Safe & Sound

paper rings

quick a/n to give context to this chapter - this is what travis was up to while taylor was busy...

Travis's pov

the day before

i sat in the quiet of the suites living room, just having returned to the hotel after delivering the news to scott, the weight of which was even now still sinking in. taylor was pregnant. the initial shock had given way to a deep, overwhelming sense of joy and love. since our first meeting i always knew i wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, but now, knowing we were bringing a new life into the world together, everything felt even more profound.

as i sat alone reflecting on the future, i felt a surge of determination. i loved taylor more than i could ever put into words, and the thought of raising a child with her, OUR CHILD, filled me with a sense of purpose and joy. i wanted to be the best partner and father i could be, and in that moment i realised that marrying taylor was the next step in solidifying their future together.

as i got ready i thought about how taylor had transformed my life. her creativity, her kindness, her strength - they had all inspired me to be a better person. all i wanted was to be her rock, her support and her biggest cheerleader. and now, with a baby of our own on the way, our connection has never felt deeper.

my decision wasn't solely based on the baby, though. it was about the endless love we shared which grew stronger each day. ever memory i had with her only reaffirmed my decision.  

once i'd put on a simple but smart navy shirt and some stylish jeans, i anxiously stood outside scott's door. usually confident and composed on the field, i found that a different kind of nervousness tightened my chest. i was about to ask scott swift's blessing to marry his daughter, taylor freaking swift. as a man who always faced my opponents with a cool head i found myself anxiously pacing as i rehearsed my words, hoping to convey the depth to which i love and respect taylor.

three quick knocks upon his door and i stood, my leg twitching and my thumbs fiddling. the door opened to reveal scott who greeting me with a warm smile "travis, it's good to see you. are you calling to say we better hurry for tonight?" he asked, before apparently noticing my nervous demeanor and clapping me on the shoulder stating "come on in" 

as he took a seat in one of the armchairs, i took a deep breath "mr. swift," i began, my voice steady but earnest, "i wanted to talk to you about something which is very important to me." 

scott glanced at me, his expression curious yet encouraging "go on, son" he said, the simple nickname gave me the courage i needed to continue

"i love taylor more than anything, she's incredible and awe-inspiring in so many ways, and being with her has truly been the best part of my life. all i want is to spend the rest of my life trying to make her as happy as she makes me. so, and i know this is a lot following the news from today but, i'm here to ask for your blessing to marry her."

scott sat very still, looking up to lock eyes with me fully, my heart in my mouth as there was an agonizing moment of silence. then, he smiled, his eyes softening "travis, i've seen how happy you make taylor, i've never seen her this happy. you've proven yourself with the love and respect you shower her with making it evident how much she means to you. so yes, you have my blessing and i couldn't be happier to welcome you into our family."

i felt the relief wash over me as i went to shake scott's hand, who stood up and embraced me "thank you. it means the world to me."

---

monday morning

once i'd dropped taylor off for her meeting i went out to find myself in the heart of paris, with a mission: find the perfect ring for taylor. i knew the importance it would be for her to have a ring from paris, she adored the romance and history of it and now it was the city of the discovery of their forthcoming baby. i wandered through the streets, cap on and sunglasses, darting into an alleyway if i thought i saw recognition on someones face. it had to be private i reminded myself as i gazed at the boutique jewellery stores which lined the streets, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation.

my google maps stopped at the jewellery shop i was searching for, it was renowned for its exquisite and unique pieces. i had called ahead of time, letting them know i was coming and tipping the owner off to keep the shop closed to the public, it would ruin everything if taylor had to find out through the public that i was shopping for rings. the shop's interior was tastefully decorated with velvet-lined displays showcasing an array of diamond incrusted rings. 

a knowledgable and friendly looking jeweller approached me, shaking my hand saying "you must be travis" i smiled appreciating his warm tone as i nodded saying
"i'm looking for an engagement ring, something beautiful and unique" the man nodded, leading me to a display case which was overwhelmed with an array of rings
"any particular style of preference?" he enquired, i took a moment to think, recalling taylor's taste for elegance with a touch of vintage charm.
"she has a thing for timeless designs with a bit of an old-world feel"

the man smiled knowingly, carefully pulling out a ring from the case. my eyes lit up the moment i saw it. it was a stunning piece featuring a brilliant-cut diamond surrounded by smaller more delicate diamonds, all set on a platinum band. it was classic yet unique, sophisticated yet romantic which i felt was the perfect reflection of taylor. "this is it," i said, unable to contain my smile "it's perfect" i assured him

"we can have it engraved if there's anything you wish to say?" i thought for a moment
"would it be possible to just get two T's engraved on the back?" i inquired and he nodded enthusiastically taking it over to a fancy cutting machine. i watched as he set the ring down, engraving it and proudly presenting it with the intricate engravings adorning the back. 

"i can't thank you enough," i said as i followed him to the till where he carefully packaged the ring in a red velvet box which i had the liberty to chose. once my card went through and i thanked the man profusely, i left the shop with my newly aquired item. i felt a wave of excitement and nerves as i was well ware the next step was the most important one yet: proposing to the woman who had captured my heart and who i longed to share my future with. i just prayed she said yes.