Requested by: @USMCRules
The meeting room was filled with the usual hum of chatter, whiteboards scribbled with X's and O's, and the clinking of coffee cups as players shuffled around in their seats. Yet, for all the buzz around him, Travis Kelce wasn't paying attention. His gaze was fixed downward, eyes locked on a blank piece of paper that sat on the notepad in front of him.
He tapped his pen against the paper absentmindedly. His teammates were engaged in discussions about plays and upcoming strategies, but Travis's thoughts were elsewhere—far from the football field. His mind was focused on something much more important than the next game.
A ring.
The decision had been brewing in his heart for months now, and as Christmas approached, Travis knew it was time. He could picture it perfectly: the snow gently falling, the glow of lights twinkling at Pine Ridge Farm, the smell of fresh pine hanging in the air. And in the center of it all, the woman he loved more than anything. Taylor Swift.
The moment he'd ask her to marry him.
His heart raced at the thought, and before he knew it, his hand moved to the paper. Slowly, the pen glided across the surface as he started sketching. At first, it was a simple outline—a ring. But then, his imagination kicked in. Taylor wasn't just any woman; she was extraordinary. Everything about the proposal had to reflect that, especially the ring.
His strokes became more deliberate as he added details. The centerpiece of the ring would be a brilliant, round diamond—striking yet classic, just like her. Small diamonds would cascade down the sides, delicate but present, like stars scattered across the night sky. He added small curves along the band, subtle yet significant, giving the ring a sense of elegance without being over-the-top.
His thoughts wandered to the symbolism. Taylor had grown up on a Christmas tree farm, and that place held so much meaning for her. A small nod to that—perhaps a few subtle, delicate engravings along the inner side of the band that mimicked branches—would be the perfect touch. Personal. Meaningful.
Travis leaned back, glancing over his sketch with a satisfied nod. He'd thought about this moment for weeks now, but seeing it come to life on paper gave him a sense of relief. His heart was racing, but it felt right.
"Kelce, you still with us?" Coach's voice cut through his thoughts, and Travis straightened up, suddenly aware of his surroundings again.
"Uh, yeah, Coach. I'm here," he muttered, flashing a sheepish grin. He folded the paper carefully and slipped it into his pocket, trying to focus back on the game plan, but his mind was already somewhere else. The plan was set, and now he just needed to make it real.
---
A few days later, Travis found himself standing outside of the jeweler's shop, clutching the folded piece of paper in his hand. The winter chill bit at his skin, but the nerves fluttering in his chest made him feel anything but cold. He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly before stepping inside.
The warmth of the shop greeted him immediately, along with the soft twinkle of lights reflecting off the glass cases filled with rings, necklaces, and sparkling gemstones. A tall, older gentleman, the jeweler, stood behind the counter and offered a kind smile as Travis approached.
"Good afternoon. How can I help you today?" the jeweler asked, his eyes flicking to the paper in Travis's hand.
Travis gave a small nod, unfolding the sketch carefully and laying it on the counter. "I've got a custom design in mind," he said, feeling the weight of the moment. "I want to make a ring for my girlfriend."
The jeweler leaned forward, studying the sketch closely, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Ah, this is beautiful. You've put a lot of thought into this design."
Travis scratched the back of his head, smiling. "Yeah, I guess I have. It's gotta be perfect, you know?"
The jeweler nodded knowingly, his fingers tracing the lines of the sketch. "I see you've opted for a classic round diamond in the center with smaller stones down the band. And these engravings here—branches?"
Travis grinned. "Yeah, she grew up on a Christmas tree farm. Thought it'd be a nice way to make it personal."
"I love it," the jeweler said, glancing up. "It's a thoughtful touch. And I assume you've brought a ring for sizing?"
"Yep." Travis reached into his coat pocket and pulled out one of Taylor's rings, handing it over.
The jeweler took it, holding it up to the light. "This will help us get the sizing just right. I'll make sure everything is perfect for you."
Travis watched as the jeweler made a few notes, his heart thumping in his chest. He couldn't believe it was actually happening. In just a few weeks, he'd have the ring. *The* ring. The one that would change everything.
"Alright," the jeweler said, looking up with a smile. "We'll get started right away. I'll give you a call when it's ready."
Travis nodded, thanking him before walking back outside into the crisp winter air. As he made his way to his truck, he couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over him. The ring was in motion, and now, it was only a matter of time.
---
It was just a few days before Christmas when Travis got the call. His heart raced as he walked into the jeweler's shop again, the excitement of the holiday season filling the air. The snow had begun to fall lightly outside, adding to the magic of the moment.
The jeweler greeted him with a knowing smile, holding up a small, elegant box. "It's ready," he said, opening the box to reveal the ring.
Travis's breath caught in his throat. The ring was even more stunning than he had imagined. The round diamond sparkled brilliantly, catching the light just right, while the smaller diamonds along the band added a delicate touch. The engraving—small, intricate branches—was subtle but perfect. It was exactly what he had envisioned.
"It's perfect," Travis murmured, his voice filled with awe.
The jeweler smiled. "I'm glad you think so. It was a pleasure bringing your design to life."
Travis carefully took the ring from the box, holding it in his hand for a moment. It felt heavy with meaning, the weight of the future in his palm. He could already picture the moment—Taylor's surprise, the look in her eyes when he asked the question that would change their lives forever.
"Thank you," Travis said sincerely before slipping the ring back into the box. As he walked out of the shop and into the snow-covered streets, the ring safely tucked into his jacket pocket, he couldn't help but smile.
Everything was falling into place. And soon, very soon, he'd be able to give Taylor the best Christmas present of all.
Requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~>