Out Of The Woods - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 41: Goodnight

Author's note: Something short and sweet for a change :)

The evening was filled with laughter and lively conversations, as Taylor and Travis hosted a small get-together with their friends. The living room was buzzing with energy as the group mingled and enjoyed themselves.

Suddenly, a sleepy Madison, dressed in a long light blue nightgown and clutching her teddy bear, wandered in.

Her wide eyes scanned the room, searching for Taylor. Selena, who was standing nearby, noticed her first. "Hey sweetie, is everything okay?" she asked gently.

Madison's voice was a soft whimper. "I can't sleep..."

"Let's go find Taylor, babe," She took her hand and gently guided her through the room. When she passed the people, some of who she recognized as A-list celebrities, they all stopped to watch the child make her way to Taylor.

Meanwhile, Taylor was engaged in an animated discussion with Travis, Blake, and Ryan.

"So, you really think that's going to change the industry?" Blake asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Taylor nodded, "Absolutely. It's not just a shift; it's a complete overhaul. The way we've been doing things is about to get turned upside down."

The conversation halted abruptly as they noticed Madison's distressed state.

Taylor's maternal instincts kicked in immediately. "You okay, baby?" she asked, concern lacing her voice. 

Madison nodded slightly, her eyes still filled with the remnants of her dream. "I... I think I had a bad dream," she murmured.

Without hesitation, Taylor and Travis both stood up. "Aw honey, it's okay. Let's get you back to bed," Taylor said softly, her voice a soothing balm.

Madison reached up her arms and Travis gently scooped her into his embrace, ready to escort her back to the comfort of her bed. The three of them excused themselves, leaving the living room.

Their friends watched them leave, a mixture of admiration and awe on their faces. The warmth and caring nature of Taylor and Travis as parents was shining through.

"And to think Taylor thought being a mom would bring too much chaos into that child's life," murmured Selena, almost teary-eyed. the love and priority they placed on their family was a beautiful sight to behold, leaving their friends touched and impressed by their bond.

Back in Madison's room, Taylor and Travis gently tucked her into bed, surrounding her with comfort and care.

Madison looked up at them with apologetic eyes. "I'm sorry for making you leave your party," she mumbled, her voice tinged with guilt.

Taylor brushed a strand of hair from Madison's forehead, smiling reassuringly. "Oh, sweetheart, there's nothing to apologize for. You will always come first, no matter what," she said softly, her eyes filled with unconditional love.

Travis, standing beside Taylor, chimed in with a light-hearted tone. "And besides, the best thing at that party was Taylor," he said, glancing affectionately at Taylor. "Well, and you, Mads."

Taylor couldn't help but smile to herself, remembering her old lyrics. 'I'm the best thing at the party.'

Madison's sleepy eyes flickered between Taylor and Travis, a fight against sleep evident in her small, drowsy face. Taylor, noticing her struggle, leaned in with a comforting smile.

"It's okay, baby, you can close your eyes," she soothed, gently stroking Madison's face. "We'll still be right here when you wake up."

Madison's voice was a faint whisper, laden with vulnerability. "I don't want to keep having bad dreams," she admitted, her words tugging at Taylor's heartstrings.

Travis reached out to hold Madison's hand, his voice reassuring. "I promise you, those bad dreams won't last forever. And you tell them that your dad's job is to dropkick for a living. They better not mess with my girl."

A small giggle escaped Madison as Travis playfully tickled her, the light moment breaking through the shadows of her fears. He then tucked her in. Madison continue to giggle as Taylor kissed her cheek on one side and Travis on the other.

"Goodnight, my little star," Taylor whispered softly, her eyes warm with affection.

"Sweet dreams, champ," Travis added, his voice gentle yet strong, a pillar of safety in Madison's world.

Madison, now cocooned in the warmth of her bed and the love of her parents, looked up at them with eyes that sparkled with happiness and security. "Goodnight, mom. Goodnight, dad," she murmured, her eyelids beginning to droop with the pull of sleep.

As they quietly stepped out of the room, Taylor and Travis shared a look that spoke volumes - a blend of pride, love, and an unspoken promise to always be there for their adopted daughter.