Page 3 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Fia felt her cheeks warm. “I am, actually. Between my business and now taking care of Vienna, I haven’t had much time for dating.”

Elsie’s eyes gleamed. “Well, we’ll just have to do something about that, won’t we? I happen to know several eligible bachelors in town who would be simply delighted to meet you.”

“Mother,” Kade groaned, but there was affection in his exasperation.

Celeste laughed, bouncing Vienna on her knee. “Don’t mind Elsie – she fancies herself the town matchmaker. But truly, Fia, if you ever need a break or just want some adult company, we’d love to have you join us for our weekly girls’ night. You’re welcome to bring Vienna along too.”

Fia’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you, truly. I... I was so worried about coming here alone, but you’ve all been so kind.”

“That’s what Whispering Pines is all about,” Kade said. “We look out for our own here.”

As lunch wound down, Celeste and Daisy insisted on exchanging phone numbers with Fia. “I mean it about babysitting,” Daisy said earnestly. “My fiancé and I love kids. Anytime you need a break, just give us a call.”

With promises to stay in touch and plans for future get-togethers, Fia gathered Vienna and prepared to leave. As she buckled the toddler into her car seat, she felt lighter than she had in weeks.

The drive to Myla’s – no,theirhouse now – was short. As Fia pulled into the driveway, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the flood of emotions that awaited her inside.

The house was charming, a two-story cottage with a wraparound porch and window boxes bursting with colorful flowers. Myla’s touch was evident everywhere from the whimsical wind chimes tinkling in the breeze to the small garden of herbs near the front steps.

Fia’s hand trembled as she inserted the key into the lock. The door swung open, revealing a cozy interior bathed in warm afternoon light. The entryway opened into a spacious living room, its walls a soothing sage green. Family photos lined a shelf above the fireplace – Myla’s smiling face beaming out from several of them.

A lump formed in Fia’s throat as she set Vienna down. The toddler immediately waddled off to explore, her delighted squeals echoing through the house. Fia moved from room to room, running her fingers along surfaces Myla had chosen with such care. In the kitchen, a half-finished shopping list in Myla’s handwriting still clung to the refrigerator. Fia’s eyes blurred with tears.

“Oh, Myla,” she whispered. “I promise I’ll take care of her. I’ll make this the home you dreamed of.”

A peal of laughter from Vienna drew Fia back to the present. She found the toddler in what was clearly meant to be her nursery, gleefully pulling stuffed animals from a toy chest.

Fia scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her curls. “What do you think, sweetie? Shall we make this our home?”

Vienna responded by patting Fia’s cheeks, her hazel eyes – so like Myla’s – sparkling with joy. In that moment, Fia’s grief was tempered by a fierce love for this little girl who now depended on her.

A knock at the door startled Fia from her reverie. She opened it to find two women standing on the porch, both smiling warmly.

“Hello, there,” the taller of the two greeted. She had long flowing blonde hair and bright blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. “I’m Tabitha Greer, and this is Luna Nightshade. We live just down the street and wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood.”

Luna, a graceful woman with striking violet eyes and silver-streaked black hair, held out a basket. “We brought some homemade bread and a few magical herbs to help cleanse the energy of your new home.”

Touched by their thoughtfulness, Fia invited them in. As they chatted, Vienna became fascinated with Luna, reaching for her repeatedly.

Luna chuckled, her voice melodious. “She has a strong magical aura, this one. You’re going to have your hands full with such a powerful little witch.”

Fia nodded, a mix of pride and trepidation washing over her. “So I’ve been told. I just hope I’m up to the task of raising her.”

Tabitha reached out, squeezing Fia’s hand. “You’re not alone here. Whispering Pines takes care of its own. Whatever you need, you only have to ask.”

As the afternoon light softened, casting a warm glow through the living room windows, Fia found herself curled up on the plush sofa, Vienna dozing peacefully in her lap. Tabitha and Luna sat across from her, their laughter filling the room with a comforting melody.

“Oh, you simply must hear about the Great Gnome Incident of last summer,” Tabitha exclaimed. She leaned forward, her pale hair cascading over her shoulder. “It all started when old Vincent Shaw decided to ‘improve’ the town’s lawn ornaments...”

Luna rolled her eyes fondly. “Vincent and his ‘improvements.’ I swear, that gnome has more ambition than sense sometimes.”

“Gnome?” Fia asked, raising an eyebrow. “You mean he’s like the little garden statues?”

Tabitha burst into giggles. “Oh honey, Vincent is very much alive and very much a gnome. About yay high,” she held her hand at waist level, “with a beard you could lose a cat in.”

“Anyway,” Luna continued, her violet eyes dancing with amusement, “Vincent got it into his head that the town’s decorative gnome statues needed an upgrade. So he enchanted them to come to life and help with gardening.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Fia mused, gently stroking Vienna’s curls.

---