Under His Protection

Chapter 53: Two Identical Boys

The hospital room was filled with the soft hum of machines, the sterile scent of antiseptic mingling with the faint perfume of fresh flowers. Taylor lay on the bed, her body exhausted from the long hours of labor, but her face radiated a mixture of joy and relief. The twins were here. Her boys.

Travis sat beside her, his hand holding hers tightly. He hadn't left her side for a second, not since they'd rushed to the hospital earlier that morning. His eyes never strayed from her, his expression filled with awe and love as he watched her, his Angel, bring their children into the world.

"Travis," she whispered, her voice hoarse from hours of labor, "they're finally here."

A smile spread across his face, and he squeezed her hand. "Two little miracles."

She laughed softly, then winced slightly as a wave of pain passed through her, but it wasn't nearly as intense as before. She was just so happy that it was all over.

"Have you decided on names?" Brittany asked, her voice a welcome distraction. She and Patrick had arrived just in time to witness the twins' arrival. Brittany, always the maternal one, stood beside the bed with Sterling clinging to her leg, her excitement bubbling over.

Taylor smiled weakly. "We've talked about a couple of options. But we haven't decided for sure."

Travis glanced at her, then at the newborns, who were resting peacefully in the nursery crib just a few feet away. "Well, how about something strong? Something that shows they're a team. They're going to be close their whole lives."

"I love that," Taylor said, her voice soft but filled with certainty. "What about names like Ethan and Evan? They sound similar but unique."

Travis gave a nod, his lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Ethan and Evan it is."

As the room settled into a comfortable silence, the soft sound of footsteps alerted them to someone's presence at the door. Patrick stood there, a soft expression on his face as he gazed at the new family. He stepped inside with Ross close behind, both men taking in the sight of Taylor and her newborn sons.

"How are we doing in here?" Patrick asked, his voice warm and calm.

Taylor gave him a tired but happy smile. "We're good. They're here, and they're perfect."

Ross leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he looked at the twins in the nursery. "Two identical boys, huh? They're gonna be trouble," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Travis laughed softly, his chest vibrating with pride. "They're gonna be just like their mom."

Brittany raised an eyebrow, glancing at Taylor. "Really? You're giving them that much credit?"

Taylor shot her a playful look. "You'll see. They'll be just like me, but with a little extra kick."

The lighthearted banter was interrupted by the sound of a nurse entering the room. She smiled warmly at the group, her hands gently placing the twins in Taylor's arms. Taylor's eyes filled with tears as she gazed at the two tiny boys, their soft skin and delicate features. They were so small, yet so perfect.

Travis stood beside her, looking down at them with the same awe that Taylor felt. The twins blinked up at their parents, their identical eyes wide as they gazed around at the new world they'd entered.

Travis leaned down and kissed Taylor's forehead. "We did it, Angel. They're here, and they're safe."

Taylor smiled up at him, her heart full. "We did. And they're perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more."

As the nurse moved to adjust the boys in Taylor's arms, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of peace. Despite the chaos that had surrounded them, the dangers that had come with Santino, the fear and uncertainty, in this moment, everything felt right.

Taylor looked at Travis, her heart swelling with love for him and for the two little miracles they had created together.

Travis, his face a picture of tenderness, bent down and whispered to their sons. "Ethan, Evan... you're going to have the best life. We'll protect you, no matter what."

He turned to look at Taylor, his voice filled with raw emotion. "I'll always protect you both. Always."

Taylor's lips quivered as she gazed at him, the weight of the moment settling into her bones. "I know you will, Travis. And I'll always be right here with you."

In that moment, nothing else mattered. They were a family. And nothing in the world could change that.

As the room filled with the soft murmur of conversation and laughter, Taylor, Travis, and their boys were surrounded by love. The world outside may have been uncertain, but in this room, in this moment, everything was as it should be.

And for the first time in a long while, Taylor felt like they could face anything together. With Travis, their twins, and the family they had built, nothing could tear them apart. Not now. Not ever.