Under His Protection

Chapter 51: A Family Bond

The Italian island estate was a sanctuary-its sprawling villa perched high on a cliff, overlooking the endless expanse of the Mediterranean. The sea breeze whispered through the lush gardens, carrying the scent of salt and citrus. Taylor stood on the balcony of the master suite, her hand resting on her rounded belly. At eight months along, the twins were growing more active by the day, their kicks and movements constant reminders of the new life she and Travis had created together.

Behind her, the sound of the shower turned off. Moments later, Travis emerged, a towel slung low on his hips, his hair damp and messy. He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

"Morning, Angel," he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.

Taylor leaned into his embrace, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Morning, Bear. You sleep okay?"

"Best I've slept in weeks," he admitted. "It's easier to relax when I know you're safe."

They stood in silence for a moment, gazing out at the horizon. The sun was rising, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink, the light reflecting off the tranquil waters below.

"I still can't believe we're here," Taylor said softly. "It feels like a dream."

"It's real, Sunshine," Travis said, tightening his hold on her. "And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure it stays that way."

A knock at the door broke the quiet moment. With a reluctant sigh, Travis pulled away, grabbing a T-shirt from a nearby chair and pulling it on before opening the door. Brittany stood there, balancing Bronze on her hip. The little boy's sleepy face lit up the moment he saw Taylor.

"Sorry to bother you guys," Brittany said with an apologetic smile. "But someone insisted he needed to see Taylor."

Bronze squirmed in her arms, reaching out toward Taylor with an urgent "Mama!"

Taylor's heart melted as she quickly moved to take him. "Good morning, sweetheart," she said, kissing his cheek as he nestled against her.

Brittany chuckled, crossing her arms. "You know, I should be jealous, but honestly, it's kind of hilarious. He's been attached to you like glue since we got here."

"Can you blame him?" Travis said with a smirk, leaning against the doorframe. "Taylor's got that magic touch."

Bronze turned his head, glaring at Travis as if he'd just been reminded that someone else existed in his precious Taylor-time. He clung tighter to her, his little arms wrapping around her neck.

"Uncle Twavis, no," Bronze said firmly, burying his face in Taylor's shoulder.

Taylor laughed, rubbing his back. "Looks like someone wants me all to himself."

Brittany raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Oh, this I've got to see. He's been glaring at Patrick lately too, like he's laying claim to you."

Travis rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his amusement. "Alright, alright. I'll give you your space, buddy. But don't think you can keep her all to yourself forever."

As Travis left the room, Bronze relaxed, his grip on Taylor easing slightly. "Mama," he said again, his voice soft and content.

Taylor kissed the top of his head, her heart swelling. "I've got you, little man."

Brittany watched the scene with a mix of fondness and humor. "You know, I don't think I've ever seen him this attached to anyone before. Not even me."

Taylor smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed with Bronze in her lap. "I think he just needs a little extra love right now. And I'm more than happy to give it."

Bronze seemed to sense the affection in her voice, snuggling closer. Brittany leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed. "Well, I'm glad he has you. And I'm glad we all have each other right now. I don't know how we'd be handling all of this without you and Travis."

Taylor looked up, her eyes meeting Brittany's. "We're family, Brit. We've got each other's backs, no matter what."

Brittany's expression softened, and she gave a small nod. "Yeah, we do."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of quiet moments and laughter. Bronze refused to leave Taylor's side, even during breakfast, where he insisted on sitting in her lap instead of in his own chair. Sterling joined them later, dragging Ross into an impromptu game of hide-and-seek that filled the villa with the sound of her giggles.

Later that afternoon, Taylor sat on the terrace with Brittany, watching the children play in the garden below. Bronze had finally let Travis take him for a quick walk, leaving Taylor with a rare moment of peace.

"You know," Brittany said, sipping her iced tea, "I always thought Sterling would be the one clinging to you. She adores you, but Bronze? I didn't see that coming."

Taylor chuckled, resting a hand on her belly. "I think he just senses something. Kids are good at that, you know? Maybe he knows I'm about to be a mom and just wants to stake his claim early."

Brittany laughed. "Well, whatever it is, it's adorable. And honestly, it's a relief. If anyone can keep him calm and happy, it's you."

The two women sat in comfortable silence for a while, the soft sound of the waves below providing a soothing backdrop.

When Travis returned with Bronze, the little boy immediately reached for Taylor again, his face lighting up. Travis handed him over with a mock sigh. "Alright, buddy, you win. She's all yours."

Bronze wrapped his arms around Taylor's neck, looking at Travis with a triumphant expression. "Mine."

Taylor and Brittany burst out laughing, and even Travis couldn't help but grin.

"Yeah, yeah," Travis said, ruffling Bronze's hair. "But don't forget, I'm the one who keeps her safe."

Bronze ignored him, content to snuggle into Taylor's embrace.

As the sun set over the island, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the villa was filled with a sense of peace. For now, the danger felt far away, and the family could simply enjoy the moment.

Taylor sat with Travis on the balcony later that evening, the twins kicking gently as they watched the stars. Bronze had finally fallen asleep in his own bed, though not without a lot of reassurance from Taylor.

"You know," Taylor said, resting her head on Travis's shoulder, "I think this might be the happiest I've been in a long time."

Travis kissed her forehead, his hand resting over hers on her belly. "Me too, Angel. Me too."