Page 64 of Bride Games

Dr. Ryder gestured toward two chairs. “Have a seat. I’m glad you’re here. This will be an historic moment in Appledale’s history.” The principal’s cheeks pinkened. “I’ve never met a celebrity before. This is exciting.” Dr. Ryder paused. “Why haven’t you been covering the football games, if I might ask?”

Paige grinned. “Thank you. I miss being on the air. I’m”—she wondered what to say—“filling in for my boss who’s on vacation. I hope to be back covering games soon.”

“I see.” Dr. Ryder nodded. “What would you like to know about our wedding planning?”

“I suppose an overview of what the different classes are doing. How different age groups are handling such a major event and including it in the curriculum.” Paige motioned to thevideographer. “Mind if we interview you first so we can get some backstory?

Dr. Ryder beamed and restated why Appledale Elementary was thrilled to host the first-ever wedding of any school in this district—or maybe the region or country. The principal talked about how the couple met when Mr. Hansen was the kindergarten teacher of the daughter of his bride-to-be last year. Grinning, she added how enthusiastic teachers and students alike were, mentioning several classes were working together and how this had been a great team-building exercise for the entire school. Dr. Ryder concluded by saying how teachers were adding the wedding project to their curriculum—whether art, career studies, history, or even math.

After their interview concluded, Paige clapped. “That was absolutely perfect. Thank you for the background. Our viewers will love this story.”

“Wonderful. Ready to meet the teachers? Several are waiting in the teacher’s lounge. I’ve lined up a few who have become quite fond of this opportunity.” Dr. Ryder winked. “I had to give one teacher a rather swift nudge, but as you’ll find out, he’s loving the process now.”

“I can’t wait to meet them.” Paige and the videographer followed Dr. Ryder through gleaming hallways. Paige wished she hadn’t worn heels which clacked with every step. She grinned at the kids standing in line in the hallway. Some were chatting excitedly and being shushed by their teacher. Others were in classrooms, heads down studying with a few waving their hands in the air. Backpacks and light coats hung on hooks. Artwork was in glass display cases, as were positive reinforcement posters, and colorful bulletin boards outside classrooms displayed photos, art, and announcements. As they entered the teacher’s lounge, Paige noticed several teachers recognized her. She swallowed, hoping it was in a good way from her television daysand not from the recent online football knowledge, or lack of, backlash.

Dr. Ryder introduced her and sat down. Paige stood as she addressed the teachers. “Thank you for allowing us to be here. “This is my cameraman, Tom.” The short videographer gave a quick wave and set his camera down while Paige spoke. “As you know, the bride and groom-to-be, plus Dr. Ryder, have gratefully allowed us to video this unique, significant event. And we couldn’t be more excited.” Paige beamed. “On a personal note, Emma, is my best friend.” Paige paused as several of the teachers said, “Oh,” or “Nice.” She continued. “For that reason and many more, we all want this to come off without a hitch. I’m sure you and your students are doing your utmost to make beautiful decorations. I’d love to hear about them. Please show us what you can—I won’t spill the beans to Emma—and I’d like to interview anyone who is willing to discuss how you’re working this happy project into your curriculum. If you don’t mind, my videographer will capture our conversation.” Paige winked. “Just pretend he isn’t there. Talk to me.”

Miss Ainsley waved her hand. “My students are having a ball. I’ve never seen so many orange and pink fingers. It’s on most of my clothes too.” Everyone laughed as the teacher said, “They’ve been fingerpainting hearts using their hands on large posters and have also made several cute banners saying things like,Appledale loves you, Mr. Hansen and Lucy’s Mom,Happy Wedding Day,andHere Comes the Bride. “I’ll be happy to show you examples later. They’re in a plastic bin in my classroom.” Paige put a hand over her heart. “How sweet.”

Another teacher said her fourth graders were harkening the seventies and learning about that decade while making huge paper mâché flowers which will be used to decorate the altar. The large fluffy flowers are pink, orange, and white. “Thosesound really cool,” Paige said. “May I see a couple later?” The teacher agreed, saying her classroom was near Miss Ainsley’s.

A fresh-faced teacher stood. “My class decided it wouldn’t look like a wedding without stained glass windows over the brick walls. We used dark gray construction paper and steepled it like most windows in a chapel or church.” The teacher talked animatedly with her hands as she demonstrated on a plain piece of paper. “The students folded their artwork in half and cut out cute designs—that they stenciled first—sort of like a butterfly. To bring in the wedding colors, they glued alternating hot pink and orange crêpe paper inside. They turned out beautifully. I’ll show you later if you want.”

“What a great idea. Yes, I’d love to see the decorations.” Paige clapped, adding, “This is going to be outstanding. Anyone else?”

A fifth-grade teacher stood, hands in pockets. “I’ll admit it took me a while to grasp this concept and how I’d add it to my classroom teachings.” Pausing, he added, “I’m single and have never been married.” A few chuckles erupted. Clearing his throat, the teacher continued, “But I love history and had my class research wedding dresses and traditions in other countries throughout the ages. My students wrote essay papers on their favorite period. They also want to make a bridal gown.” He chuckled. “The last thing I expected to do was go to a fabric store in search of patterns and lace, but here we are.” He rubbed his hands together. “My class was completely engrossed with this section, especially with the history of the royals. I’ll probably include it every year.” As the male teacher sat down, the other teachers applauded his efforts, as did Paige. “Thank you.” Blushing, he added, “It’s been a unique learning experience. My class and I loved it.”

Paige stood to thank the teachers for their input but turned when someone cleared their throat. It was another male teacher.He stood appearing pleased with himself—or not—she wasn’t sure. “Would you like to add something?”

Nodding, the teacher said, “Yes. My name is Mr. Snook. Your station certainly has my permission to film this event, since it has been a surprising learning opportunity, not only for my students but for me.” Mr. Snook held his chin high as he said, “As Dr. Ryder and most of the teachers here know, I was not keen on this project. In fact, I was the last holdout because I’m not crafty. I’m not romantic. I’m not into weddings, plus I didn’t think I had the time, nor the inclination, to participate. But you know what? This project has brought students together who previously didn’t get along. My students who hated math have learned the value of calculating measurements for a proper support. Since my students are in fifth grade, we’re building the platform and altar.” Grinning, he added, “It didn’tfeellike math to them. This also engaged my learning-disabled student in a way that she’d never enjoyed. She told me she finally felt part of a team.” Mr. Snook’s voice caught. “That meant almost as much as when it brought my estranged dad and me together since he’s a former high school shop teacher. The students adore him. Now, Dad and I meet every week over coffee.” Mr. Snook sat down and avoided eye contact. No one said a word, but sniffles could be heard.

Paige reached for a tissue. “Thanks for ruining my makeup, Mr. Snook.” Her comment broke the ice and he smiled. “Thank you for sharing, everyone. What heartwarming stories.” She dabbed at a tear. “Our viewers are going to adore this delightful wedding at your lovely school. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this happen.” Paige turned to Dr. Ryder. “And to you, the principal, who championed this historic project. I’m in awe of all of you. Honestly, I don’t need to see the decorations. I can tell by your lively responses and descriptions that this will be a perfect day in every way.” Paige shivered and rubbedher arm. “I actually have goosebumps. Memorable doesn’t even touch how this will come across to our viewers. But please keep this among yourselves. This is an exclusive scoop. I assure you ATV 10 will give this beautiful school-wide event the coverage it deserves. Again, thank you for your time and enthusiasm. Please thank your students too. I can’t wait to tell Emma and Eli their wedding is in extremely capable hands, but don’t worry, I won’t spill the confetti.”

The minute Paige was in her car she called Emma but her message went to voicemail. “Em, I’m at Appledale now. I’ve met with the principal and several teachers. Your and Eli’s wedding will be wonderful. I was actually in tears after hearing how some of the teachers involved their students. Don’t worry about a thing. It’ll be perfection.”

58

Emma

The weeks had breezed by. Emma and Eli were absolutely giddy since their wedding was finally near. Beyond nervous, Emma paced, giggled, sighed, sweated, and did everything most anxious brides do every minute of every day leading to the big event. Meanwhile, Eli acted as though he had done this a million times in the dark with his eyes closed and hands tied behind his back.

Emma placed her hands around Eli’s neck. “How are you so calm? We’re getting married soon.”

Shrugging, Eli said, “Because I can’t wait to be your husband, be a father to Lucy, and to live together. I wish our wedding were tomorrow.”

Her eyes bulged. “Don’t say that.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important.” Emma gulped as she glanced at a checklist she had placed on the refrigerator. She had listed a dozen things and they were all checked off. Eli pointed out this fact, but it didn’t dissuade her. “Something’s going to go wrong. I feel it in my gut.”

Eli took both her hands. “Don’t be silly. The teachers and students have it covered. Everything else has been handled.” Hestared at her list and noticed one item that wasn’t checked off. “Except the final fitting for Lucy and Grace’s flower girl dresses. Why don’t you take care of that today? Get it off your mind.”

“You’re right. I should. Lucy and Grace wear the same size. They already chose the pink, poofy, ultra-ruffled dresses and Nigel assured me his seamstress would work us in immediately if necessary.” Emma winced when she heard a blaring high-pitched noise coming from the living room. “Lucy, put your recorder down, please. Come here.” Emma glanced at Eli and whispered, “Getting her a recorder at the music shop was the dumbest thing I could have done before our wedding. My nerves are already shot, and now I have to listen to?—”

Curls bouncing, Lucy ran into the room. “Mommy and Mr. Hansen, do you like my new song? I made it up myself.” Lucy stared at them with big blue eyes as she gripped the foot-long recorder with white knuckles, clearly daring anyone to take it from her. “Want to hear it again?”

Lucy lifted the instrument toward her mouth.

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