Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

F ia’s heart lightened as she spotted Posey’s sleek convertible pulling into the driveway. The past few days had been quiet, almost eerily so, and the prospect of spending time with her new friend brought a welcome surge of excitement.

“Posey!” Fia called out, waving from the porch. “Welcome to Whispering Pines!”

Posey emerged from the car, her auburn hair catching the sunlight. She grinned, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite sister-in-law-to-be!”

Fia flushed, still not quite used to the idea of her and Sayer as a couple. “Oh, stop it. Come on in, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

As they entered the house, Posey’s eyes widened. “Wow, Fia. This place is gorgeous. Myla had excellent taste.”

A pang of sadness flitted through Fia’s chest at the mention of her sister, but she pushed it aside. “She did. I’m trying to honor her vision for the place and make it into the home she wanted for Vienna.”

Posey squeezed her arm. “You’re doing an amazing job. Now, where’s that adorable niece of mine?”

On cue, Vienna toddled into the room before falling on her diapered butt, her face lighting up at the sight of a new person. Posey scooped her up, cooing, “There’s my little princess! Oh, you’re getting so big! Feels like your first birthday was just yesterday but it’s been months.”

“I know, right? I’m so glad that Myla and Dune got to celebrate that milestone with her.”

“You’re growing like a beautiful, magical flower,” Posey cooed.

Fia watched the interaction between Posey and Vienna, a bittersweet warmth spreading through her chest. Vienna’s delighted giggles filled the room as Posey spun her around, the toddler’s curls bouncing with each twirl.

Sayer appeared in the doorway, his imposing frame softened by the gentle smile on his face. “I see the terrible two have already joined forces,” he quipped, crossing the room to plant a kiss on Fia’s lips.

Posey set Vienna down, the little girl immediately toddling over to Sayer with arms outstretched. He scooped her up effortlessly, tossing her in the air and eliciting another peal of laughter.

“Careful, big brother,” Posey teased, “or you’ll turn into a big softie. What would your board of directors say?”

Sayer rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “They’d probably faint from shock. Speaking of shock, how about we give Posey the grand tour of Whispering Pines? I’m sure she’d love to see all the magical mishaps waiting to happen.”

Fia’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea! How about we head into town for lunch? I’d love to introduce you to some of the locals, Posey. The Green Thicket has the most amazing herbal teas, and Ivy’s scones are to die for.”

“Sounds perfect,” Posey replied. “I can’t wait to hear all the embarrassing stories about my dear brother from his new neighbors.”

Sayer groaned dramatically. “On second thought, maybe I should stay home with Vienna. Save what’s left of my dignity.”

Fia laughed, playfully swatting his arm. “Oh no, you don’t. You’re not getting out of this that easily. Besides, I’m sure Posey has plenty of childhood stories to share with the town.”

“Et tu, Fia?” Sayer clutched his chest in mock betrayal, careful not to jostle Vienna who was now contentedly playing with his collar.

Posey’s expression suddenly turned more serious. “Before we head out, though, we should probably talk about the latest developments with your family, Fia. I’ve got some updates on the legal front.”

The playful atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a heavy tension. Fia’s stomach clenched, her earlier levity evaporating. “Right. Of course.”

Sayer’s arm wrapped around her waist, a comforting presence. “Why don’t I take Vienna upstairs for her nap? You two can talk, and I’ll join you in a bit.”

Fia nodded gratefully, watching as Sayer carried Vienna up the stairs, his deep voice rumbling softly as he talked to the sleepy toddler.

Posey guided Fia to the couch, her usual exuberance tempered by the seriousness of the situation. “Let’s sit for a moment.”

As they settled on the plush cushions, Fia took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever news Posey was about to deliver. The warmth of the sun streaming through the windows contrasted sharply with the chill of anxiety creeping up her spine.

Posey pulled out a sleek tablet. “I’ve met with their lawyers,” she began, her tone shifting to professional mode. “We argued that they have no grounds to contest Myla and Dune’s wishes regarding Vienna’s guardianship.”

“And?” Fia prompted, her fingers twisting in her lap.

Posey sighed. “The lawyers agreed with us, but your family is insistent on taking this to court. We’re looking at our first court visit in a few months.”

Fia’s shoulders slumped. “I should have known they wouldn’t give up easily.”

“Hey,” Posey said firmly, grasping Fia’s hand. “We’ve got this. The law is on our side, and more importantly, our entire family and their guardianship is too.”

Fia managed a small smile. “You’re right. Thank you, Posey. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“That’s what family’s for,” Posey winked. “Now, how about that lunch? I’m dying to meet these magical friends of yours.”

Sayer stayed behind since Vienna was taking her afternoon nap, leaving her and Posey to have a girls’ lunch.

The walk into town was a feast for the senses. Whispering Pines was abuzz with preparation for the upcoming Magical Lights Festival. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the air hummed with barely contained excitement.

“This place is incredible,” Posey marveled, her head swiveling to take in every detail. “I can see why Myla and Dune chose it.”

They arrived at Ivy’s teahouse, a quaint building with ivy creeping up its stone walls. The bell tinkled merrily as they entered, and the scent of herbs and freshly baked scones enveloped them.

“Fia!” Ivy called out from behind the counter, her bright green eyes crinkling with warmth. “And this must be Posey. Welcome to the Green Thicket.”

Before long, they were joined by Daisy and Sera, their table a lively hub of conversation and laughter. Fia felt a surge of gratitude for these women who had so quickly become her support system.

“So, Posey,” Daisy grinned, her pink hair bobbing as she leaned in conspiratorially. “Tell us all about Sayer as a kid. We need ammunition to tease him with.”

Posey’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, where do I start? There was this one time when he was seven and decided he wanted to be a circus lion...”

As Posey regaled them with tales of young Sayer’s antics, Fia found herself lost in thought. She pictured Sayer, not as the confident businessman she’d first met, but as a little boy with dreams and fears, just like Vienna.

“Earth to Fia,” Sera’s voice cut through her reverie. “You’ve got that dreamy look again. Thinking about a certain lion shifter, are we?”

Fia blushed, caught out. “Sorry, I was just...reflecting.”

“Oh, honey,” Ivy said softly, patting her hand. “We can all see how happy you two are together. Sayer’s has changed so much in the past few months. He’s like a different person around you and Vienna.”

“He really is amazing with her,” Fia admitted, warmth blooming in her chest. “The way he reads her bedtime stories, or how he always knows just how to make her laugh when she’s fussy...”

“Sounds like my brother’s found his calling,” Posey smiled. “So, spill. Are you two making any moves on the relationship front?”

Fia took a deep breath, suddenly feeling shy. “We’ve... we’ve decided to really give this a go. As a family unit, I mean. And I’m really happy with how things are progressing.”

The table erupted in excited squeals and congratulations. Fia laughed, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.

“I’m so happy for you both,” Posey said, her eyes shining. “Sayer’s been searching for his mate for so long. I always knew when he found her, she’d be someone special.”

“Speaking of special,” Sera piped up, “have you thought about marriage?”

Fia nearly choked on her tea. “Marriage? Like, right now?”

“It’s never too soon when you’re talking about mates,” Daisy chimed in. “So, what do you think? Could you see yourself walking down the aisle toward our resident lion shifter?”

Fia paused, considering. The thought of marrying Sayer sent a thrill through her. “I... I would,” she confessed. “If he asked, I mean. Seeing him with Vienna, how amazing he is as a father and a partner... I know he’s the right one to create a family with.”

The women cooed and awed, their excitement palpable. Fia felt a weight lift off her shoulders, admitting her feelings out loud.

Their conversation was interrupted by Tabitha’s arrival, her blonde hair windswept and her blue eyes bright with excitement. “Sera! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. We need to finalize the plans for the Magical Lights Festival.”

As Tabitha and Sera dove into festival preparations, discussing everything from fairy light arrangements to magical music amplification spells, Fia found herself caught up in the excitement.

“It sounds wonderful,” she said, picturing Vienna’s delight at the twinkling lights and magical displays. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

“Oh, it’s going to be spectacular,” Tabitha assured her. “Especially now that Sera and Lark have figured out how to work together without, you know, setting things on fire.”

Sera rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “It was one time, and those banners needed replacing anyway.”

As they laughed, Fia felt a surge of belonging. This was her community now, these were her people. And tonight, she’d get to share it all with Sayer and Vienna.