Page 11 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Fia nodded thoughtfully. “I think we can make that work. It’ll take some adjusting for all of us, but... I think it’s what Myla and Dune would have wanted. If you’re going to be in the area, you might want to come stay in one of the guest rooms. I mean you don’t have to stay at that B&B long term when we have room here and the idea is for you to spend time with Vienna.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude in your space.”

She smiled. “I’m sure. Myla always told me this house had enough rooms for several family members to visit. She was hoping to have gatherings here.”

“Then I’d be happy to stay here. I’ll bring my stuff over tomorrow.”

As they began to hash out the details of their arrangement, Sayer felt a weight lifting from his shoulders. This wasn’t the outcome he’d envisioned when he first came to Whispering Pines, but somehow, it felt right.

And as he watched Fia’s face light up with excitement as she talked about Vienna’s latest magical accomplishments, Sayer knew he’d made the right decision. Whatever the future held, he was exactly where he needed to be.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a whirlwind of planning and discussion. By the time Vienna woke from her nap, bubbling with energy and magic, Sayer and Fia had hammered out the basics of their co-parenting arrangement.

As Sayer prepared to leave, Vienna toddled over to him, arms raised in a clear demand to be picked up. His heart melted as he scooped her into his arms, marveling at how natural it felt.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, princess,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her curls.

Vienna giggled, patting his cheeks with her tiny hands. A shower of golden sparks erupted from her fingertips, dancing around them like fireflies.

Fia laughed, shaking her head fondly. “Well, it looks like Vienna approves of our arrangement.”

As Sayer set Vienna down and prepared to leave, he turned to Fia. “Thank you,” he said softly, “for being so understanding and giving me a chance to be part of Vienna’s life.”

Fia’s smile was warm and genuine. “Well, thank you for not creating a legal battle trying to take her from me and being willing to compromise. I think we can figure this out. This doesn’t have to be more difficult than it already is.”

He followed behind her. “We can even take turns handling work so someone is always with the baby.”

“That’s a great idea. I can do a few hours and you can do a few hours.”

“And then we can do things with Vienna,” he said from the door.

“You can have some great ideas, I see,” she smiled.

“I like to think I can use my brain when I need to,” he chuckled. “See you in the morning.”

SIX

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Vienna’s crib. Fia stood in the doorway, watching her niece’s peaceful slumber with a mixture of love and lingering sadness. It had been two weeks since they’d moved to Whispering Pines, and every day brought new challenges and joys.

“Good morning, baby girl,” Fia whispered as Vienna stirred, her tiny fists reaching up toward the mobile of twinkling stars hanging above her crib. The stars, enchanted by Myla before her passing, danced and spun in response to Vienna’s magical energy.

As Fia lifted Vienna into her arms, a shower of golden sparkles erupted from the toddler’s fingertips, eliciting a giggle from both of them. “Already showing off your magic, huh? Just like your mama.”

The house, filled with Myla’s touches, still felt bittersweet. Family photos adorned the walls, and Vienna’s nursery was exactly as Myla had designed it – a perfect blend of whimsy and practicality. Fia was determined to honor her sister’s memory by making this the loving home Myla had envisioned for her daughter.

As they made their way downstairs, Fia caught sight of Sayer emerging from the guest room, his hair slightly tousled from sleep. Her heart skipped a beat, an involuntary reaction she was still getting used to. Goddess.

The man was making her a hormonal mess. From the moment Myla had shown her photos of Sayer and Dune together, Fia couldn’t help but admire how sexy and handsome he was. He had that tall, dark, and domineering look down to a science. And now that she’d been in his presence, her entire body still felt electrified from just having him near.

It was so strange. No man had ever had that effect on her. Even his voice was deep and rough. She had envisioned him saying something to her while he was talking to her during dinner. After he moved in, her mind had taken a trip down to the gutter and decided to stay there. All her thoughts were filled with getting Sayer out of his clothes to see the muscles she knew covered his body.

“Good morning,” Sayer said, his golden eyes warm as they landed on Vienna. “And good morning to you, little princess.”

Vienna cooed in response, reaching out toward Sayer. Without hesitation, he took her into his arms, and Fia marveled at how natural they looked together.

“I thought we could all head into town this morning,” Fia suggested, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach as Sayer’s arm brushed against hers. “I need to pick up a few things from the market, and it’s a beautiful day for a walk.”

Sayer nodded, a smile playing on the corners of his mouth. “Sounds perfect. I have a conference call in a couple of hours, but I’d love to join you until then.”

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