Page 78 of Bride Games

“Sure, bride. You’re not my boss. I’m leaving.” He propped his bike up, swung his leg over, and straddled it. But he didn’t even get his motorcycle started before Mr. Snook intervened. “You aren’t going anywhere, mister. You caused this accident.” One of the other male teachers and Dr. Ryder circled the cyclist. Dr. Ryder pointed toward her cellphone. “I’m the principal of Appledale Elementary. You’re on our school property and you are staying put, sir. The police are on their way.”

Red, white, and blue lights swirled as sirens filled the air. An ambulance and a patrol car arrived almost simultaneously, as did a fire truck. Emma glanced at Paige and raised her hands in the air as if,what next?

Paige made a heart shape with her hands, mouthing,we aren’t filming.

Emma nodded gratefully. She glanced at Eli who held his stoic mother in his arms. A paramedic checked her vitals, asked several questions, and offered to take her to the hospital for further testing. Lana declined, “I’m just sore. Nothing a little Advil and an ice pack won’t take care of. I’m staying here.” She stared at Eli for several seconds with pleading eyes. “I want toattend the rest of my son and daughter-in-law’s wedding. That is, if they’ll allow it.”

Emma noticed a puzzled look cross the paramedic’s face. She motioned for Eli and lowered her voice to an almost whisper. “Invite her to our reception, Eli. Dance with your mom. You—we—need to patch this up. I don’t want the first day of our lives to end with a family feud or tragedy.”

“Are you sure?” Eli asked, clearly dumbfounded. “She practically one-handedly ruined our entire wedding beginning with her objection. She can be a piece of work, Em, as you’ve clearly seen.”

Still red-eyed, Emma said, “I know, but she’s still your mother, plus she saved Lucy’s life. That trumps everything else. By a long shot.”

“You’re right.” Eli kissed her. “You’re always right.” He grinned. “Also, you taste like cake.”

After the policeman interviewed the jogger, several wedding guests, plus Eli, Emma, and Lana, he gave the motorcyclist a ticket, a massive fine, and ordered him to attend traffic school. The policeman’s voice boomed. “If I ever catch you speeding in a school zone again, you’ll lose your license.”

Dr. Ryder and the other teachers clapped after hearing the officer’s warning. The principal asked Eli and Emma if they wanted her help to usher everyone back inside. After they gave confirmation, the principal clapped twice. “Everyone, back inside. The show must go on.”

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Once they were all back inside the school, Miss Ainsley and another teacher got ibuprofen and an ice pack from the school nurse’s office. They tended to Lana who sat on a chair, appearing more embarrassed than injured.

Emma stared at Nigel wild-eyed, as if he were her redeemer.He’ll know what to do to get our wedding back on track.

Taking her cue, Nigel clinked a fork against his glass. “What a hullabaloo, right? Bloody he—” He stopped himself from repeating his favorite phrase when he clearly remembered how little Lucy loved to parrot it. In fact, every student at Appledale would likely be sayingbloody hellby the end of the evening. Scanning the room, Nigel said, “Thank goodness everyone is okay, especially my favorite wee lass, Lucy.” Clearing his throat for dramatic flair, Nigel added, “I think a toast is in order for the happy bride and groom. Let’s ensure they have a lovely wedding. It's past time to get everything sorted straight away. The rest of the evening will be brilliant. No more ballyhoo, right? Is everyone as chuffed as me?” The guests cheered, most of all Emma and Eli, who were clearly ready to get their wedding reception back on track and normalized, if that were even possible.

While Nigel spoke, Emma noticed some of the kids playing musical chairs on the other side of the room. She cheered on their ingenuity, thrilled they were ready to get past the drama, as was she. Lucy, who had already assured Emma a hundred times that she wasn’t hurt, followed her mom’s gaze, and broke free from her embrace, saying, “Be right back, Mommy.” Emma smiled as Lucy ran across the room to join her classmates in the acclaimed children’s game, more than happy for her childlike innocence.

Nigel clanked his glass again. “Everyone, please stand around our beautiful couple.” He paused as Emma and Eli stood near him, holding hands. Nigel warned the crowd, “And no chin wagging while I speak.” He paused as snickers ensued. Several students repeated the odd British phrase. He held his glass high and chin ever higher. “Even though I’m not Irish, as anyone can plainly see unless you’re daft, I’m going to recite a delightful Irish poem because…well, I don’t know a good British one.” Nigel snorted. “Sorry, lads and lasses, don’t call anyone daft either.” Nigel clapped a hand over his mouth while the kids giggled at his unique vocabulary. He waited until the commotion stopped and all eyes were back on him. Nigel addressed Eli and Emma as he delivered his toast from memory:

“For each petal on the shamrock, I wish you good health and good luck. May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.”Nigel raised his glass. “Here’s to many wonderful long years together, Eli and Emma. I’m proud to call you my friends. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Hansen.”

Someone in the crowd yelled, “Here, here,” as Eli and Emma clinked their glasses together and took a sip, followed by a kiss and more applause.

“That was a charming toast, Nigel.” Paige glanced toward her videographer who gave a thumbs up, indicating he had captured the moment. Tapping the side of her glass with a spoon, shecontinued, “I guess it’s my turn.” She felt her face flush and took a deep breath. “This is harder than being on television, everyone.” The guests hooted as Paige held her flute high in the air. “To my best friend and her new wonderful husband. I truly believe you two are the perfect couple—and instant family.” Paige winked at Lucy who had returned and appeared to hang on her every word. “I couldn’t be happier for you. True love is hard to find.” Paige’s voice wobbled slightly. “But you found each other in the most magical, unique way, through little Lucy and this remarkably supportive school. Your school-sponsored wedding is absolutely enchanting. Everyone in this room contributed to your special day. It was storybook.” As a few nervous chortles erupted, Paige chuckled. “Well,almoststorybook and most definitely meaningful. Challenges are part of any relationship.” Staring at the newlyweds, Paige continued. “You already made it through your first obstacle and will lean on one another for any future trials. I’m sure of it.” Paige held her glass higher. “To Emma and Eli. I love you both.”

Dr. Ryder made a toast and mentioned how excited everyone at Appledale Elementary was to be included in such an historic event. Miss Ainsley made a quick, shy toast wishing the couple many years of wedded bliss, and Mr. Snook added his thanks for the wedding planning which brought his students and family together.

Lucy tugged on Emma’s wedding dress. “Can I make a toast, Mommy.”

Everyone within hearing distance said, “Aw.”

Lucy held a cup of lemonade in the air, mimicking the adults’ actions. “To Mr. Hansen and Mommy. I wuv you. I’m really happy you’re my daddy now.”

No one in the room could speak as Emma and Eli both bent down to hold one of Lucy’s hands. They each kissed her cheek and embraced the little girl in a group hug. Tears spilled downPaige’s cheeks as the camera rolled. After they hugged, Emma blew kisses to Nigel and Paige. The principal said, “Well done, Lucy,” and began clapping as others joined in with rousing applause.

Lucy curtseyed, which her best friend, Grace, mimicked.

A teacher shouted, “How about some music? Let’s get this party started.”

“Great idea,” Eli shouted, as he reached for Emma’s hand. “May I have the first dance?”

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The DJ reached for his microphone and called Emma and Eli to the center of the dance floor. Eli took Emma’s warm hand and gazed into her eyes as if she were the only woman in the room. The onlypersonin the room. He kissed the top of her hand. “Would you like to dance, Mrs. Hansen?”

Emma’s heart swelled and fell to her feet. “I’m never going to get tired of being called Mrs. Hansen.” She touched his cheek with the back of her hand and gave a little curtsy. “I’d love to dance with my husband.” As they stepped to the middle of the dance floor, Emma was awestruck that students and parents had pushed tables and chairs against the wall while they were outside dealing with the near catastrophe. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

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