Page 66 of Marry Me Tomorrow
I look up at him and nod, my chest tightening. He’s right. They are my family now too. A sense of determination wells up inside me—I’m going to go above and beyond at the marina today while I wait for Trent to update me.
“I need to get back up to the shop,” I say, straightening and brushing off the hem of my jeans. “We have renters coming in today, and I need to get everything prepared so Trent doesn’t worry about anything while he’s at the hospital.”
“Alright. See you later.”
“Bye, Grandpa.”
When I get to the office, I fill Greg in on Trent’s phone call. “Well,” I say, gesturing toward the clipboard on the counter, “we have quite a few boat rentals today. Everything’s ready except giving the normal rental rundowns. Greg, if you want to handle those, I can manage the cabin renters.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Greg says with a firm nod, rolling up his sleeves. Despite only working at the marina for just over a year, he moves with the confidence of someone who knows the marina inside and out. It’s clear this place means as much to him as it does to Trent.
The hours blur as we both set out to do our best to cover for Trent while he’s out. It’s a steady rhythm of tasks—answering calls, checking inventory, and organizing keys. Renters come and go, filling the marina with a constant hum of activity.
The air smells of lake water and sun-warmed wood, mingling with the faint scent of sunscreen. Laughter rings out from the docks, where families eagerly load their gear into boats. It’s a reminder that life moves on, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
By three o’clock, I finally have a chance to catch my breath. I pull out my phone and find a text from Trent, sent about an hour ago.
Trent: Grandfather is doing ok. They’re giving him a pacemaker, but he should be fine and able to go home tomorrow if everything goes well.
Relief floods me as I quickly reply:
Jenny: I’m glad to hear he’s doing better and that he’ll be able to come home so soon. Everything at the marina is good. Greg has been helping me cover today, and we just got done with the last of the rentals.
Three dots appear on the screen, then vanish. My heart beats a little faster as I wait.
Trent: Thank you. I appreciate you more than you know.
Jenny: **Heart emoji**
A smile tugs at my lips, and the knot of worry in my chest begins to loosen. Grandpa Samson is going to be okay. I look around for Greg, eager to share the good news.
I step outside and spot him coming up from one of the docks, a clipboard tucked under his arm. “Hey, Greg,” I call out, waving as I approach.
“Hi, Jenny,” he says, stopping beside me. “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” I say, unable to keep the smile from my face. “I just heard from Trent. They’re giving Samson a pacemaker, and he should be able to head home tomorrow if everything goes well tonight.”
“That’s great news,” Greg says, his expression softening. “I bet Trent is so relieved. He’s likely driving everyone crazy trying to take care of his mom and dad and seeing to his grandfather.”
“Yes, he is definitely relieved,” I say. “And you’re probably right about driving everyone crazy. When I got back from the hospital, he was checking on me constantly.”
“Well, you gave us all quite a scare that night,” Greg says, shaking his head at the memory. “I’ve never seen Trent so upset and worried in my life.”
“I didn’t mean to worry everyone,” I say softly, glancing down at my hands.
“I know you didn’t,” he replies gently. “But we’re so happy to have you here. Trent is the happiest he’s ever been—and that’s saying something.”
“Thank you,” I say, my throat tight with emotion. “That means so much to me.”
“I’m not saying it to be kind,” he says, his voice firm and sincere. “You’re just what Trent needs. Now, with everything done here, I’m going to head into the office to work on a few things before I leave. Call for me if you need anything, okay?”
I nod, his words leaving me speechless. As he walks away, a lump forms in my throat. The love and acceptance I’ve found in this friend group feels overwhelming, filling a void I hadn’t even realized was still there.
I have to talk to Trent about how I feel. Unless someone dragged me kicking and screaming, there’s no way I can walk away from this life—from Trent.
Today is the day Samson heads home. I know Trent is helping Mrs. Hughes bring him back to their house, but the hours drag like molasses.
Every time the chime over the marina shop door sounds, I glance up, hoping it will be my Trent.
