Page 10 of Bride Games

Emma & Paige

Emma and Paige arrived at Coconuts at the same time. Hugging in the parking lot, Paige said, “So good to see you. I need a drink.”

Emma squeezed her hand. “Sounds good to me.”

They walked into the darkened bar and found an empty high-top table along the edge. The bar was crowded and lively. Both women sat on rattan bar stools as Emma glanced at the floor-to-ceiling mural. “I love that beach scene. I feel more relaxed already. But you look stressed. What’s going on, Paige?”

Paige waved a server over. A flip-flop wearing man appeared, all smiles. “I remember you two from last year.”

“Great memory.” Emma snaped her fingers together. “And your name is—” She scrunched her nose. “It’s on the tip of my tongue.”

“Gus. No worries. What can I bring you ladies?”

Paige ordered a Cosmo. Emma glanced at a standing Happy Hour menu and brightened. “I think I’ll try a key lime martini. That sounds divine.”

“Make it two. I’ll drop the Cosmo,” Paige said.

“Be right back.”

“Hold on. What’s that?” Paige reached for Emma’s left hand. “I should have asked the server for sunglasses. That stunning ring nearly blinded me!” Paige hopped off her barstool and embraced her best friend. “When did this happen? Tell me everything.” She stared at the ring. “It’s gorgeous, Em. I’m thrilled for you.”

“Thanks.” Emma shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. I’m almost afraid to talk about it. Afraid I’ll jinx it, you know.”

“You won’t. That’s a silly superstition.” Paige paused as Gus brought their cocktails. She held hers high in the air. “To the future bride—my beautiful, sweet, best friend.”

Emma clinked her glass with Paige’s and took a healthy swig. “Oh, my God. This is amazing.” She licked some of the graham cracker crumbs off the rim.

Nodding, Paige said, “I’d say it’s downright sinful. I’ll probably gain five pounds drinking this.”

“You’re as thin as a rail.”

“Maybe, but television adds ten pounds.”

“Even twenty pounds wouldn’t matter. You’re beautiful. Me, I’m a freckled mess. But a happy mess.” Emma stared at her engagement ring. “I still can’t believe this.”

“Believe it, girlfriend. Look what I missed after being away so long! How did he propose? It was the kindergarten teacher, right?”

Emma laughed. “Yes, Eli Hansen proposed and”—her voice broke—“in the sweetest way possible. It was absolute perfection. I still can’t get over his attention to detail.”

Paige leaned forward. “Go on. Don’t leave out a thing.”

Emma explained how Eli and Lucy had decorated the backyard, the path of flower petals, the overhead fairy lights—as Lucy called them—and the photos he had taken during their courtship. “He propped up photos from a variety of our datesagainst flickering white candles. Can you believe it? Each picture showcased the times we’d shared together as a couple, as well as when we had Lucy in tow. It was unbelievably romantic, magical, and thoughtful—” Even in the darkened bar, Emma could see Paige’s eyes had filled with tears. She decided at that moment to cut any further details short. Paige didn’t need to know that Lucy had made an adorable handmade sign asking Emma to marry Eli, and as he got on one knee, so did her daughter. There wasn’t any reason to torture her best friend who had a broken engagement with a rival television anchor who had cheated.Trent.The jerk.

Paige dabbed her teary eyes with a cocktail napkin. “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard all year, maybe in five years.” She sniffled. “You deserve that and more, my friend.” She took a big swig of her martini and became silent as her thoughts swirled.

Emma studied her best friend. “Why are you so quiet? I thought you’d be thrilled.”

“I am thrilled. I couldn’t be happier for you.” Paige reached for Emma’s hand. “No one deserves this more. It’s just?—”

Brows furrowed, Emma asked, “Just what? Don’t tell me you’ve seen Eli with another woman. Not like what happened to you and Trent. Sorry, but you know what I mean.”

“I’m sure he’s totally devoted to you. The thing is—” Paige took a deep breath before blurting out, “I’ll plan your wedding. I asked you to do it for me last year. It’s only right that I do the sa?—”

“That’s why you’re quiet? That’s what’s bothering you?” Emma burst out laughing. “No offense, but not a chance, Paige. You’re way too busy, and unlike those football players you cover, you’d drop the ball. Pun intended. I appreciate the half-hearted offer, though.” Both Emma and Paige laughed. “Besides, I know the perfect person to help,” Emma added.

“Who?”

“Nigel Balmforth. He manages Bride & Joy where I got your wedding gown, remember?”

---