Page 38 of Witch Way to the Diapers

When Sayer returned home, Fia filled him in on the day’s events. His golden eyes flashed with anger at the thought ofthe danger they’d faced, but softened as he looked at Vienna, peacefully playing with her blocks.

“We need to step up our game,” he said, running a hand through his dark hair. “This is more serious than we thought.”

Fia nodded, leaning into his solid presence. “I agree. Luna and the others have been teaching me protective spells, but we need a more comprehensive plan.”

They spent the evening brainstorming, their heads bent close together over the kitchen table. Fia’s skin tingled at Sayer’s proximity, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. There would be time for exploring their growing connection later. Right now, Vienna’s safety had to come first.

“We should install more magical wards.”

Fia nodded, jotting down notes. “Good idea. And I think we should set up a rotation with our friends, have someone here to help keep an eye on things when we can’t both be home.”

As they worked, Fia couldn’t help but marvel at how in sync they were, how naturally they’d fallen into this partnership. Sayer’s determination to protect them matched her own, and she felt a wave of affection wash over her.

The next few days were more of a whirlwind. Luna, Celeste, Tabitha, and Ellie were constant presences, lending their magical expertise to fortify the house. Ivy dropped by with a basket of protective charms and soothing teas. Even Daisy and Sera pitched in, offering to take shifts watching over Vienna when Fia and Sayer needed to work.

The support of the Whispering Pines community buoyed Fia’s spirits. For so long, she’d felt alone in her struggles, isolated by her family’s toxic behavior and the demands of her business. Now, surrounded by friends who genuinely cared, she felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced in years.

As she tucked Vienna into bed night, the toddler’s room now a fortress of magical protection, Fia allowed herself a moment ofquiet reflection. The road ahead wouldn’t be easy. She knew her family, knew their stubbornness and their capacity for cruelty. The battle for Vienna was far from over.

Fia leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Vienna’s forehead. “Sweet dreams, little one,” she whispered. “Mama’s got you. Always.”

TWENTY

Sayer’s phone buzzed insistently, drawing his attention away from the stack of paperwork spread across the kitchen table. He glanced at the screen, recognizing his sister’s number.

“Posey,” he greeted, a hint of tension creeping into his voice. “What’s the news?”

“It’s official, Sayer,” Posey’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Brooke as well as Fia’s parents have filed a formal challenge to the custody arrangement for Vienna.”

Sayer’s jaw clenched, his free hand curling into a fist. He’d been expecting this, but the reality of it still hit him like a punch to the gut. “What’s our next move?”

“Don’t worry, big brother,” Posey assured him, her tone shifting to seriousness. “I’ve got this covered. I’m bringing in a family law specialist to work with me on the case. We’re not going to let them win.”

“Thanks, Posey,” Sayer sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Keep me updated on any developments.”

As he ended the call, Sayer looked up to find Fia standing in the doorway, Vienna balanced on her hip. The concern in Fia’seyes told him she’d overheard enough to guess the nature of the conversation.

“It’s happening, isn’t it?” Fia asked softly, her arms tightening protectively around Vienna.

Sayer nodded, rising from his chair to cross the room. He wrapped his arms around both Fia and Vienna, drawing them close. “Yes, but we’re not going to let them win. Posey’s on it, and she’s bringing in reinforcements.”

Fia leaned into his embrace, her forehead resting against his chest. “I knew they’d try something like this, but I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

Sayer pressed a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo. “We need to get out of this house for a while,” he murmured. “Clear our heads. What do you say we take a walk around town?”

Fia tilted her face up to meet his gaze, a small smile tugging on her lips. “That sounds perfect. Some fresh air will do us all good.”

They set out into the crisp autumn air, Vienna babbling happily from her stroller. The streets of Whispering Pines were alive with activity, the town’s magical energy pulsing around them. As they walked, Sayer found himself relaxing, the weight of the custody challenge temporarily lifting from his shoulders.

Fia’s hand slipped into his, her fingers intertwining with his own. The simple gesture sent a spark of warmth through him, and he squeezed her hand gently.

“You know,” Sayer said, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I never thought I’d enjoy pushing a stroller down the street so much.”

Fia laughed, the sound like music to his ears. “Oh? And what exactly are you enjoying about it?”

“Well,” he drawled, pulling her closer, “the company is certainly top-notch.”

“Flatterer,” Fia teased, but the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her pleasure at the compliment.

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