Out Of The Woods - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 19: The Dinner

The apartment was filled with excitement and nerves as the evening approached. Madison, dressed in her favorite pale blue dress, fidgeted nervously, stealing glances at the clock. Taylor, equally anxious but trying to maintain a calm facade, reassured her, "It's just Travis, honey. You'll like him, I promise."

The doorbell rang, slicing through the nervous tension. Travis stood at the doorway, his smile wide and welcoming. He held a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bag filled with groceries in the other.

"Hello, ladies," he greeted, handing the flowers to Taylor and a small stuffed animal to Madison. "For the princess of the castle," he winked at Madison, who shyly accepted the gift. When Madison wasn't looking, Taylor and Travis shared a tender kiss.

Taylor led Travis to the kitchen, where he insisted on preparing dinner. "I hope you're ready for the best pasta you've ever tasted," Travis boasted playfully, his sleeves rolled up as he began to cook. Madison, initially reserved, found herself drawn to Travis's easy charm and enthusiasm.

In the kitchen, the atmosphere was light and spirited, with music playing in the background. Madison wanted to listen to Taylor, Taylor said it'll be embarrassing, Madison pouted, and so they were listening to Taylor's songs. Travis chuckled at the exchange between the two while he was at the stove, stirring the pasta sauce with a flourish. Taylor leaned against the counter, watching him with an amused smile.

"So, Travis, is this secret pasta recipe going to impress us?" Taylor teased, her eyes twinkling.

"Oh, absolutely," Travis replied confidently, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's my grandma's recipe. Never fails to charm."

Madison, who had been quietly observing, piped up, "Does it have a secret ingredient?"

Travis winked at her. "Yes, but if I tell you, I might have to recruit you as my sous-chef."

Madison giggled, her shyness fading. "I can keep a secret!"

The three of them laughed, and Taylor added, "Well, I hope it's not just charm in that sauce. We're pretty hungry!"

Travis pretended to look offended. "Taylor, have a little faith in my culinary skills. I promise, it's more than just charm – it's a sprinkle of love and a sprinkle of magic."

Madison, now more engaged, looked at Taylor, "I hope he's not putting actual glitter in it. That wouldn't be very tasty."

Taylor laughed, nudging Madison playfully. "I think we can trust Chef Travis. Although, glitter does sound like a fun addition."

As dinner time approached, Travis plated the pasta with a flourish, presenting it to Taylor and Madison like a master chef. "Bon appétit," he announced, his eyes full of pride.

The table was set with a simple elegance. As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Madison's laughter rang out more frequently, her initial apprehension replaced by a sense of belonging. Taylor watched the interactions with a smile, her heart swelling with affection for both Travis and Madison.

Travis turned to Madison, his tone genuine. "I hope you like it, Mads. I put extra cheese just the way kids like it."

Madison, now completely at ease, teased back, "It better be good, or no more dates for you and Taylor."

Taylor laughed, her eyes meeting Travis's in a moment of shared happiness. The evening was more than just a dinner; it was a celebration of new beginnings, of laughter, and of the unexpected joys of life.

Taylor's gaze alternated between Travis and Madison, not fully believing that this was her life. Just a few months ago, she was worried about whatever was left of her relationship with Joe. While she may have lost him, she did gain something truly amazing. But in that moment, with the laughter still echoing in the apartment, she knew that whatever the future held, it would be filled with love and warmth, just like this enchanting evening.