Page 45 of Bride Games

Emma called Eli the minute she and Paige hung up. “Guess what? Paige said the station will provide a video of our wedding for free. That’ll save us a ton of money.”

“Why didn’t she say that to begin with? That’s very generous of Paige.”

“She’s the best. I can’t wait to tell Lucy. Let’s go out and celebrate.”

Emma and Eli sat across from a fidgety Lucy. “What’s wrong, hon?”

“I don’t like this restaurant.”

Emma stared at her daughter. “Why? Their food’s delicious.”

Lucy crossed her arms. “Do they have mac ‘n cheeze or chicken fingers?” She gave her mom her best pouty look.

Reaching for the kid’s menu, Emma scanned the items. “How about a grilled cheese and sweet potato fries. You like both of those.”

“O-tay.” Lucy slurped her lemonade, promptly knocking it over but the lid saved the day.

Emma and Eli exchanged glances. “We have something exciting to tell you.”

Lucy clapped her hands. “Are you going to have a baby? Am I going to be a big sister?”

“Lucy! Where did that come from?” Emma felt her face flush. “No, that’s not it.” Emma snuck a glance at Eli who was grinning like a kid who discovered a dollar on the sidewalk. She cleared her throat. “Do you want to tell Luce or should I?”

“I’m enjoying this conversation. Go ahead, babe. You’re handling this like a pro.”

Emma set her menu aside. “Lucy, you know we’re getting married at the school which is a little unusual, so?—”

“’usual?”

“Unique. Anyway, my best friend Paige wants her station to cover our wedding. You’ll be on television. We’ll all be on television.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. “Even Grace?”

“Yes, since she’s a flower girl too.”

Bouncing in her chair, Lucy said, “Does my teacher know? Can I tell—” Lucy reached for the apron of a nearby server. “Guess what? We’re going to be on tele?—”

“Hold on, Luce.” Emma smiled at the confused server and waited until she had her daughter’s attention. “I’m glad you’re excited, but this is kind of a secret.”

“A sec-wet? I thought you didn’t like too many sec-wets, Mommy.”

“I know that must be confusing, Luce.” Emma stared at Eli. “You’re probably better trained at this than me.” After he shrugged, Emma continued. “Okay, it’s not exactly a secret because the teachers and parents of students will know. But we can’t tell anyone else until our wedding day.”

“Why?”

Knowing full well her six-year-old wouldn’t understand an exclusive television scoop, Emma said, “Because Mommy said so.”

With a slow clap, Eli said, “Well done. Can we order now?”

42

Emma & Paige

The following day Emma and Paige decided to have some girlfriend time over dinner. Before going to Coral Restaurant, they decided to meet at Bride & Joy to tell Nigel the news about the wedding being televised and arrived at the bridal shop at nearly the same time. Once they entered the shop, Nigel rushed toward them, arms spread wide. “What a brilliant surprise. Are you here to try on dresses, head pieces, or?—”

“Hi Nigel. We just have a few minutes but wanted to tell you about a new wedding development.” Emma glanced at Paige. “Should you tell him about the story, or should I?”

“Story?” Nigel led them away from a raucous bridal group. “What story? Do tell.”

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