Under His Protection

Chapter 45: A Moment of Calm

The plane touched down smoothly on the tarmac of a private airport nestled in the Italian countryside. The landscape outside was dotted with olive groves and vineyards, the rolling hills creating a peaceful, almost serene backdrop. The air was crisp, the scent of the earth mingling with the faint aroma of the sea in the distance. For a brief moment, everything felt calm, almost like a dream.

As the plane taxied to a stop, Taylor stretched, her muscles stiff from the long flight. Bronze, still curled up in her arms, shifted slightly but didn't wake. He had remained attached to her since they left the villa, the little boy's need for comfort clear in how he refused to let go of her side.

"Looks like you've got a permanent shadow, huh?" Brittany said, chuckling as she watched Taylor with Bronze.

Taylor smiled, the corners of her lips lifting despite the exhaustion. "He's just getting attached, I think."

"Well, he's lucky to have you," Brittany replied, giving her a warm, affectionate look.

Taylor looked down at the little boy, his small hands still clinging to her like she was his anchor in the storm. "I don't mind. He's easy to love," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of Bronze's face.

Travis, who had been quietly observing from the seat across from her, stood up and moved over to her side as the plane door opened, his presence immediately comforting.

"Ready to go, Angel?" he asked, offering her a hand as she adjusted the weight of Bronze in her lap.

"Yeah," she answered, taking his hand. "I think it's time we got to the house."

Travis looked at Bronze, who still refused to budge from Taylor's lap. He gave a slight smile, his affection for the little boy clear. "I see someone has taken a liking to you," he said, his tone playful but soft.

"Looks like it," Taylor chuckled, standing with his help while still holding onto Bronze. "I'll take it as a compliment."

The rest of the group slowly gathered their things and made their way off the plane. Patrick and Ross had already coordinated the transportation, and a black SUV awaited them on the runway. It was a short drive to their new home—one of Travis's more secluded estates tucked away in the countryside. The place was far from the villa they had just left, but it was just as private and secure.

As they arrived at the house, a sense of relief settled over Taylor. The house was modern, with wide windows that opened up to views of the hills. The cool, breezy air greeted them as they entered, the warmth of the interior inviting after the long flight.

Once inside, everyone began unpacking and settling in. Taylor had barely put her things down when Travis pulled her aside, his hand gentle on her back.

"I've got a doctor's appointment for you this afternoon," he said, his voice calm but insistent. "It's just a check-up to make sure everything's going smoothly with the twins. We need to make sure they're okay."

Taylor smiled, her heart swelling with affection for him. "I'm not arguing. I know you're just looking out for me and the babies."

Travis's face softened, his eyes lingering on her belly. "I just want to be sure. I can't protect you from everything, but I can make sure you're taken care of."

Taylor reached up and brushed her fingers across his cheek. "I appreciate it. Really, I do."

With that, the group went their separate ways to relax and prepare for the appointment. Sterling had run off to explore the house, her energy boundless, while Brittany and Ross had already set up a little area for the kids to play. As for Taylor, she tried to find a quiet corner to unwind before the doctor arrived, but it was hard to do so with Bronze still clinging to her side.

Sitting down on the couch with him, Taylor smiled down at the little boy who was still holding onto her like she was the only thing keeping him grounded.

"Are you ever going to let go of me?" she asked, half in jest, half in genuine curiosity.

Bronze looked up at her with wide, trusting eyes, his small fingers tightening around her shirt. "No, Tay-Tay," he mumbled, the sleepiness still heavy in his voice. "Don't want to."

Taylor laughed softly, brushing his hair out of his face. "Well, I suppose I don't mind. You're pretty cute when you cling to me."

She settled him into her lap, carefully adjusting her position so she could be comfortable as she waited for the doctor to arrive. The house was quiet now, a peaceful sort of calm settling over everything. Even with the looming threat of Santino and the chaos of the world outside, Taylor felt a moment of peace, of relief. She was here, safe, with the people she loved.

Eventually, Travis returned to the room, his steps quiet as he approached Taylor and Bronze. He smiled at the sight of them, his gaze soft as he watched the little boy curled up with Taylor.

"How's he doing?" Travis asked, his voice low.

"He's pretty attached," Taylor said, her smile gentle. "But I don't mind. He's a sweet kid."

Travis leaned in, pressing a kiss to the top of Taylor's head. "I think he's found his person," he said, a playful grin crossing his face.

"I guess so," Taylor agreed, glancing at the little boy in her arms.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Travis stood up to answer it. The doctor had arrived.

Taylor stood with some effort, adjusting Bronze in her arms. "Looks like it's time," she said softly to Travis, who gave her a reassuring smile.

"We're ready," he replied, his hand slipping into hers as they headed for the door.

Inside the examination room, Taylor settled into the chair, still holding Bronze, who had finally fallen asleep in her arms. She glanced up at Travis, who was standing close by, his presence a constant source of comfort.

The doctor arrived shortly after, a kind, professional woman who immediately set about making Taylor feel at ease. After checking the usual vital signs, the doctor turned to the ultrasound equipment, and the moment of anticipation began.

The ultrasound was quick and efficient, and as the technician moved the wand over Taylor's belly, the image on the screen flickered to life. Taylor's heart skipped a beat as she watched the shapes and forms of the babies.

"There's one," the doctor said, pointing to one small, perfect form on the screen. Then, with a smile, she turned the wand slightly. "And there's the other."

Taylor's breath caught in her throat, her hand instinctively reaching for Travis's. He squeezed it tightly, his own eyes glued to the screen as the doctor continued her work.

"They're both growing perfectly," the doctor said. "Healthy and strong."

A wave of relief washed over Taylor, and she couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. She leaned back in the chair, her heart light as she looked at Travis. "They're okay."

Travis leaned down, brushing a kiss to her forehead. "I told you they would be," he whispered. "You're doing great, Angel."

The weight of everything lifted for a moment, and for once, Taylor allowed herself to just feel the peace of the moment, holding onto Travis's hand and knowing that, despite everything, they were going to be okay.