Page 18 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Alarm bells rang in Sayer’s head. “Is that a problem?”

Fia’s face clouded. “My parents... they’re not good people, Sayer. They were cruel to Myla and me growing up. They saw us as tools to enhance their social standing, not as daughters to love. And my older sister, Brooke, she’s even worse. They’ve never done anything unless it benefited them somehow.”

As Fia recounted the emotional abuse and exploitation she and Myla had endured, Sayer felt a growl building in his chest. His lion surged to the surface, demanding that he protect his mate and cub.

“They will not come near Vienna,” Sayer said, his voice low and fierce. “Or you. I swear it, Fia. As long as I’m here, those people will never harm either of you.”

Tears shimmered in Fia’s eyes, but she smiled. “Thank you, Sayer. You have no idea how much that means to me. I can handle them but it’s Vienna I worry about. I don’t want them anywhere near her.”

As they finished their breakfast, a comfortable silence fell between them. Sayer watched as Fia cleaned Vienna’s syrup-covered face, marveling at the easy affection between them. In that moment, he knew he’d do anything to protect this little family they were building.

Gathering his courage, Sayer cleared his throat. “Fia?”

She looked up, an eyebrow raised in question.

“I was wondering...” Sayer began, feeling uncharacteristically nervous, “if I were to ask you out on a date, would you say yes?”

A blush crept up Fia’s cheeks, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, Mr. Gentry, you’ll have to ask me properly to find out, won’t you?”

Sayer grinned, feeling lighter than he had in days. “Is that a challenge, Ms. Barlowe?”

Fia laughed, the sound music to Sayer’s ears. “Maybe it is. What are you going to do about it?”

As they bantered back and forth, Vienna watching them with wide, curious eyes, Sayer felt a sense of rightness settle over him. This was where he belonged. With Fia and Vienna, building a life together in this magical little town.

“All right then,” Sayer said, his voice soft but determined. “Fia Barlowe, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me? A proper one without floating food or work emergencies interrupting us?”

Fia’s smile was radiant. “I’d love to, Sayer.”

“You won’t regret it,” he promised, his heart thudding at double time.

NINE

Fia’s phone buzzed incessantly, jolting her from a peaceful slumber. She groaned, fumbling for the device on her nightstand. The screen lit up with a barrage of missed calls and voicemails from her parents and sister. Linnet and Norris Barlowe, along with Brooke Barlowe-Chapman, had been relentless in their pursuit to see Vienna.

Fia’s stomach churned as she listened to the first voicemail. Her mother’s icy tone sliced through the air. “Sofia Barlowe, this is ridiculous. We demand to see our granddaughter. You have no right to keep her from us. Call us back immediately.”

The next message was from her father, his voice dripping with condescension. “Sofia, be reasonable. We’re Vienna’s only real family. You can’t possibly think you’re equipped to raise her on your own.”

Brooke’s message was the worst, laced with thinly veiled threats. “Fia, you’re in over your head. Don’t make me involve the courts. It would be such a shame if they found out about your inability to get a man to commit to you at your age. You’re not the person who should be raising that child. She needs the right people to help her learn how to use her magic. We want her. Sofigure out how you’re going to hand her over because I’m getting tired of waiting.”

Fia’s hand shook as she deleted the messages. She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the wave of anxiety threatening to overwhelm her. They couldn’t touch her here. She was Vienna’s guardian, and she’d be damned if she let her toxic family anywhere near the child.

A soft coo from the baby monitor drew her attention. Fia smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing as she listened to Vienna babbling happily in her crib. The sound of her niece’s innocent joy was a balm to her frayed nerves.

As Fia padded down the hallway to check on Vienna, a knock at the front door startled her. She froze, her heart racing. Had her family tracked her down already?

“Fia? It’s Luna! We brought coffee and pastries.”

Relief washed over her as she recognized Luna’s cheerful voice. Fia hurried to the door, opening it to find not just Luna, but Celeste, Ellie, and Tabitha as well. The sight of her new friends, arms laden with treats, brought a genuine smile to her face.

“Come in, come in,” Fia ushered them inside, her earlier anxiety melting away in the warmth of their presence.

Celeste waddled in, her heavily pregnant belly leading the way. “Sorry for the surprise visit,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “We thought you could use some company and sugar. I’m not sure how much longer I can have these outings before I’m caring for a newborn.”

Fia laughed, the sound light and grateful. “You have no idea how perfect your timing is.”

As they settled into the living room, the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air. Fia cradled her mug, savoring the first sip of the rich brew. The women chatted amiably, catching up on town gossip and sharing anecdotes about their daily lives.

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