Chapter 21Charleston, South Carolina
John and Leah found lodging at the Belmont Hotel. The surprising pristine building was located a short distance from the wharf. Yet, far enough away it was pleasurable to the most delicate senses. The stench of rotting fish guts cast aside to be swept out to sea by the morning tide were left behind. The sounds made by the drunken sailors on shore leave faded behind the hotel's massive oak door.
Leah's face flushed to a tepid rose as her husband, John, requested a single room upstairs for their stay. She knew their long estrangement would end that night. Unlike her youthful fantasies and fears, this time, she had no doubt the man her heart sought was deeply in love with her. Tonight would be a night to remember for before daybreak their wedding vows wo
