Page 3 of Bride Games

“It’s more than okay.” Emma squeezed Lucy’s hand as she took in their transformed, magical backyard. It wasn’t her birthday, nor a holiday, so she was slightly bewildered about the occasion. Maybe Eli was just being his sweet romantic self. Emma continued down a lush pathway in the backyard covered in pink rose petals and a dozen white flickering candles placed every few feet on both sides. Her eyes widened as she noticed each candle propped up a photo of Emma, Eli, and Lucy from their many activities together—an outing at the zoo, a picnic at a park, playing in a mall kid zone, a board game marathon, and baking together with flour all over their hands, counter, and floor. There was even one photo showing the threesome dancing in the living room with Lucy’s feet atop Eli’s.

Emma’s face hurt from smiling as she savored each and every incredible memory—memories they had made in a few short months. Memories she never thought she’d have with a man, especially one who embraced her daughter so completely and fully. Tears sprang to her eyes as she bent down and picked up each picture as if it were made of delicate hand-blown glass while she relived every moment.

Gulping as a possible, likely realization set in, Emma’s heart pounded as she allowed herself to consider a life she had always thought was out of reach. A life that wasn’t even on her radar. A life that other people led, not her. Emma’s pulse quickened as her thoughts raced.Surely this isn’t…. It can’t be. Can it?

Emma forced herself to slow down as she methodically considered—and attempted to relive—each photo and memory from their past several months together playing mini golf, enjoying croquet in her backyard, barbecues, a Branson show, play dates at the park, and even an embarrassing attempt at pickleball. Their weeks and months together had flown by at warp speed. Emma’s heart swelled. She couldn’t stop smiling asshe realized she had never had this much fun in her life, and it was all thanks to Eli Hansen.

Lucy jumped up and down. “Keep walking, Mommy. You’re taking too long.”

Eli chimed in. “Yeah, you might want to pick up the tempo.” When they locked eyes, he winked. Emma’s heart melted. She nodded, knees already weak. “I’m taking in every last detail. You guys outdid yourselves.”

“Mr. Hansen did most of it, Mommy, but I helped with the flowers. Hurry up!”

Emma giggled. “Okay, okay.” Her eyes welled when she spotted Lucy and Eli holding hands. She wanted this precious memory burned in her brain forever. She didn’t want to rush. She didn’t want to forget one detail. Emma took a few more steps on the rose petals as she stepped toward the last flickering candle. But there wasn’t a photo. She glanced from the candle to Eli and her daughter. Lucy held a cardboard sign she had clearly decorated with pink and purple glitter and a sort-of unicorn in the corner. Emma could barely make out the words as tears filled her eyes.

4

Emma blinked several times as she read Lucy’s elementary, yet flawless, cardboard sign. In crayon using multiple colors, she had written in a first-grader’s scrawl:

Will you Marry Mr. Hansen?

As Emma clapped a hand over her mouth, Eli bent down on one knee and so did Lucy, who mimicked his every move. Emma didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and did a little of both as he produced a black velvet ring case.

Eli asked Lucy to help him open the hinged jewelry box lid while he said, “Will you marry me, Emma Miller? I love you. In fact, I couldn’t love you more.” He glanced at Lucy who now had both knees on the ground, turned toward the little girl and asked, “And will you allow me to be part of your family, Lucy?”

Tears flowed nonstop as Emma raced toward Eli and blubbered, “Yes.” Lucy jumped up, adding an exuberant, “Yes!” to punctuate the special proposal. Emma wrapped her arms around Eli’s neck after he slid a sparkling diamond solitaire onto her finger.

Lucy reached for her mother’s hand to examine the ring. “It’s like a princess ring, Mommy. I helped pick it out.”

Emma extended her hand. The diamond glittered in the late afternoon sun. “It’s gorgeous. Absolutely stunning.” Emma kissed Eli again. “I love you. I can’t believe this is my life right now.”

Eli grinned. “Just imagine. If Lucy hadn’t been in my kindergarten class last year, we never would have met.” He reached for Lucy’s hand and kissed it. “I’m the lucky one. I got a two for one.”

Beaming, Emma said, “This is surreal. How long have you two been planning this?” She gave her daughter a fake stern look. “And how did you keep this huge secret from your mommy?”

“Mr. Hansen told me I could keep a secret from you just this once.” Lucy paused and added, “Or maybe also at Christmas for presents.”

Eli pulled Lucy in for a group hug. “That’s exactly right. Now, who wants to have dinner to celebrate? I made reservations at The Twisted Pasta.”

“I can cook if you want. I’ve already set everything out.” Emma stared down at her jeans and red tee, wishing she had worn a pretty dress for this momentous occasion.

As if he had read her mind, Eli said, “Why don’t you and Lucy dress up? I already brought a change of clothes”—he winked—“in case you said yes. Besides, you shouldn’t cook tonight. We need to celebrate. Do this right.”

Emma was more than happy to oblige. She gave Eli another lingering kiss before ushering Lucy inside. “Let’s put on our prettiest dresses, Luce. This is the start of our new life.”

5

Paige

Sitting at her desk, Paige scrolled a list of rookies for several NFL teams. She grinned as she wondered which player would become the next Patrick Mahomes or the recently retired Tom Brady.Will any of these draft picks be the next GOAT?She knew there would be a few break-out stars in the league. There always were.

After nearly a year in this position, Paige was still pleasantly surprised by how much she liked her new assignment as a sideline sports reporter. She had expected to loathe her new job after being pulled from the nightly anchor desk. She hadn’t known a thing—absolutely nothing—about football but had astonished herself, as well as the fans and players, by embracing this new role and winging story after story. While on the road at games, Paige researched the terms and rules of the game as she focused on getting behind-the-scenes stories of athletes. Fans ate up her exclusives which had landed her station, ATV 10, in the number one position. Gobsmacked didn’t come close to covering her reaction when many of her stories went viral, trending number one on X, and carried by the big boys on ESPN.

Her boss, Mr. Hales, often told her the station’s ratings boost was all because of her. She knew it was but preferred beinghumble. Her colleague-turned boyfriend, on the down low, of course, traveled with her to games and assisted with research, videos, and reporting. When Zach was first brought on board, Paige considered him a threat, especially since he was a statistics guru and Paige knew less than zip about football.

My, how things have changed in my life, both personally and professionally.She shook her head to get thoughts of her former fiancé, Trent, out of her head. He tried to bring her down, cheated on her, and just happened to be an anchor at the rival station across town. She occasionally wondered if he was still with the woman he dated when they were engaged, but it wasn’t worth cluttering her brain to find out.

Paige heard footsteps and glanced up as the meteorologist passed her office. He waved, as did the morning anchor. She did miss being with the team on air daily, but it didn’t dilute her love for her new job. As she pulled up the newest version of the NFL football schedule, her phone rang. “Paige Daniels.”

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