Page 25 of Witch Way to the Diapers

That evening as Fia prepared for another long night, Sayer surprised her by drawing a bath.

“Take some time for yourself,” he insisted. “I’ve got Vienna.”

Fia’s grateful smile made his heart ache. As she soaked in the tub, Sayer entertained Vienna, teaching her a new word in secret.

The next morning as Fia stumbled into the kitchen, eyes heavy with exhaustion, Vienna pointed at her and clearly said, “Mama!”

Fia froze, her eyes widening in shock. Tears welled up and spilled over her cheeks. Sayer moved to her side, gently wiping away the drops with his thumb.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” Fia whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

In response, Sayer leaned in, brushing his lips softly against hers. It was a gentle kiss, full of promise and unspoken feelings. To his relief and joy, Fia didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into him, deepening the kiss for a moment before pulling back, a mix of wonder and uncertainty in her eyes.

As the sleepless nights continued, Sayer and Fia found themselves sharing quiet conversations in the early hours of the morning. He told her about his childhood and about being an almost two-hundred-year-old royal lion shifter.

“Wait,” Fia said, stifling a yawn as she bounced Vienna gently. “You’re telling me you were actually there for the Boston Tea Party?”

Sayer chuckled. “Not only was I there, I may have... encouraged it a bit. You should have seen the looks on their faces when a lion came roaring out of the shadows. They thought it was a sign from the heavens.”

Fia laughed, then winced as Vienna stirred. “I can’t believe I’m co-parenting with a living history book,” she teased.

As the night wore on, their conversation turned more serious. Sayer found himself opening up about his fears and dreams, and to his surprise, Fia reciprocated.

“I’ve never really had a serious relationship,” she admitted softly. “I guess I’ve always been too afraid to let anyone in.”

“Because of your family?” Sayer asked gently.

Fia nodded, her eyes distant. “Growing up in that house... it was easier to keep everything locked away inside. Safer.” She looked down at Vienna, stroking the sleeping toddler’s cheek. “I don’t want that for her. I want her to feel safe expressing herself, to know she’s loved unconditionally.”

Sayer reached out, taking Fia’s free hand in his. “She will,” he promised. “And Fia? I’m here if you ever need someone to listen. No judgment, just support.”

Fia’s eyes met his, a mix of gratitude and something deeper shining in their depths. “Thank you, Sayer,” she whispered.

The moment stretched between them, charged with unspoken emotions. Slowly, Sayer leaned in, giving Fia every opportunity to pull away. Instead, she met him halfway, their lips meeting in a kiss that was soft and sweet, yet full of promise.

As the days passed, Sayer found his feelings for Fia growing stronger. He admired her beauty, of course - the way her hair caught the sunlight, the curve of her smile - but it was her strength and kindness that truly captivated him. He began to imagine a future where they raised Vienna together, a true family unit.

One afternoon, after a particularly rough night, Sayer found Fia passed out on the couch. Without hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms, marveling at how right she felt against his chest. He carried her to her bedroom, gently laying her on the bed. For a moment, he allowed himself to watch her sleep, his heart swelling with emotions he wasn’t quite ready to name.

Determined to do more, Sayer visited Ivy’s tea house, purchasing a blend of soothing herbs.

“This should help her relax,” Ivy said with a knowing smile. “And Sayer? Don’t wait too long to tell her how you feel. Life’s too short, even for an immortal.”

Sayer nodded, grateful for the advice but unsure how to act on it. How could he express his feelings without overwhelming Fia? She barely slept.

As he pondered this question, Vienna continued to surprise them with her magical progress. As they sat in the living room, tiny sparks of light began to dance around her, forming shapes that looked suspiciously like lions.

“Well,” Fia said, laughing as a spark tickled her nose, “I guess we know which side of the family she takes after.”

Sayer grinned, pride swelling in his chest. “She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

“God help us all,” Fia replied, but her tone was full of love.

The next morning, after another failed attempt to get Vienna to sleep through the night, Sayer and Fia found themselves collapsed on the couch, exhausted but oddly giddy.

“I never thought I’d be so excited about three consecutive hours of sleep,” Fia mumbled, her head lolling against Sayer’s shoulder.

Without thinking, Sayer wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. To his surprise and delight, Fia didn’t resist. Instead, she snuggled into his side, her body relaxing against his.

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