanation, and Joe quickly responded.

Joe returned to the bedroom with Deputy Scott Walker and Sheriff Amos Dodd, and Libby behind them. The sheriff surveyed the room and Brett, still hogtied and gagged on his belly on the floor. Bret began loudly struggling to remove his constraints.

“So, what happened here?” the sheriff’s authoritative tone left no room for excuses or hesitation.

“Libby and I were about to get married.”

Scott shot a look across the room at Libby, who maintained a hard stare on Bret.

“I came in to change...” Joe’s story unfolded.

* * *

Joe kissed Libby by the pool, “See you soon...”

Libby smiled sweetly at Joe, “I can’t wait!”

He watched her glide into the cabin where ‘the powerhouses’ and Will were staying. Megan was waiting by the door and rushed her inside.

“WAIT!” Joe ran to her side, pulled the engagement ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger. “Now. That’s better,” he said, kissing her finger, then her lips.

Stopping for a beer from the cooler by the pool, Joe made his way into the main house and into the master bedroom. He placed a coaster on the dresser for his beer. Checking his hair in the mirror, he ran his fingers through and shook his long brown hair back into place. After another long sip from the beer, he returned the bottle on the dresser and reached for the closet door.

Just as Joe opened the door, a fist landed on Joe’s cheek and thrust him back into the bedroom and onto the floor. Stunned, Joe glared into the closet as a man jumped out wielding a knife.

“What the...” Joe angrily glared at the man.

The man pounced on Joe. Joe blocked the knife coming forward at him with his forearm, throwing the man’s weight over his head with his legs. As the man landed half-way on the bed, Joe pulled him off the bed as he managed his footing. The man dropped the knife as he landed. Righting himself, he lunged toward Joe, pushing Joe into the dresser and knocking over the beer. The scrappy man attempted to throw multiple punches at Joe, but most were capably blocked.

“Who the hell are you and what...” Joe blocked another punch then threw one with his left, sending the man back toward the closet.