Baby Love

Chapter 65

Word Count: 3747

Taylor's POV
I continued to fuss with my hair as if I could magically get my bangs to fall the right way without any heat. My clothes and jacket looked fine. My makeup and hair were going to be redone at the venue, but my nerves were starting to creep in. There wasn't much left on my schedule for the year—just the Jingle Ball performance tonight and a few wrap-up meetings for the Reputation Tour VIP boxes. Still, every detail mattered, and I needed to be sharp. This is one of the first live performances I've had since the 2016 nightmare.

My parents and brother are in town this week as well. My Mom offered to watch Averie tonight because Joe is coming to support me and we decided Averie was too young. Austin also decided to stay, which in turn caused my Dad to drop out as well. He said he didn't "want to be a tag-a-long date." Better known as a third wheel but that's Scott Swift for you.

Averie was coloring with my Mom last I saw her, since my Dad decided to spoil her with new coloring books and markers. I know she's four but I still fear that she might draw on the wall. However based on the giggles erupting from downstairs, it seems like Austin is playing a game with her instead.

I wet my bangs and quickly blow dried them flat before making my way to Averie's room. It's still the closest guest room to my room but the only one that I put bed rails on. I haven't gotten around to decorating for her yet. I did however start buying her clothes to keep at each house. If only she wasn't emotionally attached to her pajamas, then this would be a lot easier.

I'd already gone over Averie's new bedtime routine with my mom several times. She even pointed out that I was worrying too much. I know she's perfectly capable of watching Averie, but this is the first time that Averie hasn't been with me or Joe since the incident. The first time she's had to go to bed without one of us nearby.

Joe walked into the room, smoothing down his shirt. "Ready?"

"Almost," I replied, glancing at the clock. "We're on track. It sounds like Austin is keeping Averie entertained."

He chuckled. "Entertained, or wound up?"

"Good question," I said with a faint smile, though my nerves were starting to hum. "I'll check in on them before we go."

Joe leaned down and kissed my cheek. "I'll get your bags for Parker, then come say goodbye."

We headed our separate ways once we reached the bottom of the stairs. Peeking around the corner of the family room, I spotted Austin chasing Averie in circles, both of them shrieking with laughter.

"Freeze!" Austin called dramatically, pointing at Averie like she was caught in the spotlight.

She skidded to a stop, holding her arms out like she'd been caught red-handed. "You can't catch me!" she declared, her cheeks flushed and her messy pigtails bouncing as she darted to the side.

"Oh, you think so?" Austin lunged after her, but she zigzagged out of his reach, her giggles infectious.

"You're too slow, Mister Austin!" she taunted, ducking behind the couch.

"Too slow?" He feigned offense, holding a hand to his chest. "I'll have you know I'm the fastest runner in the family!"

"Not faster than me!" Averie crowed, darting out again.

Joe entered the room just in time to see Austin scoop her up mid-run, swinging her around in a circle. She squealed with delight, kicking her legs as he set her down and tickled her sides.

"You may be fast," Austin said between bursts of laughter, "but you're not tickle-proof!"

"Stop, stop!" Averie gasped, wriggling out of his grasp. "I'm gonna tell Taytay you're being mean!"