Page 43 of Bride Games

Dr. Ryder, who was making more coffee, stood rigid but kept her calm. “And that’s your right, Mr. Snook.” The principal turned to face the dour teacher. “I’m curious. Are your students disappointed?”

He shrugged as he nibbled on a sandwich. “They’ll get over it.”

Every head turned toward him. Miss Ainsley, folded and refolded a napkin in her lap before speaking in a barely audible tone. “Do you think that’s fair? To your students, I mean?”

Mr. Snook rolled his eyes. “Listen, I know you teach the younger kids. I teach fifth grade. We barely have enough days in the year to cover every subject. I’m not going to shortchange my students over a-a silly wedding.”

Miss Ainsley, who had only been at Appledale for a year, visibly recoiled. Dr. Ryder took a seat between the two teachers. “Thadius, why are you being so stubborn? We often take on different projects each year. It keeps the curriculum fresh and exciting.”

The other teachers watched as he shifted in his seat. Silently. Miss O’Connor, the other first grade teacher, said, “I wrote a few general ideas on the board, and you wouldn’t believe how animated my students became. They shouted out concepts and we took a poll of their best ideas. I wrote them all on the board and have never seen so many little hands waving in the air as they voted.”

“Same here,” added Mrs. Houser. “My fourth graders are leaning toward having this be akin to a Career Day where they act as young servers, ushers, and hosts making sure the guests are comfortable with their food and drink or?—”

The other fourth grade teacher made a note on her napkin. “That’s a fantastic idea, Mrs. Houser. Sort of like an internshipfor hospitality for young people—very young people.” She grinned. “Maybe our classes can collaborate and find matching aprons in the wedding colors.”

Miss Ainsley spoke up again. “My class is all about the art. They want to create a beautiful garden with flowers and hearts. We may use fingerpainting to create little heart-shaped hands. We’ll experiment during our art period.”

“Ooh. I like that idea too. I’d love for my class to join in with yours,” Mrs. Henley added. “One of my students mentioned the large paper mâché flowers her grandma used to make when she was a teen. Wouldn’t that be fun as a decoration? In the bridal colors, of course. I also thought of making stained-glass windows using cardboard and tissue paper. They kids can create intricate designs and make their own stencils.” She chuckled. “We’re going to have busy, interesting art classes.”

“Well, well.” Dr. Ryder applauded. “I see the wedding planning is already crystalizing. These all sound like wonderful, meaningful ideas, everyone. I knew you’d come around and handle this perfectly. It’s up to you whether you decide to find a time to work together with another class.” The principal glanced at Mr. Snook. “Ireallyhope you’ll reconsider, Thadius—for your students’ sake, if nothing else. Your older students will be able to create things the younger kids cannot. Just think about it.”

Dr. Ryder stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to meet with Eli Hansen again to give him a broad overview and tell him we’re all”—she peered at Mr. Snook—“moving right along with a variety of innovative ideas. I won’t tell him every detail because he said he and Emma want to be surprised by the school’s transformation.”

As the principal got to the door, she tapped the door jamb. Short in stature, she still commanded the room. “Thank you, everyone. I predict this will be one for the history books.”

40

Eli was already seated in Dr. Ryder’s office. He barely waited until Dr. Ryder sat behind her big desk before blurting, “Is everyone still on board? Please tell me they are. We don’t have any other options at this point. Go ahead.” He laughed nervously. “I can take it.”

“Actually, we just had a lively discussion in the lounge. Students and faculty alike are excited about this heartwarming project.Reallyexcited.” Dr. Ryder clasped her hands together. “In fact, some classes are going to collaborate and many students are voting on what they want to do based on their age level. Everyone—well, almost—is on board.”

Eli let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You don’t know how much this means to Emma and me. Having our wedding at the school where we first met is perfect. It’s symbolic, you know?” He shoved a hand in his pocket. “We couldn’t pull this off without your support. It means so much to us.” Grinning, he said, “I know it’ll be perfect even if we have funny drawings of stick people, cats, and dogs on the wall.” He furrowed his brow. “But you said almost everyone is involved. Mind if I ask who isn’t?”

“Don’t worry. I’m going to have a little chat with that teacher soon. I think everyone will come around.”

Eli winced. “Please don’t force this on anyone. If someone doesn’t want to participate, it’s fine. I’d hate to have someone put a damper on the happiest day of my—of our—lives.”

“Don’t worry, Eli.” Dr. Ryder gave a half grin. “I’ll be my usual gentle velvet buzzsaw.”

Eli laughed out loud. “You definitely know how to be persuasive. That’s a compliment. One last thing. My students are sad about not being involved. They really want to work on the wedding. Do you mind if they join another class on the planning?”

“Not at all. Consider it done. I’ll ask Miss Ainsley to shepherd them. Have a good afternoon, Eli.” Before her office door closed, Dr. Ryder scribbled a note and asked her assistant to take a message to Mr. Snook. “Tell him I’d like to see him in my office in ten minutes.”

After exactly nine minutes, a surly Mr. Snook rapped on Dr. Ryder’s door.

“Come in, Thadius. Have a seat.”

The teacher plopped into a chair across from the principal’s desk. He barely controlled his glare. “Let me guess what this is about…the stupid wedding. Am I right?”

“I’d like to know why you’re so against this school-wide project.” Dr. Ryder crossed her arms as she held his stare. “Care to tell me?”

Mr. Snook sniffed as though he had a cold or bad allergies all of a sudden. “I think it’s silly, that’s all. It’s a ridiculous waste ofour precious time. My students and I have much better things to do.”

“Have you ever been married, Mr. Snook?”

“Twice.” He grunted. “Never again.”

Dr. Ryder nodded. “I see. And are your parents married?”

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