Page 19 of Bride Games

Lucy pointed out the window. “There he is.”

Eli spotted the car and ran toward them as Grace lowered the window. “Hey, I wanted to take you two out to dinner to tell you my surprise, but I see you already kn—” His mouth set in a straight line. “What’s wrong, Lucy?”

Frowning, Emma said, “Lucy and Grace were separated. They have different first grade teachers.” She motioned for Eli to get inside her vehicle. “Why the secrecy about coming back?”

Eli slid into the passenger seat. “I wasn’t sure the principal would hire me back since we’re engaged and didn’t want you to feel guilty if that was the case. But since I teach a different grade than Lucy’s class, Dr. Ryder said she didn’t see anything wrong with it. She rehired me. Besides”—Eli reached for Emma’s hand—“you’ve been slightly anxious about our wedding prep. I didn’t want to add to your worry.” Sighing, Eli added, “I thought thiswould be a celebratory day.” He glanced back at Lucy. “Sorry you had a rough first day, Luce.”

“I hate school,” Lucy hollered.

“Lucy.No need to yell. And, no, you don’t. You just hate being separated from Grace. Don’t you see her at recess or lunchtime?” Emma asked.

“Only today. They made a ‘ception and let me eat with her.” Lucy’s bottom lip quivered. “I’ll be alone tomorrow.”

“You’ll make new friends,” Emma said. She turned to Eli. “Want to get ice cream with us?”

“Thanks, but no. I think I’ll have a conversation with the principal if she’s still here.” He mouthed,I’ll try.

Nodding, Emma understood the unspoken words, leaned over, and kissed Eli. She whispered, “Thanks.”

At the ice cream shop, Lucy licked her double chocolate chip ice cream cone while Emma ate a single scoop of chocolate mint in a bowl. Emma studied her daughter who had finally stopped crying.I really hope Eli comes through. On the other hand, I’m torn. Lucy needs to learn that there are challenges in life.Emma sighed as she remembered her own childhood. She wasn’t about to tell her daughter that the exact thing happened to her when she was in the first grade. She came home from school bawling and her babysitter had called the principal. Emma was transferred to the other class the following day.But Dr. Ryder may not see it that way. I don’t want to get Lucy’s hopes up.

Once they got home, Eli’s truck was in their driveway. He leaned against it, smiling. Emma’s heart swelled.That’s a good sign.

Lucy had fallen asleep, likely from the school drama. Emma rolled the windows down halfway and cracked her door, careful not to awaken her daughter. She ran to Eli. “What did she say?”

He gave her a thumbs up. “She understood. In fact, Dr. Ryder told me she had already decided to transfer Grace into Lucy’s class for two reasons—she understood the importance of friendships at this crucial age, especially since her own best friend had moved halfway across the country and she was like a lost puppy—her words—for nearly a year in elementary school. Dr. Ryder also said Mrs. O’Connor has two fewer students than Miss Ainsley so the change made sense for everyone.”

Emma planted a kiss on Eli’s mouth and talked as their lips touched. “You’re the best. Thank you. I love you.”

He chuckled as he rubbed his lips. “That was nice. We should kiss-talk more often.” He hugged her. “I didn’t even have to ask. It was already a done deal.” Winking, Eli added, “But you can kiss me like that anytime.” They both turned when they heard Lucy’s door creak open.

“Guess what?” Emma said. “Tell her Eli.”

After Eli told Lucy the good news about transferring classrooms, she put her head on his lap and hugged his knees. “Thank you, Mr. Hansen. I wuv you.” He patted her head. “I love you too. I’m glad you’re happy again.”

17

Paige

Paige stared at her computer screen in a daze, wishing she could tell Zach about Emma and Eli’s proposal and chuckle about their bridal colors and the orange conundrum. But he was gone. Again. Mr. Hales had surprisingly sent Zach on the road more and more without her. He had covered a golf tournament, a tennis tourney, and to some NFL team practices in other states. Since they couldn’t exactly be seen much in public—as a couple at least since they both worked at ATV 10—she began to worry if their relationship was plausible.

The thought of the prank call days earlier entered her mind occasionally, mostly at bedtime. Paige shuddered but a small smile formed when she remembered how Zach had tried to reassure her, saying it was likely a one-off and someone who was attracted to her knockout looks.

A knock on the door jarred her out of her trance. When she glanced up, a man holding a dozen white roses said, “Paige Daniels.”

Crossing her office, she beamed. “The one and only. How lovely. Thanks.” After the delivery man left, she cleared a corner off her messy desk and inhaled the sweet velvety scent.Just when I think Zach has forgotten about me—about us whiletraveling—he does this.She reached for her cellphone to thank him while simultaneously plucking out the tiny white envelope to read the card. Her eyes widened.Oh, no!

The card simply read:

Please give me another chance. I messed up. Trent.

Paige took a deep breath, dropped her cellphone back in her purse, and decided she wouldn’t bother acknowledging the card from her former fiancé. Their breakup washisfault after he cheated.You don’t get to do this, Trent. You screwed up. I might have loved you at one time but you shattered my trust. I’m not risking my heart with you again. Nope. No way.

Besides, dating Trent had been a monumental challenge since he was the main television anchor across town. Their previous engagement had been top-secret since their stations competed for market share. A twinkle appeared in Paige’s eye. She knew Trent hated the fact she had outmaneuvered him ratings-wise due to her sports gig and secretly wondered if he wanted to one-up her again. Rather than overthink it, Paige picked up the roses and took them to the reception area.

“Those are beautiful,” the receptionist said. “I saw the delivery guy bring them in. Lucky you.”

“They’re yours now.”

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