Emma's first day of training fell on a Tuesday.
She woke before dawn, her stomach full of nerves, her mind racing through every possible thing that could go wrong. Nick was still asleep beside her, his arm draped across her waist, his breathing slow and steady.
She lay there for a while, listening to him breathe.
This is my life now, she thought. This is the life I chose.
She slipped out of bed and walked to the bathroom. The blue dress — the one Eleanor had helped her pick — was hanging on the back of the door. Simple. Professional. Safe.
She showered. She dressed. She looked in the mirror.
The woman staring back at her was nervous but ready.
Nick appeared in the doorway, rubbing his eyes.
"You're up early," he said.
"I couldn't sleep."
"You're nervous."
"I'm terrified."
Nick
