Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban Page A

tried to exert some enthusiasm into her voice. “The first game is C omplete This Sentence . Everyone has a game-sheet. You’ll have three minutes to complete the sentences.” Isabelle unfolded her answer sheet. “Here’s an example. “A penny saved is a...”
    “Penny earned,” came the group reply.
    “OK, get started. Winners receive a fabulous prize.”
    Three minutes later, Mrs. Johnson clapped again. A mixture of groans and chuckles followed.
    Isabelle surveyed the crowd, purposely not glancing Charlie’s way. “Let’s start with the groom.”
    Mark nodded. “I only knew three.”
    More than she expected. “Go ahead.”
    “Variety is exciting.”
    The crowd roared. Isabelle shook her head. “Sorry, it’s ‘variety is the spice of life.’”
    “That’s what I meant.” Mark wagged his head and laughed.
    “Keep going.” From the corner of her eye, Isabelle caught Charlie staring at her. She wanted to swat him like a pesky fly.
    “OK.” Mark looked at his paper. “Behind every successful man is a beautiful woman.” He waggled his eyebrows at Kate.
    “Close.” Kate winked back then smiled at Isabelle. “I think we should give him that one.”
    Isabelle agreed, of course. “Behind every successful man is a great woman. But since you’re the groom…” She regarded Mrs. Johnson, who nodded back. “Two points for Mark.”
    Mark stood and took a bow then recited his next proverb. “A marriage made in heaven.”
    Amid applause and whistles, Mark jogged over to Kate and smooched her cheek.
    How cute. Isabelle couldn’t resist applauding.
    “Smile, soon-to-be-newlyweds.” Aiming the camera, Mrs. Johnson scampered back a couple steps and knocked into Isabelle.
    Tottering sideways, Isabelle grabbed the back of an armchair and regained her balance, grateful she hadn’t ended up on the floor. The last thing she needed was more help from Charlie.
    She took a shaky breath and unwrinkled the answer sheet. “Who’s next?”
    Mark’s friend Ben’s sheepish grin caught her attention. “Ben.”
    Eyebrows raised, Ben blushed. “Actually I only knew one. My house is your house.”
    More hoots and applause. Ben’s face grew redder as he motioned to Charlie. “Let’s see if our star study partner did any better.”
    Before she could comment, Charlie lifted his head and caught her gaze. “I have two. True love conquers all.” More applause.
    “Correct.” She tore her eyes from his. Not impressed. That was easy.
    He cleared his throat then continued, “The path of true love is through forgiveness.”
    Isabelle jerked her attention back, Charlie grinned at her like he’d won a spelling bee.
    Sly. She got the hint, as if the man could read her mind. She almost felt embarrassed. “No, that’s the—”
    “Wrong answer, Charlie. Although, you’re correct about forgiveness.” The blonde piped up.
    Whether the woman referred to personal issues, Isabelle couldn’t tell until she saw Charlie thump back in his chair and cross his arms.
    “Erica, I’m glad you agree.” No hint of emotion. Only a faint blush on his cheeks. Embarrassment? Or annoyance? Isabelle wasn’t sure.
    Still, it didn’t take a detective to spot a lover’s quarrel between Charlie and Erica. Not pretty.
    Isabelle looked away, fighting the urge to cringe. “The correct answer is, ‘the path to true love is never smooth.’ Who’s next?” Her gaze slipped past Charlie to the men seated around him.
    “How about half credit?” Charlie’s voice rose above the hubbub.
    Isabelle’s heart skipped a beat.
    Mark laughed. “Charlie’s known for challenging the teacher for partial credit. Something my grade point average and I appreciate.”
    Another clap from Mrs. Johnson ricocheted through the room. “No partial credit today. Let’s get on with the fun.”
    When the games ended, the women led the men three to two. Mrs. Johnson announced the winners. “Abby, Beth, and Sarah receive a gift card from Tenille’s. Now