the stars in your eyes | t.s. one shots

a million times (2)

"Mom!" Taylor exclaims when Andrea answers the FaceTime call. She can't hide her smile and doesn't need to. The older woman knows exactly what the purpose of this call is. She observes her daughter, all snuggled up into Travis's arms and looking the happiest she's ever been. It's because that's exactly what she is: really freaking happy. Everybody knows it.

"Well, hello you two. Happy birthday, Tay." Her words are accompanied by a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Thanks Mom." She pauses, looking up at Travis with a twinkle in her eye before back to the screen. "You know why we're calling?"

"I've got a feeling..."

"I wanted to show you this." She holds up her left hand, absolutely beaming. "I said yes, Mom. We called as soon as it happened, just like Travis promised."

"Oh, Tay," Andrea says, her eyes filling with tears. "It's beautiful. Are you happy?"

There was a time only a few short years ago where that question would've been met with hesitation, then Taylor lying through her teeth. Not anymore, though. "I'm so happy," she replies. And she means it.

"Well, that's all I could ever ask for. Congratulations, both of you, really."

The next few minutes are full of a quick catch-up, with Taylor filling her mom in on the birthday plans. The affection between her and Travis doesn't go unnoticed by Andrea. The mindless touching, the kisses he plants on the top of her head, the way that she keeps glancing down at her ring. It's sweet and perfect. They're in it for life, no doubt.

After a bit, Taylor and Travis end the call. Taylor talks to her mom very frequently and today, they accomplished what they were intending to- sharing their good news. Now, it's time to get ready for the big party. Travis planned it all out for his girl and they're both so excited. They want to celebrate with their friends- all of it. New chapters in their lives- a new year, a new engagement, the end of the tour. It's just so perfect.

"Tay," he says, placing his hand on her shoulder while she sits in front of the mirror putting on her makeup, "I just wanted to let you know that this whole thing... telling everyone our news... I wanna go at your pace. That's been the rule every step of the way in this relationship and just because we are engaged now doesn't mean it's going to change. You take the lead. So, if you don't want to wear the ring to the party tonight, that's alright. I know there's going to be lots of pictures and just lots of people in general and... if you're not ready, that's okay. That's all."

She sets her makeup brush down and turns around to look at him, raising her eyebrows. "Trav, are you alright with me wearing the ring?"

He nods vigorously, not hesitating a moment. "Of course I am. If I wasn't, I'd have waited to ask you."

"Alright, then I want to wear it. I don't care. I want to tell the whole fucking world how much I love you, okay?" She grabs his hand and her gaze falls to his lips before her free hand grabs at his shirt and pulls him in for a kiss. "If the fans find out, then so be it. This engagement, it's right. You're right. The fact that we are engaged isn't going to change except for the fact that sometime soon, we're going to be married instead." Taylor pauses. "Oh my god, I want to marry you. I don't care when or where or... I just want to marry you now." She giggles. "I'm sorry. That's so stupid."

"No, I understand," he tells her, twirling a strand of her hair between his fingers. "I want to marry you too. Obviously. But I also know that you've dreamed of the big white wedding since you were a little girl. And we have so many important people who will want to celebrate with us. So, we need to wait and do it properly, right? You're only gonna get one shot at getting married, Tay."