The next morning dawned bright and clear, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the faint tingle of magic. Fia woke to the sound of Vienna’s happy babbling over the baby monitor, followed by Sayer’s deep, warm chuckle.
Her heart did a little flip as she listened to their interaction. In just two short weeks, Sayer had become such an integral part of their lives. It was hard to imagine their little family without him now.
Fia quickly dressed in a flowing sundress, one of her favorites from her own skincare line that shimmered subtly with protective magic. As she made her way downstairs, she found Sayer in the kitchen, Vienna perched on his hip as he expertly flipped pancakes one-handed.
“Good morning,” he greeted her, his golden eyes warm as they met hers. “I thought I’d get a head start on breakfast for our little princess here. But don’t worry, I’ve saved room for Kade’s enchanted coffee.”
Fia laughed, moving to take Vienna from him. “My hero,” she teased, trying to ignore the spark that shot through her as their hands brushed. “Though I have to say, I’m impressed with your pancake-flipping skills.”
Sayer grinned, a hint of playfulness in his expression. “I’m a man of many talents, Fia. You’ve only scratched the surface.”
The flirtatious undertone in his voice made Fia’s pulse race. She busied herself with getting Vienna ready, grateful for the distraction.
As they made their way to the Lone Wolf Café, Fia couldn’t help but notice the looks they were getting from othertownspeople. Friendly smiles and waves, yes, but also knowing glances and whispers behind hands.
“I feel like we’re the talk of the town,” Fia murmured to Sayer as they approached the café.
Sayer chuckled, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back as he guided her through the door. The casual touch sent shivers up her spine. “Well, we are quite the unconventional family unit. Can you blame them for being curious?”
Before Fia could respond, Elsie Blackwood’s voice rang out across the café. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite new family in town! Don’t you three make a picture-perfect sight?”
Fia flushed as they made their way to a cozy booth. Elsie bustled over, her silver hair in its usual elegant bun and her eyes twinkling with barely contained matchmaking glee.
“Good morning, Elsie,” Sayer greeted, helping Fia settle Vienna into a high chair. “We thought we’d treat ourselves to some of Kade’s famous cooking this morning.”
“And you couldn’t have picked a better day for it,” Elsie beamed. “Kade’s trying out a new enchanted maple syrup recipe Celeste created for him. It’s said to bring a little extra luck to your day.”
As if on cue, Kade appeared from the kitchen, a steaming mug of coffee in each hand. “I thought I heard some new voices out here. Good morning, you three. Elsie’s right about the syrup – I’d recommend the blueberry pancakes to go with it.”
“Sounds perfect,” Fia smiled, gratefully accepting the coffee. As she took a sip, she felt a warm tingle spread through her body, chasing away the last vestiges of sleepiness.
As Kade headed back to the kitchen to prepare their order, Celeste entered the café, her auburn hair gleaming in the morning sunlight. Vienna immediately perked up, reaching out toward her with grabby hands.
“Well, hello there, little one,” Celeste cooed, coming over to their table. “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing this morning?”
Sayer chuckled, lifting Vienna out of her high chair and into Celeste’s waiting arms. “I think someone’s got a favorite,” he teased, his eyes meeting Fia’s with a shared look of amusement.
As Celeste bounced Vienna on her hip, the bell above the café door chimed again. Fia looked up to see a whole group entering – Ellie Theren with baby Asher, Tabitha and Bram Hartley, Sera Haskett, Lark Wilder, and Mari Sinclair with Arden Flynt.
“Wow, full house this morning,” Fia murmured to Sayer.
He nodded, a small smile on his gorgeous face. “Looks like we picked the right day for a Lone Wolf breakfast.”
The newcomers made their way over, greetings and introductions flying. Fia found herself warming to the group immediately, their genuine friendliness and easy camaraderie infectious.
“So, how are you two handling life with a little one?” Ellie asked, bouncing Asher on her knee. “It’s quite the adventure, isn’t it?”
Fia and Sayer exchanged a glance, a moment of unspoken communication passing between them. “It’s certainly been an adjustment,” Fia admitted. “But we’re figuring it out together.”
“Fia’s been amazing,” Sayer added, his voice warm with admiration. “I don’t know how she does it, balancing Vienna and her business with such grace.”
Her heart skipped a beat at the genuine pride in Sayer’s voice.
“And what about you, Mr. Hotel Tycoon?” Bram teased good-naturedly. “How are you finding domestic life?”
Sayer laughed, the sound rich and full. “It’s a far cry from board meetings and international flights, that’s for sure. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These two,” he gestured to Fia and Vienna, “have shown me what really matters.”
The sincerity in his words made Fia’s breath catch. She looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the emotion shining in his golden eyes. In that moment, she realized just how deep her feelings for Sayer were becoming.