Page 17 of The Holiday Clause

The pale sun-bleached white oak floors were warm underfoot despite the cold outside. “Wake up those hands by gently wiggling your fingers.”

Her toe ring caught the light as she wove softly around her students as they rested on their backs in the savasana pose. With every gentle step, her mandala tattoo peeked out from the ankle of her cocoa brown harem pants.

“Now, wiggle your toes.”

A subtle blend of palo santo, cedar, and eucalyptus drifted from the clay diffuser in the corner.

“Invite sensation back into the body. And when you’re ready... roll gently to one side.”

One by one, her students shifted and turned.

Ambient Nordic folk music played softly as the gentle wind chimes trilled outside. Her fingers twirled the delicate moonstone pendant resting on her collarbone.

“Press up slowly, no rush. Find a comfortable seat. Palms together at heart center.”

Wren returned to her mat at the front of the room, where she kept the sound bowls and gong. She sat cross-legged in front of the class, their eyes half-lidded and peaceful as they awaited her guidance.

She matched their poses and took a moment to bask in her gratitude. “Thank you for choosing stillness today. For choosing presence.”

A few relaxed sighs met her ears, and as the class became more alert. She bowed her head slightly. “Namaste.”

“Namaste,” the class responded in unison.

“I hope The Haven gave you something you needed today. The kitchen has warm herbal broth and fresh rye crackers waiting if you want to linger. Don’t forget to grab a flyer on your way out. It has our full holiday schedule and details about next month’s winter solstice flow, which will be by candlelight.”

Pleasant sounds of interest accompanied the rustling of people packing up their mats and slipping into their snow boots. Wren retrieved her water from the shelf and took a long sip.

“Great class today.”

Swallowing a gulp, she capped her bottle and faced Noah. “Thanks.”

“That crow pose didn’t totally destroy me this time. I think I hovered for a full three seconds before the face-plant.”

Wren laughed. It wasn’t quite a face plant, but it wasn’t graceful either. “Practice makes perfect.”

Noah trailed her steps as she wandered around the room collecting blankets to hang on the driftwood ladder. “Your alignment’s come a long way.”

“Thanks to you.”

Noah was one of her most devoted local yogis. “It’s wonderful how dedicated you are.”

“Well, I enjoy the class—and the teacher—so it’s a rewarding hobby all around.”

Realizing he was waiting for some sort of reaction, she laughed nervously. “That’s sweet. I really appreciate devotion.”

“I’ve been telling people around town they should try a class.”

“The more locals who sign up, the more classes we can offer.” When she lifted the stack of folded blankets, he took them from her.

“I can carry those. Where do they go?”

“Oh, just over here.” She really didn’t need help, but he literally took the choice out of her hands. She neatly hung the folded wool over the wooden rungs as he handed them off.

“I was wondering if you would be interested in something more one-on-one.”

“Oh. You can schedule a private session at the front?—”

“I was thinking more along the lines of dinner.”