Page 31 of Marry Me Tomorrow
Trent chuckles against my skin, the sound low and rumbling, vibrating through me. “Mmm,” he replies, his lips curving into a smile against my neck. “I think I am too.”
He pulls back just enough to look at me, his blue eyes searching mine, filled with something I can’t quite name—something raw and real that leaves me breathless. His thumb grazes my cheek, and I lean into his touch, my heart pounding so hard it’s a wonder he can’t hear it.
For a moment, neither of us speaks. We just stand there, caught in this fragile, perfect bubble, our breaths mingling in the space between us.
And for the first time in a long time, I feel completely and utterly seen.
Chapter 13
Trent
The next week flies by in a blur of appointments, decisions, and fleeting glances that linger in my mind long after they’ve passed. Jenny and I barely have a chance to catch a moment alone together. Every day seems to be packed with meetings, fittings, and checklists, all conspiring to keep us apart. Not to mention fighting off the constant barrage of questions from our friends and family about how long we’ve been together, how we knew we were the ones for each other, and if we’re sure we want to have the wedding so soon.
Luckily, when we met with Holly to finalize the cake, she didn’t have any questions about the timing of our relationship. We tasted so many cake flavors that I thought I’d never want sugar again—until I bit into the Sunrise Sin. The rich, tangy sweetness of the orange-cinnamon zest combined with the decadent cream frosting was almost enough to win us over. But then there was the lemon, light and refreshing, with a bright citrus zing that lingered on the tongue. Neither of us could choose, so we didn’t. Two tiers, two flavors—it felt like a perfect compromise.
Today, Jenny has been whisked away by Gwen and my mom for dress fittings and bridesmaid appointments. I can picture her now, standing in front of a mirror, the glow of her smile brighter than any spotlight. The thought sends a pang through my chest.
All I can think about is how much I want more time with her. I didn’t expect this—falling for my future wife wasn’t part of the plan. We agreed this would be simple: a friendly arrangement to solve mutual problems. Get married, stick it out for the agreed time, and part ways amicably. No mess, no heartbreak.
But now, the idea of parting ways feels unbearable. I catch myself imagining forever—her laugh filling the house, her hand slipping into mine, the two of us building a life together. The thought thrills and terrifies me in equal measure.
Is this how it feels in those arranged marriages you read about? Two strangers learning to love each other, except we aren’t strangers. We won’t be meeting on our wedding day. We set this marriage up ourselves, a modern twist on an ancient tradition. Unorthodox, yes, but maybe it could work.
If only I knew how Jenny felt.
I’ve been pouring my thoughts into every detail of this wedding. And every time I walk into my empty home, I wish she were living there already. With how busy wedding planning has been, we agreed she’d move her things in the night before the wedding. She’s also planning a pre-wedding sleepover with the girls at our house while I crash at Greg’s place. The timing of her moving in is a practical arrangement, but it leaves me wondering—will it always feel this temporary?
“What’s up, man?” Greg says, pulling me from my thoughts as he steps out of his office across the hall. “You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
I glance up from my desk, grabbing my cap and shutting my laptop. “Just wedding stuff.”
“Not having second thoughts, are you?” His grin is teasing, but his tone carries a hint of concern. “Not that we could blame you, planning a wedding in three weeks is enough to make anyone run.”
“Dude, I’m not even close to thinking about backing out of this wedding.”
“I didn’t really think you were,” Greg says. “But obviously there is something weighing on you.”
I hesitate, but I’ve known Greg long enough to trust him with our secret. He kept his love for Holly under wraps for thirteen years before they finally got together. If anyone can understand complicated feelings, it’s him. So, I tell him everything, about my grandfather’s contract, Jenny, our agreement, I don’t leave out anything.
Greg raises an eyebrow. “Wow, man, that’s a lot. So, you and Jenny are kind of not in a relationship?”
“We are in the sense that we’re getting married in two weeks.”
“But you’re not in love with each other?” Greg asks.
I stare at the floor.
“Unless . . .” Greg says. “Are you catching actual feelings for her?”
“Yeah,” I admit, leaning back in my chair. “She’s amazing. Not just around the marina, but as a person. I don’t think I could’ve picked someone better to marry.”
“Then why do you look so glum?”
“Because this wasn’t the plan. I’m starting to think that I want this marriage to last longer than a year, but I don’t know how Jenny feels about it.”
Greg leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “Then talk to her. Be honest. You never know—she might feel the same way. Man, I see how she looks at you and how you two are together. I’m on your side and think that you two have what it takes to make this work, as long as you are both open and honest about things.”
I shake my head, horrified at the thought of Jenny finding out I spilled everything to Greg. “I can’t. Our arrangement was supposed to stay between Jenny and me. I shouldn’t have told you any of this.”
