Page 29 of Bride Games

A second male teacher stood. “I agree.” He shook his head. “Our resources and time are limited as it is. I don’t have any idea how a wedding would benefit my students.”

Miss Ainsley half stood and said with a shaky voice, “I think a wedding is awonderfulidea. How many schools get to participate in the most important day of a couple’s life? A new, happy beginning?” Several teachers nodded in agreement as one shouted, “We need more love and happiness in this world.” Another teacher added, “Here, here. It’ll be a fun project. We’ll all be on this learning curve together.”

The principal locked eyes with the first male teacher who rolled his. She could see his disdain even from the podium in a darkened room. Dr. Ryder said, “Thank you for being honest, everyone. I appreciate your stance. I really do…and my office is always open to you. However, my decision is final.” Dr. Ryder kept her eyes on the two male teachers who weren’t keen on this topic. Clearing her throat, she added, “Students will use many valuable educational skills to plan the perfect wedding venue.” She ticked subjects off using her fingers. “Spelling, art, language, history, teamwork, creativity, and problem solving, to name a few.”

The grouchy male teacher, who still clearly wasn’t on board with this romantic plan said, “Spelling? Art? History? How are the students going to learn any of those subjects while planning a wedding? This is absurd if you ask me.”

The principal took a deep breath and stared the determined teacher down yet again. “Thadius, give it a rest.”

A giggle rippled across the room as students repeated, “Thad-i-us, Thad-i-us.”

The principal shushed the students. “That was my fault. Students, Mr. Snook is asking questions. Let’s be respectful.” Dr. Ryder again stared at Mr. Snook, saying, “I promise this will be a grand endeavor. A big community relations boost for our school. In fact, I believe you will learn to embrace the ceremony if you’ll keep an open mind.”

Dr. Ryder let her statements sink in as she turned her attention to the entire room. Scanning the crowd, she added, “I’ll send a detailed list to every teacher with the date, time, color scheme, and a few suggestions.ButI expect classes to use their creativity to come together for a cohesive theme. We want to decorate the cafeteria in such a way that it resembles a lovely chapel. I envision older students creating detailed artwork while the younger students make memorable keepsakes—or vice versa. Either way will be charming, I’m sure.” The principal reiterated, “Students will use their language, grammar, and spelling words to make original signs for the walls. Some classes will want to make table settings for the reception. We will be using the school cafeteria for the wedding and reception. Each class will work as a team and some grades may wish to work together. It’s up to you.”

Dr. Ryder eyed the still-morose teacher while the news and potential ideas settled in. Smiling at their eager faces, she added, “This will definitely be a unique educational experience. I envision your tasks taking part during art or spelling once a week. We could even plan a career day around it inviting wedding industry professionals. Honestly, I don’t think it’ll be a huge time commitment once your class—or classes work together—to come up with a cohesive plan. As teachers, you already have some leeway in the curriculum for holidays and special events. Everyone at Appledale is an inspired, constructive thinker.”

The principal stared at several sets of wide eyes as she wound down and patted the sides of the podium. “I trust you will all think of great ways to incorporate a beautiful school wedding as part of our educational process that we all hold dear.” Grinning, she added, “In fact, students will be getting valuable, early, very early, on-the-job training for any industry that requirescollaboration and inventive ideas, and”—she held up both hands—“doesn’teveryoccupation require those skills?”

Glancing at her notes, Dr. Ryder continued, “One more thing. I’m hoping the teachers can provide food, even potluck, since this couple is like most young people who get married on a small budget—and we all know about teacher’s salaries.” She nodded as both giggles and moans could be heard throughout the auditorium. “But the good news is Mr. Hansen and Emma insist on reimbursing the school for any materials used and also offered a pizza party toeveryclassroom that participates.” The principal stared yet again at the two dissenting voices. “Of course, if you choose not to participate, that’s fine too. This is not mandatory, but I certainly hope every classroom joins in the fun.” Dr. Ryder broke into a smile. “You can be the one to explain to your students why they won’t get a pizza party.”

The majority of students shouted, “We want to do this” and “This’ll be fun.” More hoots and hollers erupted as the male teachers shifted in their seats, possibly appearing less morose, but it was difficult to tell.

The principal stood beside the podium. “Any questions?”

Miss Ainsley waved her hand in the air. “I’m really excited about this. I already have some ideas for my class.”

“Me too,” another teacher added.

A third teacher said, “I’m going to check Pinterest the minute school is over.”

Dr. Ryder nodded in agreement. “Great idea. Like I said, I’ll send the information like color schemes the couple has selected in a blast email to every teacher. You’ll have it first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you, everyone. This will be an historic day for our school. You’re dismissed.”

27

Emma

Emma practically wore a hole in her carpet from pacing as she wondered how the school assembly went. She went back and forth thinking the teachers and students would love the idea to assuming they’d have a thumbs-down reaction and think it was a ridiculous idea. After Eli initially approached Dr. Ryder, she happily seemed keen on the unique idea right away but had explained she needed to get school-wide input from every faculty member and student first. She also said she wouldn’t hold the assembly unless the superintendent gave her a green light, which he clearly—and somewhat surprisingly—had. Eli relayed that the principal said she caught him in a weak moment since his daughter’s expensive wedding had gone over budget by thousands.

That morning, Emma whisked Lucy off to school and returned home, trying to concentrate on the news, social media, her authors, or anything else. The anticipation made her heart race. They didn’t have any other options at this point—at least not any that were well within their low budget. As she refilled her coffee, she heard her phone ping indicating a message. She sat on the couch when she saw Eli’s name.

Hey, Em! We’re one stop closer to our dream! Dr. Ryder is holding the assembly now to discuss our wedding. She didn’t want me to attend so the staff could talk freely. Sigh. I guess we have to wait until school is out this afternoon—or maybe even until tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed, babe. Love, E

Emma stared at the ceiling.This may be the longest day of my life.Stomach growling, she realized she’d skipped breakfast. She glanced out the window and waved to her neighbor who appeared to be inspecting a huge spider web on her porch. As she watched Mrs. Roberts swat the web with a cardboard paper towel holder, she chuckled.I wish I could tell the world about the sweet serendipity of the school as their wedding venue. The teachers have got to approve it.Bending down with both hands on her knees as if she had run a mile, her thoughts vacillated between hope, quickly followed by dread.What if the teachers think a school wedding would be silly or a dumb use of their time?Will they need approval from the students’ parents?Emma groaned.

Rummaging through her refrigerator for a handful of grapes, Emma crammed several into her mouth. Cheeks full like a chipmunk, she wished she were a nail biter. Maybe that would make the day go quicker. As the clock ticked, Emma’s heart raced.What if they say no? I not only met Eli when he was Lucy’s kindergarten teacher, but we danced together at the father-daughter dance; the one I almost canceled since Lucy’s dad wasn’t in the picture.

The previous year, Eli had picked up on her nerves—and dismay—when he announced the father-daughter dance. He had emailed her after school, and on the evening of the big dance, he showed up with corsages for both Emma and Lucy, as wellas a limousine! She still couldn’t fathom his thoughtfulness and had fallen for him fast and hard. One of the other moms even commented that Emma couldn’t take her eyes off Eli when she served refreshments. It seemed everyone knew about her crush on her daughter’s teacher. She shook her head remembering how she bolted and left Eli in the middle of the dance floor.We need a redo of that moment, which means we need to figure out our first dance song.

A redbird flew into the window, snapping her back to the present. She peeked outside and saw the bird fly away after a few seconds.Thank goodness. I don’t need a bad omen right now.She glanced at her watch, willing school to get out early.What if the principal gets push back and decides against the wedding? I can’t take the pressure.Rubbing her temples, Emma sat on the couch and attempted to relax.I need to relax. Maybe our classroom pizza party offer will entice them.

Emma peered at the time on the microwave, hoping her watch was slow. But the times were synchronized. That morning Lucy had begged her to ride the bus with Grace and she happily relented so she would have more time to work on her authors’ marketing swag. Of course, she hadn’t done a thing all day except worry about the outcome of the assembly.Maybe I’ll open my laptop at least. I need a distraction.As she charged her computer, Emma stiffened when she heard the bus brake in front of her house. She closed her laptop and rushed to greet Lucy at the door. Emma held the door open wide for her daughter who raced toward her like a cannonball shot out of a cannon. “Slow down, sweetie.”

“Mommy, mommy. We had a ‘sembly. The principal talked about you and Mr. Hansen. We’re going to plan something.”

Emma pretended to be surprised. “You are? Is it a surprise?”

“Uh huh.”

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