Page 30 of Bride Games

Emma patted her daughter’s head. “Any hints you want to tell Mommy?”

Lucy shook her head so hard a pink barrette fell off. “No, and I’m not telling. It’s a good secwet. I pwomise you’ll like it. Mr. Hansen will too.”

Emma’s face hurt from smiling so much. She had never been married and was now going to marry the sweetest—and most handsome—man on planet Earth. And it appears they were going to get their wish to have their ceremony at the school where they met. Emma knew full well that if she didn’t have a daughter, she never would have met Eli. If Lucy’s dad hadn’t fled the minute he found out she was pregnant, she never would have experienced a healthy, happy relationship. If, if, if. She almost had to pinch herself to comprehend her good fortune. Feeling a tug on her hand, Emma snapped out of her daydream.

“What’s for dinner, Mommy?”

“Um, I’m not sure. Eli’s coming over. What sounds good to you?”

“Sketti.”

Reaching for a large pot to boil some water, Emma said, “Sketti it is.”

28

Eli arrived thirty minutes later. He kissed Emma on the cheek as she set the table. While they ate spaghetti, roasted broccoli, and garlic bread, Eli couldn’t eat fast enough. “Thanks, Em. This is delicious. I was starving.”

“Me too,” Lucy bobbed her head. Both cheeks were smudged with marinara sauce. Emma nodded toward her daughter using her head and nearly burst into tears as he dipped the corner of his napkin into water and wiped the smudges off. After he cleaned Lucy’s face, he clearly noticed Emma’s glistening eyes. “What’s wrong? Did I overstep?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve wanted a partner ever since Lucy was born. I mean, I didn’t know I wanted one. Managed on my own pretty well, but”—she reached for his hand—“this is so much easier. And so much better.” Her voice cracked. “Thank you.”

Eli studied her. “For what?”

“For being wonderful.”

“You’re the wonderful one.” Eli winked at Lucy who had eaten everything except the last broccoli spear. “Someone was hungry.”

Lucy rubbed her belly. “Uh huh.”

“Good job on the clean plate club, Luce. Why don’t you help me clear the dishes.”

Standing, Eli said, “I’ve got this. You cooked. The cook doesn’t wash the dishes.” He took their plates to the sink and added, “Didn’t you learn that growing up?”

“I like this game.” Emma beamed as Lucy chimed in. “We had a ‘sembly today, Mr. Hansen.”

The couple exchanged knowing glances. Eli said, “You did? What was it about?”

“It’s a secwet.”

Emma had mixed feelings about this conversation. On the one hand she didn’t want Lucy to think she could keep secrets from her, but on the other hand, she wanted her daughter to be involved in the wedding planning in her own way with the help of other students and teachers. She decided to embrace the conundrum and ruffled Lucy’s hair. “This is theonetime you can keep a secret from me.” Bending down to Lucy’s level, Emma asked, “Do you know why it’s different this time?”

Lucy shook her head.

“Only because your principal and teachers know about it. Other important, safe adults know. That’s why.”

“O-tay, Mommy,” Lucy said, already clearly onto something new as she skipped into the living room.

Happy with her reasoning, Emma poured a glass of wine for herself and another for Eli. She lowered her voice in case Lucy was listening, “I’m really not sure what the principal announced today other than we’d like to get married at the school. I think she was going to ask for a few volunteers, maybe Lucy’s class and another one or two to help out. I’m not sure, though. Do you know how they’re handling it?”

Eli shrugged as he took a sip of cabernet. “It’s hush-hush. They’re basically planning most of our wedding as we feed them directions like colors or decorations. That sort of thing. Shesaid she was going to take me off all wedding-related emails that went to the teachers, so they could surprise us with the decor.” He frowned. “I hope this is a good idea. I also hope my kindergarten class doesn’t miss out since I’m the groom.”

Laughing so hard she dribbled some red wine on her chin, Emma said, “I wonder if the decorations will look like your classroom. Actually, that would be cute.” She reached for Eli’s hand. “I think this will be the most whimsical, adorable wedding of the decade. I’m usually not a huge fan of surprises, but you and Lucy pulled off a great one in my backyard with your proposal. I’m sure the school will come up with something enchanting. Also, another teacher will surely invite your students to collaborate with their class. I can’t imagine the principal allowing them to be left out.” She chuckled again. “You and I are the only ones not in on our own wedding, it seems. Less stress, that’s for sure.”

They clinked wineglasses as Eli said, “Here’s to less stress. I’m all for that.”

Emma glanced out the window and spotted her spider-battling neighbor who was now hanging sheets on her old-school clothesline. Gasping, she said, “That’s it.”

“What?”

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