Page 65 of Bride Games

As a note pierced the air, Emma said, “No, Luce. Not now. Let’s see if Grace can go with us to Bride & Joy. We need to try your wedding dresses on.”

“Goody.” Lucy placed the recorder on the counter and sat near her mom.

After Emma called Grace’s mom and confirmed she was available, she grabbed her car keys, and they picked up Grace who lived six blocks away. Emma drove to the bridal store while Lucy and Grace chatted the entire way.I can’t wait to be married, but I also can’t wait for it to be over.Her mind raced as she mentally tried to remember if they had covered all the bases.

Once they arrived at Bride & Joy and stepped inside, Emma wanted to yank the jangling bell off the front door. She couldn’t take any more loud, annoying sounds.

Nigel crossed the room, wearing a navy tuxedo. He bent down to address Lucy and Grace. “How lovely to see not one buttwowee lasses in my store today.” He put a hand over his chest. “I’m so lucky. And you brought your mum too, I see.”

“No, I brought my mom,” Lucy corrected, as Grace giggled.

Nigel offered both girls a pink heart-shaped sucker and kissed Emma on both cheeks. “I have the girls’ dresses already in the dressing room. Girls, would you like for your mom to help you or Miss Amanda, my employee?”

Both chirped, “Miss Amanda.”

Emma chuckled. “I guess I know where I stand.” She took a seat in front of the dressing area on one of the pink plush chairs. Nigel sat beside her as Lucy and Grace changed clothes.

“We can have a chinwag while they model for us.” Nigel winked. “Do you fancy a tipple? I have some G&T in the back. Wine too.”

“None for me since I’m driving, but thanks.”

“Of course. How daft of me.” Nigel took Emma’s hand. “How are you feeling, dear Emma? Is everything sorted for your wedding?”

To her surprise, Emma’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know. I think so. I have a long list on my fridge. This is the last thing to check off. I think. I hope.”

Nigel winked. “It’ll be spectacular. Did you decide on a wedding cake? We haven’t discussed that.”

Emma sucked in her breath. “IknewI was forgetting something. I was supposed to call the bakery back. Thank you for reminding me. A sister of one of the teachers opened a new bakery. She said it’ll be her first wedding cake and is giving us a huge discount so she can use photos on her website. It’ll be a three-tiered white cake, with alternating hot pink and orange ribboned edges. They’re going to put edible sunflowers on top. I just need to tell the bakery what time to deliver the cake tothe school.” Emma put her head in her hands. “Phew. I nearly forgot.”

“But it’s all sorted now.” Nigel grinned as Emma texted a note to herself. Both glanced up as the dressing room doors opened. “Mommy, look.” Lucy and Grace pranced outside doing curtsies and ballerina poses. They each held the hems of their dresses out to the side, twirled in front of the mirror, and took a bow.

“Bravo,” Nigel clapped. “Lovely. Very posh, wee lasses.”

Emma rushed toward the girls, arms outstretched, while happy tears streamed down her cheeks. “You’re both beautiful. Your dresses fit perfectly.” She turned back toward Nigel. “No alternations are needed.”

He made two check mark signs in the air. “Done and done.”

After the girls changed back into their regular clothes, Emma reached for her wallet. Nigel shook his head. “The flower girl dresses are on me. Seeing their joy and your reaction is all the thanks I need.” He lowered his voice and joked, “Besides, I get the wholesale rate.”

Emma hugged him so hard Nigel practically toppled over. “Thank you. You’re so kind. Everyone has been incredible—you, Paige, Mrs. Roberts, and of course, Eli. I’m overwhelmed. I’ll cook you all a big dinner when this is over.”

Nigel kissed the top of her hand. “I’ll hold you to that. Your invitations came out beautifully, by the way. I’m sure they’re already in the mail.”

“Yes, I love them. Mrs. Roberts, our neighbor, addressed them a couple of weeks ago. I’ve heard feedback about how everyone loved the photos, especially the one of Lucy holding her homemadeWill You Marry Mr. Hansen?sign.” Emma’s eyes reddened again as she reached for a tissue on a nearby table. “Is every bride this emotional?”

Nigel chuckled as he put her arm around Emma’s shoulders. “Trust me, every bride gets utterly knackered. I’ve had utter meltdowns, drunken brawls, and all sorts of kerfuffles in this store—even breakups.” Nigel kissed Emma’s hand. “You, dear Emma, are an angel. You’re holding up brilliantly. Who is your minister, by the way? Just curious.”

Emma felt as if her heart fell to the floor. “That’swhat I’ve forgotten.” She put both hands on her head. “Since we aren’t using a church or chapel, it completely slipped my mind.” She laid her head on the counter. “How am I ever going to find anyone who’s available so soon?”

Lucy tugged on her shirt. “Mommy, what’s wrong?”

Grace and Lucy exchanged worried glances as Nigel slipped them both another sucker. He cleared his throat. “Must I do everything, dear Em? Please don’t cry. Look at me.”

A red-eyed Emma faced Nigel and noticed his mouth twitching. “What’s so funny? This is a last-minute nightmare that I don’t need.”

“Not if someone who is standing a foot from you is an ordained minister—from the Internet, of course—but still. It’s all official.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “You? You’re an ordained minister?”

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