26: A Different Kind Of Holiday part 1

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The Kelce and Swift families had decided to spend the holiday together, filling the Kelce family home with festive warmth and joy. With the living room crowded, holiday music playing softly, and the chatter of loved ones mingling with the laughter of children, it was the kind of family gathering that felt both comfortable and chaotic in the best way. Lights glowed softly from the Christmas tree in the corner, and the air was rich with the scent of pine and cinnamon.

Taylor had been feeling unwell for a few days now, but she'd attributed the nausea and lingering fatigue to the nerves that often crept up on her, especially during such busy seasons. Today, as she nestled between Travis's legs on the couch, her head resting on his chest, she felt pale and slightly dizzy but figured it was just her body's way of telling her she needed a bit of rest.

Noticing Taylor's closed eyes and the faint paleness in her cheeks, Kylie glanced over from her seat nearby. She leaned towards Travis with a concerned expression. "Is she okay? She looks a little... well, under the weather," Kylie murmured quietly.

Travis glanced down at Taylor, his hand gently combing through her hair. "Yeah, she's been feeling kind of off these last few days," he said softly, careful not to wake her. "I'm hoping it's just a passing bug."

Kylie gave him a sympathetic nod, her gaze softening. "Let us know if she needs anything. You two could always use a little extra TLC."

Travis chuckled softly. "Trust me, she'll be getting it all," he replied, brushing a gentle kiss on Taylor's forehead.

A little while later, Taylor stirred, blinking her eyes open as she looked around the warmly lit room. She felt even worse than before, and a sudden wave of nausea crashed over her, more intense than before. She looked up at Travis, her eyes slightly unfocused and voice low so only he could hear her. "Baby... I think I'm going to throw up," she whispered, her hand quickly covering her mouth.

Without a second thought, Travis sat up, supporting her as he led her toward the hallway bathroom. But just as they got there, Taylor doubled over, her body betraying her as she threw up suddenly, splattering some of it onto the carpet near the door. She coughed, trying to catch her breath, a look of embarrassment flickering across her face. "I... I'm so sorry. I just messed up their carpet."

"Hey, don't even worry about that," Travis said immediately, rubbing her back and helping her steady herself. "I'll take care of it."

From the living room, the voices of family members grew louder as they picked up on the commotion. Jason called out, his voice thick with curiosity and concern, "Hey, everything alright back there?"

"Do you guys need help?" Andrea chimed in, her voice laced with worry.

Travis glanced over his shoulder. "It's okay, I've got her. Just a little under the weather."

"Auntie Tay, are you okay?" Wyatt's small voice called out, filled with genuine concern.

Travis's voice softened as he reassured his niece, "She's alright, just feeling a bit yucky. We'll get her back to normal in no time."

After a few moments, Taylor's stomach finally settled, though she still felt weak. Travis wiped her face with a damp towel, his touch gentle and patient. He looked at her with that reassuring smile that always calmed her. "Let's get you to bed, okay?"

She nodded, feeling too weak to protest as he guided her down the hall to the guest room set up for them. With each step, she leaned on him, his arm around her waist keeping her upright. When they reached the bed, she sank into it, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to will away the uneasy feeling that lingered.

Travis kneeled beside her, brushing the hair back from her forehead as he looked at her with a mix of concern and care. "Let's change you into something more comfortable," he said gently, helping her out of her shirt and bra, slipping one of his oversized sweaters over her instead. The familiar scent of his cologne made her feel a little more at ease.

"Thanks," she murmured, leaning into his touch. "I'm sorry for being so much trouble."

"You kidding?" He shook his head, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. "I'd take care of you every day if you needed it."

Leaving Taylor tucked under the covers, Travis slipped out into the hallway to get a few supplies. He met his mom, Donna, and Andrea near the stairs, both of them looking at him expectantly.

"How is she?" Donna asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

Travis gave a reassuring nod. "She's resting now, probably going to stay up there most of the day. Don't think she'll be joining us downstairs until she's feeling better."

"Is there anything she needs?" Andrea asked, her voice soft, a mother's concern in her eyes.

"I think she's good for now," Travis replied. "But thank you. I'll be with her, just keeping her comfortable."

Donna gave him a warm, proud look. "You're a good man, taking care of her like that."

After grabbing some medicine and setting a trash can beside the bed in case she needed it again, he settled next to her, adjusting the blankets around her and brushing his fingers along her forehead. She was already dozing off, her breathing soft and steady, but she leaned into his touch whenever he stroked her hair or squeezed her hand.

As the hours passed, Taylor woke occasionally, feeling groggy and tired but relieved to find Travis still right by her side each time. He would brush his hand through her hair, whispering comforting words to her until she drifted off again.

Later that evening, when Travis noticed Taylor stirring, he looked at her with a gentle smile. "Hey, you feel up for something to eat? Just something light?"

She nodded, and with his help, she got up and made her way slowly to the dining room. The families paused as they entered, their eyes full of both concern and relief to see her up and about.

"Are you alright, honey?" Andrea asked, her gaze soft but worried.

Taylor gave a small, weary smile, nodding. "Not feeling too great, but I'm really lucky to have someone looking after me."

Travis helped her to a seat, placing a bowl of chicken broth and some crackers in front of her. "Just take little bites, okay? No need to rush."

He sat beside her, rubbing her back as she slowly sipped on the broth, his hand on her shoulder as he kept an eye on her. The room was filled with the gentle sounds of the family's conversations, but everyone kept glancing over at her, grateful she was feeling well enough to join them.

After dinner, Travis helped her back upstairs, the warmth of his hand in hers as they climbed the stairs side by side. Once back in the guest room, he gently laid her down on the bed, tucking her in before lying down beside her, his arm wrapped around her waist as they settled in.

"Thank you for taking care of me," she whispered, snuggling into him, her eyes closing as she began to drift off.

"Always, baby," he replied softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'll always be here."

As she fell asleep beside him, he lay there, his hand resting gently over hers, feeling grateful for the quiet moments, even amid the worry. It was a different kind of holiday—unexpected and even challenging—but with Taylor in his arms and his family nearby, he wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.

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