Page 63 of Bride Games

Emma reread the note and turned toward Lucy. “This is a little vague, but okay.”

“What does vague mean?”

Emma loved teaching her daughter new words weekly but not when they were in a long school pickup line. “Um, it means it’s a little unclear.”

“It’s a sec-wet, Mommy.”

“Ah. About the wedding?”

“I can’t say,” Lucy said in a sing-song voice, as she buckled her seat belt.

Emma followed the car in front of her and studied Lucy in the rearview mirror when she came to a stop. “A secret, huh?”

“Mr. Hansen knows. Just sign it, Mommy. It’s okay.”

“Oh, he does? Okay, it’s just a dollar. I think I’ll send twenty dollars in case some of the kids’ parents are tight on funds.”

Lucy kicked the back of the seat. “Goody.”

As Emma decided what to make for dinner, worry overcame her. She texted Eli who was still at work.

Hi babe. Lucy’s class is going to get decorations from The Dollar Store according to a permission slip she brought home. Is our wedding going to look cheap? Are we making a mistake? I mean, we aren’t celebrities, but I think it should be somewhat elegant. Em xo

Eli responded right away that he trusted the teachers and knew they would ensure their wedding was tasteful and charming. Emma had confidence in Eli but he was a guy. A guy who often didn’t pay attention whatsoever to décor. She decided to call her best friend to see if she’d investigate how the schoolplans were going.I know I should trust the process, but I’d rather Paige reassure me.

56

Paige

Slightly more relaxed after her fun dinner with Emma, Paige barely glanced up as a man delivered yet another bouquet of roses. She signed for them and could tell the delivery driver thought she appeared ungrateful.If he only knew how these roses are a literal thorn in my side.

She ignored the gorgeous, too-large bouquet on the corner of her desk and attempted to concentrate on her meeting-filled afternoon. Boring meeting after boring meeting. Meanwhile, Paige only wanted to hop on a plane, cover a game, interview a player, and most of all, work with Zach again. Date Zach. Kiss Zach. He was beginning to enter every thought.Zach clearly doesn’t feel the same since I told him about my unfortunate encounter with Trent.Marie has him wrapped around her bejeweled, witchy-nailed finger.Paige’s eyes reddened as she heard someone knock on her door. “Come in.”

Zach poked his head in the door, did a double take, and deadpanned, “Nice flowers.”

Paige stared from him to the bouquet. “They are pretty, aren’t they?”I’m such a petty jerk. Why didn’t I tell him I don’t know who they’re from. I didn’t even look at the damn card.Shestraightened her posture when she noticed Marie approaching Zach who simply asked, “From Trent?”

Shrugging, Paige forced a smile as she noticed Marie cozy up to Zach in front of her office. Paige had already decided she was going to tackle the woman if she so much as linked her arm through Zach’s, but he continued staring at Paige, crestfallen. “You two clearly have some unfinished business.” Zach patted the door frame and said, “I’ll be on the road for a week, maybe two. See ya.”

Paige felt more miserable than ever as Marie gave her a sideways glance as she walked down the hall with Zach, shoulder to shoulder.Why did I do that? Why? I’m lighting a match to my career and my love life.

When Paige’s phone rang minutes later, she couldn’t answer fast enough, hoping it was Zach. She didn’t bother looking at the screen before saying “Paige Daniels.”

“Hey, girlfriend. I have a big favor to ask. Lucy just brought home a permission slip for a field trip to The Dollar Store. I’m sure it’s for our wedding decorations.”

“Uh oh.”

“Exactly.” Emma closed her bedroom door because she didn’t want Lucy to hear. “I’m a little worried. Would you mind going to the school soon and meeting with the teachers to see what wedding decorations the kids are working on? Do a little recon?”

Paige brightened. “Are you kidding? It’ll get me out of this damn office. Get my mind off of Zach, Marie, Trent, and the hateful online trolls. Plus, I should get some backstory from the teachers before the big day. I’ve been too involved in my crappy life to think this through.” Paige’s voice rose. “I’ll line up a videographer to go with me in case we can land some interviews. What’s the principal’s name? I’ll set this up for tomorrow, if possible.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Paige. Her name is Dr. Ryder. I’ll text you the number. Thank you so much. I’m sure it’s all fine, but?—”

“I understand, friend. I’ll investigate and get back with you soon.”

57

Paige arrived at Appledale at the agreed-upon time. She knocked on the principal’s door and was surprised by her short stature since the woman had come across the phone like an Army General. Extending her hand, Paige said, “Thank you for letting me come on such short notice. I won’t interrupt much of your day.” She gestured toward a videographer. “This is Tom. We’d like to interview some teachers about their classroom wedding projects if they’re willing.”

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