Page 26 of Marry Me Tomorrow
“Anyway,” Trent says, quickly changing the subject, his tone warm and calm. “If you’re all set on having the wedding at the marina, I know just the spot for the ceremony. Once we wrap up here, I’ll show you all.”
The meeting rolls on, the table turning into a battlefield of papers, fabric swatches, and scribbled notes. Discussions about flowers, centerpieces, and timing blur together as my energy wanes. Even the vibrant descriptions of daisies and peonies start to lose their luster.
Sensing my growing fatigue, Trent pushes back from the table with a stretch, his fingers lacing together above his head. “I think we’ve made some great progress,” he says. “Speaking for both Jenny and me, I’d say we’re officially wedding-planned out. How about we take a stroll to the spot I mentioned and talk about the ceremony and reception there?”
Grateful, I give him a small smile as I push back my chair. My legs feel stiff as I stand. “That sounds perfect. I can’t wait to see the spot.”
Turning to Gwen and Mrs. Hughes, Trent gestures to the table. “Feel free to leave everything here until we get back.”
They nod, their focus already shifting back to their binders and notes, and we follow Trent out of the office.
“Be right back,” I call to Greg as we pass the front counter. “We’re checking out a location really quick, and then I’ll swap back with you.”
Greg waves us off with an easy smile. “Take your time. I’ve got things under control.”
As we step outside, the crisp scent of the marina greets us, mingling with the faint brine of the water and the occasional whiff of diesel from the docked boats. The sunlight warms my skin as we walk, the rhythmic lap of water against the docks calming my overworked brain. Beside me, Trent walks with an easy confidence, his hands stuffed in his pockets and a small, thoughtful smile on his lips. For the first time all morning, I let myself relax, ready to see where this next step will take us.
Chapter 11
Trent
After being cooped up for so long in my office talking wedding plans, the fresh air feels like a gift. Now, I’m hoping I didn’t build this location up too much in my head. Jenny, Gwen, and my mom follow me across the marina grounds. The crunch of gravel underfoot mixes with the distant hum of boat motors.
This marina holds so many memories for me. When Mom and Dad ran the marina and I was just a kid, I spent hours exploring these grounds. I’d climb trees and scramble over rocks, making up games as I wandered through the woods. I can still picture the perfect tree that I always dreamed of turning into a treehouse. And since I haven’t gotten around to that, I figure I’ll build it for my kids someday. Not that this wedding is going to bring about kids or anything. This is just a marriage of convenience—she’s helping me, and I’m helping her. That’s it.
“So where are you taking us?” Jenny asks, stepping up beside me. Her voice pulls me back to the present, and I glance down at her.
“Well, there’s this spot I loved when I was younger,” I say, gesturing to the path ahead. “Last summer, I finally got around to making a walking path that leads to it. It’s hard to describe, but it’s kind of . . . perfect.”
“You haven’t added it to the marina maps yet?” she asks, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as a breeze flutters through the trees.
“Nope,” I reply with a grin. “Haven’t found the right name for it yet. Maybe you can help me with that?”
We take the final turn down the path, where sunlight filters through the trees and dapples the ground with golden spots. The gentle rustling of leaves overhead and the faint chirp of birds create a peaceful soundtrack.
When we reach the clearing, everyone stops in their tracks. The path opens into a circular field surrounded by cherry blossoms about to bloom, their pink petals bright against the blue sky. The scent of flowers mingles with the crisp breeze coming off the water. Small patches of wildflowers peek out of the grass.
To the left, an opening reveals a view of the lake below. It’s elevated just enough to give the perfect vantage point, and on windy days like today, you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks.
Simply put, the view is breathtaking.
I’d originally thought that this location could be a spot for picnickers to come and have a nice outing. I also thought it could be a location for events, I guess like weddings, but I never thought it would be for my wedding.
I shift awkwardly, suddenly unsure. What if what I see as perfection feels underwhelming to them? Seconds stretch into what feels like minutes, and the silence starts to claw at my nerves.
“So . . .” I venture hesitantly, rubbing the back of my neck. “Would this work?”
“Would this work?” Gwen says, her eyebrows shooting up. “Did you just ask me if this would work?”
“Uh, yeah,” I say, pulling off my hat and running a hand through my hair. My palms feel clammy now. This was definitely a bad idea.
“It’s perfect,” my mom whispers, her voice thick with emotion. She dabs at her eyes with a tissue.
“Trent,” Jenny says softly, her voice trembling slightly as she looks at me, “this place is incredible.” Her eyes glisten, and she reaches out to take my hand.
“It’s more than perfect,” Gwen declares, breaking her silence as she strides forward, her heels digging into the grass. She looks around like she’s cataloging every detail. “Trent, you and I are going to have a talk. This could be the wedding location for spring. Do you know how many people in Nashville would want to be married here?”
“Umm . . . a lot?” I ask, still processing her reaction.
