Page 48 of Bride Games

“Not at all, but you don’t have to pay.”

“Come on, you need to save up for your splashy wedding.

“As splashy as elementary kids get, but okay.” Emma took the cash and approached the counter. After she returned with their coffee, Emma took a sip as Paige eyed her.

“Are you okay, Em? You seem a little down or distracted.”

Emma shrugged, “I’m not sure. I’m afraid we’ve forgotten something—or someone. I also can’t figure out our crazy color combo.” She blew out her breath. “This is just pre-wedding jitters, right? All brides do this, right?” Emma stared at her friend over her coffee. “I’m terrible with decisions lately. What color do you think the tuxes should be?”

“Relax. Everything will fall into place.” Paige crossed her legs. “As far as the tuxes, probably not black. That might be too elegant for a school, plus if you go with orange ties, it could look Halloweenish.”

Emma grimaced. “I hadn’t thought of that. Lucy would probably love that idea, but that combo is a definite thumbs down.”

Paige sipped her coffee, drummed her fingers on the table, and said, “Gray. How about a tasteful, soothing gray for the tuxes since your other colors are bold.”

“Ooh. Soothing.” Emma nodded. “I think that’s the color.”

Paige’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes. “I’ve got to get back to the station for another stupid meeting.” Paige added, “I hope I helped calm your nerves a little.”

“You did. Accomplishing even one thing helps my anxiety level. I’ll run the tux color past Eli, who won’t care a bit, and will let Nigel know.”

“Good. Check that off your list.” Paige lowered her voice as she put her purse over her shoulder. “By the way, I’m going to take you up on your covert idea.”

“Covert?” Emma’s mind raced. Her mouth formed an “O” when she realized what Paige meant.

Grinning, Paige said, “Yep. I’m tying up several loose ends at the station so I can go 007 on Zach and the enemy.”

“Are you going to wear a trench coat?” Emma laughed out loud. “I needed that. And you need this for your own peace of mind.” She punched her fist in the air. “Yay, us.”

Paige repeated the gesture and blew Emma a kiss before disappearing out the front door, high heels clacking with every step.

Emma drove home to fold her never-ending laundry and check to see if any authors had contacted her about making swag. After scrolling through her emails—mostly spam—Emma was relieved her authors had paid attention to her temporary closure due to wedding planning. She had told them she’d make an exception if an author had a new release or a launch party but wasn’t open for creating routine book swag for a few more months. Emma folded towels, changed the sheets, and quickly became bored after sorting Lucy’s colorful socks. She stepped into the kitchen and was surprised by the time on the microwave.

All I’ve done is drive back and forth today.As Emma drove to the school, her thoughts turned to her best friend.I hope I gave Paige sound advice and her covert mission to check on Zach doesn’t go belly up. What if she doesn’t like what she sees?Emma groaned as she got in the familiar long line of parents’ cars at Appledale Elementary and listened to various radio stations, switching back and forth from country to rock to jazz. After hearing a romantic lyric, she realized music needed to be added to their to-do list. Emma pulled out a tiny notebook shekept in her purse for wedding ideas and was jolted out of her bridal stupor when she heard a knock on the window.

“Mommy, mommy. Let me in. The door’s locked.”

Clicking the button, Emma freed the latch and Lucy bounded inside. As she clicked her seatbelt on—an automatic routine—she said, “I have so many sec-wets, Mommy.”

“Do you remember our conversation about secrets?”

Lucy bobbed her head so hard her curls bounced. “I can only keep this sec-wet because it’s a good one and because I also told Mr. Hansen, my teacher, and the principal.”

“Very good. Just this one time, okay?”

“O-tay. Are we going home?”

Emma winked at her daughter. “I thought we could go see Nigel and try on some dresses.”

“You already have a Cinderella dress, Mommy. Aren’t you wearing that to your wedding?”

“I’m definitely wearing that gorgeous gown, thanks to my best friend, Paige, who gave it to me. But…guess what?”

“What?”

“You get to wear a fancy dress too.”

Lucy gasped. “I do?”

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