“Has eaten dinner and is sound asleep,” Sayer assured her. “Now, let’s heat up our food. I’m starving.”

As they sat to eat, Fia felt more like herself than she had in weeks. The food was delicious, but it was Sayer who held her attention. Had his eyes always been that shade of green? And when did his smile get so... distracting?

“So,” she said, twirling pasta around her fork, “a whole day, huh? What exactly do you have planned?”

Sayer leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “That would be telling, wouldn’t it?”

Fia narrowed her eyes. “Not even a hint?”

“Nope,” he chuckled. “But I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

“I don’t know,” Fia teased, “I might need some convincing.”

Sayer’s gaze darkened, sending a shiver down her spine. “I think that can be arranged,” he said, his voice low and husky.

A mix of excitement and anticipation bubbled in her chest. It had been so long since they’d had a moment like this, just the two of them, without exhaustion clouding everything.

“You know,” she said, leaning forward slightly, “I’m feeling pretty awake right now.”

Sayer’s eyes flickered to her lips. “Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm,” Fia hummed. “In fact, I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep at all tonight.”

“Well,” Sayer said, standing and offering her his hand, “I suppose we’ll just have to find a way to tire you out.”

Fia took his hand, laughing as he pulled her to her feet and into his arms. As their lips met in a kiss that was anything but sleepy, Fia silently thanked Luna and the others. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was truly awake – and she intended to make the most of it.

SIXTEEN

Fia’s heart fluttered as she handed Vienna over to Luna, Tabitha, and Daisy. The three women cooed and fussed over the baby, their enthusiasm infectious. Vienna, oblivious to her mother’s nerves, giggled and reached for Daisy’s sparkly earrings.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Fia asked for what felt like the hundredth time, her hands twisting the strap of her purse. “I’ve packed extra diapers, her favorite stuffed animal, and there’s milk in the fridge. Oh, and don’t forget she likes to have a fan on for her nap, and-”

Luna rolled her eyes good-naturedly, cutting off Fia’s rambling with a gentle hand on her arm. “Honey, we’ve got this. I promise. Vienna’s going to have the time of her life with her three fabulous aunties.”

Tabitha nodded, bouncing Vienna on her hip. “Absolutely. We’ve got spa day planned - baby massage, a bunch of cartoon movies, the works.”

Fia couldn’t help but laugh at the mental image. “Okay, okay. I trust you.”

Sayer appeared beside her, his hand finding the small of her back. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver up her spine. “Come on, mama lion. Our little cub is in good hands.”

As they drove away, Fia couldn’t help but glance back at the house, her instinct warring with her desire for a day off. Sayer reached over and squeezed her knee, his touch both comforting and electrifying.

“They’ll be fine, I promise,” he said softly. “Today is about you.”

Their first stop was Molly’s bakery. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air as they stepped inside, the bell above the door announcing their arrival. Fia inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of cinnamon and vanilla.

Molly looked up from behind the counter, her face breaking into a wide grin. “Well, well,” she said, dusting flour from her hands, “if it isn’t the sleep-deprived parents! Finally decided to rejoin the land of the living?”

Fia laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The familiar banter with Molly felt like slipping into a comfortable old sweater. “Something like that. We’ll take two coffees and... surprise us with the pastries. Your choice.”

“Ooh, living dangerously,” Molly winked. “I like it.”

Back in the car, armed with steaming coffees and a box of mystery sweets, Fia turned to Sayer. “So, where are we going? You’ve been very secretive about this whole day.”

Sayer smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’s a surprise. And before you ask - no, I’m not giving you any hints.”

“Come on,” she wheedled, playfully poking his arm. “Not even a tiny one? I promise I’ll act surprised when we get there.”