The Christmas Joy Ride (10 page)

“The last visit is Flagstaff,” Joy said with quiet persistence. “It's in my notebook.”

“I know it's about five hours from here.” Miranda pulled the notebook from Joy's bag, opening it to the Flagstaff section.

“A seven-year-old girl named Emily wrote to me. With the help of a friendly neighbor.” Joy paused to catch her breath.

“The neighbor's name is Camilla, and she watches Emily after school,” Miranda filled in for her, gleaning from the notes. “Camilla's email says that Emily's mother died when Emily was just three. At Christmastime.” She sighed. “That's sad.”

“Something about Emily's story struck a chord with me. Maybe it reminded me of my own childhood . . . back when I was a little girl.” Joy paused. “I'm not sure why . . . maybe just the longing . . . the loneliness.”

Miranda skimmed Joy's notes about Flagstaff. “It says here
that Emily's dad stopped celebrating Christmas when his wife died. They don't even put up a tree or get gifts or anything.”

“Not good.”

Miranda knew why Joy was concerned now. She felt her own heart going out to the little girl. “Poor Emily.”

“Yes. That's why we need to help.”

“But I have to say, the dad sounds a bit like an old ogre.” Suddenly Miranda imagined an angry man in dirty overalls with a shotgun pointed directly at her head, yelling at her to get off his property. “What if he, uh, resents this intrusion?”

Joy looked slightly concerned. “I hadn't thought of that . . .”

“Well, I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I get there.” Miranda feigned more confidence than she felt.

“So you made up your mind? You'll go?” Joy's voice lilted with hope.

“Yes, I'll go. But only if you promise not to get upset at me for calling your son today.”

“You called my boys?”

Miranda explained about calling Rick and how he'd arrive later that evening. “Maybe both of them.”

Joy actually looked relieved. “Good. Then you can head off to Flagstaff straight away.”

“I can't leave you here alone.”

“I'm not alone.” Joy gazed over to where a nurse was working on something nearby. “Lots of folks around. And Rick will be here.”

“I'm sorry,” Miranda stubbornly told her, “but I refuse to leave until I know you've got family here. You can guilt me into going to Flagstaff for you, but you cannot guilt me into abandoning you here all by yourself. Don't even try.”

Joy made a patient smile. “Well, it will be dark soon anyway. Better you should start out in the morning.
Early.
”

“Yes.” Miranda nodded. “Early.”

“And the motor home?” Joy looked slightly concerned.

“It's still at the rehab place. Right where we left it in the parking lot. I already talked to Roxy, and she said it can stay there overnight. No problem.”

“Oh, good.” Joy looked sleepy now. “That's good.”

“I'll take a taxi over there in the morning.”

“Early.”

“Yes. Early.” Miranda could see the nurse motioning to her watch, signaling that it was time to wrap this up. “Now you get some rest.”

Joy barely nodded. “Yes. But I want you to come back here, Miranda. In an hour or two. After you have some dinner.”

“Okay.” Miranda stood.

“Do you have my purse with you?”

Miranda held it up for her to see.

“Well, leave it here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Just lay it on the bed. It will be safe.”

Miranda felt uncertain, but did as she was told, then leaned over and kissed Joy's cheek. “You keep taking it easy. We need you to get well.”

“Yes . . . it's not time for me to go yet . . . not yet.”

As Miranda walked back to the waiting area, she wondered what she would do if Joy didn't make it through the night. Would she still go to Flagstaff? Or would she just forget the whole thing? The truth was she didn't really know. And she didn't really want to figure it out either.

I
t was nearly eight when Miranda was allowed to check on Joy again, but she was relieved to see that her old friend looked much better. “You've got some color in your face,” Miranda said as she leaned down to kiss Joy's cheek.

“They let me have a little dinner.” Joy pointed to the food tray.

“Good for you.” Miranda sat down. “I just got a text from Rick. He and Rob are making good time. They should be here a little after nine.”

“And the weather?” Joy looked concerned. “The storm that's coming?”

“It's not expected to hit until tomorrow afternoon or early evening. So your sons should be just fine.” Miranda didn't tell Joy that they were now predicting six to eight inches of snow. No point in getting her worried. Besides Miranda should be
safely in Flagstaff by then. After that . . . well, she would figure that out later.

“Then you must get an early start,” Joy warned. “I want you to take a taxi to the motor home tonight. You sleep there—get a good night's rest—and start out early. Maybe before dawn.”

Miranda considered this. “I guess that makes sense. But I can't leave the hospital until I know your sons are here.”

Joy made an exasperated sigh as she reached for a large yellow envelope lying next to the food tray. “There are some things in here for the rest of your trip. Instructions for the motor home and whatnot,” she explained as she handed it to Miranda.

“I can deliver the RV to Phoenix for you by Christmas,” Miranda told her with some uncertainty. Could she really deliver it that soon if there was a blizzard going on? Maybe that didn't matter right now. “But I'm not sure where to drop it off.”

“That's all in the envelope,” Joy assured her. “You don't need to open it until you're finished up in Flagstaff. And since we just filled the tank, you should have enough gas to make it there, right?”

“Yes, I think so.”

Now Joy held out her credit card. “And I want you to take this—just in case you need it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. The RV park is reserved with it. I've put some cash in there”—she pointed to the envelope—“but I'm not sure it's enough. And you might need more gas after Flagstaff. Also, I want you to take Emily shopping tomorrow. The plan is all there in the notebook. Just follow my instructions.”

“Thank you.” Miranda felt a wave of relief. She knew how much it cost to fill the motor home with gas, and, although she hated to admit it, she knew she probably couldn't afford to fill it herself if needed.

Joy held up a finger. “And don't forget about the Santa suit.”

“The Santa suit?”

“I made it for George . . . long ago when my boys were small.” Joy closed her eyes and let out a tired sigh. “It's all in the notebook.”

“Yes . . . okay . . . no problem. I'll read through your instructions before I go to bed tonight.” Miranda looked at her watch. Visiting hours were ending soon.

Joy opened her eyes. “I'm sorry to put so much on you.” She looked intently at Miranda. “Do you mind?”

“It's just fine,” Miranda assured her. “Really. I
want
to do this.”

Joy smiled. “Will you take photos of little Emily's Christmas for me?”

“Of course!” Miranda nodded eagerly. “I'll post them on your website and, if you like, I can send them to Rick's phone. I have his number.”

Joy clapped her hands. “Yes! Please do. It will be almost like being there.”

“And I'll be checking in regularly—through Rick. To see how you're doing.” Miranda paused to really study Joy. “You do seem better.”

“I feel better. I'm trying to talk the doctor into letting me travel to Phoenix for the surgery—that is, if I really need it. I'm not convinced. But if I'm in Phoenix I can recover in my own apartment at the assisted living place.”

“Yes, that sounds like a good plan. I'm sure Rob and Rick will agree.”

“So . . . let's say our goodbye now, Miranda. And if you must, wait until the boys get here—until you see the whites of their eyes. But then you must go. And get a good night's rest.” She smiled. “That queen-sized bed in back is very comfortable.”

Miranda reached for Joy's hand. “Okay,” she agreed. “That actually sounds pretty good right now. I'm kinda tired.”

Joy squeezed Miranda's fingers. “Of course you are. Now just go.”

Miranda leaned down to give Joy a goodbye kiss. “I'll be in touch,” she said as she headed for the door. “You take care.”

Joy smiled as she made a little wave. “God bless you, dear. And merry Christmas!”

Miranda echoed Joy's words. Then, feeling the sadness of parting with a loved one, she headed down the hall to wait for Rick and Rob. It was just a little past nine when a pair of tall men about the same age as her dad came bustling down the hallway toward her. She'd met them only a time or two and then just briefly, but she instantly knew they were Joy's “boys.”

After a quick greeting, she filled them in on their mother's condition as best she could, then directed them to her room. “I'm not sure you'll get to see her now,” she warned. “Visiting hours ended at eight.”

“We'll get to see her,” Rick said with authority. “Or else.”

She nodded. “Good luck.” Then without further ado, relieved that Rick and Rob didn't have time to question her about finishing the
Christmas Joy
trip, she hurried to the front desk to inquire about calling a taxi.

By the time she got to the rehab center it was nearly ten o'clock, but it felt like midnight. There was a definite chill in the air. Miranda paid the taxi driver, then hurried through the cold night air toward the RV. With its brightly colored decorations, it looked slightly alien in the stark lamplight of the barren parking lot. But it looked welcoming too. That is, until Miranda noticed the door was wide open.

She stopped in her steps. Had someone broken into it? What
if they were in there now? A chill went down her spine as she glanced nervously around the dark parking lot. The reception area of the rehab center was still lit, which offered some hope. Of course, the door was locked. But seeing there was a buzzer, she decided to give it a try. To her surprise, Roxy was still there, and when she saw Miranda she let her in. “What are you doing out there?” Roxy asked with concerned eyes. “And how is Joy?”

Miranda told her Joy was improving, then quickly explained about the open door. “I probably forgot to lock it,” she said. “But I'm by myself—and I just wasn't sure.”

“This isn't the safest neighborhood.” Roxy reached for the phone. “I'll get our security guy to go check it out with you.”

After a quick look around the motor home, Miranda was reassured to see that her laptop was still safely in the closet where she'd stored it. Feeling confident that all was in order, she thanked the security guard.

“We've got surveillance cameras all over the parking lot,” he told her. “And I'll keep an extra close watch on it tonight.”

“Thanks.”

It wasn't until after he left that Miranda realized her duffle bag was missing. She remembered leaving it on the chair by the door, which for all she knew she'd left open. Pretty easy pickings for a sticky-fingered thief just passing by, but at least that appeared to be the only thing that had been taken. Still, it irked her. It might not be valuable, but all her traveling clothes were in that bag. She checked again to make sure the door was securely closed and locked, then went to the back bedroom, closed and locked the bedroom door, and collapsed fully dressed onto the bed, which really was comfy.

She was too exhausted to think or worry about anything tonight. Except that it was cold and getting colder in here. So she got up and hunted down more blankets. Bundling herself
up like a cocoon, she turned off the light and fell soundly to sleep with her cell phone in her jacket pocket—just in case.

She woke up with a start and it took her a few seconds to get her bearings. Holding her breath, she listened intently in the darkness, worried that someone might be trying to break into the RV. Hearing nothing, she exhaled deeply and dug her phone out of her pocket. It was only 5:23, but she was wide awake and knew she'd be unable to go back to sleep. Why not just head out? She wished she had a fresh set of clothes to put on, but she wasn't about to waste time thinking about that now. A little girl was waiting for Christmas!

A new idea popped into her head. She foraged through the closet containing Joy's velour jogging suits. They weren't really her style and she wasn't the least bit into bedazzling, but she went ahead and pulled on an emerald green hoodie. She laughed to see her image in the mirror. The color made her auburn hair look redder than usual, and with the sparkles around the hood, she kind of resembled one of Santa's elves. But a seven-year-old would probably appreciate that.

Even in the dark, it didn't take long to find the highway entrance, and thanks to the early hour, the traffic was very light. It wasn't daylight yet, and it was rather enjoyable having the road almost to herself. After an hour or so the sky grew gray with light and then, just a little past seven, the most glorious sunrise began. Shades of coral and pink and gold illuminated the desert landscape in such a striking way that Miranda had to pull over and step outside just to watch the miracle transpire. She took a few shots with her phone, but then just stood there gaping at it in wonder. Who knew the desert could look so incredibly beautiful? She almost wished she could just park the RV nearby and remain here indefinitely. But then she remembered she had a mission to perform.

When the amazing spectacle finally gave way to morning, she went into the RV and put a kettle of water on the propane stove. As the water heated, she studied Joy's instructions for Flagstaff in the red and green notebook. It was amazing how Joy had made such a specific plan for each visit—writing out instructions for each step. Fortunately they were fairly simple and straightforward.

1. Contact Camilla Risotta first because Emily will be at her house.
   
2. With Emily's help, get the house completely decorated, including exterior lights, which Emily has asked for. Camilla will have purchased the tree earlier, storing it in her backyard.
   
3. Take Emily Christmas shopping. Get something nice for her dad.
   
4. Make sugar cookies with Emily. Remove dough and frosting from RV freezer to defrost in time.
   
5. Check on the dinner to be delivered on Christmas Day from Lauretta's Homemade Restaurant—call to be sure it's coming. (Pre-paid, tip included.)
   
6. When Marcus Wheeler comes home from work (around six) greet him and give him the copy of his daughter's letter. Before leaving, give him the box marked “To Marcus, from Christmas Joy” as well as the Santa suit
   in
   private
   .
   

Impressed that Joy had really pulled out all the stops for this important visit, Miranda removed the clearly marked cookie things from the freezer, then put the address information into her GPS (aka Miss Moore). She slipped the envelope containing Emily's letter into her purse and then, with a hot cup of
tea in a travel mug, she got behind the wheel again. But before she started the engine, she shot a quick text to Rick, inquiring as to Joy's health. She attached the best photo of the sunrise, asking him to share it with his mother.

As she drove down the highway, Miranda tried to work out a timeline for Flagstaff in her head. Hopefully she would accomplish everything on Joy's list, but it wouldn't be easy. And she wasn't exactly sure about the Santa suit business, but she knew she would follow Joy's instructions to a T.

Even after a quick breakfast stop at a fast-food joint, Miranda was making good time. According to Miss Moore, she should arrive at her destination before noon—behind the schedule Joy had originally planned, but it still felt fairly doable. As long as all went well and Miranda worked fast.