Page 69 of The Lyrics of Love

Once their boards and gear were stored, he brought out a sack. Peering inside, Rylie saw it was full of donut holes and popped one into her mouth.

“I have waters, too,” Gage told them, retrieving them from his truck. “Ainsley took care of us.” He passed out the waters and said, “Go for it. I want the good, the bad, and even the ugly.”

“I liked your introduction,” Gage began. “You helped me understand the differences between land and water yoga, but I didn’t think it was beyond me. Having used the anchors was genius. I think I might have panicked a little if I would have started floating away. I was more confident in focusing on each pose and losing myself in it, without having to worry about drifting off.”

“I plan to conduct the class in a semi-circle, with me facing where I can see everyone. Or if I have enough to sign up, a full circle.”

“I definitely felt freer without wearing my PFD, but it was good to know it was attached and nearby,” Rylie added. “A few times, I was conscious of wearing my leash, though.”

“My instructor let people leave them off or wear them. I wanted to see how well you performed different poses wearing it. I think I’ll check beforehand with those who register. See who can swim. Who’s a strong swimmer. Then give them options according to their skill level.”

“I was confident in doing the poses,” Nash said. “I realize not all transfer to water, but I was surprised at the number and variety which did. It was good you told us up front not to worry about falling in.”

“I like how I feel now,” she told them. “It was definitely a workout. It did engage some different muscles than a normal yoga workout. It would also be interesting to SUP and then do a session. Or even do the yoga on the water first and then SUP. Now that would be a huge workout. My limbs would be trembling after that.”

“I think both together would be too much for most of my students,” Gage said. “Anything else? Did I go too fast? Need to explain something better?”

“Because I’ve been doing yoga, I caught on faster,” Nash said. “You might divide classes into two groups. People who have done yoga and have some familiarity with poses. The other group who knows nothing. But yes, I think your instruction was solid. As much as I’ve come to enjoy yoga, at your suggestion, I think I like it even more on the water.”

Gage smiled. “Thanks for playing lab rats for me. It’s too late in the season to begin any kind of group yoga SUP. But the long layoff will give me time to plan for what I want and see if it’s an offering I can work into my spring schedule.”

They had polished off the entire sack of donut holes, and Nash said, “As much as I love them, I’m not sure offering donuts after a workout is the thing to do. It might defeat the purpose for most people.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rylie said, laughing. “I’ll take donuts after a workout any day.”

Gage brushed his hands together, dusting away excess sugar. “Thanks again for letting me put you through your paces. I’ve got to get going. Got two classes to teach and a few solo clients which follow.”

He got into his truck, and they got into Nash’s, waving as Gage pulled out of the parking lot.

The moment he was gone, Nash leaned over and kissed her, licking the corner of her mouth. “A little extra sugar,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Do you think Gage suspected anything?”

“If he did, he lowballed it,” she said. “Let’s go home and get cleaned up. I’m ready to share our good news with Pops.”

“Agreed.”

Nash drove back to her place, saying, “My lease is almost up. I think it’s foolish to renew it.”

“In other words, you’re inviting yourself to move in with me?” Rylie teased.

“That about sums it up. Anyway, we’ll need to look for a larger space. Much larger.” He told her his idea for adding a recording studio to where they lived. “It would save long drives into Portland.”

“I suppose you could put Shayla Newton on it. See if there’s anything in the area for sale. Or land large enough to build on.”

As they pulled up to her house, he took her hand. “We haven’t talked setting a date. My opinion is having a wedding as soon as we can. Are you up for that?”

“How about after you finish cutting your album?”

“What? That’s only a week away,” he protested.

“I don’t need an elaborate ceremony. Do you?” she asked.

“Not at all.”

“We know Ainsley and Jackson will leave for Paris and Willow for New York soon. Let’s do it before they’re gone.”

Nash leaned over and kissed her. “I like how you think, Mrs. Edwards-to-be. If you can do the planning that quickly, I’m in. Not that I don’t want to help, but I’ll be tied up at the recording studio. Do you mind?”

“I am known for being organized. I’ll knock this out quickly. You will have to take a little time to come with me to get the license, but I know from Ainsley that the courthouse opens at eight-thirty. We can be first in line and still get you to your session on time.”

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