Page 45 of Witch Way to the Diapers

As Tabitha and Sera dove into festival preparations, discussing everything from fairy light arrangements to magical music amplification spells, Fia found herself caught up in the excitement.

“It sounds wonderful,” she said, picturing Vienna’s delight at the twinkling lights and magical displays. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

“Oh, it’s going to be spectacular,” Tabitha assured her. “Especially now that Sera and Lark have figured out how to work together without, you know, setting things on fire.”

Sera rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “It was one time, and those banners needed replacing anyway.”

As they laughed, Fia felt a surge of belonging. This was her community now, these were her people. And tonight, she’d get to share it all with Sayer and Vienna.

TWENTY-THREE

The Magical Lights Festival transformed Whispering Pines into an enchanted dreamscape that defied the imagination. As Fia, Sayer, Vienna, and Posey stepped onto the festival grounds, they were immediately enveloped in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that danced on the edge of reality.

Fairy lights twinkled in the ancient oak trees lining the cobblestone paths, their warm golden glow reminiscent of fireflies frozen in time. The lights seemed to pulse gently as if in rhythm with the heartbeat of the town itself. Fia couldn’t help but gasp as she took in the magical panorama.

“Oh my,” she breathed, her eyes wide. “It’s like stepping into a storybook.”

Sayer’s arm tightened around her waist, his deep chuckle reverberating through her. “Wait until you see the main square. I hear Lark and Sera have outdone themselves this year.”

As if on cue, a shimmering apparition of a massive dragon soared overhead, its scales glittering with every color imaginable. Vienna squealed in delight, her tiny hands reaching up as if to touch the magical creature.

“Agon!” she exclaimed, her face alight with wonder.

Posey laughed, reaching out to tickle her niece’s cheek. “That’s right, princess! Dragon. And look, there’s more!”

Indeed, the air was alive with magical displays. Miniature ships sailed through the sky, their phantom crews waving to the crowd below. Ghostly figures danced midair, acting out scenes from the town’s rich history. A group of enchanted instruments floated by, playing a hauntingly beautiful melody that seemed to weave itself into the very fabric of the night.

As they wandered down the path, the scent of cinnamon and apple cider wafted toward them. Fia’s mouth watered at the aroma.

“I think I smell Molly’s famous cider donuts,” Sayer said, his nose twitching appreciatively. “What do you say we grab some?”

“Oh, yes please!” Posey enthused. “I’ve been dreaming about those donuts since you mentioned them last week.”

They made their way to a cheerful booth decorated with twinkling lights and floating, edible flowers. Molly beamed at them from behind the counter, her red curls even more vibrant in the magical glow of the festival.

“Good evening,” she called out. “And you must be Posey. Welcome to Whispering Pines.”

As Molly chatted animatedly with Posey about the town’s magical baking techniques, Fia turned to Sayer, her heart full of joy.

“This is amazing,” she said softly. “I never imagined a place like this could exist.”

Sayer’s golden eyes softened as he gazed at her. “Neither did I until I found you and Vienna. You’ve made all of this,” he gestured to the magical wonderland around them, “real for me in a way it never was before.”

Before she could respond, Vienna let out another delighted squeal. A group of glowing butterflies had fluttered by, their wings leaving trails of sparkling dust in the air.

“Buhfies!” Vienna cried, reaching out to try and catch them.

Fia laughed, adjusting her hold on the squirming toddler. “You’re on a roll, sweetie. Aren’t they pretty?”

As they continued their stroll, Posey, now armed with a bag of cider donuts, pointed out particularly impressive displays.

“Oh, look at that!” she exclaimed, gesturing to a shimmering fountain. Instead of water, it spouted streams of liquid starlight that formed constellations in the air before dissolving into a shower of glitter. “How does that even work?”

Sayer shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Magic, of course. Though I’m pretty sure Ivy had a hand in that one. She’s been experimenting with celestial infusions in her teas lately.”

They passed by a group of children gathered around a storytelling circle where Jasper the ghostly librarian was dramatically recounting the tale of the town’s founding. His spectral form flickered and changed as he took on the appearance of different historical figures, much to the delight of his young audience.

“Now that,” Posey said, nudging Sayer, “reminds me of the time you tried to convince me you could shapeshift into anything. Remember how that ended?”

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