Page 34 of Witch Way to the Diapers

“How could I not be?” He turned her gently, meeting her gaze. His heart swelled at the warmth and affection he saw there. “Fia, last night was... I don’t have the words. But I want you to know, I’m all in. You, me, Vienna - we’re a family now. And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you’re both happy and safe.”

Fia’s eyes softened, a mix of joy and vulnerability flashing across her face. “Sayer, I-” She paused, seeming to gather her thoughts. “I never thought I’d have this. A partner, a family. Someone who understands me and accepts all of me.”

Sayer cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. “You deserve all of it and more, Fia.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss, full of promise and newfound intimacy. When they parted, Fia’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling.

“You know,” she said with a mischievous grin, “if you keep distracting me like this, we’re going to end up with burnt pancakes.”

Sayer laughed, stealing one quick kiss before moving to pour coffee. “We can’t have that. I’ve grown quite fond of your cooking.”

As they settled around the table for breakfast, the easy banter continued. Sayer found himself marveling at how natural it all felt - sharing meals, exchanging glances over Vienna’s antics, planning their day together. It was domestic bliss, something he’d never truly allowed himself to imagine before.

“So,” Fia said, passing him the syrup, “I was thinking we could take Vienna to the park later. There’s this little pond where I’ve been teaching her to feed the ducks.”

Sayer’s heart warmed at the image. “I’d love that. Though I have to warn you, my animal magnetism might attract more than just ducks.”

Fia rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh really? Should I be worried about you running off with a flock of geese?”

“Never,” Sayer said, his tone suddenly serious despite his smile. “You’re stuck with me now, Barlowe. Both of you.”

A sharp knock at the door interrupted their moment. Sayer frowned, glancing at his watch. “Who could that be at this hour?”

He opened the door to find Reed Mallory, the town sheriff, and his deputy, Arden Flynt. The serious expressions on their faces immediately set Sayer on edge.

Sayer’s hand froze on the doorknob, his heightened senses immediately picking up on the tension radiating from Reed and Arden. The two officers stood on the porch, their usual easy-going demeanors replaced by grim determination.

“Reed, Arden,” Sayer greeted them, his voice carefully neutral. “Is everything all right?”

Reed’s jaw tightened, his eyes flicking past Sayer into the house. “We need to talk, Sayer. It’s about Vienna.”

A chill ran down Sayer’s spine. He stepped back, ushering them inside. “Fia!” he called, unable to keep the edge of worry from his voice. “Could you come in here, please?”

Fia appeared at the entrance to the kitchen with Vienna on her hip, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. She came in quickly and put Vienna’s in her playpen. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice tight with concern.

Arden cleared his throat, his discomfort palpable. “We’ve been receiving some... concerning reports. Multiple calls about Vienna being spotted in dangerous situations.”

“What?” Fia’s voice was sharp, disbelief etched across her features. “That’s impossible. She’s always with one of us.”

Reed held up a hand, his expression softening slightly. “We know. That’s what’s so strange about this. The callers swear they’ve seen her in the middle of busy intersections, alone at the playground after dark, even at that construction site on the edge of town.”

Sayer’s mind raced, scenarios flashing through his head. He reached for Fia’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “That’s impossible. She can barely walk, much less be on the edge of town by herself.”

“Exactly,” Arden confirmed, running a hand through his hair. “Which is why we’re here now. Something doesn’t add up, and we needed to warn you.”

Reed’s voice was heavy as he continued. “Look, I hate to say this, but after a certain number of these welfare checks, we’re required to notify child services. You’d be placed under supervision.”

The room fell silent, the only sound Vienna’s soft babbling from her playpen. Sayer felt Fia stiffen beside him, her grip on his hand tightening.

“This can’t be happening,” Fia whispered, her voice barely audible.

Before anyone could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Reed and Arden exchanged confused glances.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Reed asked, his hand instinctively moving toward his holster.

Sayer shook his head, moving to the door. He opened it to find a flustered-looking woman in a crisp suit.

“Mr. Gentry? I’m Sandra from Child Protective Services. We received an urgent call about a child in danger at this address.”

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