Chapter 20

TWENTY

S ayer’s phone buzzed insistently, drawing his attention away from the stack of paperwork spread across the kitchen table. He glanced at the screen, recognizing his sister’s number.

“Posey,” he greeted, a hint of tension creeping into his voice. “What’s the news?”

“It’s official, Sayer,” Posey’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Brooke as well as Fia’s parents have filed a formal challenge to the custody arrangement for Vienna.”

Sayer’s jaw clenched, his free hand curling into a fist. He’d been expecting this, but the reality of it still hit him like a punch to the gut. “What’s our next move?”

“Don’t worry, big brother,” Posey assured him, her tone shifting to seriousness. “I’ve got this covered. I’m bringing in a family law specialist to work with me on the case. We’re not going to let them win.”

“Thanks, Posey,” Sayer sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Keep me updated on any developments.”

As he ended the call, Sayer looked up to find Fia standing in the doorway, Vienna balanced on her hip. The concern in Fia’s eyes told him she’d overheard enough to guess the nature of the conversation.

“It’s happening, isn’t it?” Fia asked softly, her arms tightening protectively around Vienna.

Sayer nodded, rising from his chair to cross the room. He wrapped his arms around both Fia and Vienna, drawing them close. “Yes, but we’re not going to let them win. Posey’s on it, and she’s bringing in reinforcements.”

Fia leaned into his embrace, her forehead resting against his chest. “I knew they’d try something like this, but I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

Sayer pressed a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo. “We need to get out of this house for a while,” he murmured. “Clear our heads. What do you say we take a walk around town?”

Fia tilted her face up to meet his gaze, a small smile tugging on her lips. “That sounds perfect. Some fresh air will do us all good.”

They set out into the crisp autumn air, Vienna babbling happily from her stroller. The streets of Whispering Pines were alive with activity, the town’s magical energy pulsing around them. As they walked, Sayer found himself relaxing, the weight of the custody challenge temporarily lifting from his shoulders.

Fia’s hand slipped into his, her fingers intertwining with his own. The simple gesture sent a spark of warmth through him, and he squeezed her hand gently.

“You know,” Sayer said, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I never thought I’d enjoy pushing a stroller down the street so much.”

Fia laughed, the sound like music to his ears. “Oh? And what exactly are you enjoying about it?”

“Well,” he drawled, pulling her closer, “the company is certainly top-notch.”

“Flatterer,” Fia teased, but the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her pleasure at the compliment.

They continued their stroll, exchanging playful banter and stolen glances. The town’s quirky charm surrounded them from the twinkling fairy lights strung between buildings to the occasional magical mishap that sent sparks flying or turned unsuspecting passersby different colors.

As they approached Molly’s Bewitched Bakery, the scent of freshly baked goods wafted out to greet them. “I think someone’s getting hungry,” Sayer observed as Vienna began to fuss in her stroller.

They stepped into the warm, inviting atmosphere of the bakery, the bell above the door chiming merrily. Molly looked up from behind the counter, her face breaking into a wide smile.

“Well, hello my favorite little family,” Molly exclaimed, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron. “And how’s our littlest witch doing today?”

Vienna gurgled happily in response, reaching out her chubby arms toward the display case filled with colorful treats.

“I think that means she’d like a cookie,” Fia laughed, lifting Vienna from the stroller.

Molly reached for a star-shaped sugar cookie, decorated with swirling patterns of edible glitter. “Here you go, sweetheart,” she cooed, handing the cookie to Vienna. “A special treat for a special girl.”

As soon as the cookie touched Vienna’s fingers, a burst of magic filled the air. Tiny, glittering butterflies materialized, fluttering around the bakery in a dazzling display. Customers gasped in delight, watching the magical insects dance through the air.

Sayer couldn’t help but laugh, his chest swelling with pride. “That’s our girl,” he murmured, wrapping an arm around Fia’s waist.

Molly clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, she’s going to be a powerful one, that’s for sure. You two have got your hands full.”

As they left the bakery, Sayer felt a renewed sense of determination. The joy and wonder Vienna brought to their lives – and to the entire town – was something worth fighting for. He wouldn’t let anyone take that away from them.

Their next stop was the Lone Wolf Café where Sayer had arranged for a picnic basket to be prepared. As they entered, Elsie’s keen eyes immediately zeroed in on them.

“Well, well,” Elsie said, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “Look at you two lovebirds. It’s about time.”

His cheeks warmed, but he didn’t loosen his hold on Fia. If anything, he pulled her closer, reveling in the way she fit perfectly against his side.

“We’re just picking up a picnic basket,” Fia explained, her own cheeks flushed.

“Of course, you are,” Elsie winked, disappearing into the kitchen. She returned moments later with a wicker basket, the aroma of freshly prepared food wafting from within. “Here you go. I threw in a little something extra – a slice of my famous apple pie. Perfect for sharing.”

As Elsie handed over the basket, her expression softened. “I’m so happy for you both,” she said sincerely. “And for little Vienna. You’re going to be such a wonderful family.”

A lump formed in his throat at Elsie’s words. “Thank you,” he managed, his voice rough with emotion.

“Oh, before you go,” Elsie added, “Kade and Celeste are home now. Celeste is due any day, so we’re all on baby watch. Exciting times!”

The news added another layer of joy to their outing. As they left the café, Sayer couldn’t help but imagine a future where they might be preparing for their own new addition.

On their way to the picnic area, they ran into Daisy and Ivy, both of whom beamed at the sight of them together.

“Look at you three,” Daisy said. “You look so happy together.”

Ivy nodded in agreement. “We’ll bring by some more protective charms and wards later,” she promised. “Can’t be too careful these days.”

Sayer felt a rush of gratitude for the support of their friends and neighbors. “We appreciate it,” he said sincerely. “More than you know.”

They finally reached their destination – a picturesque spot by the lake. Sayer spread out the blanket while Fia settled Vienna with some toys. As they unpacked the food, Sayer found himself stealing glances at Fia, marveling at how natural and right this all felt.

“What?” Fia asked, catching him staring.

Instead of answering, Sayer leaned in and kissed her softly. Fia melted into the kiss, her hand coming up to cup his cheek.

When they parted, both slightly breathless, Sayer rested his forehead against hers. “I’m just happy,” he murmured. “Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

Their peaceful moment was shattered by the shrill ring of Fia’s phone. She glanced at the screen, her expression darkening. “It’s my parents,” she said, her voice tight.

Sayer nodded, squeezing her hand supportively. “Put it on speaker,” he suggested. “We’re in this together.”

Fia took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”

“Fia,” her mother’s cold voice filled the air. “We’re giving you one last chance to do the right thing and hand Vienna over to us.”

“The right thing?” Fia repeated, incredulity coloring her tone. “The right thing is respecting Myla and Dune’s wishes. They wanted Sayer and me to raise Vienna, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Her father’s harsh laugh cut through the air. “You’re delusional if you think any court will side with you. You’re unfit to raise a child, especially one with Vienna’s potential. Our lawyer will make sure you never see her again.”

Sayer felt rage building inside him, his hands clenching into fists. But before he could speak, Fia’s voice rang out, clear and strong.

“You’re the ones who are delusional,” she said firmly. “No court is going to go against the express wishes of Vienna’s parents. You can throw all the money and lawyers you want at this, but you will not win. Vienna belongs with us, and that’s where she’s going to stay.”

Without waiting for a response, Fia ended the call. She sat there for a moment, her body trembling slightly.

Sayer didn’t hesitate. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. “You were amazing,” he murmured into her hair. “And you’re right. We’re not going to lose Vienna. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep both of you safe.”

Fia looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Promise?”

Instead of answering with words, Sayer captured her lips in a passionate kiss. He poured all of his feelings into it – his admiration, his protectiveness, and the love that was growing stronger with each passing day.

When they broke apart, Sayer cupped Fia’s face in his hands. “I promise,” he said solemnly. “You and Vienna are my family now. And I protect my family.”

As Vienna crawled over to them, babbling happily, Sayer gathered both of them in his arms. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he would fight with everything he had to keep this little family together. Because in Fia and Vienna, he had found something he never knew he was missing – a home.