Page 54 of Witch Way to the Diapers

“You’ve turned my world upside down in the best possible way,” Sayer continued, his thumbs tracing soothing circles on the backs of her hands. “You’ve shown me what it means to be part of a family and put down roots. Every day with you and Vienna is more than I ever dared to hope for.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Fia’s eyes. “Oh, Sayer,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’ve changed my life too. When I lost Myla, I thought I’d lost my chance at having a real family. But you and Vienna have healed parts of me I thought were broken forever.”

Sayer released one of her hands to cup her cheek, his touch infinitely gentle. “You’re the strongest person I know, Fia. The way you’ve stepped up for Vienna, the love you shower her with every day... it’s incredible. And the way you’ve opened your heart to me...” He trailed off, swallowing hard. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” Fia breathed, leaning into his touch. “So much it scares me sometimes.”

A soft chuckle rumbled through Sayer’s chest. “No need to be scared, my love. I’m not going anywhere.” His expression grew serious again, his golden eyes intense as they bore into hers. “In fact... I want to make it official.”

Fia’s heart began to race as Sayer slid off the bed, going down on one knee before her. From his pocket, he produced a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a ring that took her breath away. The band was white gold with a delicate filigree work reminiscent of a lion’s mane curling around a stunning oval-cut diamond. As she watched, the stone seemed to glow from within, pulsing with magical energy.

“Fia Barlowe,” Sayer said, his voice steady despite the emotion shining in his eyes, “you are my mate, my partner, my best friend. Will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?”

For a moment, Fia couldn’t speak. Joy bubbled up inside her, threatening to overflow. “Yes,” she finally managed, her voice breaking on the word. “Yes, Sayer. In a heartbeat!”

Sayer’s face split into a brilliant grin as he slipped the ring onto her finger. The moment it settled into place, Fia felt asurge of warmth flow through her as if the ring’s magic bound them together. She threw her arms around Sayer’s neck, nearly knocking him backward as she peppered his face with kisses.

Laughing, Sayer gathered her close, standing and spinning her around. When he set her down, his expression was tender, filled with such love that it made Fia’s knees weak.

“I have something else to tell you,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I spoke with Posey earlier today. She’s drawing up the adoption papers for Vienna. If you’re agreeable, we can make it official before the wedding.”

Fresh tears spilled down Fia’s cheeks. “Really? Oh, Sayer, that’s... that’s perfect. Vienna’s already ours in every way that matters, but having it legally recognized... it means everything.”

Sayer brushed away her tears with his thumbs, his own eyes suspiciously bright. “I want us to be a real family in every sense of the word. You, me, Vienna, and...” He paused, his gaze dropping to her stomach. “And this little one when they arrive.”

Fia’s hand flew to her abdomen, a giddy laugh escaping her. They had only just confirmed the pregnancy a few days ago, and it still felt surreal. “Our family,” she whispered, wonder coloring her tone. “I can’t wait to tell Vienna she’s going to be a big sister.”

“She’ll be thrilled,” Sayer agreed, his large hand covering hers over her stomach. “Though I’m a bit worried about how she’ll use her magic to ‘help’ with the baby. Remember last week when she tried to make her stuffed animals come to life?”

Fia groaned, though she couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “Luna’s right, we’re going to have our hands full with her magical education. At least we have the whole town to help.”

“Speaking of the town,” Sayer said, leading Fia to sit beside him on the bed. “I was thinking... what would you say to getting married here in Whispering Pines? Something small and intimate with our friends and my family?”

Fia’s eyes lit up. “That sounds perfect. I can’t imagine getting married anywhere else. This place has become home in a way I never expected.”

Sayer nodded, understanding shining in his eyes. “I feel the same way. I’ve traveled the world and lived in some of the most luxurious places imaginable. But nothing has ever felt like home the way Whispering Pines does. The wayyoudo.”

Fia leaned in, capturing Sayer’s lips in a sweet, tender kiss. When they parted, she rested her forehead against his. “I can’t wait to be your wife,” she murmured.

“And I can’t wait to be your husband,” Sayer replied, his voice husky. He pulled back slightly. “You know, I think this calls for a celebration. What do you say we keep practicing for the next baby?”

“But I’m already pregnant,” she laughed.

“I know, love, but practice is never a bad thing.”

She curled her arms around his. “What do you have in mind, my handsome lion.”

He kissed her and she forgot about everything but the feel of his lips on her mouth and the way his hands caressed her body.

Fia moaned into his mouth,when Sayer gripped her ass, bringing her closer to him. His erection pressed against her as she crushed her breasts against his hard chest.

Sayer laid her gently on the bed, and Fia kicked off her shoes. He grabbed hold of one foot, kissing her ankle, then her calf, her knee, every few inches of the smooth, tanned skin received a kiss. He stopped when he got to the hem at her thighs. Fia was tugging at his shirt, trying to pull it over his head.

He obeyed her silent command, taking it off and throwing it over his shoulder. Fia sat up and placed a kiss against his heart as her hands traced down his chest and the column of his abs to the waistband of his pants. Her fingers grazed against his jean-clad erection, and she watched his reaction, her eyes burning into his.

“I want you,” she told him. She brought his head down for a kiss. “Sayer, being with you is always so special. Because it’syou. Because it’sus.”

“Fia,” he whispered back, “I’m the one who is supposed to say sweet things to you.”

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