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Taylor shifted uncomfortably in bed, the feeding tube a constant reminder of her body's struggle to nourish not just herself but their growing triplets. At 13 weeks pregnant with all girls, her cravings were relentless, even striking at the ungodly hour of 3 am.
"Travis," she whispered, nudging him gently.
Travis stirred, his eyes groggy as he blinked into the darkness. "Yeah, babe? Everything okay?"
"I'm craving something," she admitted sheepishly, her hand resting on her slightly swollen belly.
He sighed softly, concern etching his features. "You know you can't eat solid foods. Tay. It's not good for you or the babies your stomach is paralyzed remember."
Taylor pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a slight pucker. "But I really, really want ice cream. Like, really."
Travis chuckled softly, his heart melting at her longing expression. "Ice cream at 3 am? That's quite the craving, sweetheart."
She nodded eagerly, her eyes pleading with him. "Please, Trav? Just a little? I promise I won't tell the doctor."
Travis hesitated, torn between his desire to indulge her and his concern for her health. Finally, he relented with a resigned smile. "Okay, okay. But just a tiny bit, and we'll rinse your mouth after, deal?"
Taylor's face lit up, her smile radiant. "Deal!"
With a gentle kiss on her forehead, Travis slipped out of bed, padding softly to the kitchen. He knew the risks — Taylor's stomach, paralyzed by the pregnancy's complications and would likely stay like that even after birth, struggled to digest even the smallest morsels. Nevertheless, he returned with a small bowl of vanilla ice cream, carefully spooning out a tiny portion.
Taylor savored each bite, the cold sweetness sending shivers of pleasure through her. Travis watched her with a mixture of amusement and adoration, his heart swelling at her happiness. She looked so small and vulnerable, yet so resolutely determined to enjoy this simple pleasure.
But as quickly as the joy came, so did the discomfort. Taylor's stomach rebelled against the treat, and before she could react, she was running to see her white porcelain friend all over again. The ice cream, so delightful moments ago, now became a source of misery as she fought to suppress the nausea.
Travis rushed to her side, holding back her hair tenderly as she emptied her stomach. He murmured soothing words, his touch gentle and reassuring. Once she was done, he helped her rinse her mouth and settle back into bed, tucking her in with loving care.
"I'm sorry, babe," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I should have stopped you."
Taylor shook her head weakly, her eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you, Trav. For everything."
He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Anytime, Tay. Anytime."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound in the room the soft hum of the night outside. Travis stayed by her side until she fell asleep, his hand gently resting on her belly where their triplets grew.
As he watched her peaceful slumber, he couldn't help but marvel at her strength and resilience. Despite the challenges they faced, Taylor's spirit remained unbroken, her determination to savor every moment of their pregnancy unwavering.
Travis knew there would be more late-night cravings, more moments of uncertainty and fear. But as long as they faced them together, he was certain they could handle anything that came their way.
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