A Place In This World - Adopted By Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Chapter 19

Avery was up bright and early the following morning, too excited to sleep knowing that today was the day that Taylor and Travis would finally adopt her. They didn't have to be at the courthouse until 11:00, but by 7:00 Avery couldn't stay in bed any longer. She wandered downstairs, greeting Benji as he nuzzled up against her legs before settling on the couch to watch a movie.

Much to Avery's surprise, Taylor and Travis came downstairs shortly after her. They had been planning to surprise her with breakfast in bed, but when they saw her already awake, Travis had an idea to change their plans.

"Good morning, sweetie," Taylor greeted as they made their way into the living room, "Have you been up long?"

"Good morning! I couldn't sleep, I'm just too excited for today!" Avery admitted.

"Well, we were planning to make you breakfast in bed this morning, but since you're already up, should we go out for breakfast this morning?" Travis suggested.

"Can we go to Rye? I want pancakes!" Avery asked excitedly.

"Of course, Aves. This day is all about you, so if you want pancakes, we'll go get them. Go get ready and be ready to leave by 8:00," Taylor replied. 

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After a leisurely breakfast, it was time to head to the courthouse. Avery could feel her nerves building as they pulled into the parking lot. The last time they had been here, it wasn't a good outcome, and even though she knew that today was completely different, she couldn't help but worry that something would go wrong again. 

Taylor picked up on Avery's nerves almost immediately, stopping to give her an extra hug as they got out of the car. Avery allowed her to relax into the hug, taking a few deep breaths before they made their way inside.

"Ready for this, kiddo?" Travis asked, squeezing her hand.

"So ready. I can't wait to be Avery Swift-Kelce!" Avery announced. 

"Wait, you decided you want to change your name?" Travis asked, surprised.

Avery had been going back and forth about what she wanted to do with her name. Part of her felt like changing her name would be erasing her past, but at the same time she disliked the idea of having a different last name from her parents and she hated that she currently shared a last name with her biological father. 

"I did," Avery replied, "I talked about it with my therapist about it and I want to have a little piece of both of you in my name. And since that's what Mom wants her last name to be once you guys get married, it just makes sense."

Once they were inside the courthouse, the actual adoption process was a bit of a whirlwind. Most of it was over Avery's head, but she tried to listen as the judge walked Taylor and Travis through the various forms they had to fill out and sign. Before she knew it, Travis was trying to get her attention, as the judge was ready to have them sign the final form to finalize the adoption.

"Wait, so that's it? We're officially a family now? Forever?" Avery asked.

"Forever and always, sweetie," Taylor promised.

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When they got home, there was another surprise waiting for Avery. She noticed all the cars as soon as they pulled into the driveway, confused as to why everyone would be at the house. As they made their way into the house, she took in the crowd of friends and family mingling in the living room waiting to celebrate with them. Both Taylor and Travis's parents were there, as well and Jason and his family, Austin, several of Travis's teammates and friends, a bunch of Taylor's friends, and even a few of Avery's friends from her old school.

"Welcome to the family, kiddo!" Jason announced, pulling her into a hug.

"Yeah, now you're stuck with this guy for the rest of your life," Ross joked, gesturing towards Travis.

They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with friends and enjoying the food that everyone had brought. Avery was excited to play with her cousins, as well as meet Blake and Ryan's kids for the first time. Travis got all of the kids set up in the theater room with snacks and video games, as well as some toys for the younger kids. 

Avery was exhausted by the time everyone went home, to the point that she asked to go to bed around 8:00. Taylor and Travis both tucked her in, reading a chapter in her book before she fell asleep. They both kissed her head before leaving the room, glancing one more time at the little girl they were somehow given the privilege of calling their daughter.

A/N: Sorry this chapter kind of sucks! I have so many ideas for the next few chapters but I had to get through the adoption first and it was giving me major writer's block!