Forever Almost

Chapter 33

Taylor arrived at Donna's home, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. The small, cozy house was nestled in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by tall trees and blooming flowers. It was the kind of place that felt like a refuge from the storm of her life. Donna greeted her at the door with a warm smile and a comforting hug.

"Come in, Taylor. We've been waiting for you," Donna said, guiding her inside.

As Taylor stepped into the house, she was introduced to Donna's family. First was Jason, Donna's son, who looked to be in his early thirties. He had a kind face and an easygoing demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Taylor. Mom's told us a lot about you," Jason said, shaking her hand warmly.

"This is my wife, Kylie," Jason continued, introducing the petite woman with a bubbly personality who stood beside him. Kylie smiled brightly, reaching out to give Taylor a gentle hug. "We're so glad you're here. Make yourself at home."

Then there were their two daughters, Wyatt and Elliot, who were around six and four years old. Wyatt, the older of the two, immediately took an interest in Taylor, offering her a drawing she had just made. "This is for you!" Wyatt said proudly, handing over a picture of a big, colorful heart.

Taylor smiled, touched by the gesture. "Thank you, Wyatt. It's beautiful."

Elliot, the younger one, shyly clung to her mother's leg but eventually warmed up enough to show Taylor her favorite stuffed bunny. "This is Mr. Fluffy," she said softly, her big eyes shining with curiosity.

Taylor couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. This family, who she had only just met, was treating her with such kindness and openness. It felt like she had walked into a home full of love, a stark contrast to the chaos and fear she had been living with.

As the evening went on, Donna pulled Taylor aside. "I know you didn't just come here to visit, Taylor. What's going on?"

Taylor took a deep breath, the weight of her situation pressing down on her. "Donna, I'm going to do something very risky. I need you to accompany me. I don't have anyone else to be with me...by my side."

Donna's expression turned serious, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Taylor, whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone. I'll do anything for you. Just tell me what you need."

The sincerity in Donna's voice brought tears to Taylor's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. She needed to stay strong, for herself and for her babies. Without saying a word, Taylor pulled out her phone and texted Kayla.

*Consider your work's done. Meet you in the court tomorrow. In this battle between my babies and Travis, I choose Travis, and I hope you don't fall out of your words.*

It took only a few moments for Kayla to respond, but each second felt like an eternity to Taylor.

*Of course ! Send the report that your babies are dead. I'll help the daddy...you know what I mean...like "my daddy".* The text read, dripping with malicious glee.

Taylor stared at the screen, her heart pounding. She didn't respond, feeling the weight of Kayla's words sink in. This was it—there was no turning back now.

Donna noticed Taylor's tension and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You need to be strong, Taylor. No matter what happens, you're not alone in this."

Taylor nodded, though the fear was still gnawing at her. "I just hope I'm making the right choice," she whispered.

"You are," Donna said firmly. "And we'll be there with you every step of the way."

Meanwhile, Jason and Kylie, noticing the tension in the air, decided to lift Taylor's spirits. "Hey, how about we play a little game with the girls?" Jason suggested, his tone light and cheerful.

Kylie grinned and nudged Taylor gently. "You can be on Wyatt's team. She's been dying to play charades with a new partner."

Taylor couldn't help but smile at their efforts. "Charades, huh? I haven't played that in years."

Wyatt, already excited, jumped up and down. "Yes! We're going to win, Aunt Taylor!"

"Aunt Taylor?" Taylor chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through her heart at the title.

"Yeah, you're like family now," Wyatt said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

For a little while, Taylor allowed herself to be distracted by the simple joy of playing with the kids. Wyatt and Elliot's laughter filled the room, and for the first time in a long while, Taylor felt a genuine smile on her face. Jason and Kylie kept the mood light, making silly guesses and over-the-top gestures that had everyone in stitches.

After the game, as the kids were getting ready for bed, Kylie handed Taylor a cup of hot cocoa. "You did great tonight, Taylor. I know it's not easy to smile when you've got a lot on your mind, but you're strong. You've got this."

Taylor looked around at these people who had welcomed her with open arms. She had known them for barely a day, and yet they already felt like home. "Thank you," she said softly, sipping the warm drink. "I don't know what I would have done without you all tonight."

Donna smiled at her from across the room. "We're family now, Taylor. And family sticks together."

As Taylor settled in for the night, the fear and uncertainty still lingered, but she also felt a new sense of hope. With Donna by her side, she knew she had the strength to face whatever was coming.

She glanced at the business card Donna had given her, thinking about the support she had found in this unexpected place. The battle wasn't over yet, but with people like Donna, Jason, Kylie, and their daughters supporting her, Taylor knew she wasn't fighting it alone.