Page 13 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Sayer’s lips curved into a small smile. “Now I realize what I’ve been missing. I do want children of my own someday. I just...” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “I never met a woman special enough to consider it with. At least, not until recently.”

The implication in his words hung in the air between them, charged with possibility. Fia felt her cheeks warm, and not from the afternoon sun.

“What about you?” Sayer asked, turning the question back on her. His tone was light, but Fia could sense the genuine interest behind it.

She laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, let’s just say my biological clock has been ticking rather loudly lately.”

Sayer’s eyebrow quirked up, a playful glint in his eye. “Is that so? And here I thought it was just the sound of Vienna’s magical mishaps keeping us up at night.”

Fia swatted his arm playfully, grateful for the moment of levity. “Very funny, Mr. Gentry. But seriously, yes. I’ve always wanted children. I just never found the right...” she hesitated, her eyes meeting his, “partner.”

The word seemed to hang between them, loaded with unspoken meaning. Sayer’s gaze intensified, the gold in his eyes seeming to glow with an inner fire.

“Well,” he said, his voice low and husky, “if you ever need help silencing that ticking clock...”

Fia’s breath caught in her throat. “Are you offering your services?” she teased, though her voice came out breathier than she intended.

Sayer’s grin was positively wicked. “I’m a man of many talents, Ms. Barlowe. I’d be more than happy to demonstrate.”

The sexual tension crackled between them, electric in the warm afternoon air. Fia found herself drawing closer to Sayer, drawn in by his magnetism.

Their moment was interrupted by a sleepy gurgle from Vienna. They both looked down to see the toddler stirring, her tiny fists rubbing at her eyes.

Fia laughed, the tension breaking but not dissipating entirely. “Saved by the baby,” she murmured, reaching down to stroke Vienna’s cheek.

Sayer’s chuckle was low and warm. “For now,” he said, his voice full of promise.

As they continued their walk home, Fia couldn’t help but steal glances at Sayer. The way he expertly maneuvered the stroller, his strong hands gentle as he tended to Vienna, the soft smile on his lips when he caught her looking – it all combined to create a picture of domesticity that Fia found increasingly appealing.

Back at the house, they fell into their routine. Sayer headed to the study for his conference call while Fia settled Vienna down for her nap. As she worked on some designs for her baby skincare line, Fia found her thoughts drifting to Sayer more and more.

His dedication to Vienna had surprised her. She’d expected him to return to his globetrotting lifestyle after a few days, but instead, he’d fully committed to being present for Vienna. Theway he suggested alternating work hours, ensuring Vienna was always cared for, had touched Fia deeply.

When Sayer emerged from his call, Fia was in the kitchen preparing lunch. “How’d it go?” she asked, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach as he leaned against the counter next to her.

“Productive,” Sayer replied, his voice low. “But I’m glad to be done. I’d much rather be out here with you two.”

Fia’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She turned to face him, suddenly very aware of how close they were standing. “Sayer, I...”

A cry from the baby monitor interrupted whatever she was about to say. Vienna was awake, and apparently hungry.

Sayer chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Fia’s spine. “I’ll get her. You finish up here.”

SEVEN

As she watched him head upstairs, Fia took a deep breath. These growing feelings for Sayer were unexpected and a bit scary. But as she listened to his soothing voice over the baby monitor calming Vienna with a silly song, Fia’s heart smiled.

Maybe, just maybe, this unconventional family arrangement could work after all.

The afternoon passed in a blur of shared parenting duties and stolen glances. As they sat on a picnic blanket in the backyard watching Vienna toddle after a butterfly, Sayer turned to Fia with a smile that made her heart race.

“What do you say we treat ourselves to breakfast at the Lone Wolf Café tomorrow morning? I think we’ve earned it after two weeks of sleepless nights and magical mishaps.”

Fia grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds wonderful. I could definitely use a strong cup of Kade’s enchanted coffee.”

As the sun began to set, Fia felt a sense of peace settle over her. The day’s magical calamities and moments of joy had shown her that life in Whispering Pines, while unconventional, was exactly what she and Vienna needed.

And as she watched Sayer scoop up a giggling Vienna, spinning her around as sparks of magic danced in the air around them, Fia couldn’t help but wonder if maybe – just maybe – it was what she needed too.

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