Taylor x Travis: In Every Life

home for the holidays

Taylor's POV

"We're here!" I called out as Travis and I dragged our suitcases through the door frame and set them down just inside. Shrugging out of my coat, I tried to shake as much of the snow off it on the deck before hanging it up on the hook.

"Hi darlings, how was the flight?" My Mom came out into the hallway, arms reaching to hug me and then Travis. "I hope it wasn't too bumpy up there, I head it was quite a windy day for travelers."

"No, it was fine." I told her. "I got a bit travel sick but only a little, it was actually a really nice flight." Mom smiled at me, kissing my cheek.

"Here, let me take your bags up. You'll be staying in Taylor's old room." She reached for our suitcases but Travis beat her to it, insisting he would carry them. "Oh you're sweet. Come on then, I'll show you up. Taylor, hun, your dad and brother are in the kitchen. Do me a favor and make sure they don't eat all the cookies before I get back."

"Sure Mom." I laughed, watching as she led Travis up the stairs towards my old room.

I made my way to the kitchen, where my brother and father were already surrounding the freshly baked cookies. They both jumped, looking guilty as I entered, but I just laughed and shook my head at them.

"Hi sweetheart, how are you?" Dad kissed the top of my head as I pulled out a stool next to him. "How's married life treating you? Travis driving you up the wall yet?"

"Dad!" I batted his arm. "Of course not. It's only been a couple months. Give it a few more, and he'll probably be sick of me."

"Never." Travis said as he entered the room. "Hi Scott. Austin."

We spent a little while catching up as Mom finished pulling all of the cookies out of the oven, and then we all retired to the lounge to sit in front of the fire. I grew drowsy as Travis chatted with my family and half dozed off leaning against his shoulder, gazing into the crackling fire I'd grown up with. I was glad Mom and Dad had kept the house even after the split, and we now just used it as a holiday home which anyone could use. It was my first time bringing Travis here, since other holidays we had spent with his family, or just alone together.

The voices of the people around me faded to indecipherable murmurs as I slipped in and out of a half-sleep, blinking slowly as I tried to stay awake. The flight had really taken it out of me, and it didn't help that I'd already been exhausted from all I'd been doing leading up to the holidays. Travis seemed to notice and reached down by his feet to grab the blanket folded up on the end of the couch, fanning it out over me. He tucked it around me tenderly and I yawned, shifting to use his lap as a pillow, arms tucked close to my chest. Travis started stroking my hair as he talked, soothing me even further. I sighed and nuzzled against his hand, craving the warmth of his touch.

"Poor thing, she's exhausted." I heard my Mom sigh after a couple more minutes. "Flights always drain her. Travis, why don't you take her up to bed and make sure she gets some sleep."

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea." My husband murmured, rubbing my shoulder. "Come on baby, we're gonna go up to bed now." I groaned, throwing an arm over my face, too tired to move. Everyone chuckled at me. "Taylor, come on. I know you're tired but just come upstairs and you can go back to sleep."

I didn't move. I would go to sleep on the couch for all I cared. Travis chuckled at me, and then suddenly his arms were around my body and he was picking me up. The blanket slipped off me and my eyes flew open in surprise as he stood up. I could hear my family laughing at us as he carried me out of the room, but I was too tired to care. I just buried my face in Travis' shirt and breathed in the smell of him.