Page 63 of Marry Me Tomorrow

When he leaves, I sink into the armchair by the window, exhaustion pressing into my bones. And then, without warning, the tears come.

They’re a steady stream down my cheeks as I let the weight of the past few days wash over me. I am thankful—so deeply thankful—to have walked away from the tornado with nothing more than bruises and some stitches. One look at the wreckage of our home, and it was clear how much worse it could have been. I’ve never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but the relief I feel at being able to walk away from that is overwhelming.

And then there is Trent. Sweet, steadfast Trent. He worried for me, cared for me, protected me in ways I hadn’t expected. This marriage was supposed to be a convenient arrangement—a yearlong solution to two separate problems. But in the short time we’ve been together, something deeper has taken root.

I wipe my eyes and inhale a shaky breath. I need to talk to someone about this. And I know just who can help me sort this out.

The familiar scent of sugar and baked goods greets me the moment I step into Holly’s bakery.

“Jenny!” Holly calls, rushing out from behind the counter. Her arms wrap around me.

“Hi, Holly,” I say, laughing lightly as I return the hug, though I wince at the pressure against my bruises.

“Oh, sorry!” she says, pulling back quickly, her eyes scanning me for any sign of distress. “What are you doing here? You should be resting. Are you feeling okay? How are your stitches?”

“I’m okay,” I assure her, though my voice wavers. “Just tired and sore. Honestly, the emotional part has been the hardest.”

Holly’s expression softens. “I can’t imagine. When Greg told me what happened, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Come sit down. I’ll get you something to eat.”

I sit at one of the tables, and Holly joins me, passing me a slice of hummingbird cake and cold water in a glass. “Thank you,” I say.

“How’s the marina holding up?” Holly asks. “Greg says there’s a lot to do over there.”

I glance around the cozy bakery and swallow some water. “There is a lot to do. But Margot brought some of the football players to help with the marina cleanup. They are making light work of a big job. Trent and I are so grateful. I thought they deserved some sort of treat for all their hard work. I can’t do much physically, doctor's orders, but I figured this was one way I could contribute.”

“Say no more!” Holly says, already bustling back behind the counter. She calls out to her assistant, Paige, who hurries over with a bright smile.

“What are you thinking?” Holly asks, her hands already reaching for containers.

“Maybe a little of everything?” I say. “I wasn’t sure what exactly you might have available today. There are just over thirty guys, not counting Trent and Margot.”

Holly’s eyebrows shoot up. “Most of the team came out? That’s amazing.”

“It is,” I agree, smiling at the thought. “Margot may be smaller than the players, but she is mighty. She’s got them going every which way, working on just about everything. All the players seem to have a deep respect for her.”

“As they should,” Holly says, her tone firm but proud as she carefully arranges pastries.

While Holly gathers the treats, my thoughts wander to Trent—to the day we’d first met, him bringing me here, and how far we’ve come since.

“You okay?” Holly asks, her voice cutting gently through my reverie.

I nod, then hesitate. “Can I tell you something? And you promise not to tell anyone?”

Holly sets down the container she is filling, pulls out a chair, and turns toward me, her expression open and kind. “Of course. What is it?”

And so I tell her. About the real reason Trent and I got married so fast, Samson’s contract stipulations, and me wanting to have a permanent job and a place to live that was close to my grandpa. And finally, about the emotions I can’t quite suppress.

Holly nods knowingly. “Oh, Jenny, I’ve known about the marriage of convenience for a while now.”

I gasp. “How did you know?”

“Well, Trent told Greg and Niall, and, of course, Greg couldn’t keep it from me.” She gives me a small understanding smile. “I just wanted to give you and Trent some time to figure it out before saying anything.”

“I should have figured,” I say. “I know you and Greg are inseparable.”

Holly smiles. “He’s the love of my life. But tell me more about you and Trent.”

“Holly,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, “I think I’m falling in love with my husband.”

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