Page 55 of Bride Games

55

Emma

L ost in her thoughts after hearing Paige’s predicament the previous night, Emma jolted as an extra-exuberant Lucy bounded inside her vehicle in the school’s parking lot. Lucy had barely climbed inside when she thrust a paper in front of her mom. “Mommy, pweaze sign this. It’s for a trip tomorrow.”

“A trip already? Appledale is certainly an active school.” Emma scanned the document which read:

FIELD TRIP to The DOLLAR STORE

I give permission for my child to go on a field trip to the local Dollar Store tomorrow. We’ll be shopping for items for a special school-wide event. Your signature below indicates you allow your child to go on this trip. Students will be accompanied by their teacher, plus some parental volunteers. We will transport them via school bus. Also, please send one dollar tomorrow, if you’re able. If not, Miss Ainsley will cover the fee. Thank you.

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 school plans were going. I know I should trust the process, but I’d rather Paige reassure me.