Chapter 16

SIXTEEN

F ia’s heart fluttered as she handed Vienna over to Luna, Tabitha, and Daisy. The three women cooed and fussed over the baby, their enthusiasm infectious. Vienna, oblivious to her mother’s nerves, giggled and reached for Daisy’s sparkly earrings.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” Fia asked for what felt like the hundredth time, her hands twisting the strap of her purse. “I’ve packed extra diapers, her favorite stuffed animal, and there’s milk in the fridge. Oh, and don’t forget she likes to have a fan on for her nap, and-”

Luna rolled her eyes good-naturedly, cutting off Fia’s rambling with a gentle hand on her arm. “Honey, we’ve got this. I promise. Vienna’s going to have the time of her life with her three fabulous aunties.”

Tabitha nodded, bouncing Vienna on her hip. “Absolutely. We’ve got spa day planned - baby massage, a bunch of cartoon movies, the works.”

Fia couldn’t help but laugh at the mental image. “Okay, okay. I trust you.”

Sayer appeared beside her, his hand finding the small of her back. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver up her spine. “Come on, mama lion. Our little cub is in good hands.”

As they drove away, Fia couldn’t help but glance back at the house, her instinct warring with her desire for a day off. Sayer reached over and squeezed her knee, his touch both comforting and electrifying.

“They’ll be fine, I promise,” he said softly. “Today is about you.”

Their first stop was Molly’s bakery. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air as they stepped inside, the bell above the door announcing their arrival. Fia inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of cinnamon and vanilla.

Molly looked up from behind the counter, her face breaking into a wide grin. “Well, well,” she said, dusting flour from her hands, “if it isn’t the sleep-deprived parents! Finally decided to rejoin the land of the living?”

Fia laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The familiar banter with Molly felt like slipping into a comfortable old sweater. “Something like that. We’ll take two coffees and... surprise us with the pastries. Your choice.”

“Ooh, living dangerously,” Molly winked. “I like it.”

Back in the car, armed with steaming coffees and a box of mystery sweets, Fia turned to Sayer. “So, where are we going? You’ve been very secretive about this whole day.”

Sayer smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’s a surprise. And before you ask - no, I’m not giving you any hints.”

“Come on,” she wheedled, playfully poking his arm. “Not even a tiny one? I promise I’ll act surprised when we get there.”

“Nope,” he chuckled, popping the p. The sound of his laughter, rich and warm, filled the car. “But I promise you’ll love it. Trust me?”

The question hung in the air, weighted with more meaning than just their destination. Fia found herself nodding, surprising herself with how much she did trust him. “If I must,” she sighed dramatically.

As they drove out of town and up the mountains, Fia found herself sneaking glances at Sayer. The morning light caught his profile, highlighting the strong line of his jaw. Had it always been so defined? Her eyes traced the curve of his lips, remembering how soft they felt against hers. And his strong hands on the steering wheel. She watched the play of muscles in his forearms as he turned the wheel, her mind wandering to less innocent ideas.

She thought back to the past several weeks, how attentive and caring he’d been during Vienna’s sleep struggles. The memory of him insisting she nap while he took care of everything during the day hours, the gentle way he’d stroke Vienna’s back to soothe her, the midnight bottles he’d prepare so Fia could hold Vienna... it all made her heart swell with affection.

“What?” Sayer asked, catching her staring.

Fia felt a blush creep up her cheeks at being caught. “Nothing,” she said, then paused. No, he deserved to know. “Just... thank you. For everything. You’ve been... incredible.”

His smile was soft, his eyes warm as they met hers for a brief moment before returning to the road. “You’re the one who was sleep deprived, Fia. We’re a team. You and Vienna... you’re my world now.”

The simple statement hit Fia like a tidal wave, washing away any lingering doubts. This man, who had stepped up in every way possible, who looked at her like she hung the moon even when she was exhausted and covered in spit-up... he was becoming her world too.

They arrived at a stunning hotel, its modern architecture blending seamlessly with the mountain landscape. He checked them in and the manager immediately came over to welcome them and walk them to their penthouse suite. Fia’s jaw dropped when she realized it was one of Sayer’s properties. “Sayer, this is...”

“This,” he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind as they gazed at the view from their suite’s balcony, “is just the beginning.” His breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

They started with an incredible breakfast in their suite. Fia kept checking her phone, and true to their word, her friends were sending constant updates about Vienna.

“See?” Sayer said, showing her a video of Vienna giggling as Daisy made funny faces. “She’s having the time of her life. Probably wondering why we didn’t leave her with the fun aunties sooner.”

Fia laughed, feeling the last of her anxiety melt away. “You’re right. I guess I can relax and enjoy our day.”

“That’s the spirit,” Sayer grinned, raising his mimosa glass. “To us?”

“To us,” Fia echoed, clinking her glass against his. As she sipped the bubbly drink, she found herself getting lost in Sayer’s eyes, like sun-dappled forest leaves.

After breakfast, Fia was whisked away to the spa for a full-body treatment. When she emerged feeling like a new woman, Sayer was waiting by their private pool with cocktails and snacks.

“Hello, beautiful,” he said in a low rumble that made her entire body heat instantly, “your refreshments await.”

Fia laughed, accepting the drink. “Why thank you. You certainly know how to treat a girl.”

As they swam and lounged, the flirtatious banter between them intensified. Every accidental touch sent sparks through her body. Fia found herself hyper-aware of Sayer’s presence, the way water droplets clung to his eyelashes, the flex of his muscles as he swam.

“You know,” Sayer said, his voice low as he moved closer in the pool, backing Fia against the edge, “I’ve been wanting to do this all day.” He cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheekbone, and kissed her deeply.

The kiss was everything - soft yet passionate, tender yet urgent. Fia felt it down to her toes, warmth spreading through her body that had nothing to do with the pool’s temperature. When they parted, both breathless, Fia couldn’t help but grin. “What took you so long?”

Sayer chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “I was waiting for the perfect moment. Turns out, every moment with you is perfect.”

The sincerity in his voice made Fia’s heart soar. This wasn’t just attraction or chemistry - this was something deeper, something real.

Later, as she soaked in the bath Sayer had drawn for her, complete with rose petals and scented candles, Fia felt her eyes growing heavy. The day’s relaxation was catching up to her, washing away weeks of accumulated stress.

She emerged, wrapped in a fluffy robe, to find Sayer smiling softly at her. “Why don’t you take a quick nap?” he suggested, leading her to the bed. “We’ve got dinner plans later, and I want you refreshed and ready to be wowed.”

“You’ve already wowed me,” Fia murmured, fighting a yawn. “But a nap sounds heavenly.”

When she woke, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, she found a rack of stunning dresses waiting for her. As she got ready, applying her makeup and styling her hair, she noticed something familiar in the bathroom.

“Sayer!” she called out, her voice filled with surprise and delight. “Is this... my skincare line?”

He appeared in the doorway, looking sheepish but pleased. “I may have made some calls. Do you like it?”

Fia’s heart melted at the thoughtful gesture. “I love it. I can’t believe you did all this. You remembered every product I use.”

Sayer stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I pay attention to everything about you, Fia. You’re kind of impossible to ignore.”

At the restaurant, they were seated at the best table, the view of the mountains bathed in the golden light of sunset. As they ate and talked, Fia found herself falling even deeper. The way Sayer listened intently to her every word, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, the gentle way he held her hand across the table - it all added up to something she couldn’t deny anymore.

“Fia, my beauty,” Sayer said, his thumb tracing circles on her palm, “I know you wanted us to focus on Vienna, but I can’t ignore what’s happening between us. It’s more than that, though. Every day that goes by, I want to be closer to you. I want to make our family a real one.”

Fia’s breath caught in her throat. She hesitated, old fears and insecurities bubbling up. “I’m not sure if it’s the best idea... We have Vienna to think about, and if things don’t work out...”

“I know it’s scary,” Sayer said, his eyes never leaving hers. “But I know you know about shifters and their mates.”

She sucked in a breath. The memory of the ladies telling her that she was Sayer’s mate rushed back to her. With all the drama in their lives recently, she’d forgotten about that tidbit.

“What…yeah. I know about mates.”

“Then you know how important it is for a shifter to find his mate.”

Her heart tripped over itself. “I do.”

“I,” he squeezed her hand, “I’ve searched for my mate my entire adult life. Almost two hundred years and nothing,” he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her softly. “Until now.”

“You’ve…you’ve found your mate?” Were the ladies really right?

“Yes. The moment I saw you the day I came to take Vienna I knew you were more than just a beautiful woman. My lion roared that you’re the mate I’ve been looking for.”

“Sayer,” she gulped, “are you sure?”

He gave a wolfish grin. “Shifters don’t make mistakes when it comes to our mates. I’m not sure, I’m positive. The question is how do you feel about me?”

She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “I’ve tried so hard to keep you at a distance.” She pulled her hand out of his grasp and brushed her hair behind her ear. “I don’t understand these emotions you evoke in me. There’s an attraction, yes. But I…I keep wanting more. I want everything and it scares me.”

He took her hand in his again. “Don’t let it scare you, love. We can take it as slow as you want. We can do it one day at a time, but we can’t keep ignoring it.”

She licked her lips and felt her resistance wavering. “I can’t stop my feelings from growing. It seems that every day that goes by, I fall more and more.”

“Then let yourself fall, beautiful. You and Vienna, you’re everything to me. I want to build a life with you.”

His honesty touched her deeply, breaking down the last of her walls. “I... I think I’m willing to see where this goes,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Sayer’s face lit up, joy radiating from every feature. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she nodded, a smile spreading across her face to match his.

She wanted to say more but the waitstaff started clearing the dishes from the table. The girl’s hands shook as she reached for Fia’s wine glass and accidentally pushed the glass, tipping over into Fia’s dress.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry,” the young waitress said.

Fia glanced down at the wet dress and shook her head. “It’s okay. We were done here, anyway.”

“Miss, please, allow me to help get this cleaned up.”

She saw fear and embarrassment in the young girl. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not a big deal.” She met Sayer’s gaze with a smile. “I need to change anyway.”

The restaurant manager immediately came to their table to apologize.

“Please, it’s not a big deal. She was doing great. I think I moved right when she went to grab the glass and caused the spill. Don’t worry about it.”

Sayer raised his brows at her lie and shook his head. “Miss Barlowe said it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

They left the restaurant to return to their suite. She immediately headed for the bathroom to remove the soaked dress. She decided to shower before anything else went down. After a nice shower, most of it with cold water to try to calm her raging hormones, she picked up the phone to check her messages as she headed out wrapped in a towel.