123: Beefing with a 4 year old

889 31 0
                                    

Requested by: @thebolter1387

The sun had just begun to set, casting a golden hue through the windows of their cozy Kansas City home. Taylor stood in the kitchen, her back to the stove as the smell of something simple—spaghetti sauce simmering in a pan—filled the air. She hummed quietly to herself, one arm cradling their newborn daughter, Maren, against her chest. Maren, just a few weeks old, was bundled in a soft pink blanket, her tiny face peaceful as she dozed.

At Taylor's feet was their four-year-old daughter, Emma, twirling in circles on the hardwood floor. Her blonde curls bounced as she spun, the hem of her purple princess dress fanning out around her. Emma had insisted on wearing it all day, claiming that "princesses always wear gowns," and Taylor couldn't argue with her daughter's logic.

The kitchen was warm and lively, the soft sounds of Emma's giggles mixing with the low music playing from the speaker on the counter. Taylor smiled as she watched her oldest daughter, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment. Life had changed so much since she and Travis had started their journey together. Now, with two daughters in their lives, everything felt even fuller, more complete.

Travis appeared in the doorway, his broad frame leaning casually against the doorframe. His hair was slightly messy, and he wore a relaxed smile as he watched his girls. He had been outside working on some things in the yard but had come in to the sound of laughter and music, drawn in by the peaceful domestic scene.

"What's going on in here?" he asked, his deep voice teasing but soft, as not to wake the baby in Taylor's arms.

Emma looked up at her father, her face lighting up. "Daddy! I'm a princess today!"

Travis chuckled, crossing the room in a few easy strides to scoop Emma up into his arms. "A princess, huh? Well, you look beautiful, Emma." He kissed her on the forehead, his large hands steadying her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Taylor smiled at the sight of them. "Dinner's almost ready," she said softly, bouncing Maren lightly in her arms. "But I think someone's got other ideas." She nodded toward the speaker, where a slow, romantic country tune had just started to play.

Travis's eyes lit up with recognition as the familiar chords filled the room. He turned to Taylor, his grin widening as he held out a hand. "Come on, mama," he said, his voice gentle but playful. "Let's dance."

Taylor hesitated for a moment, looking down at the sleeping Maren in her arms. But then she smiled, carefully adjusting the newborn so she rested comfortably against her chest. "Alright," she agreed, her heart warming at the idea. "But only because you asked nicely."

Travis set Emma down gently and made his way over to Taylor. He slipped one arm around her waist, pulling her close. With his other hand, he took hers, their fingers intertwining naturally, effortlessly. The baby nestled between them didn't stir, as if even Maren knew that this moment was for her parents.

The music wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, slow and steady. Travis moved in a relaxed, gentle rhythm, swaying with Taylor in the small space of their kitchen. It was a far cry from the glamorous dances at events they'd attended over the years, but it felt infinitely more meaningful. Here, in their home, with their daughters close, everything felt right.

Emma, not wanting to miss out, ran over and tugged on her daddy's pant leg. "Daddy! Can I dance too?"

Without missing a beat, Travis bent down and scooped her up into his other arm. "Of course, baby girl," he said, spinning her around just enough to make her giggle.

Taylor laughed softly, watching the way Emma's face lit up as Travis danced with both of them. "You're going to spoil her, you know," she teased, though her eyes were filled with warmth.

"Hey, that's my job," Travis replied, his voice full of love. "Besides, she's my princess."

"I thought I was your princess?" Taylor said looking hurt while trying not to laugh.

"No mommy you're not daddy's princess I AM You're too old!" Emma remarked .

Taylor just stood there dumbfounded.

"Oh come on all 3 of you are my princesses." Travis smiled.

Emma shook her head "No Daddy you can only have 1 princess and that's me."

Emma then looked at her mom and pouting at her.

"I guess I have beef with a 4 year old now." Taylor laughed and Travis chuckled under his breath.

Then Emma started to twirl in circles. The three of them continued to sway together, the weight of the world falling away as they moved in sync. Maren stirred slightly, a tiny sound escaping her lips, but she remained content in Taylor's arms, wrapped up in the love that surrounded her.

For a few minutes, they were all quiet, just enjoying the closeness, the stillness of the moment. Travis leaned down and pressed a kiss to Taylor's temple, his breath warm against her skin. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Taylor smiled, leaning her head against his chest. "I'm just trying to keep up with you," she whispered back.

As the song came to an end, they didn't let go. Travis kept his family close, holding Taylor, Emma, and Maren all together. The kitchen, filled with the soft sounds of the simmering sauce, the fading music, and their gentle breaths, felt like the center of the universe.

Finally, Emma broke the quiet, looking up at her parents with wide eyes. "Can we do this every night?"

Taylor chuckled, kissing the top of her daughter's head. "I think we can manage that."

"Deal," Travis agreed, giving Emma a little twirl before placing her back down on the floor. He turned to Taylor and grinned. "How about we finish making dinner before we all start dancing again?"

Taylor laughed. "Good idea. I'll set Maren down, and you can take care of the sauce."

As they settled back into their routine, Travis couldn't help but steal one more glance at his wife. Taylor was now gently laying Maren down in the bassinet they kept nearby, her movements tender and full of care. Travis felt a surge of love as he watched her, knowing that these moments—these quiet, beautiful, everyday moments—were the ones that truly made their life together special.

He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist again, resting his chin on her shoulder as she looked down at their newborn.

"What's this for?" Taylor asked, smiling as she leaned back into him.

"Just... because," he murmured, his voice low and filled with affection. "I love you, Tay."

Taylor turned her head, meeting his gaze. "I love you too, Trav."

And in that kitchen, with the faint music still playing, their two daughters nearby, and the world spinning outside, everything felt exactly as it should be. Peaceful, full of love, and perfect in every way.

Requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Everything has changed: Tayvis One shots Where stories live. Discover now