The late summer evening had settled over Kansas City, casting a warm, golden glow over the neighborhood as the sun dipped below the horizon. Inside the Kelce-Swift household, preparations for dinner were well underway. The smell of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the soft sound of music playing in the background. Taylor moved around the kitchen, focused but relaxed, while Travis set the table, his expression one of contentment.
Tonight was special—Travis's entire family was coming over for dinner. Ed and Donna had flown in for the occasion, and Jason, Kylie, and their three kids—Wyatt, Ellie, and Bennett—had driven down from Philadelphia. It was the first time they were all gathering at Taylor and Travis's home since the chaos of the Eras Tour, and everyone was eager to enjoy a quiet, family evening.
"Need any help in there, babe?" Travis called from the dining room as he adjusted the silverware.
Taylor smiled as she peeked into the oven. "I think we're good! Everything's almost ready."
"Great. I just finished setting the table, and they should be here any minute."
Sure enough, the doorbell rang moments later, followed by the excited chatter of children and the sound of Donna's unmistakable voice. Travis grinned and headed to the door, opening it wide to greet his family.
"Hey! You made it!" he exclaimed, pulling his brother Jason into a bear hug as Kylie and the girls followed behind.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, man," Jason replied, patting Travis on the back.
Kylie, holding Bennett on her hip, smiled warmly. "The house looks beautiful, Travis."
"Thanks, Kylie. Come on in, everyone. Taylor's in the kitchen finishing up."
As the group filed into the house, Donna and Ed beamed at the sight of their sons together. Donna immediately headed for the kitchen, eager to see Taylor and offer her help, while Ed settled into the living room, the grandkids flocking around him like a magnet.
"Where's Auntie Taylor?" Wyatt asked, her eyes wide with excitement as she looked around.
"In the kitchen, sweetheart," Travis answered, ruffling her hair. "She'll be out in a sec."
As if on cue, Taylor emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, her face lighting up when she saw everyone gathered. "Hi, everyone! So glad you could make it!"
Donna reached out to hug her. "Oh, honey, it's so good to see you! I hope we're not overwhelming you."
"Not at all!" Taylor assured her, returning the hug warmly. "I've been looking forward to this."
After the greetings were exchanged, everyone made their way to the dining room, where the table was set for a feast. As they sat down, Wyatt and Ellie excitedly pointed out the place cards Taylor had made, each one decorated with little doodles of footballs and music notes.
"This is so cool, Auntie Taylor!" Ellie exclaimed, admiring the details on her card.
"I'm glad you like it, Ellie," Taylor said, smiling as she took her seat next to Travis.
The dinner began with a chorus of compliments on the food. Donna praised the chicken, Jason loaded up his plate with mashed potatoes, and the kids eagerly dug into the mac and cheese Taylor had made especially for them.
As the conversation flowed, stories were shared about the tour, Travis's recent games, and Jason and Kylie's adventures with their growing family. The evening was warm and lively, with laughter filling the room.
Halfway through the meal, Bennett, who had been eyeing the living room with interest, suddenly pointed and exclaimed, "Kitty!"
All eyes turned to where she was pointing, and there, perched on the back of the couch, was Olivia Benson, her gray fur gleaming in the soft light. The cat looked regal and indifferent, as if she were fully aware of the attention she was receiving.
