Page 4 of Bride Games

4

E mma 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.”