Page 64 of Marry Me Tomorrow

Holly’s eyes glisten as she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “That’s wonderful news, Jenny. Trent deserves to be loved by someone as kind and genuine as you. Someone to look out for him while he’s looking out for everyone else.”

“But isn’t me falling in love with him a problem?” I say. “Our marriage, it’s only temporary. We’ve only been married a month or so now, but if I’m already feeling this way about him . . .” My heart clenches at my next thought. “How am I supposed to let him go in a year?”

Holly looks me in the eyes. “Tell Trent how you feel,” she says gently. “Odds are he’s feeling the same way you are. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Jenny. That’s not just for show. I’ve known Trent for a long time, and he’s not that great of an actor.”

I smile. No, no he’s not. In the short time I’ve known him, it’s clear that he wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Her words hang in the air, a glimmer of hope that I can’t quite grasp yet. Could it be possible that Trent might be falling for me too? The way he kisses me sure makes me think so, but neither of us has said anything specific. I know he is coming to care for me more than as a friend. But could it be love?

Holly stands, her energy brisk once more as she packs up the last of the treats. “These are on the house,” she says firmly.

“Oh, but I couldn’t possibly—”

Holly cuts off my protests with a wave of her hand. “Nonsense,” she says, “I offered. Now go pass those out and win those guys' hearts. I put an extra Sunrise Sin muffin in this bag for Trent.” She winks at me.

I smile and give her as tight of a hug as I can stand. I’m so lucky to have a friend in Holly. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders now that I’ve shared my thoughts and fears with her.

I leave the bakery with arms full of sweets and a heart full of peace. Telling Trent how I feel might take time—and maybe a few more Sunrise Sin muffins—but for now, this is a start.

Chapter 29

Trent

The next few days fly by in a blur of activity. Thanks to Margot and the football team, the marina reopens far sooner than I had dared hope. The volunteers had been gracious and endlessly grateful for the treats Jenny had handed out. Their enthusiasm and heartfelt thanks had brought a smile to her face—a smile I couldn’t help but admire every time I saw it. And while Jenny is taking time to recuperate, Mom and Dad have stepped in to keep the marina running smoothly.

By now, Jenny is nearly healed, though I’m keeping a close eye on her. She’s even feeling up to painting again, her energy and creativity returning like flowers in the springtime after a long, brutal winter.

Living in the studio apartment together has been effortless, like we were meant to share our lives more closely like this from the beginning. And waking up every morning with her in bed next to me brings me a sense of peace I can’t describe.

This morning is no exception. I wake up early, Jenny sleeping softly beside me. The familiar urge to fish tugs at me. For me, fishing isn’t about the catch—it is about the stillness, the chance to think without distractions from the hustle and bustle of life getting in the way. And after the last few weeks, I could use the calm. Besides, it has been far too long since I’ve joined Henry for one of our quiet mornings by the water. With the marina open again, I know he’ll be there. I quietly slip out of bed and tiptoe down the stairs.

When I spot Henry seated at the dock, his tackle box open and his weathered fishing rod in hand, I can’t help but grin.

“Good morning, Trent, my boy,” Henry greets me with a wave, his face lighting up.

“Good morning, Henry,” I reply, holding up my fishing rod and tackle box. “Thought I’d join you today.”

Henry pats the bench beside him, and I settle in with a contented sigh. These benches were one of my better ideas back when I first took over the marina. I’d noticed older fishermen struggling to sit on the docks or bring their own chairs, so I’d had sturdy benches installed. Seeing them in use always gives me a small sense of satisfaction.

The lake stretches out before Henry and me, it's surface glittering under the early morning sunlight. The air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of fish and the earthy scent of damp wood. Nearby, the soft rustling of reeds and the occasional splash of a jumping fish break the silence, blending seamlessly with the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.

We sit in comfortable silence, casting our lines and watching the ripples on the water. The quiet is calming, a reprieve from the chaos of the last few weeks. “How’ve you been since the tornado?” Henry asks, his voice breaking the quiet as he reels in and recasts his line.

“Fine,” I say, adjusting my grip on my rod. “The help we got made a huge difference. The marina’s getting busier again now that it’s back open, and Jenny’s pretty much back to normal. She’s even painting now that she’s no longer in pain.”

Henry nods, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Good. I was so worried about her. I don’t think I ever thanked you for taking care of her. It means the world to me, knowing she has someone like you to love and care for her.”

“I’m relieved she’s okay too,” I admit, my chest tightening at the memory of Jenny after the tornado.

Henry glances at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “So, do you have plans to move back into your house soon? Or are you still staying above the marina shop?”

“Who knows when the repairs on the house will be done,” I say. “We’ll be in the studio apartment until then, but it works for us.”

Henry waggles his eyebrows. “Nothing like close quarters for newlyweds, eh?”

My face heats, and I remove my cap, running a hand through my hair. Henry has a knack for saying things as he sees them, consequences be damned.

Before I can respond, Jenny’s voice carries across the grass. “Hi, Grandpa!” she calls, walking toward us with a warm smile.

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