“Most of these folks have seen us through some of the toughest times. You can really tell who your friends are when...” Libby’s voice trailed off before she finished the thought.
He kissed her cheek as he passed by with his arms full of food. “You’re so easy to love,” he smiled.
Without looking at him, she, too smiled. “Right back at’cha,” she called as he stepped out the back door.
Will stepped up to help Joe with the steak platter. “Thanks, Will,” Joe said.
“So, Joe, how’s Libby doing? We really haven’t heard much from her. She looks kinda...frail.”
“She’s good. At least, she says she’s good. Did she ever call you back? I was in the room the day she asked you about her net worth. I’ll tell ya, had I known what she was gonna do, I’d have stopped her flat.”
“No, she didn’t. Several times I started to call her, but I knew she’d been in touch with my wife, Jane, so I knew she was okay. I didn’t bother her.” Will replied.
Joe nodded. “Well, it’s a long story, but basically a guy was trying to say we rigged a singing contest. I’d met her a week before, but gotten her name wrong, I thought she said Lily. Anyway, this guy, Puckett, saw us backstage at a fair gig my brother and I was playing about a week later. She had entered a singing competition. Well, he complained to the promoter, who was not happy with the allegation. That’s when Libby called you.
“Looking back, I wished like hell I’d just handled it. I had no idea...what she was worth. It never came up, I didn’t know. Will, I know Libby means a lot to you, but I gotta tell you, I love her, man.”
Will studied Joe’s face carefully, nodding. He seemed to be sizing Joe up. “Sounds like you two are pretty serious.”
Joe smiled, “Yeah, you could say that...I love her. I’ve asked her to marry me. And before you think it, it has NOTHIN’ to do with her money. I’d marry her if she were living in a cardboard box. She’s amazing. It’s like the day I met her, someone turned on a light. I didn’t even know I was livin’ in the dark, man. I can’t imagine a day without her...don’t want to.”
Will smiled at Joe, “Well, alright then.”
Libby came out the door with another tray of food.
As the group sat at the picnic tables, satiated with good food and drink, Libby stood. “Everybody, thank you all for coming tonight, especially on such short notice. I’m so glad to be back here with you, I can’t wait to tell you all about my travels and show you pictures...we’ll be doing slideshows for months,” she laughed.
She put her hand on Joe’s neck, “You’ve all met Joe, I just wanted to let you know...Joe and I will be getting married,” Libby proudly displayed her diamond to the crowd. “Now, before you all think the wrong thing...[Joe kissed her hand], Joe knows all about the money, it’s not a big deal to him. There’s no ‘news’ or anything like that. I was blessed to take the journey of a lifetime and to meet the man, well, the man God put in my path, who’s the most perfect man for me. I only wish Mom and Dad were here,” Libby choked.
Joe stood and kissed her. “I know y’all don’t know me, but I promise you Libby’s happiness and well-being are all that matter to me. This is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. And I plan to! So I hope y’all come to know me, and know how much Libby means to me.”
Grace asked, “So, when’s the wedding?”
Jane chimed in, “Yeah, when?”
Both women shared conspiratorial glances and raised eyebrows with gleams in their eyes.
Libby looked at Joe, “Well, we haven’t set a date.”
Joe laughed, “What’re you doin’ tomorrow?”
The group laughed. Joe beamed at Libby, “No, I’m serious. The sooner the better as far as I’m concerned.”
Jane offered, “We have a friend with a beautiful company retreat island, it has cabins and large house, a pool, and a beach, let me see when it’s available. They’ll let us hold it there, I’m sure. How many people are we talking about? Less than, say, 200?”
Libby laughed, “I think we can keep it under 200. Family…God love ‘em,” she smiled at Joe.
Jane stood, “You boys clean up here...we’ve got some work to do! C’mon Grace, Megan. Libby, in the kitchen...now!”
Grace marched past Libby, grabbing her hand and urging her compliance. “Now, missy!”
Joe and Will shook their heads. Once the ladies were out of earshot, “You’re sure about this? It’s not too late...” Will whispered, laughing.
Joe grinned, picking up the plates and carrying them into the kitchen. “Are we always gonna get stuck with K.P.?” Joe asked Will as they walked into the house.
“Not if I can help it!” Will responded, setting dishes on the counter.
Johns Island, South Carolina, Day 43 - Tuesday
Two days later, the ladies had created beautiful invitations for 20 friends and family, inviting them for a weekend party, hosted by Libby and Joe, held on a private island off the coast of South Carolina in just two-and-a-half weeks. Per Libby’s request, nothing was mentioned about a wedding.
“Let’s just surprise ‘em,” she insisted as she helped stuff envelopes.
“You’re not gonna tell Joe’s parents?” Jane’s startled look added the punctuation.
Libby smiled.
“He thinks they’ll be okay with it. I’ve met them, it’s not like they don’t know me. Tell the truth, I got the impression that Joe isn’t exactly the kinda man who takes women home to meet his parents. They sorta acted surprised to meet me. They were very gracious and accepting.”
“So you don’t think they’ll be surprised then?” Grace added.
Libby shook her head. “I think they’ll be fine.”
The invitations included specific instructions to “RSVP ASAP” in order to arrange a private plane to pick up each attendee at their hosts’ expense. Grace had many friends through her travel agency that she made available to Libby. Jane had scored the island retreat for three full weeks, which gave Libby and Joe an opportunity for a private honeymoon, as well.
Time flew by as plans were made for catering and decorating. Lucky for Libby, she had two powerhouses backing her. She and Megan followed directions well. Libby also appreciated these two ladies listening to her requests for a simple wedding.
Libby stated matter-of-factly, “I don’t want a formal gown. I want a simple, white cotton dress. I think Joe would be comfortable in a white, cotton shirt and white cotton pants. If we’re getting married on the beach, we don’t even need shoes, or maybe simple sandals or flip-flops.” Late fall in South Carolina always meant comfortable temperatures, leaving the only potential problem…rain.
Jane offered, “Let me contact my best caterers, Will always has functions relating to his law firm, we’re one of the best customers around!”
Libby asked, “Please, can we keep decorations for the ceremony simple? I’d like two poles—how about tiki torches--wrapped with strands of red roses. And, in keeping with the “theme” of weekend party, I’d like the food to consist of an evening buffet, so folks won’t be tipped off to the surprise. I’d like to have invitations or maybe “agendas” placed in their cabins or rooms, and among the list of things we’ll be doing is a seafood buffet – and then as everyone is there, we’ll just get married. I really want this simple, guys. I don’t want any gifts, and I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to bring anything.
“You know, to make things easier, all meals should be buffet style. That way, we won’t have so much fussing over plates at a sit-down meal and the wait staff can be kept at a minimum. NOTHING should be said about wedding to caterers. If Joe’s name gets out... we might have a free-for-all. The only mention of wedding should be for a cake, and promise me it won’t be anything ridiculous. Something tasteful, and tasty: That’s all we need.”
“What about a band?” Grace asked.
>
“You’re kidding, right?” Megan asked, laughing.
Grace’s blank expression indicated she wasn’t.
Megan replied in a near whisper, “Half the guest list are musicians or singers!” The laughter roared through the kitchen as they continued working on the plans, meals and logistics.
In the midst of the merriment and work, the phone rang. Libby answered to find Will on the phone. “How’s the nuptial planning?” he laughed. “You’ve got quite the planning committee. Nobody in town could ask for more firepower than Grace and Jane!”
Libby laughed, “Reining them in takes more effort than just agreeing. I’ve managed to win a few debates. Hey, I’m glad you called, we need to talk...when’s your next available appointment?” Will checked his calendar and scheduled Libby for Monday at 9:00 a.m. Having concluded their business, Libby passed the phone to Jane and went back to the planning table.
Joe’s new-found sanctuary, formerly known as the front porch, had offered solitude for writing songs and melodies with Maggie’s guitar. “I can’t remember when I’ve had this much uninterrupted free time to write songs. Shame Chuck’s not here,” Joe leaned over and kissed Libby on the forehead. “How’s schemes, ladies?”
“Simple!” Libby announced, sitting back in her chair. “I hope you’re alright with that...there’ll be no fluffy, pompous stuff. No ties, no suits, and most importantly, no shoes!” The gang laughed at the image.
“We will be dressed though, right?” Joe asked sarcastically as he pulled the chair out next to Libby and sat.
“How do you feel about white cotton?” she asked.
“You mean a white cotton suit?” Joe replied.
“No, I mean pants and shirt.”
“Seriously? That’s it?” Joe asked with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. “See why I love this woman!” he replied excitedly. “Ahhh, baby, you were meant for me!” Joe kissed Libby on the cheek. Rising, he crossed the room to grab a celebratory beer from the refrigerator. “Wait, what about that whole ‘white after labor day’ thing?” he asked, returning to Libby’s side.
Libby laughed...I’m throwing out the whole wedding gown thing, you think I’m gonna let some dumb rule like that stop us from being comfortable? I really don’t want the fuss, Joe. I hope you’re okay with that. This is a party, with friends and family! We just happen to have a wedding scheduled in the middle of it.”
Joe sighed, looking adoringly at Libby. “You’re perfect!” He added, pointing at her, “Don’t ever change!” With his most charming smile, Joe added, “Ladies, I’ll leave you to your schemes, er...plans. Call me if there’s any ‘heavy lifting,’” Joe laughed as he returned to his songwriting solitude on the porch swing.
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 G
race, 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.
Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey Page 26
