Under His Protection

Chapter 56: A Fragile Calm

The villa basked in a tranquil lull as the sun poured golden light over the terrace. Taylor sat in her favorite chair, a soft breeze teasing the loose strands of her hair. Bronze was nestled in her lap, his small frame curled into hers as if they were molded to fit together. His head rested against her chest, his soft curls brushing her chin as she hummed a soothing melody.

"Mama," he mumbled sleepily, his voice muffled against her shirt.

"Yes, baby?" Taylor replied, brushing her fingers tenderly over his curls.

"Can it just be us forever?" he asked, his little fingers clutching her shirt as though he were holding onto the moment itself.

Taylor's heart melted at his innocent plea. "You like spending time with me that much?"

Bronze nodded, his eyelids heavy with sleep. "You're my favorite."

A soft laugh escaped her lips. "You're my favorite too, little one."

As if on cue, Brittany appeared in the doorway, Sterling skipping at her side. Brittany's smile widened at the sight before her. "He's really claimed you, hasn't he?" she teased, leaning against the doorframe.

Taylor chuckled, her eyes never leaving Bronze. "It's mutual. I think we've got our own thing going on."

Sterling peeked out from behind her mother, her bright eyes filled with curiosity. "Is Bronze asleep again?" she asked, climbing onto the armrest of Taylor's chair.

"Almost," Taylor said with a wink.

"You mean he doesn't mind that Travis isn't here?" Brittany asked, an amused glint in her eyes.

"Oh, he minds," Taylor said with a knowing smirk. "But only because it means more Mama time for him."

Bronze stirred slightly, his words slurred with sleep. "Mama's better than Uncle Twavis," he murmured, drawing laughter from both women.

Taylor pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, her voice a whisper. "You're too much, Bronze."

Inside the villa, Ross was keeping an eye on the twins. Evan and Ethan were in their nursery, their tiny forms wrapped snugly in matching blankets as they napped in tandem. The room was quiet, save for the soft sound of their breathing and the occasional squeak of a rocking chair as Ross kept watch.

Sterling wandered off to peek in on her younger cousins, her giggles trailing down the hallway as she admired the babies through the crib rails. Brittany followed to ensure her daughter didn't disturb the peaceful scene, leaving Taylor alone with her thoughts and the still-sleeping Bronze.

The terrace was bathed in the warm glow of late afternoon. Taylor's gaze drifted out to the horizon, her heart full yet wistful. The weight of the past months lingered—Santino's threat, the relocation to the villa, and Travis's absence—but moments like this reminded her of what truly mattered.

Bronze stirred again, this time lifting his head slightly to look up at her. His sleepy eyes were filled with a kind of pure affection that took her breath away.

"Mama?" he said again, his voice clearer now.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do you love me as much as the babies?"

Taylor's heart clenched at the vulnerability in his question. She hugged him tighter, pressing her cheek to his curls. "Oh, Bronze. I love you just as much. You're my special boy."

He seemed to think about that for a moment, then nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Okay. I love you more than anybody," he declared before resting his head against her again.

Taylor smiled, her heart so full it almost hurt. "And I love you more than you'll ever know."

That evening, as the house quieted down, Taylor checked on the twins before heading to bed. Evan and Ethan were still fast asleep, their identical faces peaceful and serene. Bronze lingered nearby, watching over the babies with curious eyes.

"Are they okay, Mama?" he asked, his voice soft.

"They're perfect," Taylor reassured him, smoothing down his hair.

He reached out to touch Ethan's tiny hand, his expression thoughtful. "They're really little," he observed.

"They are," Taylor agreed, crouching down beside him. "And one day, they're going to look up to you."

Bronze turned to her, his eyes wide. "Me?"

"Of course," Taylor said with a smile. "You're their big cousin. They'll need you to show them how to be brave and kind, just like you are."

Bronze puffed up his chest a little, pride flickering across his face. "I can do that."

"I know you can," Taylor said, pulling him into a hug.

As she tucked him into bed later that night, he snuggled into his blankets with a contented sigh. "Goodnight, Mama," he murmured sleepily.

"Goodnight, my love," Taylor whispered, kissing his forehead.

Though the world outside was uncertain and the threat of Santino loomed ever-present, in the quiet moments of the villa, Taylor found a peace that felt unshakable. For now, they were safe, surrounded by love—and that was enough.