Safe & Sound

the alchemy

taylor's pov

i watched intently as the city of lights dwindled to a glimmer, getting covered by clouds as the jet ascended from the runway. i watched as travis reclined his seat, his eyes flicking from the window to mine as i occupied myself with scribbling in my journal, occasionally glancing up at him with a smile.

"writing a new song?" he asked as he leaned in close to peek at my notes. normally i would stray away and shut my book but with travis i always let him read what he wished, the comfort evident between us two. "maybe," i replied "or just capturing this perfect moment" at that he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear as he leaned down to gently kiss me.

the jet hummed along gently, cutting through the sky and towards italy and to what i didn't know would be the perfect week.

upon landing our bags were taken care of for us as we got into the awaiting car, paparazzi nowhere to be found which was a relief. i dreaded this week with us not being able to spend it in private, which was why we had chosen a secluded castle within the heart of Tuscany countryside. the drive took just over 2 hours and when we turned off onto an uneven gravel driveway it was clear we were approaching our final destination. 

the castle stood tall, exuding a timeless charm, and as soon as we stepped out into the baking hot sun we were greeted by an elderly man "ciao! i'm giovanni, d'amorso's caretaker" he said gesturing to the castle "and i, along with my daughter nina" a young girl in her twenties waved "will be looking after you for the week" he continued as nina stepped forward with a warm smile, presenting us with a basket of fresh fruit and local cheese. we accepted gratefully as we followed giovanni to our suite, setting the basket down on one of the authentic desks. it was a spacious room with a canopied bed and antique furnishing, coupled with a balcony that had views of the vinery that stretched on for miles around. i smiled knowingly at travis as we realised that it was the perfect retreat "i will leave you to explore, anything you need just ring one of these bells" he said, pointing to an old fashioned bell system
"thank you" i said
"yes thank you, oh there is just one thing" travis said, i was intrigued however he walked out with the man so i thought nothing of it and returned to the balcony.

after we'd taken a leisurely lunch snacking on the contents of the basket as we sat on the table on the balcony, we set off to explore. hand in hand, we wandered through the grand halls which were adorned with tapestries and paintings depicting historical scenes. i felt a connection with a portrait of a woman in a flowing gown, i stopped us and i saw travis look at me with a quizzical expression "look at her, trav. she looks as if she has so many stories to tell"

travis wrapped an arm around me waist pulling me closer as he said "you remind me of her, strong graceful and full of stories" i couldn't help the blush as i leaned against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his affection. we continued through the halls, uncovering hidden passageways and secret rooms which our laughter reverberating round.

in one of these rooms, we discovered a collection of antique armour and weapons. i saw travis make a direct beeline for the sword as he pretended to be a knight "lady taylor! i shall protect you and our little nugget from all harm that shall come thou way" he declared, striking a pose. i giggled at his antics, feeling like we were just highschool kids playing dress up as i urged him to put the sword away before he took my eye out.

leaving the armoury we made our way to the castle's library which had shelves lined with ancient books and manuscripts that beckoned me. running my fingers over the leather-bound spines i marvelled "imagine all the stories in here," i said, pulling out a book and thumbing through its aged pages.travis, following the knight theme, pulled out a book on old medieval knights and began reading in an exaggerated, dramatic voice which caused me to laugh until my sides ached.

we spent hours in the library, reading passages to each other and stealing kisses in a cozy nook by the window which had the perfect spot overlooking the vineyards below. for hours we sat talking about the baby which we would soon welcome into our lives.

as the sun began to set, casting a pink and orange hue on the landscape, i followed travis out to the castle's courtyard where giovanni stood proudly presenting a candlelit dinner for us. i thanked him as i admired the china and crystal glasses which he'd used to set the table, mixed the air which was filled with the scent of roses and lavender. giovanni left us, parting with a simple "enjoy your evening!". travis first pulled my chair back, signalling for me to take a seat as he pushed me in before going round to his own side. 

the dinner was perfect. we dined on delicious italian dishes, from bruschetta and caprese salad to handmade pasta and a standard favourite, tiramisu. with every course we toasted our love, our future, and our little one on the way. our laughter and sweet nothings filled the night, soft music played in the background and the world seemed to melt away, leaving just us in our magical bubble.

upon finishing the meal, giovanni reappeared, clearing our dishes and presenting travis with a small, ornate box, giving travis a knowing nod before disappearing back into the castle. i curiously gazed at travis with a raised eyebrow "what's that?" i asked, hoping it was what i thought it was as my heart began to race.

travis stood up and walked around the table, i watched his every move intently as he smoothly slipped the box into his back pocket and took my hand to help me to my feet where he led me to the centre of the courtyard which was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. although the evening breeze was cool, i could feel a warmth spreading of realisation as i looked deep into travis's eyes.

"taylor," travis began, his voice filled with emotion. he cleared his throat as he began, holding both my hands in his as i tried desperately to conceal the tears that began to pool in my eyes.  "taylor, from the very first moment i saw you, lighting up that stadium with everyone, including me, awe-struck by you, it's a magical thing. since you allowed me into your life you have filled mine with more joy, laughter, and love than i ever thought possible. you've shown me what it means to truly live, now i embrace every moment and cherish every second spent with you. your kindness, your strength and your talent serve as an inspiration for me every day. but it's more than that, your heart has touched mine in ways i can't even begin to describe."

my eyes were streaming as my heart pounded in my chest, all efforts of trying to keep composed were gone. travis continued "we've shared so many amazing moments together, and now, thanks to our baby we're going to embark on the greatest adventure of all. tay i just can't imagine doing this with anyone else but you. you truly are my best friend, my confidant, my everything," i looked at him as he paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself "taylor, i want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me. i want to wake up next to you every morning, scream at all of your concerts, hell i even want to hold your hair back when your faced with morning sickness, i want us to build a beautiful life together. you're my heart, my soul and my home. 

he reached into his pocked and pulled out the ornate box, opening it to reveal stunning ring with diamonds shadowing round the main diamond, i sparkled in the candlelight and i couldn't help but gasp as my hands flew to my mouth.

"so, taylor alison swift, will you marry me?" travis asked, his voice staying steady while his eyes met mine as they shone with hope and love.

my heart felt as though it was about to burst with happiness and without hesitation i nodded, the tears streaming down my cheeks "yes! of course travis! of course i'll marry you!" i exclaimed as travis slipped the ring onto my finger, it was a perfect fit. we embraced, the world around seeming to disappear as we shared a tender kiss full of promise, a seal on our commitment to each other and our future family.