Page 19 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Luna leaned forward, her expression softening. “Fia, dear, you seem a bit... tense. Is everything all right?”

Fia hesitated, her grip tightening on her mug. These women had been nothing but kind since her arrival in Whispering Pines. Still, old habits of keeping her guard up died hard.

Ellie reached out, placing a comforting hand on Fia’s arm. “You can talk to us, you know. We’re here to listen, no judgment.”

Something in Ellie’s gentle tone broke through Fia’s defenses. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. “It’s my family. They’ve been calling nonstop, demanding to see Vienna. They... they’re not good people. I can’t let them near her.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Tabitha was the first to speak, her voice filled with quiet determination. “Then we won’t let them near her. You’re one of us now, Fia. We protect our own in Whispering Pines.”

Celeste nodded, her eyes flashing with protective fire. “Absolutely. Have you considered getting more lawyers involved? My husband knows some excellent magical law practitioners who specialize in family cases.”

“That’s a great idea,” Luna chimed in. “And in the meantime, we can set up a rotation to ensure Vienna is always with someone trustworthy. Between all of us, Sayer, and the other townsfolk, your family won’t stand a chance.”

Fia blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the show of support. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I just... I never expected to find people like you.”

Ellie grinned, lightening the mood. “Well, buckle up, buttercup. You’re stuck with us now. Speaking of being stuck...” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “How about we talk about something more fun? Like, say, a certain tall, dark, and handsome lion shifter?”

Fia felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I... I don’t know what you mean.”

Tabitha snorted. “Oh, please. We’ve all seen the way you two look at each other. It’s like watching a rom-com in real life.”

“A very steamy rom-com,” Celeste added with a wink. “So, spill the tea, Fia. Have you two given in to those smoldering emotions yet?”

Fia buried her face in her hands, groaning. “Is it that obvious?”

Luna patted her knee sympathetically. “Only to everyone with eyes, dear. But don’t worry, we think it’s adorable.”

“Besides,” Ellie chimed in, “who says you can’t be amazing co-parents and explore a sizzling romance? Multitasking is a mother’s superpower, after all.”

Fia peeked through her fingers. “But what if it doesn’t work out? What about Vienna?”

Celeste waved her hand dismissively. “That’s future Fia’s problem. Present Fia should focus on the fact that she’s living with a man who looks like he stepped out of a firefighter calendar.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Luna tilted her head, studying Fia closely. “You know, I’ve noticed something interesting. Your magic seems a bit... erratic lately. Almost like it’s short-circuiting. When did this start?”

Fia frowned, thinking back. “Now that you mention it, it’s been acting up since I met Sayer. I thought it was just stress, but...”

A knowing smile spread across Luna’s face. “Ah, I see. You know, it’s not uncommon for a witch’s magic to go a bit haywire when she’s around her mate.”

The room fell silent. Fia’s jaw dropped. “Her... mate?”

Tabitha clapped her hands gleefully. “Of course! It all makes sense now. Fia, honey, your magic isn’t malfunctioning. It’s celebrating!”

Ellie nodded enthusiastically. “Think about it. Sayer’s not just some random guy. He’s a powerful shifter with his own magical lineage. Your magics are probably doing a happy dance at finding each other.”

Fia’s mind reeled. “But... but that’s impossible. We barely know each other.”

Celeste shrugged, her hand resting on her swollen belly. “Love doesn’t always follow logic, sweetie. Sometimes it hits you like a ton of bricks. Or in your case, like a 200-pound lion shifter.”

As if on cue, the sound of the front door opening caught their attention. Sayer’s deep voice called out, “Fia? I’m back from my run. Is everything okay?”

He appeared in the doorway, slightly out of breath and glistening with sweat. Fia’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of him, his T-shirt clinging to his muscular frame. A spark of electricity crackled in the air between them.

Celeste nudged Fia playfully. “Speaking of tons of bricks...”

The other women exchanged knowing glances, barely containing their giggles. Fia felt her face flush, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Sayer.

---