Page 5 of Marry Me Tomorrow
“You’re heaven-sent,” I say, the weight in my chest easing for the first time in days. Then, a thought occurs to me. “Do you also happen to know of a place to stay?”
Her brows lift, and she tilts her head slightly, studying me as though piecing something together. “Did you just come to town?”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I’ve been staying in a motel. I was living with my grandpa, but we just sold his house and moved him to an assisted living home, so now I’m looking for a place to stay—one that’s on the cheaper side.”
“That’s awful,” she says genuinely. “Rentals are so hard to come by here.” She pauses for a moment, clearly searching her mental filing cabinet. “Unfortunately, I don’t know of anywhere right now,” she says, her tone apologetic. “But I’ll keep my ears open for you and let you know the moment I hear something!”
Chapter 3
Trent
“Good morning, Henry,” I call as I make my way down the dock, the crisp pre-spring air carrying the faint scent of the last of the frost melting away. “How’s my favorite regular this morning?”
“Trent, my friend!” Henry’s face lights up. “It’s good to see you. I’m thrilled the weather’s warming up early this year. Winter’s not much for fishing—or being outdoors.”
I glance at Henry’s hands now, steady on the rod. The calluses on his fingers tell stories of years spent working as a woodworker that shaped his quiet, thoughtful demeanor. He’s the kind of man I hope to be one day—someone who’s lived a life full of love and family, who feels their absence so deeply it hurts. The kind of man who can still find solace in a quiet morning on the water.
The sun is warm on my back, a stark contrast to the cold breeze hitting my face as I sit down beside him, the bench creaking under my weight. The faint splash of a fish breaking the surface interrupts the stillness, and a dragonfly flits by, hovering just above the water.
“Well, it looks like a great day for fishing,” I say, stretching my legs out in front of me. “It’s early in the season, but it shouldn’t hurt the potential catch.”
“Nope, even in January. There are plenty of fish in the lake.” Henry casts his line out again with a smooth flick of his wrist. The lure makes a soft plop as it hits the water. “Shouldn’t be hard for an old man like me to catch one. What about you, though? Have any fish caught your eye lately?”
I laugh at his not-so-subtle mention of my dating life. “The marina keeps me plenty busy,” I say, leaning back and resting my arms along the back of the bench. The wood feels rough in some places under my fingers but worn smooth in other places from years of use.
Henry shakes his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Well, don’t let it take over your life. You ought to have someone you can share that kind heart with. Other than us old fishermen who bother you and those guests you always have coming and going.”
“You’re no bother,” I reply, patting him lightly on the shoulder. “But you best be careful, or you’ll start sounding like my mom.”
“I’ve always liked Maureen, nice lady. You ought to listen to her,” he says, chuckling softly. His laughter is like the creak of a rocking chair, warm and familiar.
I laugh too, standing and brushing the dust off my jeans. “Alright, enough of that. You’ve got fish to catch, and I’ve got a marina to run. See you around, Henry.”
As I walk away, I glance back to see him adjusting his hat, his gaze fixed on the water. The rhythmic click of his reel follows me down the dock. The cool breeze stirs the leaves in the trees lining the shore, carrying with it the faint scent of pine.
What is it with everyone trying to marry me off? Lately, my parents and even grandfather have been grilling me about my dating life. And now Henry too. What is everyone so worried about? I’m a happy bachelor living my best life. So what if my life is consumed by this marina? It’s been working out so far, right?
And yeah, someday I want that right person for me. But someday can wait a bit longer, in my opinion.
“Good morning,” Greg calls out, his voice cutting through the soft hum of the AC unit as he strides into the office. His tone carries an unusual energy.
“Good morning to you too,” I say. “Someone seems extra chipper this morning.” I barely glance up as I scan the rentals scheduled for today. The faint smell of paper and ink mixes with the lingering scent of lake water from my morning rounds. Two groups are coming in for pontoon rentals, and a few regulars will pick up fishing boats—a steady start to the day, though the to-do list is already long.
Greg’s boots thud across the wooden floor, the sound slightly muffled by the worn area rug, as he approaches my desk. He sets down a paper bag with a triumphant grin. “I bring good news,” he announces, his voice carrying the same excitement as a kid on Christmas morning.
A rich, sugary aroma wafts up from the bag, immediately triggering a low growl from my stomach. It’s a smell I’d recognize anywhere: Holly’s Sunrise Sin muffins. My mouth waters just thinking about the warm, gooey center of oranges and the flakey cinnamon-sugar topping.
“Dude, did you bring my favorites?” I rub my hands together like I’m about to dig into a treasure trove. Food might as well be my sixth love language, and Holly’s baked goods? They’re practically legendary. It’s a good thing I have this marina to look after because if not, I’d easily gain a hundred pounds.
“Yep,” Greg replies, his smile growing. “And good news. Did you hear that part?”
I’m already unwrapping a muffin, the wax paper crinkling under my fingers. “Sorry, got distracted by the muffins. What’s this good news you bring me this fine morning?”
Greg shakes his head, amused, and leans casually against the corner of my desk. “I found you a manager for the marina shop.”
I’m so caught off guard that I inhale my muffin too quickly, choking on the cinnamon sugar crumbs. “You what?” I croak between coughs, my eyes watering as I fumble for the water bottle on my desk.
“I found you a manager,” Greg repeats, clearly amused by my reaction. “You know, for the position you’ve had me post on the website for months now? I found someone to fill it.”
