Page 53 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Sayer’s mind reeled. They had only found out about the pregnancy a few days ago and hadn’t told anyone yet. How could Vienna possibly know? He searched Fia’s face, seeing his own mix of shock and wonder reflected there.

Before they could react, Elsie swooped in to scoop up Vienna. “Now, now, little one,” she said with a knowing smile. “Let’s not go revealing everyone’s secrets, hmm? Who wants more cake?”

As Elsie whisked Vienna away, leaving a trail of laughter in her wake, Sayer pulled Fia close. “Are you okay?” he murmured, searching her face.

Fia nodded, failing to hide a grin. “Just... amazed,” she said softly. “How did she know?”

Sayer pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I think our daughter might be even more magical than we realized,” he said with a chuckle. “But let’s keep it between us for now, okay? Today is about celebrating our family as it is.”

Fia nodded, visibly relaxing in his arms. “You’re right,” she said, stretching up to kiss him softly. “For now, let’s just enjoy this moment.”

As they turned back to their guests, Sayer couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpected depth of Vienna’s abilities. It seemedtheir little family was destined for even more magical adventures than he’d imagined.

As the party continued around them, Sayer held Fia close, marveling at the unexpected turns his life had taken. Just a few months ago, he’d been a confirmed bachelor, focused solely on his work. Now, he had a family, a community, and another child on the way.

It was more than he’d ever dared to dream of, and Sayer silently vowed to cherish every moment. But now, he needed to do one more thing.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Fia’s fingers traced the smooth edges of Vienna’s crib, her heart swelling with love as she gazed down at her sleeping niece - no, her daughter. The thought still caught her off guard sometimes, but it filled her with warmth every time. Vienna’s chest rose and fell in the gentle rhythm of deep sleep, her tiny hand clutching a well-loved stuffed lion that Sayer had given her.

Softly, almost unconsciously, Fia began to hum a lullaby. The melody flowed from some deep, half-forgotten place in her memory - a song Myla used to sing when they were children. The notes hung in the air, weaving a cocoon of love and protection around the sleeping toddler.

“Sweet dreams, little one,” Fia whispered, bending to place a featherlight kiss on Vienna’s forehead. “Mama loves you so much.”

As she straightened, her eyes caught on the framed photo on the dresser - Myla and Dune, beaming with joy as they cradled newborn Vienna. A bittersweet pang tugged at Fia’s heart. “We’re taking good care of her, Myla,” she murmured. “I hope you can see that.”

With one last glance at Vienna’s peaceful face, Fia slipped out of the nursery, gently closing the door behind her. The house was quiet, settling into its nighttime rhythms. As she padded down the hallway toward the bedroom she now shared with Sayer, Fia’s mind whirled with the events of the past few months.

So much had changed since that first day she’d arrived in Whispering Pines, heartbroken and uncertain. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life anywhere else. This quirky, magical town had become home in a way she’d never experienced before. And Sayer...

She smiled as she thought of her lion shifter. If someone had told her that first day that she’d fall in love with Vienna’s uncle, she would have laughed in their face. Yet, here they were building a life together and creating a family that was uniquely theirs.

Fia pushed open the bedroom door, her breath catching at the sight of Sayer. He stood by the window, silhouetted against the moonlight, his powerful frame softened by the shadows. As if sensing her presence, he turned, his golden eyes lighting up with that look that never failed to make her heart skip a beat.

“There you are,” Sayer said softly, crossing the room in a few long strides. His strong arms enveloped her, and Fia melted into his embrace, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood and something wild that was uniquely him. “I missed you.”

Fia chuckled, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. “I was only gone for ten minutes, you big softie.”

“Ten minutes too long,” Sayer growled playfully, nuzzling her neck. His stubble tickled her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. “How’s our little cub?”

“Sound asleep,” Fia replied, her fingers instinctively finding the nape of his neck, playing with the short hairs there. “I think all the excitement from the festival wore her out. I feel so guiltyevery time she calls me mama. It should be Myla hearing her say those words.”

“Don’t do that. Myla is happy watching you be the best mother to her baby. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. She loves you and she’ll grow up knowing about Myla and Dune, but it doesn’t take away from her being Vienna’s mother if she calls you mama.”

“You don’t think?”

“Not at all. You’re playing the part and are an amazing mother. She’s our daughter now. We may not be her biological parents, but we love her as our own. And as she grows, we’ll tell her all about her amazing parents.”

“You’re right.”

Sayer hummed in agreement, his large hand splaying across her lower back. “Come sit with me,” he murmured, guiding her toward the bed. “I want to talk to you about something.”

A flutter of nervous excitement danced in Fia’s stomach. There was something in Sayer’s tone, a mix of solemnity and barely contained joy that had her pulse quickening. They settled on the edge of the bed, Sayer taking both of her hands in his.

“Fia,” he began, his deep voice rumbling through her. “These past few months have changed everything for me. When I first came to Whispering Pines, I thought I was just here to look after Vienna. I never expected to find my mate, my other half.”

Fia’s breath hitched. She knew, of course, that Sayer considered her his mate. But hearing him say it out loud with such conviction never failed to send a thrill through her.

---