The Christmas Joy Ride Read Online Free Page A

nap too, but with less than an hour to their first stop, she was reluctant to waste any precious time. Especially since her plan had been to arrive in early afternoon, spend a couple hours on her Christmas Joy project, then get to the RV park before dark. She hoped the queen-sized bed in back was still as comfortable as it used to be.
    â€œWow, I can’t believe I actually fell asleep.” Miranda sat up straight in the seat and stretched her arms.
    â€œI’m sure you needed it.”
    â€œYou doing okay?” Miranda asked. “Getting tired yet?”
    â€œI’m okay.” Joy nodded firmly. “And based on the last sign I saw, we should be in Springfield in about forty minutes. I thought we could grab a bite to eat somewhere near the place we’re stopping.”
    â€œDo you know which exit to take? Or where to go once you’re in Springfield?”
    â€œThe address is in that.” Joy pointed to the red and green notebook on the dashboard. “Look under Mansfield Manor.”
    â€œMansfield Manor?” Miranda reached for the notebook. “Sounds kinda swanky.”
    â€œAccording to LaShanda—the gal who entered the contest—it’s in need of some help.”
    â€œWhat is it anyway?”
    â€œA nursing home.”
    â€œOh . . . Well, I’ve got it in my GPS now. Looks like it’s not too far off the highway.” Miranda set her device into a special holder that she had positioned on the dashboard. “So who’s LaShanda?”
    â€œShe’s a nurse’s aide who works there. She wrote that everyone in the nursing home gets pretty depressed during the holidays. Apparently they don’t get many visitors. But we’re going to see if we can change that . . . just a little.”
    â€œJust by putting up some Christmas decorations?”
    â€œDecorating is the first step. But there’s a little more to my plan.” As she drove, Joy explained how LaShanda had an eleven-year-old son who was in a scout troop. “Willy and his friends will come to a party in the nursing home. It’s scheduled for Saturday afternoon. And I’m providing all the refreshments. LaShanda has it all arranged with a caterer friend. Also, I’ve wrapped up a bunch of small gifts, just little inconsequentialitems, but the scouts will play Santa as they present them to the residents. And then they’ll sing some Christmas songs.” She sighed. “I suppose it’s not much, but it’s more than these folks would have otherwise.”
    â€œI think it sounds lovely. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”
    â€œLaShanda was very appreciative.”
    â€œShe sounds like a very thoughtful person.”
    Before long they were coming into the city limits and Miranda—along with her GPS, which had the voice of a slightly bossy woman—found a McDonald’s with enough room to park the RV. Miranda went in to get their lunch, which they ate in the RV. By 1:30, they were pulling up to a boring one-story brick building painted in a muddy shade of brown. Joy pulled into the parking area in back and turned off the engine. She slowly pushed herself to her feet, making a little grunt as she stood up straight.
    â€œYou are tired,” Miranda proclaimed. “I can tell.”
    â€œOh, well, I’m still getting into driving shape,” Joy told her.
    Miranda looked unconvinced. “You look tired to me, Joy. And this is just our first day. Do you really think you’re up for this?”
    Joy frowned. “We’ll just have to pace ourselves, get plenty of rest, and try not to overdo.”
    Miranda pointed to the driver’s seat. “Or else you’ll have to let me drive.”
    Joy was surprised. “Really? You’d want to drive?”
    Miranda shrugged. “Sure. Why not? I’m a good driver. If you can do it, I’m sure I can too.”
    â€œWell, then you shall get