Under His Protection

Chapter 49: News and Names

The rhythmic hum of the private jet grew louder as it descended onto the villa's remote airstrip. Inside the house, Taylor and Brittany stood at the wide glass doors leading to the patio, both brimming with a mix of anticipation and relief. The kids played in the background, Sterling directing Bronze in a game that involved a makeshift fort of couch cushions and blankets.

Taylor placed a hand on her belly, her rounded figure making her every move deliberate. At eight months pregnant with the twins, she was glowing despite the strain of carrying two babies. Beside her, Brittany held a mug of coffee, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the plane.

"They're back," Brittany said with a smile as the small jet touched down.

The kids squealed in excitement, abandoning their fort to rush toward the windows. Bronze tugged on Taylor's hand, bouncing on his toes. "Mommy, they're home!" he shouted, his voice full of joy.

Taylor's heart fluttered at the sound of the title, though she couldn't ignore the tiny pang of guilt it brought. Brittany had reassured her more than once, but she still wondered how the men would react.

As the plane came to a stop, Patrick, Ross, and Travis emerged, their faces marked with a blend of exhaustion and purpose. The moment Travis spotted Taylor, his expression softened, and he quickened his pace toward her.

Inside the villa, the group reunited over a spread of food Brittany had prepared, the tension of the past week easing with each laugh and shared story. But it wasn't long before the conversation turned serious.

"We have news," Travis announced, standing near Taylor, his hand protectively on her shoulder. "Santino is moving resources around, but he's still no closer to finding us."

Ross leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "We've got time, but he's not going to stop. He's still digging for dirt on all of us."

Patrick chimed in, his tone lightening. "Luckily, we've been keeping our noses clean. He's frustrated, but that's all he's got so far."

The news was met with a collective sigh of relief. Brittany rubbed her temples and leaned back in her chair. "Good. At least we're not in the immediate line of fire."

The conversation shifted to logistics and their next moves, but Patrick's curiosity finally got the better of him. "So," he said, leaning toward Brittany and Taylor with a grin, "why is Bronze calling Taylor 'Mommy' now?"

Travis's brows shot up at the question, and he glanced at Taylor, his expression unreadable. Ross chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, we noticed that too. What's the story there?"

Brittany laughed, taking a sip of her drink before responding. "Oh, it's simple. Bronze loves her, and Taylor's been taking care of him just as much as I have. He started calling her 'Mommy,' and honestly, I think it's adorable."

Taylor flushed, shifting in her seat. "It just sort of happened. I didn't want to overstep, but—"

"Overstep?" Brittany interrupted, giving her a playful nudge. "You're family. Bronze loves you, Tay. It's not about replacing me; it's about the bond you've built with him."

Patrick crossed his arms, nodding thoughtfully. "Makes sense. I mean, the little guy's got a lot of love to give."

Travis finally broke his silence, his eyes softening as he looked at Taylor. "I can see why he'd call you 'Mommy,'" he said quietly. "You've got a way of making people feel safe."

Taylor felt a rush of emotion at his words, her eyes glistening. "Thank you," she whispered.

Bronze, oblivious to the conversation about him, chose that moment to climb onto Taylor's lap. He snuggled into her, his little hand resting on her belly. "Mommy, are the babies kicking?"

Taylor smiled, placing her hand over his. "A little. Do you want to feel?"

Bronze nodded enthusiastically, his tiny hand pressing against her belly. The twins responded with a gentle kick, making his eyes widen in delight. "They kicked me!" he exclaimed, giggling.

The room filled with laughter, the moment breaking any lingering tension.

That night, after the kids were asleep and the house had quieted, Travis pulled Taylor aside onto the balcony. The stars stretched endlessly above them, the crisp night air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.

"You've really made this place a home for them," he said, pulling her close.

Taylor leaned into him, her hands resting on his chest. "They're incredible kids. It's easy to love them."

Travis kissed her forehead, his voice low and tender. "And they love you, Angel. Just like I do."

The peace of the night wrapped around them, a temporary reprieve from the chaos waiting just beyond their sanctuary. Together, they stood as a fortress, ready to face whatever came next.