Page 16 of Bride Games

16

E mma braced herself as she waited in the always long line of cars at school. Kids from kindergarten to fifth grade spilled onto the grass. Many chatted and ran around the school grounds before racing toward their parents’ vehicles. Except Lucy. When Emma spotted her daughter, her heart shattered as she watched Lucy drag her feet and backpack on the sidewalk. Other students passed Lucy, oblivious to her plight. Even from the car, Emma could see her red cheeks. Poor thing looks like she’s been crying all day.

Emma hopped out of the car, ignoring the cars behind her. She held up a wait a minute finger, ran toward Lucy, and whisked her off the sidewalk. “Looks like someone needs ice cream.”

Sobbing, Lucy half nodded as she said, “I hate school, Mommy. I don’t want to go back.”

Emma buckled her daughter’s seatbelt as cars drove around them. She almost flipped the bird to one parent who honked. I mean, really. Can’t you tell we’re having a moment? Emma slid behind the wheel, got out of the queue, and pulled into the first open parking spot.

She knew what was wrong but asked anyway. “Honey, why are you crying?”

“’Cause Grace is in Miss Ainsley’s class. I want to be with Grace.” Lucy sniffled. “And I wuv Miss Ainsley.”

Emma leaned between the seats and handed her daughter an unopened box of apple juice. “What’s the name of your teacher?”

Lucy took a loud sip. “Mrs. O’Connor.”

“Is she nice?”

“Yes.” Lucy attempted to brush sweaty, matted hair off her forehead. “But I want to be with Grace and Miss Ainsley.”

“Sorry, but we don’t always get everything we want, Luce. Besides, I thought Miss Ainsley taught kindergarten.”

Lucy wiped her runny nose on her sleeve. Between sobs, she said, “Mr. Hansen is teaching kindergarten so Miss Ainsley was moved to first grade.”

“Wait. What?” Emma’s mind raced. How did I miss that? Eli would have told me if he were going back to Appledale to teach.

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 this would 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.”