Page 42 of Bride Games

Giggling, Emma said, “What do you think? She’s a little ham. She’d love it.”

“Shewouldlove it.” Eli rubbed his cheek. “Would it make you nervous?”

“Of course, but I’m going to be wound up like a tight spring no matter what.” Emma shrugged with one shoulder. “Maybe having Paige there every step will relax me. Who knows?”

“Isn’t she going to be in your wedding?”

“Our wedding, and yes. She’ll be the maid of honor. I suppose she’d direct the photographer beforehand. I don’t know how any of that works.” Emma paused. “Do you think we’d need the school’s permission?”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely. We’d need parents to sign off if any of their kids are in the wedding, but they won’t be except for Grace, Lucy’s best friend, right?”

“There will be some in attendance and they’ll definitely be at our reception dancing. Maybe the kids can be filmed from theback so their faces don’t show.” Emma smiled. “It really is going to be an adorable ceremony. I can see why she pounced on this.”

Eli studied Emma as he reached for both of her hands. “I’m okay with it if you are. But if you have an ounce of trepidation, we shouldn’t agree to it. I know she’s your best friend, but this is our big day.”

“She’d understand if we said no. She’ll be my best friend no matter what.” Emma chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m starting to like the idea, though. She said it’s storybook and would make a great romance novel.” Winking, she added, “Maybe Hallmark will pick it up.”

“Now, you’re talking.” Eli winked. “How much do they pay? Want me to ask Dr. Ryder? We’d need her approval and likely that of parents, although I think they’d be pleased to see their children’s work splashed across a television screen. It might generate even more enthusiasm at the school.”

“Yeah, go ahead and ask her. I’ll hold off on telling Paige until you get approval.” Emma squeezed Eli’s hand. “This is exciting.”

“It’s becoming more and more real every day. And I couldn’t be happier.” Eli yawned as he reached for his keys. “I should go. Early day tomorrow.”

“Can you take a little more wedding talk tonight if I bribe you with some decaf coffee? I don’t want the date to sneak up on us. I like being prepared, even if I come across as a mess most days.”

“Never a mess. Just an adorable mom-bun-wearing woman that I love.” Eli shifted on the couch. “Sure, I’ll stay. We can talk about our wedding all day, every day, if you want.”

“Great. Be right back.” After a couple of minutes, Emma returned with two steaming cups of coffee.

Emma faced Eli. “Exactly how much leeway should we give the teachers? I mean, I told Paige they’ve offered to decorate the cafeteria for us but what will it look like?” Her eyebrows knitted in spite of herself. She knew Eli was thrilled about his ideaand she was, too, but she still had questions about the décor, especially. “The wedding atmosphere, I mean. That’s kind of scary to hand off, isn’t it? Having little kids in charge of creating our entire wedding. Shouldn’t we supervise a little?”

Eli chuckled. “I understand where you’re coming from. If it were entirely up to me, I’d give the teachers and students complete control. Teachers are extremely creative. They decorate their classrooms multiple times a year for the holidays and using different themes. They’re great at this kind of thing.”

Emma nodded. “You’re right. I can design a graphic on a computer for my authors’ swag, but I’ve never decorated a big room, aside from a Happy Birthday banner or a Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey game for Lucy once.” She took a deep breath and blew it out. “I’m sure they’ll find a way for it to be cohesive, make it all come together.” Pausing, she added, “Right?”

Eli stroked her cheek. “If we give them our colors and you mentioned you also want to incorporate sunflowers, that’s probably all they need. They can take it from there.”

Hands around her coffee mug as if she were holding onto an anchor, Emma said, “Maybe you should ask to participate in the planning meetings with the teachers. You know, so we have some sort of idea how they’ll decorate.” She studied his nonplussed expression. “Or not?”

Eli drank half his coffee and set his mug down. “I’d rather be surprised. I’m going to be nervous enough that day waiting for my beautiful bride to walk down the aisle that a flower or two won’t matter. Decorations are great, sure, but I’m more interested in you and Lucy.” He gave a half shrug. “And food. We have some good cooks at school. They always have potluck birthdays monthly.” Eli rubbed his belly as if to prove his point. “I’ve never been disappointed in the food. Teachers also understand budgets, believe me.”

“That’s a relief. All of it is, actually. Maybe I’ll get through our wedding planning without being stressed. I think that would be a first in any bride’s repertoire.” Emma snapped her fingers. “Whimsical. I think our theme should be whimsical. Lucy would love that.”

“As long as there aren’t unicorns or mermaids, I’m fine with that.” Eli kissed Emma’s cheek and then landed a smooch on her mouth. “Whimsical sounds imaginative, which is perfect for a wedding at an elementary school.”

“Done and done.” Emma dusted her hands. “Okay, we’re leaving our decorations and food up to the kids and teachers.” Grinning, she said, “Paige may wonder what she got herself into by videoing this for her big community relations story, but we’ll be happy and that’s all that counts.”

Eli took their mugs to the sink and rinsed them out. He yawned again. “Love you, babe, but I’m going to fall asleep on your kitchen floor if I don’t leave now.”

39

Dr. Ryder

After Dr. Ryder met with Eli a few minutes before school began, she promised to send a detailed email about the whimsical theme and colors to every teacher at Appledale Elementary. She told him she personally loved the idea of televising their wedding and would handle alerting parents, faculty, and students in an email. She also said she’d take care of getting permission slips. Eli shook her hand vigorously, thanked the principal, and went back to class with an indelible smile. An hour later, Dr. Ryder requested an informal meeting in the teacher’s lounge.

Dr. Ryder entered the lounge where the teachers—most of them—were chatting excitedly. They all seemingly talked at once, saying their students were on board and were thinking of ways to incorporate the school curriculum into the wedding planning.

Mr. Snook, who sat in the corner, head down while he ate, snorted. “How are you going to incorporate an elementary school education with a ridiculous wedding on the schoolgrounds?” He huffed, adding, “I’m against this and have already told my students we aren’t participating.”

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