Page 7 of The Journey of a Lifetime (Tiny Homes and Happy Tails #2)

M aggie had never packed so quickly in her life.

Daniel had graciously said yes to her borrowing his van when she called.

After ending the phone call, Maggie focused on packing.

Thankfully she’d not taken all her clothes to the apartment and had some items still in her closet.

She found some old hiking boots and threw them, along with her laptop, into a bag.

She even found the journal she kept in high school and added it as well.

Unlike some people, Maggie didn’t journal her life. She wrote down story ideas.

Ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to be a writer. She created stories in her head and would write them down. The problem was she had so many stories but had never actually finished one.

When she was in middle school, there was an author who came to school to talk to the children.

That author left a mark on Maggie. She was even offering an online mentorship for those interested in writing.

Maggie had gone home that day and submitted a short story and was immediately accepted.

When she told her parents, they laughed it off.

They said it was a scam and that the author was only after her money.

After all, they said, Maggie couldn’t be that good at writing.

From that day on, Maggie shoved her dreams aside and let her parents dictate her life to her.

Shaking her head, she looked back at Walker watching her from his position on the bed.

“I’ve got to pack some dog food for you. But first let me put my bag in my car. I’ll be right back, okay?”

She hurried out of the room and headed outside. She opened the trunk and placed her bag in.

Once she was back inside the house, she grabbed his half full bag of dog food and hauled it out to the car. She slammed the trunk shut and headed back to get Walker.

Grabbing his leash and collar, she attached it to her dog.

Walker sat patiently and wagged his tail, sensing the adventure they were about to go on.

She smiled. “Are you ready? We’re about to make some memories.”

Just then her phone buzzed.

It was a text from her mom.

We are just going to spend the night with the Smiths. We’ve had too many cocktails, and they insisted. Can you believe it?!

Maggie snorted and shoved her phone into her jeans pocket.

She was determined more than ever that she needed to get away from her family.

She needed time to think.

She needed space.

“Come on, Walker.” She headed out of her room and walked with Walker to her car.

The drive over to Daniel’s was quick. She pulled into his driveway. Immediately she spotted him in the garage.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and ambled over.

Maggie got out of the car with Walker at her side.

“You got here fast. Good thing I gassed up the van yesterday.” Daniel grinned.

Maggie’s heart was thudding in her chest. “Thanks for letting me borrow your van. I know it’s a big favor.”

Daniel tilted his head, and his expression became serious. “Are you okay? For you to be this impulsive, something must have happened. Want to talk about it?”

Maggie shook her head. “Not really.”

Daniel held out his hand. “Hand me your phone. I’m going to add my contact information in case you need something.”

Maggie frowned. “I already have your contact info. Remember, I just called you.”

Daniel arched his brow, nodding his head. “That’s true. I had been wondering, though, since I hadn’t heard from you in a while. Figured you changed your number.”

Her face heated. She stared at the ground in embarrassment. “I haven’t been a very good friend. I’m sorry, Daniel. I seem to have lost myself. I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

Daniel stepped forward and squeezed her arm gently. ‘Then let this trip be a way to find yourself again.”

Maggie looked up and smiled. ‘Thanks.”

Daniel nodded. “Where’s your stuff?”

Maggie walked to the back of her car and opened her trunk. “Everything is in here. I packed fast and probably forgot something. I figure I can buy whatever I need on the road.”

She had enough money to make it for a few weeks.

Daniel grabbed her bag and the dog food.

Maggie frowned. “I forgot about my car. I don’t know where to park it.”

Daniel grinned. “I already have that figured out. You can park in the garage where the van is. Let me put your stuff in it first and then I’ll back it out.”

Maggie stood back as Daniel placed her bag in the storage area underneath the bed. He stored Walker’s dog food there as well.

“I took the liberty of putting on new sheets. And the quilt is clean. There’s an extra blanket under the bed if you need it.”

Maggie chortled. “It’s going to be summer soon. I don’t think I’ll need it.”

Daniel looked at her. “Once you get into the mountains, you will change your mind. Trust me. Also, there’s a small tent under the bed as well in case you want to sleep under the stars.

” He turned to the small refrigerator under the sink.

Kneeling beside it, he opened the door. “Mom made some chicken salad for you to make sandwiches. She also put a couple of Greek yogurts in here as well.”

Maggie was touched at his mother’s kindness. “That was very sweet of her. I need to thank her.”

Daniel stood and shrugged. “She just left. She had to go to her weekly quilting lesson at the church. But I’ll pass on your appreciation.”

Maggie nodded. She watched Daniel get into the driver’s seat and back the van into the driveway. Next Daniel pulled her car into the garage. He walked back over to her and dangled two sets of keys.

Maggie shook her head. “You keep my car keys in case you need to move it or use it.”

Daniel nodded. “Okay.” He held out the van keys to her. “If you have any questions, please call or text, day or night.”

She arched a brow. “Any time? Are you sure about that?”

He laughed. “I’m sure. I’m a light sleeper.” He handed the keys over to her. “Where are you hoping to make it to tonight? It’s already kind of late. You could spend the night here and take off tomorrow.”

Maggie’s heart thudded in her chest. “If I spend the night, then I’ll change my mind. I need to go now.”

Daniel nodded in understanding. “Give me a general direction where you want to go, and we’ll map out a route.”

Maggie swallowed hard. “I want to see mountains. I was thinking of Colorado, but nothing too busy.”

Daniel smiled. “Have you ever been to Estes Park?”

Maggie shook her head.

Daniel pulled out his phone and quickly typed something. He turned the phone back to her so she could see.

“That’s gorgeous.” She studied the small town nestled against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. An elk was lounging in the park while visitors walked past.

She looked up at him. ‘Have you been there?”

Daniel smiled. “I have. I spent a couple weeks at an RV park there and then boondocked near Pagosa Springs for another week. Just remember, if you boondock, make sure you stock up on food and water. Oh, and wood for a campfire at night.”

Maggie nodded as her head filled with a thousand questions. She felt like she was about to jump out of a plane without a parachute.

She wasn’t ready for this.

Her cell phone buzzed, and she looked at the screen.

Her stomach dropped. The text was from Mason.

Your mom invited me over for dinner tomorrow night. Make sure you make that apple pie I like. I deserve a reward after working my butt off this semester. Can’t wait to see you. Love, Mason

“Is everything okay?” Daniel frowned.

Suddenly her mind cleared, and any lingering doubts disappeared like wisps of smoke.

She looked up at him and nodded. “It will be. Everything was just made perfectly clear to me. I’m going to just drive until I get tired tonight.”

Daniel nodded. “Afraid you’ll change your mind if you wait any longer?”

Maggie shook her head. “There’s no going back now. I need to put as many miles as possible between me and here. I’ll send you a text when I stop for the night.” She looked down at Walker. “Ready to go on an adventure?”

Walker gave a toothy grin and let out a bark.

The journey was starting.