Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (29 page)

* * *

Libby smiled at Joe, “We have something for you.” She looked at Will, standing in the doorway, her voice was getting weak. She struggled to sit up, thinking it would help her say what she needed so desperately to say. Joe lifted her shoulders and rearranged the pillows to raise her head.

“Joe, while you made your movie, I had the chance to chat often with Louie.” Her breath became labored with each word. As a tear made its way down Libby’s cheek, she looked at Will. “Will, can you?”

Will nodded.

Joe’s attentive concern turned from Libby to Will.

“Joe, Libby called and asked me to develop a company, for you. She wanted you to have your own production company, for whatever enterprises you wanted to pursue, movies, music...whatever you wanted. I have here the Articles of Incorporation, and if you don’t like the name, I can have it changed, but she picked ‘Vortex Productions,’ I hope that’s okay...I liked it, considering your whirlwind romance and all.” Will passed Joe the papers. Joe was feeling shell-shocked and sat on the bed as he took them. Libby stated weakly, “Fresh start, no more bad managers,” she smiled at him with tears in her eyes, “Own it, Joe. It’s yours.”

Joe’s lip quivered as the gravity of her actions hit him. He couldn’t hold back the tears. Will put his hand on Joe’s shoulder. He knew Libby was in trouble. After a few minutes, Will added, “Joe, this box contains a manuscript Louie made of the hard drive contents in Libby’s computer. She had him prepare a script based on the story of how you two met...she wanted all this to be a wedding gift to you.”

Hitting overload, Joe lay his head on Libby’s shoulder...he couldn’t control it anymore. Will looked at Libby and nodded toward the door. She nodded her understanding. Will slipped out, closing the door behind him as Libby put her hand in Joe’s hair and stroked it.

* * *

Will waited in the hallway for a few minutes, composing himself. He walked to the waiting room and saw the crowd gathered around Megan. She was desperately trying to explain to them what the doctor had told them. Will walked up and put his hand on her shoulder; she turned into his chest and sobbed again. “Heart transplant!” was all Megan managed to get out. Will tightened his arms around her and walked her to the chairs. He looked at Jane as tears filled his eyes. The crowd sat close to Megan as they waited for her composure to get the rest of the story. Will tried to fill in as best he could from what she shared with him earlier.

Grace went back to the ward in search of the doctor. A few minutes later, she returned with the story, “Libby was attacked, how did we not know this?” she asked. Chuck looked stricken. He stumbled down the hall into the bathroom. The gravity of it all was too much, on top of his excess alcohol the night before and lack of food today.

Rick followed him into the men’s room, “Chuck, you alright?”

Chuck washed his face, “Ah...man, I was there. I should’a done something!” Chuck hit the countertop with his hands. After a few tortured minutes, he collected himself and washed his face. He and Rick returned to the group.

“Libby was in this singin’ competition in New Mexico, and this jerk she was up against tried to kidnap her. He was gonna hold her for ransom. He accused her and Joe of rigging the contest. We all tried hard to get her to go to the hospital, but she kept refusing. We should’a made her...I’m so sorry! I should’a been with her! Man! I watched the whole thing happen from across the parking lot! This whole thing is all my fault!” Tears welled in Chuck’s eyes.

Rick put his hand on his brother’s shoulder to try to console him. “You couldn’t help it.”

“No!” Chuck shouted, forgetting where he was. “I watched this massive guy come up behind her...she threw coffee in his face and kicked to get away...she put that huge dude down on the ground. She was just over by her RV...she couldn’t move. Then...I had to go and grab her at the pool...same move as that Neanderthal! I’m so STUPID!”

Rick again tried to console Chuck, “Chuck, she didn’t look that...good...when she came out. Remember, she was gone all evening? She looked exhausted when she came out. I thought something was wrong then...I should’a said something too.”

The elevator doors opened as a couple stepped into the hallway. Chuck quickly walked into the elevator.

* * *

Joe opened the box and pulled out the script. He flipped open a few pages and looked at Libby with complete adoration. “I can’t believe you did this,” he said as he tried hard to compose himself. He picked up the bagged hard drive from the box, then a couple of the DVDs--each with a single digit written on them. “Libby, this is all too much. I don’t know what to say.”

“Joe, I remember how you suffered with the incompetence of management. I can’t possibly find any better use for the money than to give you something that will make you happy, give us a future and make life better. I want you to make this everything you ever wanted. Will has money in escrow, thirty million, to be exact. That money is to be used to establish Vortex in any way you see fit. Will can help you with any legal issues, and any accounting issues, too. You’ve got a lot goin’ for you mister...I believe in you! And so does Megan. She’s invested in the business as well—some of that is her money.” Libby managed a weak smile again. Talking was consuming all of her energy.

“Libby, thank you...so much. Somehow words seem so lame compared to this...it’s amazing.” Joe smiled and leaned forward to kiss Libby.

“Joe, there’s something else...Megan and I hold 49% ownership of the company. If anything happens to me,” Joe opened his mouth to protest, but she held up her hand and touched his lips. “If anything happens to me, I want Megan to have it. It’s an investment into her future. I met with Will weeks ago, and we worked on a new will. You’ll be well cared for, as will she. It all became effective yesterday. Maybe I jinxed myself by doing that,” Libby tried to laugh.

Joe dropped his head to hide his tears. As he tried to compose himself, Libby added weakly, “We both know, this isn’t looking good.”

Joe looked up at her as the tears ran down his cheek. “Libby, don’t talk like that! They said a heart transplant would...”

She smiled at him, “Yeah...we’ll see. Promise me though, if anything does happen to me, you’ll look after Megan. She’ll be alone: it’s really unfair, you know. She’s managed to lose her entire family by the age of 18.”

“Not her entire family,” Joe smiled. “She has us,” he squeezed her hand.

Libby nodded and sighed. “I’m very tired, Joe. I’m gonna sleep a while.”

Joe nodded and moved the box to a bookshelf. He sat in the chair next to Libby’s bed and waited for her to fall asleep.

“I love you,” she whispered. “You know, I have this image of my calendar in the RV.”

Joe nodded, “I remember.”

“I was just thinking…that it’s the hearts and stars that I wanted the most. The details of how they came to me…just don’t matter,” Libby managed a smile for Joe. “I found the hearts and the stars when I found you.”

Joe reached for her cheek, stood and kissed her. “I love you too,
Lily,
” Joe smiled. “Get some rest. I’ll be right here. I’ll
always
be right here, next to you.”

* * *

An hour later, the doorway opened to the waiting room as those outside saw bustling at the end of the hallway. A blue light flashed above Libby’s door as person after person ran into the room.

Thirty minutes later, Joe appeared in the doorway. The youthful man who smiled, sang and laughed with his new bride, family and friends just hours earlier appeared to have aged ten years in the hours since. His pale face and swollen, red eyes were just the beginning of his broken spirit. He tried to look into their eyes, but he couldn’t manage it. To do so, he would’ve collapsed on the floor.

He made his way past the group and over to the elevator, pressing the down button. He glanced sideways at the group, leaning his hand against the wall for support. His head hung low, he shook his head as the doors opened. He drug himself into the elevator, turning as he reached the back wall and sliding down in the corner. His hands covered his face as the doors closed.

Island off the coast of
South Carolina, Day 68 - Saturday

A sailboat slowly passed in the distance as the waves lapped onto the shore. The firepit was long cold: the guests were gone. The tiki poles on the beach were still in the ground, but the roses were wilted and falling off the poles. The sun was beginning to set as Joe sat, facing the ocean. His white shirt was dirty and many empty whiskey bottles lay on the sand by his feet. Joe held Maggie’s guitar in his lap, like a child. He was half leaning onto it, half holding on for dear life. His gaze never left the ocean. The wind blew his hair, as he sighed. Beside one of the empty whiskey bottles was an urn, lying on its side. The lid was lapping in the ocean waves. The ashes from the urn scattered across the beach with the breeze.

Suddenly the wind grew still. Joe listened; he thought he heard a whisper. The wind picked up quickly and a whirlwind appeared from the ashes. Joe looked sadly at the small funnel for a long moment. His gaze turned back to the ocean as soon as the ashes and sand settled to the ground.

* * *

Dark clouds lined the horizon beyond the Atlantic as the crashing waves grew angrier. The fleeting sun cast a dark glow on Joe’s burnt skin. His bloodshot eyes followed a heron as it swooped into the beach nearby.

I’m gonna have to go...
Joe thought, as he struggled to focus on the bird running from the surf.

“Soon,” he sighed aloud shifting the guitar in his lap; the graveled voice passing through his chapped lips was almost unrecognizable, even to himself. The crashing waves echoed through Joe’s empty soul.

As the storm rolled in, the sun set on another day.

###

Thank you, dear reader, for selecting
Whirlwind Love: Libby’s Journey
--I hope you have enjoyed it and will consider reading the sequels that are to come (and will share with friends). I would ask a few favors, if I may: If you would be so kind--leave a review (Goodreads, Amazon, Shelfari, WhirlwindLove.com, or any book review site) when you have a moment. New authors-more than anyone-depend on reviews. I also would ask that you not share the secrets from the story (aka would-be spoilers that would keep someone from making their way through the story in their own journey). It’s very tempting, I know. I’ve listened to beta readers...and some couldn’t resist the temptation, which cost me readers--mainly because the listener felt “why bother? I know how it ends.” It really kills (pardon the pun) the idea of reading the book for some when they don’t get to discover the characters’ plight themselves. Then there are those who would read the last chapter first. So, for those special folks, I’m going to repeat the wedding scene below--to try to keep some of my secrets intact through the read. Hopefully they won’t start this far back and find my note to you. Ultimately, I hope you enjoyed the story and will join me again for the next release. I still have surprises in store! DH

* * *

“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.

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.

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 69- Sunday

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.

# # #