Those 7 years: Missing One Shot Chapter

25 Travis's POV

As we walked down the stairs, I kept my arm securely around Taylor's shoulders. She was still shaken, her steps unsure, but she didn't resist when I guided her down to the living room. She had changed into a more comfortable pair of sweats and one of my old hoodies—something she always wore when she needed to feel safe, and right now, I was glad she was leaning into that.

When we entered the living room, Jason and Kylie looked up immediately. Jason gave me a small, questioning look—like he was asking, Is everything okay? I just nodded, offering a quick, tired smile. No need to drag them into the details of what had just happened upstairs. Kylie shifted on the couch, making space for Taylor to sit, but I guided her to sit next to me instead. I wanted her close, needed to feel her leaning into me so I could ground her. I think I needed that just as much as she did.

Taylor sat down heavily beside me, her hands tucked into the sleeves of my hoodie, her face still pale. She looked exhausted, like the weight of the world was pressing down on her. I pulled her into my side, wrapping my arm around her. She didn't say anything, just laid her head on my shoulder and let out a shaky breath.

"Hey, guys," I called to the kids, trying to inject some cheer into my voice. "How about we put on a movie? Something fun."

Immediately, Leo perked up from where he and Wyatt were playing with some toys on the floor. He scrambled to his feet, holding up his favorite blanket, the dinosaur one we bought him a couple of weeks ago.

"Daddy, can we watch the dinosaur movie?" His eyes were wide with excitement, even though I could see the telltale signs of him starting to wind down. He'd probably be asleep halfway through the movie.

"Of course, buddy," I said, ruffling his hair. "Grab your blanket, and we'll set it up."

Wyatt was already halfway to the TV, more than happy to take charge of picking the movie with Leo. Ellie and Benny came tumbling into the living room as well, dragging blankets and stuffed animals behind them, their faces full of excitement. Kylie smiled at them, giving me a wink as she settled deeper into the couch.

I turned on the TV, setting the movie up as Leo and Wyatt argued playfully over the best spot to sit. Eventually, Leo curled up on the floor with Wyatt, his blanket pulled around him as the movie started playing. The opening credits flashed across the screen, and soon enough, the room was filled with the sound of animated dinosaurs roaring across the screen.

Taylor stayed pressed against me, her head still resting on my shoulder, her breathing shallow but steady. I could feel how tense she was, how tightly she was holding onto the fabric of my shirt, like she was afraid to let go.

As the movie continued, I noticed her eyes fluttering shut. Her exhaustion was finally catching up with her. Within a few minutes, her breathing evened out, and she was completely asleep, her head now resting in my lap. I looked down at her, my heart aching for her. She'd been through so much lately, more than anyone should have to handle. The weight of it all was too much for her to bear alone, and it was crushing her, but I would do everything in my power to help her carry it. I wasn't going anywhere.

Jason noticed her asleep and shot me a small, sympathetic smile from across the room, silently mouthing, Good. I gave him a quick nod, knowing he understood just how important it was that she finally got some rest.

The kids, blissfully unaware of the heaviness in the room, were all engrossed in the movie. Leo was now curled up under his blanket, his thumb in his mouth, his little body starting to relax as sleep crept up on him. Wyatt glanced over at me and grinned, as if to say, Look, Uncle Trav, he's out like a light.

I chuckled softly, stroking Taylor's hair as she shifted slightly in her sleep, curling up tighter against me. It wasn't long before Leo was completely knocked out as well, his little head resting on Wyatt's shoulder.