Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

When Nolan approached, Jaziel quickly stubbed out his cigarette.

“You’re here? I bought tickets for the earliest flight to New Orleans. We’re going together–more people, more hope.”

Nolan didn’t have time to think and immediately nodded in agreement.

They jumped into the car, and Nolan, not caring about speed limits, drove like it was a race.

Racing through the streets, the two reached the airport with nothing but the clothes on their backs, their minds singularly focused: finding Charlotte in New Orleans.

They feared that if they delayed even a moment, something irreversible might happen.

As their plane prepared for takeoff, the first light of dawn crept across the horizon.

Neither Jaziel nor Nolan could calm the storm of urgency in their hearts.

Meanwhile, in New Orleans, Charlotte also had a restless night.

She had been up early, dressing and putting on makeup.

Today was the day she would register her marriage with Theodore Washington.

Even now, she could count on one hand the number of times she had met Theodore.

Charlotte never imagined that the man her family had arranged for her to marry would be

Theodore!

His name had always been a staple in the Murphy family’s conversations–praised as a

standout among their generation.

Charlotte’s mother often spoke of him with admiration during their phone calls.

The only memory Charlotte had of him was from childhood: a cold and distant boy who loved pinching her cheeks.

Yet, even if her groom were someone else today, she would still feel this same nervousness.

After all, it was a once–in–a–lifetime event.

Standing before the mirror, Charlotte repeatedly checked her makeup and outfit, making sure everything was perfect.