The Light at the End
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 20: Laura
For the next few weeks, butterflies flew perpetually in my stomach, and on the day of the wedding, I was so excited that I could barely contain myself.
Our relationship continued to flourish. I felt a sense of purpose and belonging that I’d never felt in my old life.
When people in Middletown knew about the wedding, they all wanted to help. They made it a town event. Everybody just responded with total love. Molly was the brains behind the entire operation which was a huge relief for me.
Percy’s brother, Tom came to Middletown especially for the wedding; he brought most of Percy’s belongings with him, including a tux. He was going to be Percy’s best man, of course. Amanda and Joe came with him too, especially for the wedding. Percy made Joe his partner. He’ll take care of business in the city while Percy works here in Middletown.
The church support group took care of the church decorations and making the centerpieces for all the tables. The flowers were cut from our neighbor’s garden.
Percy’s crew stepped in and helped out setting the inn for the reception. They built us the welcome doors which we walked through for the reception.
I was so overwhelmed with all the help we were receiving, I kept saying, “I’m never going to be able to truly have people understand how much this town did for our wedding.”
‘The Middletown Gazette’ printed the invitations. I sent one to my parents, and some days later I got a letter from them.
Dear Laura,
To say that your mother and I were shocked by the news of your upcoming wedding and relocation to Middletown is a vast understatement.
Are you really going to get married to that man? Why are you doing this? Are you ruining your life to punish us? What does it take to make this nonsense stop?
We have always wanted the best for you. We gave you everything we could and set a standard of excellence for everything you set out to do.
For you to return our love and devotion with such defiance has wounded us deeply. But, you are our daughter, and we will always love you. I beg you to return home at once. I have enclosed the money for your ticket.
If you were trying to get our attention, you have succeeded. If it is a marriage you seek, there are many fine gentlemen from wonderful families who would be overjoyed to have you as their bride. Surely you know this.
If the worst has happened, and in our delayed response you have gone through with this charade, then I still urge you to come home. We know the finest lawyers and can rid you of this marriage as though it never happened. If you have been tricked into this, and your ‘husband’ demands a ransom, we shall pay whatever he requires.
We just want you to come home to us, whatever the cost.
Love,
Harold & Nadine
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