A Thousand Miles

Part 40

"She's all yours." Shane handed the RV's title over to Henry, from Nashville. After an hour looking it over and a private moment conferring with his wife, Henry agreed to pay the asking price—in cash—for the old Winnebago plus all the non-personal furnishings. "I hope she's as good to you as she's been to me."

He gave the driver's door a light pound after Henry climbed in and fired up the engine. Then he waved goodbye as the guy drove away, followed by his wife in their car.

Shane swallowed down the irrational ache that rose to his throat as the old colossus turned out of the RV park and onto the highway headed east. He thrust a hand through his hair and turned to the truck he'd paid cash for yesterday. It wasn't new. But it was decades newer than the one he'd been driving, and new enough to have all the bells and whistles he could possibly want. With a white exterior and tan leather interior, the vehicle had been a splurge. It was more than he needed in a car, but totally inadequate as a home. Which he didn't have anymore. He turned back to the highway, but his RV was gone.

His boxes of personal items from the RV were stowed in the bed, closed snugly underneath the bed cover. What wouldn't fit there was packed into the back seat of the full size cab. He was ready to roll, taking almost everything he owned with him. But to where? He stared at his new pick-up, as if the answer would come from there. Then he glanced heavenward and heaved a sigh. It was only just after noon. Not even check-in time yet at most hotels. But there had to be one in Nashville that would take him this early. Maybe he'd find a posh, five-star and spend the night in luxury. Room service would be a nice departure from the norm.

"So, I have a home, do I?" he whispered.

The still small voice whispered back, as clearly as it had the day he'd talked to JoLynn. You are not alone. You have a home.

Shane nodded. "OK then. I trust you."

The fragrance of the truck's leather upholstery was uniquely satisfying as he climbed into the full-size cab. He started the engine and listened to the smooth way it idled. Then he powered up the built in GPS. The dealer who'd sold the truck to him insisted that the maps had been recently updated, so it shouldn't take long to find lodging for tonight. Nashville was just about twenty minutes away. There would be plenty to do once he got there. Maybe he'd take in a movie. He hadn't seen a movie in years, and it should provide a little distraction while he killed time waiting for direction.

"Where to first, Lord?" He whispered. "Nashville?"

His phone chimed from its place in the center console cup holder. Shane picked it up and checked the text message, his heart nearly stopping when he read the sender's name. It was from JoLynn, and she was responding to the message he'd sent her three days ago. Her message was short, but in it he found the direction he'd been seeking.

I miss you, too. More than you know.

He pressed his palm to his chest and smiled; relieved beyond expression as he read her words again. Then he reached for the GPS and typed in a new heading.

Odessa, Texas.