evermore [taylor swift adoption]

six

About seven hours later, the doorbell rang, which confused everyone. Everyone except Taylor, who leaped off the couch she had been attached to for hours and ran to the door. Everyone quickly followed, curious about who was at the door. As soon as Taylor opened the door, she attached herself onto the man in front of the door.

"Travis?" Scott asked, confused about his sudden appearance.

"Hey, Mr. Swift, Taylor called me and practically ordered me to come, she seemed like she really needed me," he replied.

He wrapped his arms around the, small compared to him, girl, leaving kisses on her head. He pulled back and gripped her cheeks gently, observing her face. His eyes turned to worry as he took in Taylor's appearance, glossy eyes, red cheeks, and mascara all down her face. He looked down at his yellow shirt to see stains of mascara, but he didn't really care. All he wanted to know what who made his girl cry this much and who he needed to kill.

"Baby girl, what happened?" Travis asked, carrying his suitcase and walking inside while Taylor was still hugging him.

"They took her away from me! I don't get to see her again!" Taylor said angrily.

Travis' brows furrowed in confusion as he looked around for more clarification. After he settled down, Andrea began to explain the situation to him. She told him all about the girl they found at the concert, the hospital, the talk with CPS, and Taylor's response to the situation.

"Shit! The meatloaf is very overcooked!" Austin exclaimed.

"Really? You had one job!" Andrea exclaimed, rolling her eyes playfully.

"I'll go order something for dinner," Scott said.

Travis easily picked up Taylor and walked up the stairs while she grabbed onto his bicep. Once they got to Taylor's room, Travis changed his shirt and got into the bed next to Taylor. She immediately shifted herself on top of him and grabbed onto his shirt for more needed comfort.

"Baby, why are you so worried?" Travis asked, holding her close.

"What if she gets placed into another horrible environment again? She's just a baby, Trav! A fucking toddler. And I already love her so much and it feels like a part of me is being taken away," Taylor cries, hitting his chest in anger.

"Ow, Tay, don't hit me!" Travis exclaims, rubbing his chest.

"Really? That's all you fucking have to say after I told you that!" Taylor screamed, hitting his chest again.

"Baby, they're doing everything they can to get Arden to you faster but you need to listen to Tree and complete the course as fast as you can. That's all you can do, no matter how upset you are, that's your only choice. I love you and understand your concern, but this is all we can do right now, honey," Travis says, hoping Taylor will see their point of views.

"I know, I just— I just, Trav, it hurts," Taylor cries.

Taylor buried her face into Travis' chest, her sobs shaking her body. Travis held her tightly, running his fingers through her hair in a soothing motion.

"I know, baby, I know," he murmured softly, his heart breaking for her. "But you're strong, Taylor. And Arden is lucky to have someone like you fighting for her."

Taylor sniffled, her tears slowly slowing down as she listened to Travis' comforting words. She lifted her head slightly to look at him, her eyes still filled with pain and sadness of loss.

"I just want her back, Trav. I want to protect her, to make sure she's safe. I don't want her to ever go through that pain the orphanage put her through," she whispered.

Travis brushed a couple stray stands off hair away from her face and placed a gentle kiss against her forehead. She sighed as he rubbed his rough fingers over her smooth back.

"Thank you, baby," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Taylor's tears began to taper off, Travis continued to hold her close, his arms wrapped securely around her trembling frame. He could feel the weight of her sadness and guilt in her heart as she laid on his chest. Gently, he brushed his lips against her forehead, offering a tender kiss filled with reassurance.

"You're not alone in this, Taylor," he whispered, his voice a soothing murmur against her skin. "We'll get through this together."

Taylor nodded weakly, her fingers clutching at the fabric of Travis' shirt seeking his reassurance and comfort. Travis smiled gently and her chin upwards with a gentle touch, meeting her gaze before planting a kiss on her lips.