So High School - Tayvis One Shots

28: The Baby Announcement

The morning sun streamed through the windows, painting the room in a warm glow. Taylor stirred, blinking her eyes open to find Travis's arm draped around her protectively. The warmth of his presence and the feeling of being wrapped up together made her smile, but her stomach churned, sending a wave of nausea through her. She took a few steadying breaths, hoping it would pass, but it only seemed to intensify.

Before she could think twice, she gently shook Travis's shoulder. "Trav... baby, I think I'm gonna be sick..."

He stirred awake immediately, his expression shifting from sleepy to worried in an instant. "Oh, babe..." He rubbed her back soothingly, carefully guiding her out of bed and supporting her to the bathroom, moving quickly but gently, as if she were something precious and fragile.

The coolness of the bathroom tile was a welcome relief as she knelt, and Travis was right there, brushing her hair back, his hand resting warmly against her shoulder. He didn't say a word, just stayed by her side, a constant, comforting presence. When she finally finished, he handed her a towel and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Better?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern as he helped her to her feet, keeping his arm around her waist.

Taylor managed a small smile, leaning against him as they walked back to the bed. "A little. But honestly, I feel lucky to have you here to help."

Travis pulled her close, pressing a tender kiss to her cheek as they settled back into bed. "I'll be here every single time, babe. You're not going through this alone, I promise."

They stayed curled up together, basking in the quiet, soft intimacy of the moment, until they heard soft footsteps outside their door. It was time—Taylor felt it. After the pregnancy test and their quiet celebration, she knew it was time to let the family in on their precious secret.

The two exchanged a knowing look, and Taylor's heart thumped with excitement and a bit of nerves. This was the first time they'd be saying it out loud, sharing the news with the people who meant the most to them. And she couldn't have felt more ready.

A little while later, the family had gathered in the spacious, sunlit living room. Christmas music played softly in the background, and the smell of breakfast lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of pine from the tree. Taylor and Travis held hands, exchanging a secret glance. Their families were mid-conversation, laughter echoing off the walls, everyone basking in the warmth of being together.

Taylor took a breath, nudging Travis gently, her heart pounding as she clutched his hand. He gave her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand back.

"Hey, everyone!" Travis called out, his voice loud enough to catch everyone's attention. The room fell quiet as all eyes turned to them. He glanced at Taylor, his gaze warm and encouraging, before continuing, "We... we actually have some news to share."

Taylor felt her cheeks warm as she looked around the room, seeing curious, expectant expressions on every face. She took a step closer to Travis, and he slipped an arm around her waist.

"After all these years of you all asking us," she began with a laugh, "it turns out... we're having a baby."

There was a split second of stunned silence, and then a joyful cheer filled the room. Donna let out a delighted gasp, her hands flying to her mouth, while Taylor's mom, Andrea, looked as if she might cry. Both families surged forward, filling the room with excited voices and laughter. Hugs came from every direction—Donna pulled Taylor into a tight embrace, her eyes shining with happiness.

"Oh, honey, this is wonderful! I'm going to be a grandma again!" Donna beamed, pulling back to look at Taylor, her expression full of love.

Andrea joined them, her eyes misty as she hugged her daughter, her voice choked with emotion. "Oh, my beautiful girl, you're going to be such an amazing mom," she whispered, her words barely audible over the chatter around them.

Travis found himself in a group hug with Jason and Ed, his father, who both looked thrilled. Jason clapped his brother on the back, grinning ear-to-ear. "Man, you're gonna be a dad. I never thought I'd see the day," he teased, his voice filled with pride.

As everyone finally settled back into their seats, the questions started pouring in from every direction.

"When did you find out?" Jason asked, hir eyes bright with excitement.

"Just a couple of days ago," Taylor replied, smiling as she glanced up at Travis, their hands still linked. "I wasn't feeling great, and Kylie actually suggested I take a test."

Donna leaned in, a glimmer in her eyes. "So, any plans on finding out if it's a boy or girl?"

Taylor shook her head, laughing. "We haven't even thought that far ahead. We're still processing the idea that this is really happening!"

There was a collective "aww" from everyone, and the conversation turned to stories of parenthood, everyone eagerly sharing their experiences, advice, and favorite memories of when their own children were babies. Taylor and Travis listened, laughing and holding each other close as their family passed along wisdom and, of course, plenty of good-natured jokes.

As the day wore on, Taylor felt the familiar wave of nausea hit her again, and she placed a hand on Travis's knee, giving him a soft look. He was by her side in a heartbeat, sensing her discomfort.

"Do you want to head back upstairs?" he asked, his voice gentle.

She nodded, grateful for his attentiveness. They excused themselves, and Travis led her upstairs to the cozy room they'd been staying in. He helped her settle into bed, tucking a blanket around her before sitting beside her.

"Here, drink a little water," he said, handing her a glass he'd brought up with them. "Maybe it'll help."

She took a few sips, letting the cool water soothe her. When she leaned back, Travis shifted closer, resting his hand over her stomach in a protective, loving gesture that warmed her heart.

"You really are going to be the best dad," she murmured, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair. "The way you take care of me now... I can only imagine how much you'll do for our baby."

Travis gave her a lopsided grin, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm just practicing, babe. But honestly, I'm the one who's lucky. You're going to be such an incredible mom, Tay."

They lay together in the quiet for a while, the excitement and emotions of the day settling around them. Taylor felt a peace wash over her, knowing that this next chapter of their lives would be one they'd navigate hand in hand, every step of the way.

Later that evening, they headed back downstairs, where their families had put together a cozy celebration dinner. There were congratulations all over again, and it felt like an early holiday, with everyone focused solely on Taylor, Travis, and the baby.

When it came time for dessert, Donna stood up, tapping her glass with a fork to get everyone's attention. "I'd like to make a toast!" she announced, raising her glass with a proud smile. "To my son and to Taylor, two of the most wonderful people I know. You're both so ready for this next adventure, and I know you'll make the best parents. Here's to new beginnings, and a new member of the family!"

Everyone cheered, clinking their glasses. Taylor leaned into Travis, overwhelmed with gratitude for this family, for their love and excitement. Travis wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as the evening continued, a warmth settling deep in her heart.

As the night wound down and everyone started to head to bed, Travis led her back upstairs, pausing in the doorway of their room. "You know... I think this might be one of the best days of my life," he murmured, pulling her close.

Taylor looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "Mine too," she whispered, reaching up to cup his face. "And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life making memories like this with you."

He leaned down, his lips brushing softly against hers, and for a moment, the rest of the world fell away. It was just the two of them, wrapped in a love that felt boundless, a love that was only going to grow as they started their family together.