Page 40 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Fia took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”

“Fia,” her mother’s cold voice filled the air. “We’re giving you one last chance to do the right thing and hand Vienna over to us.”

“The right thing?” Fia repeated, incredulity coloring her tone. “The right thing is respecting Myla and Dune’s wishes.They wanted Sayer and me to raise Vienna, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Her father’s harsh laugh cut through the air. “You’re delusional if you think any court will side with you. You’re unfit to raise a child, especially one with Vienna’s potential. Our lawyer will make sure you never see her again.”

Sayer felt rage building inside him, his hands clenching into fists. But before he could speak, Fia’s voice rang out, clear and strong.

“You’re the ones who are delusional,” she said firmly. “No court is going to go against the express wishes of Vienna’s parents. You can throw all the money and lawyers you want at this, but you will not win. Vienna belongs with us, and that’s where she’s going to stay.”

Without waiting for a response, Fia ended the call. She sat there for a moment, her body trembling slightly.

Sayer didn’t hesitate. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. “You were amazing,” he murmured into her hair. “And you’re right. We’re not going to lose Vienna. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep both of you safe.”

Fia looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Promise?”

Instead of answering with words, Sayer captured her lips in a passionate kiss. He poured all of his feelings into it – his admiration, his protectiveness, and the love that was growing stronger with each passing day.

When they broke apart, Sayer cupped Fia’s face in his hands. “I promise,” he said solemnly. “You and Vienna are my family now. And I protect my family.”

As Vienna crawled over to them, babbling happily, Sayer gathered both of them in his arms. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he would fight with everything he had to keep thislittle family together. Because in Fia and Vienna, he had found something he never knew he was missing – a home.

TWENTY-ONE

Fia descended the stairs, her damp hair leaving a cool trail on her neck. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of Vienna’s giggles and babbles. She breathed in deeply, savoring the rare moment of peace.

As she reached the bottom step, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air. Her stomach growled in response, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since lunch. Following her nose, Fia padded into the living room, where she stopped short at the sight before her.

Sayer stood by the coffee table, arranging plates next to an open pizza box. Two glasses of red wine sat ready, their rich burgundy color catching the soft lamplight. On the TV screen, the menu for a movie waited patiently.

“What’s all this?” Fia asked, unable to keep the surprise from her voice.

Sayer looked up, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “I thought we could use a night off. Pizza, wine, and a movie – the perfect combination, right?”

Fia’s heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. “It’s perfect,” she agreed, moving closer to inspect the spread. “What movie did you pick?”

“Ah,” Sayer said, reaching for the remote. “You’ll see.”

As the title screen forThe Proposalappeared, Fia couldn’t help but laugh. “The fact you remember I like romantic comedies really says something because I don’t even remember telling you about that. How did you know?”

“My lips are sealed,” Sayer winked, patting the spot next to him on the couch. “Come on, the pizza’s getting cold.”

Fia settled in beside him, acutely aware of the warmth radiating from his body. She took a sip of wine, letting the rich flavor roll over her tongue. “I can’t believe you remembered I like this movie.”

“I remember everything you tell me,” Sayer said softly, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.

As the movie played, Fia found herself relaxing more than she had in months. She laughed at the familiar jokes, stealing glances at Sayer to gauge his reaction. To her delight, he seemed to be enjoying it just as much as she was.

When they reached the scene where Sandra Bullock’s character started rapping “It Takes Two,” Fia nearly choked on her wine as Sayer suddenly joined in, matching the actress word for word.

Fia dissolved into a fit of giggles, clutching her sides as Sayer continued his performance.

“Where on earth did you learn that?” she gasped between laughs.

Sayer grinned, looking pleased with himself. “I’m an almost-two-hundred-year-old lion. I have seen every stage of the music industry’s transition.”

The warmth in Fia’s chest had nothing to do with the wine. Without thinking, she leaned in and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “You’re full of surprises, Mr. Hunky Lion Gentry.”

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