Under His Protection

Chapter 48: Double the Love

The villa hummed with a sense of routine as everyone settled into their roles. The days without Travis, Patrick, and Ross passed slowly, but there was an underlying strength in the camaraderie between Taylor and Brittany. Their bond deepened as they managed the household and kept the children entertained, all while balancing the weight of their respective worries.

Bronze and Sterling were the little bright spots amidst the tension, their laughter echoing through the hallways like a soothing melody. Sterling, as the older sibling, had taken it upon herself to keep everyone in good spirits, often inventing games or rallying the adults to join in on her antics. Bronze, on the other hand, had grown even more attached to Taylor, rarely leaving her side.

It was during one of these quiet moments that the distinction between "Mom" and "Mommy" emerged.

It started one afternoon while Taylor and Brittany were sitting on the expansive back patio. The sun was warm but not oppressive, and the ocean breeze carried with it a refreshing sense of peace. Taylor lounged in one of the comfortable chairs, her hand absently resting on her belly as Brittany played a board game with Sterling at the table.

Bronze toddled over to Taylor with a picture book in his small hands, his eyes wide with expectation. "Mommy, read?" he asked, holding the book up to her with both hands.

Taylor froze for a moment, startled by the title, but her heart melted almost immediately. "Of course, sweetheart," she replied, taking the book and pulling him onto her lap. She glanced over at Brittany, nervous about her reaction.

Brittany, however, only smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I guess you're 'Mommy' now," she said, her voice filled with amusement.

Taylor opened the book, still a little unsure. "Are you sure you're okay with that? I don't want to—"

"Oh, please," Brittany interrupted with a laugh. "It's adorable. Besides, I'm still 'Mom.' He just knows the difference."

Bronze, sensing the conversation was delaying his story time, reached up and patted Taylor's cheek. "Mommy, read!"

Taylor laughed and pressed a kiss to his forehead before diving into the story. As she read, Bronze leaned back against her, completely content. Brittany watched them with a warm expression, her heart swelling at the sight.

Later that evening, during bedtime, the distinction became even more evident. Brittany had taken Sterling upstairs to settle her in for the night, leaving Taylor to tuck Bronze into bed. She carried him upstairs, his head resting sleepily on her shoulder as they moved through the dimly lit hallway.

Once they reached his room, Taylor set him down gently on the bed and tucked him in under the soft covers. She sat on the edge of the bed, stroking his hair as he blinked up at her with tired eyes.

"Mommy, sing?" he mumbled, his voice small and drowsy.

Taylor's heart ached in the best way possible. She hadn't expected to feel so connected to Brittany's children, but Bronze's love for her had broken down every wall she hadn't realized she'd put up.

"Of course, baby," she whispered, leaning down to kiss his forehead. She began to hum a soft tune, one of her favorite lullabies, and his eyes fluttered shut. By the time she finished, he was sound asleep, his tiny hand clutching hers.

When Taylor made her way downstairs, Brittany was waiting in the living room with a knowing smile. "Bronze went down okay?" she asked.

Taylor nodded, sinking into the couch beside her. "He asked me to sing to him," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion.

Brittany's smile widened. "That boy is smitten with you. I think it's sweet."

"You're not upset?" Taylor asked, needing to hear it again.

Brittany shook her head. "Tay, I'm his mom. That's never going to change. But you're his 'Mommy.' You've earned that spot in his heart, and I couldn't be happier about it. He loves you, and so do I. You've made this whole crazy situation easier for all of us."

Taylor felt a lump form in her throat. "Thank you, Brit. That means a lot."

Brittany reached over and squeezed her hand. "You don't need to thank me. We're family now, and Bronze is lucky to have you."

Taylor smiled, her eyes glistening. The bond between her and Brittany felt unshakable, a partnership forged in love, trust, and shared responsibility. Together, they were building something beautiful, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Bronze woke up briefly in the middle of the night, padding into Taylor and Travis's room with his blanket in hand. Taylor, half-asleep, felt him crawl into the bed and snuggle close to her side.

"Mommy," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

Taylor wrapped her arms around him, her heart full. "I'm here, baby," she whispered, kissing the top of his head.

In the quiet of the night, the world felt safe, if only for a moment.