Page 50 of Witch Way to the Diapers

TWENTY-SIX

Sayer stood at the kitchen counter, sipping his morning coffee and gazing out the window at the pink-tinged sky. The past month had been a blur of activity as they prepared for the custody hearing. Between gathering evidence, coordinating with lawyers, and caring for Vienna, he and Fia had barely had a moment to breathe.

He heard soft footsteps padding down the hall and turned to see Fia enter, her hair tousled from sleep. Without a word, she walked into his open arms and nestled against his chest. Sayer pressed a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in her familiar scent.

“Big day,” Fia murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt.

“We’re ready,” Sayer assured her, giving her a gentle squeeze. “We’ve done everything we can.”

Fia pulled back to look up at him, her brown eyes serious. “I know. I just can’t help worrying.”

“That’s what makes you such an amazing mother,” Sayer said, cupping her face in his hands. “But we have the whole town behind us. We’re not going to lose Vienna.”

As if on cue, a cheerful babble echoed from the nursery. Fia’s face lit up with a smile. “I’ll get her,” she said, rising onto hertoes to press a quick kiss to Sayer’s lips before heading down the hall.

Sayer watched her go, marveling at how natural it felt to start each day like this - as a family. In just a few short months, Fia and Vienna had become his whole world. The thought of losing either of them was unbearable.

He shook off the somber thoughts and focused on preparing breakfast. By the time Fia returned with Vienna on her hip, Sayer had a stack of blueberry pancakes ready.

“Look who’s awake, princess,” Fia cooed, settling Vienna into her high chair. “Papa made your favorite breakfast.”

Vienna squealed in delight, making grabby hands toward the plate Sayer set in front of her. He chuckled, cutting the pancakes into bite-sized pieces.

As they ate, Sayer couldn’t help but marvel at how perfectly Fia and Vienna fit into his life. Watching Fia patiently help Vienna navigate her fork, wiping syrup from her chubby cheeks, filled his heart with warmth. This was everything he never knew he wanted.

A knock at the door interrupted the peaceful domestic scene. Sayer answered it to find his sister Posey on the doorstep, smartly dressed in a navy pantsuit.

“Morning, big brother,” she greeted, breezing past him into the house. “Ready for the big day?”

“As we’ll ever be,” Sayer replied, following her to the kitchen.

Posey’s professional demeanor softened as she took in the scene before her. “Well, if this doesn’t convince the judge, I don’t know what will,” she said with a fond smile.

Fia looked up from wiping Vienna’s sticky hands. “Posey! I didn’t realize you were coming over so early.”

“I wanted to go over a few last-minute details before we head to the courthouse,” Posey explained, settling into a chair and pulling out a thick folder. “How are you holding up?”

Fia’s smile was strained but determined. “Nervous, but ready to fight for our family.”

Posey reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s review our game plan one more time...”

The next hour passed quickly as they went over their strategy, double-checked documents, and got Vienna ready. Before Sayer knew it, they were piling into the car and heading to the courthouse.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Sayer was struck by the number of familiar faces gathered outside. It seemed half of Whispering Pines had turned out to show their support.

Luna waved as they approached, her silver hair gleaming in the morning sun. “We’re all here for you,” she said, enveloping Fia in a warm hug. “The whole town is behind you.”

Tabitha and Ivy flanked them as they made their way inside, forming a protective barrier against curious onlookers.

“Don’t worry,” Tabitha said. “I’ve got some choice words for anyone who tries to take this little angel away from you.”

Sayer felt tears burn the back of his eyes at the outpouring of support. He’d spent so much of his life feeling alone, focused solely on his work. Now, he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared - not about his wealth or status, but about him and his family.

As they entered the courtroom, Sayer’s gaze landed on Fia’s parents and Brooke, seated on the opposite side. His jaw clenched at the sight of them, remembering all the pain they’d caused the one he loved. Fia’s hand found his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“We’ve got this,” she whispered, her eyes blazing with resolve.

Sayer nodded, drawing strength from her. Together, they could face anything.

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