Page 27 of Bride Games

“Thank goodness I made extra.” Eli stepped into the kitchen and wrapped a burger and bun in foil. “Tell Mrs. Robertsbon appetite.”

Lucy reached for the foil packet. “Bon what?”

“Just give it to her, Luce, and come right back. You need to take a bath and go to bed soon.” As Lucy bounded outside, Eli shouted, “It means ‘enjoy your meal’.” He turned to Emma. “Doesn’t it?”

“Close enough. I’m still cracking up about how Lucy can’t get out of student-teacher mode to call you by your first name.”

Eli’s smile nearly reached both ears. “I think it’s sweet.”

24

After Emma bathed Lucy and tucked her in bed, she returned to an overzealous Eli who practically bounced off the couch when she stepped back into the living room. “Whoa! Someone’s excited. You look like a dog who devoured the last steak bone.”

Grinning as if he had discovered a winning lottery ticket, Eli led her toward the couch. “I have a brilliant idea. At least I think it’s brilliant.” He took a deep breath. “Hear me out.”

“I’m listening. Is this about our wedding?”

“Yes. I have an idea for our venue, plus I’m sure it’ll fit our budget. I’d just have to get approval first. Abigapproval since it’s rather unconventional.”

“You’ve got my attention.” Emma’s brows knitted. “Approval? From whom?”

Eli put his hand on her leg. “I really hope you like this. I think Lucy will love it.”

“Just tell me! I can’t take the suspense.”

“Here goes—what do you think about having our wedding at Appledale Elementary?”

Eyes widening, Emma asked, “In your old kindergarten classroom?”

“No, silly. In the cafeteria. I know the teachers would help with decorations—if it’s approved, that is. It would also take a lot of stress off.”

“Let me think about this.” Emma studied his pensive face for a few seconds too long. “Eli, Iloveyour idea. Appledale Elementary is where we met since you were Lucy’s way-too-hot kindergarten teacher.” A chuckle erupted. “That’s also when I showed my hand by accidentally calling youMr. Handsomein front of your gorgeous, former fiancée.” Emma jumped off the couch, squealing, “It’s perfect!” She clapped her hand over her mouth. “I hope Lucy didn’t wake up.”

They both whispered, “I love this idea. I love you,” as they kissed and embraced. At that point, no one knew who was talking since their excited, jumbled nerves and comments had intermingled.

Stroking his chin, Eli said, “I’ll get right on this and make an appointment with the principal, Dr. Ryder, tomorrow. Let’s don’t get our hopes up yet. This is out of the ordinary.Wayout. They may not approve it. She may even have to ask the school board, the superintendent, and of course, will need to see which teachers, if any, want to be involved. I’m thinking they can somehow build it into their curriculum—art, language, career day, that sort of thing.” He lowered his voice. “I should have asked the principal before getting you excited.”

“She’ll say ‘yes’ I just know it.” Emma bit her lip. “Tell her we’ll pay for decorations or bring them in. We’ll pay for the food, music, whatever, of course. We don’t want the teachers or school out any money. We mainly want to use the venue since it’s sentimental.”

“I agree.” Eli reached for his keys. “I’m going back to my apartment to type up a few notes. Shoot me the two potential dates we’ve discussed and let me know if you want me to mention anything else.”

Emma threw her arms around his neck and kissed his forehead, both cheeks, and mouth. “Good luck tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight. I love this idea.”

“Besides, it’s Lucy’s way of helping. She thinks she has a big secret, remember? It would crush her if we held our big day elsewhere.” Emma went into the kitchen for a glass of water. “I want to get married at the school. Have you changed you mind?”

“Not at all. Just making sure. I don’t want you to be disappointed on your big day.”

Emma handed Eli a glass of water. “Disappointed? Are you kidding? It’s going to be the happiest day of my life. Right up there with the day I gave birth to Lucy.”

25

Emma had tossed and turned all night wondering if the principal would approve having their wedding at Appledale. She knew it was out of the ordinary for an elementary school—for any school, actually. It was a reach, but would also be theperfectsolution, not to mention extremely sentimental. She knew Eli would handle the meeting like a champ, but rules are rules and likely very rigid. Emma took a deep breath as she attempted to calm her nerves.Now that Eli thought of this incredible idea, no other venue seems remotely good enough.

Emma toasted frozen waffles and cooked some sausage links for herself and her daughter. After they ate, she reached for Lucy’s backpack and drove in a daze. She really wanted to drop in on the meeting but knew Eli needed to take the lead since he worked at the school. It was better to have a one-on-one with the principal than two against one. When she returned from dropping Lucy off, Emma attempted to focus on researching swag for a new author. She’d been so excited about her engagement and their looming wedding, she wanted to put Page-Turning Swag in the back seat—maybe the trunk at this point—but a former commitment was a commitment.

Emma logged in and attempted to focus by studying the author’s website, clicking through every page. The author was all business and clearly didn’t have a funny bone.This is going to be hard. He definitely won’t want fun chap stick, palm tree pens, or anything quirky.She studied his cover and reread his back-cover blurb. He had just published a nonfiction book about writing and marketing and requested swag for an upcoming book signing. Emma’s mind was blank. She normally created promotional material for fiction authors. As she scrolled her favorite vendor websites for ideas, she decided on three traditional options: mousepads, screen wipes, and coffee mugs with either his book cover or author logo. His choice. Emma jotted down the price points for various quantities and made note of the lead time since this was a rushed job, as always. She chuckled.Why do authors always need everything yesterday?As she typed the email with the information and mentioned options using his cover or logo, she heard her cellphone ring and glanced at the screen. It was Eli.

Swallowing past a lump in her throat, she skipped the usual greetings. “What did she say? Please tell me the principal agreed.”

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