Page 5 of Barbells, Broomsticks & A Baby

“I thought it was rather apt. Emerging from darkness into the light of shared truth and beauty.”

“It was a wedding, not a philosophy seminar.” She rises and approaches me, hands outstretched. “Let me see.”

I hesitate but eventually allow her to place her hands on my enormous belly. Her touch is clinical as she closes her eyes, sensing the baby’s energy.

“Hmm. Strong magical signature. A blend of earth magic and traditional witchcraft. Interesting.” She frowns. “Refuses to tell me the gender.” With a harrumph, she opens her eyes. “The child is ready, but something is blocking the process. Have you tried a labor induction spell?”

“Of course, I have,” I snap. “I’ve tried everything. Induction spells, potions, and enchanted teas. Even that ridiculous exercise where you walk up and down stairs sideways. Nothing works.”

“You haven’t tried prenatal yoga recently,” says Atlas.

Both my mother and I turn to stare at Atlas.

“Prenatal what?” she asks.

“Yoga. It’s a practice that combines gentle stretching, breathwork, and meditation. I offer special classes for pregnant magical beings at my gym. It can help prepare the body for labor and create optimal positioning for the baby.”

My mother scowls. “That sounds like new age nonsense.”

I jump to his defense. “Several witches in town have tried Atlas’s prenatal yoga and swear by it. Cala Caldera says it helped her daughter arrive three days early.”

Mom’s nose curls. “I remember her. You two went to finishing academy together. Cala couldn’t brew a proper potion if her life depended on it.”

Atlas, undeterred, continues, “I could offer a private session here at home if you’d prefer, Zelda. No need to go to the gym.”

I’ve done yoga off and on since even before the pregnancy, but the thought of doing awkward stretches under my mother’s critical gaze makes me cringe. “Maybe later.”

“I think what my daughter needs is proper magical intervention. Where is your grimoire, Grizelda? I have several ancient spells that might be effective.”

“My grimoire is at the shop.” In truth, it’s hidden in our bedroom, but the last thing I want is my mother rifling through my personal spell book.

She rolls her eyes as if I’m deliberately inconveniencing her. “Then we should go to your shop. After breakfast, of course. I’m famished after my journey.”

Atlas immediately offers to cook. “I make excellent pumpkin pancakes. With a side of scrambled eggs, if you’d like?”

My mother sniffs but nods. “That would be acceptable.”

As he busies himself in the kitchen, she leans closer to me. “I see he still cooks. At least that talent hasn’t diminished in the five years since I last saw him. I remain unconvinced about his other...qualities.”

“He’s not a specimen, Mother. He’s my husband and the father of my child, and you were pleasant enough at our wedding.” I had suspected it was a façade, of course. Mom had a future planned for me before I came to Evershift Haven. I was supposed to join the Matriarchy Council, marry a powerful patriarchal witch from the Male Council, and give her an assortment of grandchildren, most assuredly not fathered by a mountain troll.

She shakes her head. “I was being polite yet maintain a troll philosopher is an unusual choice for the daughter of one of the most respected witching families.”

Before I can retort, a sharp pain lances through my abdomen, stronger than the previous Braxton Hicks contractions. I gasp and clutch the arm of the sofa.

“Zelda?” Atlas is instantly at my side.

The pain subsides as quickly as it came. “I’m fine. Just another false alarm.”

“Perhaps not so false. Your aura flickered when that contraction hit. Something is changing,” says Mom.

I glare at her. “Don’t get my hopes up. I’ve been disappointed too many times already.”

“I arrived just in time. With my help, that baby will be here before the week is out.”

Atlas shoots me a concerned look, which I return with a slight eye roll. My mother’s “help” has always been a mixed blessing at best.

As he returns to the kitchen, and my mother begins unpacking various magical implements from her carpetbag, I rub my belly and silently communicate with my child.“Little one, there are now two stubborn witches waiting for you to make your appearance. It’s time to cooperate before your grandmother starts trying experimental magic on both of us.”

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