Page 65 of Marry Me Tomorrow

“Hi, sweet pea! How’s my favorite granddaughter?” Henry replies, his grin widening.

“I’m your only granddaughter,” Jenny says, leaning down to kiss his forehead.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t also be my favorite,” he quips.

Jenny rolls her eyes but gives him a hug.

We settle into a comfortable rhythm, the three of us enjoying the quiet morning, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the lake. We talk about the marina, the plans we have for our house, and Henry’s fun-filled schedule at the care center. I could have stayed there for hours, but my phone buzzes in my pocket.

“Here, Jenny, take this for a minute?” I say, handing her my fishing pole.

She nods, taking my pole as I pull out my phone. Seeing my mom’s name on the screen, I quickly answer.

“Hi, Mom.” I say.

“Oh, Trenton,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion.

My stomach drops. “Mom, what’s wrong?” Jenny and Henry both turn and look at me.

“It’s your grandfather,” she says, her words catching on a sob. “He’s in the hospital. He had a heart attack, Trent.”

I grip the phone tightly, my heart pounding. “Is he. . . is he okay?”

“We’re on our way there now,” she says. “The doctor called us. They’re doing some tests now.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I say, hanging up.

“Trent,” Jenny says, her voice gentle, “what is it?”

“It’s my grandfather,” I say, my throat tight. “He had a heart attack.”

Jenny immediately sets the fishing pole aside and comes to me, wrapping her arms around me. I stand there, numb, as my thoughts spiral. My grandfather is one of the toughest men I know, and the thought of losing him is unimaginable.

“I need to get to the hospital,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Mom and Dad are already on their way.”

“Of course,” Jenny says, her voice calm and reassuring. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Someone needs to cover the marina. I don’t think Greg will be in for another few hours.”

Jenny nods, then reaches up on tiptoe to kiss my cheek.

“Will you be alright?” I ask her. “I just need to see him, see what the doctors say, make sure he’s alright.”

“I’ll be fine,” she says. “Go. And text me as soon as you know more.”

I give her a brief nod, wave goodbye to Henry, and head to my truck. As I drive toward the hospital, my mind races. The thought of losing Grandfather feels like the ground shifting beneath me.

Chapter 30

Jenny

After Trent leaves, I sit back down next to Grandpa, wrapping him in a big hug. The familiar scent of his aftershave and the faint scent of his favorite peppermint candy cling to him. At this moment, I am so thankful that he is here with me.

“There, there, Jenny,” he says softly, smoothing my hair down with his weathered hand, just like he used to do when I was a little girl. “Everything is going to be alright.” His touch is steady, his love a constant I can always count on.

“I know,” I whisper, blinking back tears. “I just feel so bad for Trent and his family. First the tornado and the marina, and now this.”

“Don’t forget, that’s your family too, sweet pea.”

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