Chapter 7

SEVEN

A s she watched him head upstairs, Fia took a deep breath. These growing feelings for Sayer were unexpected and a bit scary. But as she listened to his soothing voice over the baby monitor calming Vienna with a silly song, Fia’s heart smiled.

Maybe, just maybe, this unconventional family arrangement could work after all.

The afternoon passed in a blur of shared parenting duties and stolen glances. As they sat on a picnic blanket in the backyard watching Vienna toddle after a butterfly, Sayer turned to Fia with a smile that made her heart race.

“What do you say we treat ourselves to breakfast at the Lone Wolf Café tomorrow morning? I think we’ve earned it after two weeks of sleepless nights and magical mishaps.”

Fia grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds wonderful. I could definitely use a strong cup of Kade’s enchanted coffee.”

As the sun began to set, Fia felt a sense of peace settle over her. The day’s magical calamities and moments of joy had shown her that life in Whispering Pines, while unconventional, was exactly what she and Vienna needed.

And as she watched Sayer scoop up a giggling Vienna, spinning her around as sparks of magic danced in the air around them, Fia couldn’t help but wonder if maybe – just maybe – it was what she needed too.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the faint tingle of magic. Fia woke to the sound of Vienna’s happy babbling over the baby monitor, followed by Sayer’s deep, warm chuckle.

Her heart did a little flip as she listened to their interaction. In just two short weeks, Sayer had become such an integral part of their lives. It was hard to imagine their little family without him now.

Fia quickly dressed in a flowing sundress, one of her favorites from her own skincare line that shimmered subtly with protective magic. As she made her way downstairs, she found Sayer in the kitchen, Vienna perched on his hip as he expertly flipped pancakes one-handed.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, his golden eyes warm as they met hers. “I thought I’d get a head start on breakfast for our little princess here. But don’t worry, I’ve saved room for Kade’s enchanted coffee.”

Fia laughed, moving to take Vienna from him. “My hero,” she teased, trying to ignore the spark that shot through her as their hands brushed. “Though I have to say, I’m impressed with your pancake-flipping skills.”

Sayer grinned, a hint of playfulness in his expression. “I’m a man of many talents, Fia. You’ve only scratched the surface.”

The flirtatious undertone in his voice made Fia’s pulse race. She busied herself with getting Vienna ready, grateful for the distraction.

As they made their way to the Lone Wolf Café, Fia couldn’t help but notice the looks they were getting from other townspeople. Friendly smiles and waves, yes, but also knowing glances and whispers behind hands.

“I feel like we’re the talk of the town,” Fia murmured to Sayer as they approached the café.

Sayer chuckled, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back as he guided her through the door. The casual touch sent shivers up her spine. “Well, we are quite the unconventional family unit. Can you blame them for being curious?”

Before Fia could respond, Elsie Blackwood’s voice rang out across the café. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite new family in town! Don’t you three make a picture-perfect sight?”

Fia flushed as they made their way to a cozy booth. Elsie bustled over, her silver hair in its usual elegant bun and her eyes twinkling with barely contained matchmaking glee.

“Good morning, Elsie,” Sayer greeted, helping Fia settle Vienna into a high chair. “We thought we’d treat ourselves to some of Kade’s famous cooking this morning.”

“And you couldn’t have picked a better day for it,” Elsie beamed. “Kade’s trying out a new enchanted maple syrup recipe Celeste created for him. It’s said to bring a little extra luck to your day.”

As if on cue, Kade appeared from the kitchen, a steaming mug of coffee in each hand. “I thought I heard some new voices out here. Good morning, you three. Elsie’s right about the syrup – I’d recommend the blueberry pancakes to go with it.”

“Sounds perfect,” Fia smiled, gratefully accepting the coffee. As she took a sip, she felt a warm tingle spread through her body, chasing away the last vestiges of sleepiness.

As Kade headed back to the kitchen to prepare their order, Celeste entered the café, her auburn hair gleaming in the morning sunlight. Vienna immediately perked up, reaching out toward her with grabby hands.

“Well, hello there, little one,” Celeste cooed, coming over to their table. “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing this morning?”

Sayer chuckled, lifting Vienna out of her high chair and into Celeste’s waiting arms. “I think someone’s got a favorite,” he teased, his eyes meeting Fia’s with a shared look of amusement.

As Celeste bounced Vienna on her hip, the bell above the café door chimed again. Fia looked up to see a whole group entering – Ellie Theren with baby Asher, Tabitha and Bram Hartley, Sera Haskett, Lark Wilder, and Mari Sinclair with Arden Flynt.

“Wow, full house this morning,” Fia murmured to Sayer.

He nodded, a small smile on his gorgeous face. “Looks like we picked the right day for a Lone Wolf breakfast.”

The newcomers made their way over, greetings and introductions flying. Fia found herself warming to the group immediately, their genuine friendliness and easy camaraderie infectious.

“So, how are you two handling life with a little one?” Ellie asked, bouncing Asher on her knee. “It’s quite the adventure, isn’t it?”

Fia and Sayer exchanged a glance, a moment of unspoken communication passing between them. “It’s certainly been an adjustment,” Fia admitted. “But we’re figuring it out together.”

“Fia’s been amazing,” Sayer added, his voice warm with admiration. “I don’t know how she does it, balancing Vienna and her business with such grace.”

Her heart skipped a beat at the genuine pride in Sayer’s voice.

“And what about you, Mr. Hotel Tycoon?” Bram teased good-naturedly. “How are you finding domestic life?”

Sayer laughed, the sound rich and full. “It’s a far cry from board meetings and international flights, that’s for sure. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These two,” he gestured to Fia and Vienna, “have shown me what really matters.”

The sincerity in his words made Fia’s breath catch. She looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the emotion shining in his golden eyes. In that moment, she realized just how deep her feelings for Sayer were becoming.

Their moment was interrupted by a burst of magic from Vienna. The toddler, still in Celeste’s arms, had managed to turn all the silverware on the table into colorful butterflies. The metallic insects fluttered around the group, eliciting gasps and laughter.

“Oh my,” Mari exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. “That’s some impressive magic for one so young.”

Fia nodded, a mix of pride and slight concern coloring her voice. “She’s getting stronger every day. I’m just glad we’re in a place where she can learn to control it properly.”

“You couldn’t have picked a better town for that,” Sera assured her. “Between all of us, we’ll make sure Vienna grows into her powers safely.”

As the group continued to chat and laugh, sharing stories of their own magical experiences and offering advice, a sense of belonging washed over her. This was what Myla had wanted.

And as she caught Sayer’s eye across the table, his gaze warm and full of promise, Fia realized that maybe Whispering Pines had something in store for her too. Something she hadn’t even known she was looking for until now.

The rest of the day passed in a whirl of activity. After their eventful breakfast, Fia and Sayer took Vienna to the park where she delighted in chasing magical insects and making the flowers grow with her touch.

As the sun began to set they made their way back home. Vienna had fallen asleep in Sayer’s arms, her little face peaceful and a faint magical shimmer still clinging to her fingertips.

Fia watched as Sayer gently laid Vienna in her crib, tucking her in with a tenderness that made her heart ache. As they quietly left the nursery, Sayer’s hand found the small of her back, guiding her downstairs.

In the living room, they settled on the couch, the events of the day washing over them. Fia found herself leaning into Sayer’s warmth, her defenses lowered by exhaustion and the comfort of his presence.

“Today was... nice,” Fia murmured, her eyes drifting closed.

Sayer’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “It was more than nice. It was perfect.”

Fia opened her eyes, tilting her head to look up at him. The intensity in his golden gaze made her breath catch. “Sayer, I...”

“Shh,” he whispered, his finger gently tracing her cheek. “I know. I feel it too.”

The moment hung between them, charged with possibility. Fia’s heart raced as Sayer leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers. “Are you…are you going to kiss me?”

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

She sucked in a breath. “I…you…we…”

“Is that a yes?” he asked. “Do you want me to kiss you?” he tugged her close, one hand curling around the back of her neck.

She nodded.

“Not good enough. Tell me you want me to kiss you.”

Fia swallowed hard. “I want you to kiss me.”

He grinned, and right there, in the warmth of the house they shared, Sayer leaned over and kissed her. His lips were soft but firm, moving with intent. His beard wasn’t scratchy at all but stroked something deep inside of her. Fia moaned into the kiss, and Sayer took his chance to deepen the kiss.

His tongue explored her mouth as his hold on the back of her neck tightened. His other hand caressed her thigh, gliding up her leg up to her waist. She gripped his massive arms, digging her nails into his hulking shoulders. She moaned again, this time nearly coming undone from the way he pulled her closer.

He changed the angle of her mouth for better access; the other pulled her body until she straddled him and his hand cupped her ass.

So many emotions rushed through her. The soul-burning need she felt for Sayer was unlike anything she’d ever felt. She’d never had such an instant attraction and quick-growing emotions for another man in her life. Their kiss was deep, but at the same time, not deep enough. It wasn’t enough, but it was also too much.

Fia broke the kiss, panting hard. “I think we need to stop,” she whispered.

He nodded, his jaw clenched tightly. “We got carried away.”

“Goddess, yes.” She gulped and tried to remember how to breathe while stopping herself from ripping his clothes off. Fia ran a hand through her hair and pulled away from him. “I…goodnight.” She rushed away, her cheeks burning and her heart thundering at a million miles per hour.

Walking away was the best thing to do. They didn’t need to make things harder between them. But why did it feel like they’d started a countdown to something…something that would not go away?