Page 28 of Bride Games

“Yes and no.”

Emma’s heart dropped to her feet. “What does that mean?”

“It means she thought it was the coolest idea ever, she wants to get behind it in a big wa?—”

Emma squealed. “That’s the best news ever.”

“Hold on. Dr. Ryder still has to get approval from the superintendent and plans to hold an assembly with the entire student body, staff, and faculty. She said she needs to see if the teachers are on board with our unconventional idea.” Eli paused. “I can think of a couple of faculty members right now who are going to throw water on this. I can almost guarantee it.”

“Don’t say that. Think positive. When’s the assembly?”

“Tomorrow afternoon if the higher ups approve it.”

Gasping, Emma left her laptop open as she pressed the phone harder against her ear, as if that would help make their dream come true. “I think every teacher will love the idea. Who wouldn’t?”

Eli sighed. “One or two of the male teachers might object. Also, a new teacher who I’ve been told is already in over her head, according to Dr. Ryder, might think it’s too much. The principal said the added duties might overwhelm that teacher. But—you’re right—let’s think positive. I’ve got to get back to my class now.”

After they hung up, Emma sent the email to her author, barely proofreading it, and stepped outside for fresh air. She stared up at the fluffy clouds, chanting internally,the principal and all of the teachers have to approve this. They have to.

26

Dr. Ryder

Excited students, from kindergarten through fifth grade, gathered in the assembly room alongside their teachers during the final hour of the day. Each teacher ushered their classes inside quickly and the children seamlessly filled the rows as if they did this sort of thing daily. Teachers could be heard imploring their students to be quiet and to pay rapt attention to the upcoming speech by their principal. Kids literally sat on the edge of the auditorium seats and shared soft giggles and whispers about whatever this exciting announcement was about. After the older students filed into the last row, Dr. Ryder, barely taller than the top of the podium, smiled, and motioned with her hands for everyone to be seated.

The principal’s authoritative voice made up for her short stature. “Good afternoon, students. I wanted to gather all of you here for averyimportant, very unique project. In fact”—she paused, clearly for maximum effect—“we’re here to discuss a first-ever event in Appledale Elementary’s history.” Dr. Ryder paused to study the student and faculty member’s excited, albeit slightly puzzled, faces. Fervent whispers, murmurs, and shushes could be heard throughout the auditorium. The principal adjusted the microphone even lower. “Let me start atthe beginning of this exhilarating journey we’ve been invited to participate in. First, how many of you remember our former kindergarten teacher, Mr. Hansen?”

Several tiny hands waved in the air, including Lucy’s hand, who waved frantically.

“Good. I thought you would. As you already know, Mr. Hansen has rejoined our faculty here at Appledale Elementary. He’s teaching kindergarten again, alongside Miss Ainsley who replaced him last year. They’re both fine teachers and beloved by students and teachers alike.”

A ripple of applause followed as several teachers exchanged glances and shrugs, likely wondering why everyone had to be gathered for that announcement since school had already begun and everyone already knew Eli Hansen was teaching at Appledale .

The principal waited until the attendees settled down. “There’s much more. Lucy Miller, will you please come up on stage?”

All eyes turned to little Lucy who scrambled out of her seat and cleared the four stairs to the stage as if she were a professional hurdler. Lucy stood next to the principal as if they were glued together. Dr. Ryder bent down while holding the mic. “Why don’t you tell everyone your big news, Lucy.”

Lucy glanced up at the principal with furrowed brows. “What big news?”

Chuckling, the principal whispered something in Lucy’s ear and handed her the microphone. Lucy nodded and said, “Oh, yeah.” She held her mouth much too close while shouting, “Mr. Hansen is marrying my mommy!”

Cheers, applause, and a few fist bumps filled the auditorium.

“Very nice, Lucy. Congratulations.” Dr. Ryder took the microphone back and added, “Please go sit with your class now.”

“O-tay.” Lucy ran so fast, she tripped but steadied herself. Red-faced, she took her seat as classmates gave her hugs and high fives.

The principal held a finger to her lips for everyone to be quiet. Once the students settled down, she said, “That happy news leads me to the reason for my announcement. For the first time in history, Appledale Elementary is going to host a wedding! If all—or most of you—are on board, that is.”

Students yelled, “Yay,” “Cool,” and “When?”

Nodding, Dr. Ryder added, “I’ll get to that.” She motioned with her hands for students to be quiet. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, everyone. This will take every single class, student, and teacher to create a memorable historical ceremony for Mr. Hansen and Emma Miller, Lucy’s mom. Many of you might remember, Emma, who apparently volunteered for nearly every event possible last year in his classroom.” Biting her lip to keep from laughing, the principal added, “Lucy’s mother clearly caught Mr. Hansen’s eye.” She paused as she noted other teachers exchange knowing glances.

The principal held her arms wide. “This is where all of you come in.”

Clearly engrossed, every head—students and teachers alike—swiveled in the principal’s direction with the attention of a lone air traffic controller during a bad storm with a sky full of planes.

But standing in the aisle halfway back, arms crossed, a grumpy-looking male teacher put his hands around his mouth to be heard above the fray. He shouted, “No disrespect, Dr. Ryder, but what does a wedding have to do with our students’ education? And are you talking about holding this-this wedding on the school premises?”

---