Wildest Dreams - A Taylor Swift Adoption Fanfiction

One Shots Chapter 2: Taylor Meets Travis

Author's note: I took the whole Travis story out cause of the whole DV and I'd have to change to Taylor's POV to make it work.

Taylor's POV

I try to ignore how my hands shake slightly as Tree practically pushes me toward the door. "Go," she insists. "Mandy and I will be fine. We have an entire morning of chaos planning scheduled anyway."

"That's not reassuring," I warn her, but can't help smiling as Mandy lounges on the couch, already stealing one of my hoodies again.

"Mom," Mandy rolls her eyes in that perfectly teenage way she's mastered. "I'll be fine. Tree's probably just going to lecture me about proper designer labels or whatever."

"Excuse you, tiny delinquent," Tree shoots back, but her eyes are soft. "Those lectures are vital to your education."

I hesitate at the door, that familiar anxiety creeping in. It has only been a few weeks since everything with Joe, since Mandy came into my life and changed everything. The thought of leaving her, even for a quick grocery run...

"If you don't go now, I'm teaching her how to hack your Instagram," Tree threatens.

"I already know how," Mandy smirks.

"Please don't encourage each other while I'm gone," I sigh, but my heart feels full watching them bicker. "Baby, you sure you're okay?"

"Mom." Mandy's voice goes gentle, understanding. "Go. Get me those cheese puff things. I promise not to let Tree have a complete breakdown without you here to witness it."

"I never have breakdowns," Tree protests, already on her third phone of the morning.

"Sure, Trina," Mandy and I say together, making Tree glare at us both.

"Out," Tree points to the door. "Before your daughter corrupts me further."

With one last kiss to Mandy's forehead, I finally leave. The drive feels strange - too quiet without Mandy's running commentary or Tree's crisis management in the background.

I am so lost in thought about what snacks to get, that I nearly crash my cart into someone turning the corner.

"Oh, I'm so sor-" I look up into the face of none other than Travis Kelce. I instinctively pull my cap lower, even though he's clearly already recognized me.

His eyes widen, then fill with concern as he notices the fading bruises on my face. "Taylor? Are you okay?"

I tug my sleeve down, suddenly aware of every mark Joe has left. "I'm fine," I say quickly, angling my face away. "Just been a lot going on."

Travis frowns, clearly unconvinced. "Those look like-"

"Please," I cut him off, voice low. "I really don't need attention right now. My daughter's finally settling in and-" I stop, realizing I've said more than intended.

Understanding dawns in his eyes. "Your daughter? Right, I heard something about... an adoption?"

I nod, unable to help the small smile that always appears when thinking of Mandy. "Yeah. She's... she's everything. Which is why I can't have any drama right now. She needs stability, not headlines."

"Got it," Travis says softly. Then, with a hint of his usual charm, "But hey, I've got something for you." He reaches into his pocket, pulling out what looks like a friendship bracelet. "Was gonna give this to you next time I saw you at an event, but..." He holds it out - a friendship bracelet. I automatically eye the text like I always do. It's a number. His number, most likely.

I hesitate, my guard instantly rising. "Travis, I'm not really in a place to-"

"For emergencies," he says quickly, his tone turning serious. "Just in case you or your daughter ever need backup. Sometimes having an extra person in your corner isn't the worst thing."

I stare at the bracelet, thinking of Mandy at home. Of how protective I've become of our peace. "I appreciate it, but-"

"No pressure," he says, his easy smile returning. "Just take it. Better to have it and not need it, right?"

After a moment, I accept the bracelet, tucking it into my pocket. "Thank you. That's... that's really kind."

"Well, that's me," he winks, but backs off immediately when I tense. "Sorry. I'll let you get back to your shopping. Sounds like you've got people waiting."

I nod, already eager to return to Mandy's safety. "Yeah, I do."

"Take care, Taylor," he says simply, then heads off down the aisle.

I stand there for a moment, hand touching the bracelet in my pocket. A year ago, I might have found his flirting charming. Now, all I can think about is getting home to my daughter, to our bubble of safety.

Still, as I finish shopping and load bags into my car, I keep the bracelet. Not because I'm interested - I'm not ready for anything remotely close to that. But because for the first time in a long time, someone has offered help without demanding anything in return.

—--

The house is quiet, Mandy long since tucked into bed, when I find myself staring at my phone, Travis's number glowing on the screen. I have no idea why I even pulled out the bracelet, why his gentle offer of support has stuck with me all day.

Before I can overthink it, I type.

Me: Hi Travis. It's Taylor Swift from the grocery store.

I immediately cringe. Of all the ways to start a conversation... But before I can delete it, my phone buzzes.

Travis: Ah yes, Taylor Swift from the grocery store. As opposed to all the other Taylor Swifts I know 😂😂😂

I find myself smiling despite my embarrassment.

Me: Listen, I was trying to be polite

Travis: By reminding me where we met? Like I could forget almost being run over by your cart?

Me: I did NOT almost run you over

Travis: Tell that to my bruised ego 😉😉

I roll my eyes, but there's something refreshing about his playful tone. No walking on eggshells, no careful tiptoeing around my trauma.

Me: Fine. Hi Travis. It's Taylor Swift, who may or may not have attempted vehicular manslaughter via shopping cart today. Better?

Travis: Much. Though now I'm worried about your grocery store road rage

I snort, then immediately glance toward Mandy's room, hoping I haven't woken her.

Me: I should probably sleep. Early morning pancake duty with a certain teenager

Travis: The mysterious daughter who's corrupting America's sweetheart? I'm intrigued

Me: More like the daughter who's currently corrupting my publicist

Travis: Now that's a story I need to hear someday. Sleep well, Taylor Swift from the grocery store. Try not to assault any more innocent football players with shopping carts

Me: No promises. Goodnight Travis

Travis: Good night Taylor Swift from the grocery store 😉

I put my phone on charge, unable to stop smiling. I'm not ready for anything - not even close. But for the first time in a long time, a conversation with a man hasn't left me feeling anxious or trapped.