Soaring with Fallon (Big Sky 4)

So much has happened.

Amazing, beautiful, big things.

But the biggest of them all is happening in about ten minutes.

“Don’t be nervous,” Noah says in my ear.

“How can I not be?” I ask, taking a deep breath. “It’s sink or swim time.”

“You’re going to swim like an Olympian,” he says with a wink.

I pray he’s right.

Tonight is the grand opening of my new yoga studio, Asana. I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the place, and I’m finally ready to unleash it on the community of Cunningham Falls.

My community.

I don’t think I could be more excited—or more scared.

“Are you ready?” Autumn asks. She helped me plan this party, and I don’t know what I would have done without her. “I think there are already people outside.”

“I see them.”

Once I took over the building, the owner of the ski shop decided to relocate his business, so I moved into the entire space. It was better for my business, but way more work for Gray, who didn’t disappoint.

“Let’s open up,” I announce, clapping my hands. I unlock the door and open it wide. “Come on in, everyone!”

“This is gorgeous,” Willa says, accepting a glass of champagne from a server as she steps in the door. “Oh, Fallon, I love it. I’ll never miss a class.”

“You’ve barely seen it,” I say, laughing.

“And I love what I see. I’m going to wander around.”

“Please do. There are two small studios upstairs, and lots to see, so feel free to check it all out.”

It feels like half of Cunningham Falls files through my door, and an hour into the grand opening, the space is full.

“I’m afraid we’re a fire hazard,” Gray says, chuckling as he joins me, passing me my first glass of champagne. “You’ve earned this.”

“Thanks.” I take a sip and smile as I survey the crowd. “Have you seen Noah?”

“He’s around here somewhere,” Gray replies and nods at someone across the room.

“Autumn throws one hell of a party. Her business is going to thrive.”

“She’s damn good,” Gray agrees with a nod. “Speaking of, I’m going to check in on her, make sure she doesn’t need anything.”

“Sounds good. Thanks, Gray. You did a fantastic job.”

He nods with a proud smile and walks away to find his fiancée.

“Are you selling these?” Brooke Henderson asks, pointing to the yoga mats rolled up on the wide shelves Gray made me.

“I am,” I reply with a smile. “What color do you like best?”

The rest of the evening is more of the same, customers happy with what they see, and ready to buy merchandise or sign up for classes. Some do both.

It’s proving to be a successful night, after all.

“This is absolutely the kind of place I want to learn to do yoga in,” Mrs. Blakely says, flashing me a kind smile. “Sign me up.”

“Oh, wonderful,” I say, unable to suppress my happiness. “I think you’ll love it.”

“I do, too.”

When ten o’clock rolls around, and it’s time to close the doors, I’m exhausted in the best way possible.

“I don’t think that could have gone better,” Autumn says.

“It’s a good thing I hired three more instructors,” I say with a nod. “I filled the classes. There will likely be some no-shows and drop-offs in the first few weeks, but as of right now, we’re full.”

“Amazing,” Noah says behind me, and I whirl at the sound of his voice.

“There you are. Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.”

“I was here the whole time.” His face looks innocent enough, but I narrow my eyes at him.

“I didn’t see you.”

“There were a lot of people here,” Gray says with a shrug. “And you were busy. Probably just missed each other.”

“I suppose you’re right.” I hug Autumn and Gray. “Thank you, so much. I’ll be calling you for all of my remodeling or party-planning needs.”

“We’re happy to help,” Autumn says before she and Gray take their leave.

“I’m ready to go home.” I walk through the space and turn off all of the lights. “I have a cleaning crew coming in the morning.”

“Perfect,” Noah says, holding his hand out for mine. “Let’s go.”

We walk out the back door into the alley where Noah’s SUV is parked. I haven’t driven at night since the accident. I know that as time passes, I’ll feel more confident about it, but for now, there’s no need. I’ve hired instructors to cover the evening classes, and Noah’s always happy to take me anywhere I want or need to go.

“It was better than I expected,” I gush once we’re on the highway, headed toward the house. “I honestly wasn’t anticipating that kind of turnout.”

“People are curious, especially in a small town,” Noah replies. “Of course, they want to come see what you’ve done. Not to mention, it’s right on Main, and the building’s been covered in a tarp while Gray’s crew worked.”