Page 25 of Bride Games

25

E mma had tossed and turned all night wondering if the principal would approve having their wedding at Appledale. She knew it was out of the ordinary for an elementary school—for any school, actually. It was a reach, but would also be the perfect solution, not to mention extremely sentimental. She knew Eli would handle the meeting like a champ, but rules are rules and likely very rigid. Emma took a deep breath as she attempted to calm her nerves. Now that Eli thought of this incredible idea, no other venue seems remotely good enough.

Emma toasted frozen waffles and cooked some sausage links for herself and her daughter. After they ate, she reached for Lucy’s backpack and drove in a daze. She really wanted to drop in on the meeting but knew Eli needed to take the lead since he worked at the school. It was better to have a one-on-one with the principal than two against one. When she returned from dropping Lucy off, Emma attempted to focus on researching swag for a new author. She’d been so excited about her engagement and their looming wedding, she wanted to put Page-Turning Swag in the back seat—maybe the trunk at this point—but a former commitment was a commitment.

Emma logged in and attempted to focus by studying the author’s website, clicking through every page. The author was all business and clearly didn’t have a funny bone. This is going to be hard. He definitely won’t want fun chap stick, palm tree pens, or anything quirky. She studied his cover and reread his back-cover blurb. He had just published a nonfiction book about writing and marketing and requested swag for an upcoming book signing. Emma’s mind was blank. She normally created promotional material for fiction authors. As she scrolled her favorite vendor websites for ideas, she decided on three traditional options: mousepads, screen wipes, and coffee mugs with either his book cover or author logo. His choice. Emma jotted down the price points for various quantities and made note of the lead time since this was a rushed job, as always. She chuckled. Why do authors always need everything yesterday? As she typed the email with the information and mentioned options using his cover or logo, she heard her cellphone ring and glanced at the screen. It was Eli.

Swallowing past a lump in her throat, she skipped the usual greetings. “What did she say? Please tell me the principal agreed.”

“Yes and no.”

Emma’s heart dropped to her feet. “What does that mean?”

“It means she thought it was the coolest idea ever, she wants to get behind it in a big wa?—”

Emma squealed. “That’s the best news ever.”

“Hold on. Dr. Ryder still has to get approval from the superintendent and plans to hold an assembly with the entire student body, staff, and faculty. She said she needs to see if the teachers are on board with our unconventional idea.” Eli paused. “I can think of a couple of faculty members right now who are going to throw water on this. I can almost guarantee it.”

“Don’t say that. Think positive. When’s the assembly?”

“Tomorrow afternoon if the higher ups approve it.”

Gasping, Emma left her laptop open as she pressed the phone harder against her ear, as if that would help make their dream come true. “I think every teacher will love the idea. Who wouldn’t?”

Eli sighed. “One or two of the male teachers might object. Also, a new teacher who I’ve been told is already in over her head, according to Dr. Ryder, might think it’s too much. The principal said the added duties might overwhelm that teacher. But—you’re right—let’s think positive. I’ve got to get back to my class now.”

After they hung up, Emma sent the email to her author, barely proofreading it, and stepped outside for fresh air. She stared up at the fluffy clouds, chanting internally, the principal and all of the teachers have to approve this. They have to.