Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 128307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128307 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Macy hums in agreement, but before she can say anything, the Lamaze instructor arrives out of nowhere. “How are you two doing?”
“We’re managing.” My reply is steady despite my wish for her to move three inches to her left. She’s blocking half the class with her slim yet concealing frame. “Just trying to stay focused.”
“Would you like some one-on-one assistance?” she asks. “I can guide you through the exercises since it is your first class with us.”
Seeing her offer as an opportunity to interrogate her, Macy jerks up her chin. “Are we the only new couple?”
The instructor makes an agreeing gesture, her expression thoughtful.
Macy and I exchange a glance, and although I can see the uncertainty in her eyes, we both know that accepting the instructor’s help could provide valuable insight into the class and its attendees.
“Sure,” I say. “We’d appreciate your help.”
“Great.” She claps her hands together two times. “You… ah… I’m sorry. I missed your names.”
“That’s my fault. I had to stop at every restroom between here and San Diego.” Macy blows a wayward hair out of her eye before offering her hand to the instructor to shake. “I’m Charlotte, and this is my partner, Ethan.”
The instructor accepts her handshake, albeit hesitantly. “You traveled all the way from San Diego to attend my class. I’m flattered.” She sounds far from it.
“It’s not that far.” Macy brushes off her tone with a breathy laugh as if accustomed to snappy attitudes. “And we heard this was the best class in the state, so it was worth the short commute.”
Her stroking of the instructor’s ego pays dividends. The suspicion in her eyes fades to self-worth, and invisible peacock feathers span behind her. “I’m glad we could accommodate you. We’re usually booked out months in advance, but with Elise going into labor early and Sonya moving, we had two unexpected openings.”
To anyone else, her reply wouldn’t pique any interest, but to two agents with those exact names on victim death certificates, it demands our focus.
“Ethan, you can help Charlotte by breathing with her. Match your breaths to hers and keep your voice calm and reassuring while reminding her of the importance of breathing during labor. This will help her stay focused and relaxed.”
I inhale deeply through my nose and exhale slowly through my mouth, matching Macy’s rhythm, before offering her the praise the instructor is wordlessly suggesting I give. “You’re doing great, freckles.” The instructor sighs at the mention of Macy’s nickname, and then she swoons when I add, “Just keep breathing, nice and steady.”
“Fantastic. Now let’s try a different technique.” She kneels next to us, bringing the rest of the class back into our line of sight. “Charlotte, I want you to try the pant-pant-blow method. Take two quick breaths in through your mouth, followed by a long exhale. Ethan.” She slings her eyes to mine, forcing mine off the other attendees. “This is where you should count her breaths to ensure their rhythm is consistent.”
Macy follows her guidance, her breaths coming out in short, controlled bursts, but I feel her distraction. She is profiling the attendees as readily as I am.
“Pant, pant, blow,” I count. “Pant, pant, blow.”
I peer up at the instructor, faking desperation for her approval. She gives it to me two seconds later with both a big beaming smile and words. “I know it can be a little daunting, but you’re doing amazing. Both of you.”
“A little daunting?” Tugging on my shirt’s collar, I act fretful. “I don’t know how any of them are acting so calm.” I gesture to the attendees that she’s left unattended. “I’m terrified.”
The instructor laughs. “That’s because they’ve all been here before. They were in your exact position only months ago.”
“All of them?” I question, prying for more.
She follows my line of sight before slowly nodding. “Well, except for Piper and Shaw. They’re new like you as well. They joined after Sonya’s move.”
“Piper and Shaw?” I ask, my tone high.
The instructor looks back at me, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“I was just wondering if Shaw would like to join my club.” I drag my hand through the air as if I am highlighting a fluorescent banner. “Expected dad-to-be Lamaze support group. Enter excited, leave in fear.”
Her giggle rings through the room. “It isn’t that scary, I promise. But I’ll be sure to pass on your interest to Shaw after class. If he’s happy to be included in your club, I’ll introduce you at next month’s class.”
“Sounds great… but is there a possibility you could pass on my number to them sooner than that?” Macy chimes in, handing her a business card for her alias. “We’re new to the area and still finding our place in the community. I’d love the opportunity to chat with other expectant mothers from the area. From what I’ve heard, you can’t get into some schools here unless you enrol your child before their conception.”