Forever Almost

Chapter 40

It had been a calm, lazy afternoon at their home. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the yard, while Taylor rested on the porch swing, her hands resting on her ever-growing belly. She was almost four months pregnant with twins, and although the pregnancy had been smooth, she felt the weight of it in every step and every breath. Travis had been her rock throughout the journey, making sure she was comfortable, cared for, and loved beyond measure.

But today, something was different.

Taylor noticed that Travis had been unusually quiet all day. He wasn't the type to brood, but today, he seemed lost in thought. She watched as he paced back and forth in the backyard, his phone clutched in his hand. He kept glancing at her, a nervous smile playing on his lips.

"Trav?" Taylor called out, breaking his reverie. "What's going on?"

Travis stopped pacing and turned to her, a soft smile forming. "Nothing, sweetheart. Just... thinking."

Taylor raised an eyebrow. "Thinking? About what?"

Before he could answer, Wyatt and Elliot appeared out of nowhere, giggling and holding hands as they approached Taylor. She smiled, loving their energy.

"Hi, Auntie Tay!" Wyatt said, bouncing on her feet.

"We have something for you!" Elliot added, grinning from ear to ear.

Taylor glanced at Travis, her curiosity piqued. "What are these two up to?"

Travis walked over, kneeling in front of her, his hands resting on her knees. "I had a little help from my favorite girls," he said, gesturing toward his nieces. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.

Taylor's breath hitched as she stared at the box, her heart beginning to race. "Travis... what's happening?"

Wyatt and Elliot giggled, clearly in on the secret as they held up a sign they had made with colorful crayon letters that read, "Will you marry our Uncle Travis?"

Tears filled Taylor's eyes as she looked at the sweet gesture. Travis gently opened the box to reveal a stunning engagement ring, the diamonds catching the light of the setting sun. He took her hand, his eyes soft and full of love.

"Taylor," he began, his voice low and tender. "I've been waiting for the perfect moment to ask you this. You've changed my life in ways I can't even begin to describe. You've shown me what love truly means, and now, we're about to start a family together. I can't imagine spending another day without you by my side as my wife."

Taylor's tears spilled over as he continued, his thumb gently brushing the back of her hand.

"You're my everything, Tay. I want to be with you forever, through every up and every down. I want to raise our babies with you, grow old with you, and love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"

Taylor couldn't speak, her heart too full for words. She nodded vigorously, laughing and crying at the same time. "Yes," she finally whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes, Travis. I'll marry you."

Travis slipped the ring onto her finger, and it fit perfectly, like it had been waiting for this moment all along. He leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands, and kissed her deeply as Wyatt and Elliot squealed in excitement.

The sunset, the laughter of the children, the feel of Travis's lips on hers—it was all too perfect, like a dream. But it was real, and it was theirs.

A few months later, Taylor stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of her wedding dress. It was simple and elegant, designed to accommodate her pregnant belly, but she still felt beautiful in it. Her heart raced as she thought about the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle—the man who had become her whole world.

Donna came up behind her, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You look stunning, Taylor," she said with a warm smile.

Taylor smiled back at her soon-to-be mother-in-law. "Thank you, Donna. I can't believe this is really happening."

"Believe it," Donna said, her eyes filled with tears. "You've made my son so happy. I can't wait to see the life you two build together."

Taking a deep breath, Taylor stepped out into the garden where the ceremony was being held. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and everything felt like a scene out of a fairytale. Travis stood at the altar, looking more handsome than ever in his suit, his eyes never leaving hers as she walked toward him.

When she finally reached him, Travis took her hands in his, his eyes soft and filled with love. He leaned in and whispered, "You're more beautiful than I ever imagined."

Taylor blushed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "You're not so bad yourself, Kelce."

The officiant began the ceremony, and as they exchanged their vows, both Travis and Taylor felt the weight of the moment. It wasn't just about them anymore. It was about the family they were creating, the love they were sharing, and the future they were building together.

"I promise," Travis said as he placed the ring on her finger, "to love you, to stand by your side, and to always be there for you and our family. You're my heart, Taylor."

Tears slid down Taylor's cheeks as she repeated her own vows, her voice shaking with emotion. "I promise to love you, to support you, and to be the best partner and mother I can be. You've given me everything I've ever dreamed of, and I can't wait to spend forever with you."

When they were pronounced husband and wife, Travis wasted no time pulling her into a deep, loving kiss. The crowd erupted in applause, but in that moment, all Taylor could feel was the warmth of his lips and the certainty of their love.

Married life with Travis was nothing short of a dream. They moved into a new house, nestled on the outskirts of the city, where they set up a small hospital of their own. Travis was the head surgeon, and Taylor, along with Donna, ran the therapy department. It was a perfect balance of work and family, with both of them doing what they loved while building a life together.

But it was at home where Travis truly shined. As Taylor's pregnancy progressed, he became even more attentive and caring. Every morning, he would wake up early to make her breakfast, making sure to include whatever strange cravings she had that week. One day it was pickles and peanut butter, and the next, it was fried chicken and waffles.

"Are you sure the twins want this?" Travis would ask, laughing as he handed her the plate.

Taylor would grin, taking a bite. "Positive. They're making all the decisions right now."

When Taylor's feet became too swollen to walk comfortably, Travis would carry her from room to room, making her feel like a queen. "You're not lifting a finger," he'd say, massaging her ankles after a long day at work.

And at night, when Taylor would struggle to sleep, restless from the growing weight of the twins, Travis would lie beside her, his hands on her belly, whispering to the babies. "You two need to let your mama sleep, okay? I'll buy you all the toys you want if you behave."

Taylor would laugh, resting her head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her ear. "You spoil them already," she'd tease.

"I spoil all three of you," he'd reply, kissing her forehead.

As they prepared for the arrival of their twins, the love between them only grew stronger. They spent their evenings decorating the nursery, debating baby names, and dreaming about what their life would be like once their little ones arrived.

"I can't wait to meet them," Travis would say, his hand resting protectively on her belly.

"Me too," Taylor would whisper, her heart full. "But for now, I'm just happy to be here with you."

And in those quiet, tender moments, Taylor knew that no matter what life brought, they had built something unbreakable—a love strong enough to withstand anything. As they lay there, wrapped in each other's warmth, she realized that this was the forever she had always dreamed of. And with Travis by her side, it was even better than she had ever imagined.

The twins would arrive soon, and their family would grow, but for now, this was enough. The love they shared, the life they had built, and the future they had yet to create—this was their new beginning. And it was only just the start.