Under His Protection

Chapter 54: Bronze's Big Feelings

The villa was alive with activity once Taylor and the twins returned home. It had been a few days since Ethan and Evan's arrival, and the once-quiet household now bustled with the sounds of baby cries, cooing adults, and children running around.

Bronze, however, wasn't thrilled. From his spot on the oversized couch, he watched as Taylor held one of the babies, gently rocking him to sleep. Travis leaned over her shoulder, his face lit up with pride. Sterling was nearby, helping Brittany set up a play area for the twins, chattering away about how she'd be the best big cousin ever.

And then there was Bronze—arms crossed, brow furrowed, and his pout unmistakable.

"Bronze, sweetheart," Brittany called from across the room. "Do you want to help me with the baby blankets?"

He shook his head, his gaze locked on Taylor and the baby in her arms.

Taylor noticed his stare and offered him a warm smile. "Bronzy, do you want to come sit with me and meet Ethan?"

"No!" he said loudly, surprising everyone in the room. His little face twisted in frustration as he stomped his foot. "You don't want me anymore! You only want them!"

The room fell silent, the adults exchanging surprised glances. Brittany stepped forward, crouching to Bronze's level. "Honey, that's not true. Taylor loves you very much. And so do I. You're our special boy."

But Bronze wasn't convinced. "She's always with the babies now! She doesn't play with me!"

Taylor's heart ached at his words. Setting Ethan gently in the bassinet, she motioned for Travis to step back before kneeling down in front of Bronze.

"Bronze," Taylor began softly, her tone full of understanding, "come here, buddy."

Reluctantly, he shuffled closer, still clutching his favorite stuffed dinosaur tightly to his chest. Taylor reached out and placed her hands gently on his shoulders.

"I know things feel different right now," she said, her eyes meeting his. "And I'm so sorry if I made you feel like I don't have time for you. That's not true, sweetheart. You're so important to me."

Bronze blinked up at her, his little lip trembling. "But you love them more now."

"No, no, no," Taylor said quickly, pulling him into a hug. "I love them, but I love you too, just like I always have. You'll always be my special Bronzy Bear."

He sniffled, leaning into her embrace. "Promise, Mama?"

Taylor's breath caught, her heart swelling at the word. She hugged him tighter, her voice steady despite the sudden lump in her throat. "Promise, sweetheart. And I'm still going to play with you and spend time with you. Nothing is going to change that."

Travis, who had been watching quietly, crouched down beside them. "Hey, buddy," he said gently, ruffling Bronze's hair. "You're still the coolest kid around here. And I bet Ethan and Evan are going to think you're the best big cousin ever."

Bronze peeked up at him, his pout softening slightly. "Really?"

"Absolutely," Travis said with a grin. "You'll get to teach them all the cool stuff—like how to play ball, how to make the best dinosaur roars, and maybe even how to annoy Uncle Ross."

That drew a giggle from Bronze, and the tension in the room eased. Brittany approached, pulling her son into a hug. "You're such a good boy, Bronzy. We're so proud of you, and you're going to be an amazing cousin."

After a few moments, Bronze hesitated but finally turned to look at the bassinet where the twins were sleeping. "Can I see them?"

Taylor smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Of course, sweetheart. Come on."

She led him over to the bassinet, lifting him so he could see the two tiny boys nestled inside. Bronze's eyes widened as he stared at them, his curiosity replacing his earlier frustration.

"They're so little," he whispered.

"They are," Taylor said softly. "And they're going to need you to show them how to be big and strong, just like you."

Bronze studied them for a moment before reaching out a tentative finger to touch Ethan's tiny hand. The baby stirred slightly but didn't wake, his tiny fingers curling around Bronze's.

Bronze's face lit up in amazement. "He grabbed me, Mama!"

Taylor chuckled, her heart melting. "He sure did. He likes you already."

"Maybe they're okay," Bronze said shyly, leaning against Taylor.

"They're more than okay," Brittany chimed in, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And they're lucky to have you."

That night, as the house settled down, Bronze climbed into Taylor's lap with his stuffed dinosaur. "Can you sing me a song, Mama?" he asked quietly.

"Of course, sweetheart," Taylor said, wrapping her arms around him.

As her soft voice filled the room, Bronze snuggled closer, feeling the warmth and love he'd feared he'd lost. And when he drifted off to sleep, it was with a tiny smile on his face, knowing he had a place in Taylor's heart that no one could ever take away.

Across the room, Travis watched with a soft smile, whispering to himself, "Our little family is figuring it out."