Page 37 of Connected By Souls

She beams at me. “I am. All three of my kids continue to amaze me each day. I’m one lucky momma. Speaking of my kids, Bella and her friend Sophia are in class getting set up and saving you a spot. I’ll check you in real quick for your free trial class, and then you can head back. It’s just down the hall to the left. There’s a small room to put your shoes and personal belongings in before heading into the studio. Have you ever done hot yoga before?”

I nod. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Mine too. There’s just something about sweating out all those toxins that leave you feeling amazing afterward.”

“I agree.” I give Sage my information and check in before making my way to the studio. I put my shoes and bag in the cubby and go inside. Mirrors line one wall, and various mats are laid out with people stretching on them, getting ready for class. I can feel the heat from the panels above and know this will be a kick-ass class. Looking around, I hear my name being called.

“Emma, over here!” Two girls around my age are waving me over. Both are dressed like me in black yoga pants and crop sports tanks. I head over to them, noticing the spot they saved me.

“Hi, we saved you a spot. I’m Bella, Noah’s sister, and this is Sophia,” she says, pointing to the girl beside her, who grins and waves at me. While Noah has dark hair, Bella has long, beautiful blonde hair. They both have the same piercing blue eyes as their Mom. Sophia’s long hair is the color of a midnight sky with big green eyes that match Maya's. They couldn’t look more different in appearance, but both are stunning to look at.

I smile at them. “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you both. Thank you for saving me a spot and including me on your girls’ night tonight.”

“Are you kidding! I haven’t seen my brother this excited about someone in, well, forever,” Bella says, laughing. “We couldn’t wait to meet you.”

“Yes, we definitely had to meet whoever finally caught the elusive Mr. Bennett. Girls have been trying for years.” Sophia laughs with Bella. “My mom and Sage gave up years ago trying to fix him up.”

“Well, I don’t know if I caught him.” I nervously look at their grinning faces. “We just met,” I tell them as I lay out my yoga mat and towel. Placing my water bottle next to me, I start stretching.

“Oh, you caught him all right, or rather you already had him. He’s been waiting for you for a very long time.” Bella softly laughs.

Before I can ask her what she means by that, I hear my name again and turn to see who it is. “Hi, Emma. I’m so glad you came.” I see Maya smile at me as she lays out her mat in front of Sophia.

“Hi, Maya. Thanks again for inviting me. This class is just what I needed.”

“You’re so welcome. I knew you would fit right in with these two,” she says, nodding her head at Bella and Sophia.

Sage walks in and takes her place in front of the class on her mat. I didn’t know she would be teaching the class. Noah is just full of surprises today. “Ok, class, let’s get started. Remember to listen to your body. If you need to take a break in child’s pose, do so at any time. Blocks and straps are in the back for those needing any modifications. We have a few new people here today, so welcome to our studio.” She puts her hands in prayer position and nods to me with a grin. “Now, let’s get started,” she says as calming music starts to play through the speakers.

An hour later, we’re sweaty and feeling fabulous. Sage can really teach a class. My body hasn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. Rolling up our mats, we all head to our cubbies.

“Come with us, Emma. We’ll freshen up in the back before heading to Rusty’s.” Bella grabs her stuff and leads us to the back office with a private bathroom. The three of us wipe off our sweat and reapply our lip gloss before letting our hair back down and giving it a comb through. “Dry shampoo,” she says, handing the bottle to me. “Best invention ever.”

“I agree. I don’t know what we ever did without it.” I laugh and put some in my hair to freshen it up.

“You guys ready?” Sophia says, tossing her silky strands behind her shoulder.

“Let’s do this!” Bella grabs our hands and leads us to the front door. Sage and Maya are cleaning the area and closing up the studio for the night. “We’ll save you guys a spot. See you soon!” Bella yells over her shoulder.

Laughing, her mom says, “Ok, honey, we’ll be right behind you.”

“Order us two reds!” Maya calls out as we go outside.

“Will do!” Sophia calls back.

“Emma, you’re going to have so much fun tonight! Noah made me promise to show you a good time. Like we would evernothave a good time.” Bella says, rolling her eyes at the thought.

“Is there anyone Noah didn’t call today and make them promise? Your mom told me the same thing.” I shake my head and laugh.

“I told you he has it bad but don’t tell him I said that. He would kill me if he knew I was telling you all this,” Bella giggles.

“Mind if we ride with you to Rusty’s? Our moms drove us here and usually drive us home because this one,” Sophia says, pointing to Bella, “likes her wine too much.”

“You are so full of it! We both know it’s you that gets us into trouble,” Bella says, laughing at her.

I can tell they’re going to be a lot of fun. I smile at both of them. “Of course, you can ride with me. I’m over here.” I lead them to my Bronco.

“Oh, my God! I love your vehicle!” They both cry at the same time.

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