Under His Protection

Chapter 57: The Plan in Motion

Kansas City was a far cry from the sunshine and calm of Italy. The cold, gray skies outside mirrored the somber mood that had settled over the room where Travis, Patrick, and Isiah Pacheco sat. The faint beeping of hospital machines in the background was a reminder of why they were here—Travis's father had suffered a heart attack. While stable, his condition weighed heavily on Travis, who couldn't help but feel the pull between being here for his dad and the need to be with Taylor and their family back in Italy.

Patrick leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "We'll figure this out," he said firmly. "Family comes first, always. We're here for your dad, but we're not losing sight of the bigger picture. Santino won't see us coming."

Travis nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. "I know. I just hate leaving them all back there, especially with everything going on. Taylor's juggling the twins, Bronze, Sterling—and Ross is helping, but it's a lot."

Isiah leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Taylor's tough. She's got this. Besides, Ross wouldn't let anything happen to them. You know he's as solid as they come."

"Yeah, but still," Travis said, running a hand through his hair. "Bronze has been glued to her lately, calling her 'Mama' every chance he gets. It's not like she doesn't love it, but it's extra attention she has to give on top of the twins."

Patrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Bronze has always been attached to her. Brittany thinks it's hilarious. She says Taylor handles him like he's one of her own."

"Well, to Bronze, she practically is," Travis said with a small smile. "But I don't want her to feel overwhelmed. She's got enough on her plate."

Patrick glanced at his phone, checking for updates from Brittany. "Brit says everyone's doing fine. Bronze is being his usual self, Sterling's helping out more than ever, and the twins are napping like champs. Taylor's handling it like the pro she is."

Travis let out a breath of relief but couldn't fully shake the tension in his chest. He pulled out his own phone, debating whether to call Taylor just to hear her voice.

"You should check in," Patrick said, noticing the hesitation. "It'll help you focus if you know she's okay."

Travis nodded and dialed. Taylor picked up after the first ring, her voice instantly soothing. "Hey, love."

"Hey, baby," Travis said softly. "How's everything over there?"

"We're managing," Taylor replied, a warm smile evident in her tone. "Evan and Ethan are down for their nap, Ross is on twin duty, and I've got Bronze curled up next to me on the terrace. Brittany's keeping Sterling entertained with some art project. So far, so good."

Travis chuckled. "Bronze isn't giving you too much trouble, is he?"

"Oh, you know him," Taylor said, her voice filled with affection. "He's as sweet as he is stubborn. He's been calling me 'Mama' nonstop, which Brittany finds hilarious. But honestly, I don't mind. He's such a sweetheart."

"Yeah, he's a good kid," Travis said, his voice softening. "I just don't want him wearing you out. Between him and the twins, you've got your hands full."

"I've got it under control," Taylor reassured him. "And I've got Brittany and Ross here to help. Don't worry about us. Just focus on your dad and whatever you need to do with Patrick and Isiah."

Patrick took the phone from Travis, his tone light as he greeted Taylor. "Hey, Taylor. Just wanted to check in—how's my little guy? Is Bronze driving you crazy yet?"

Taylor laughed. "Not yet. He's actually been really sweet. He's been clinging to me a lot, but we've got a good rhythm going. Brittany's been great about stepping in when I need a breather, and Ross is a lifesaver with the twins."

"And Sterling?" Patrick asked, his voice softening. "She doing okay?"

"She's doing great," Taylor said. "She's been really helpful, actually. I think she likes being the big sister who gets to help with the babies. It's adorable."

Patrick smiled, relief washing over him. "Good to hear. You're doing an amazing job, Taylor. I mean it."

Travis took the phone back, his voice filled with affection. "I miss you, Tay. I'll be back as soon as I can. Promise."

"I know," Taylor said, her voice tender. "Take your time. We'll be here when you're ready."

After the call ended, the room fell into a thoughtful silence. Patrick finally broke it, his tone turning serious. "Alright, let's get back to work. We need to make sure this Santino plan is airtight. No surprises."

Isiah nodded, leaning forward. "We've got the framework, but we need to nail down the timing. If we're going to hit him where it hurts, we need to make sure we're not leaving anything to chance."

Travis nodded, his focus sharpening. "Let's do it. The sooner we take care of Santino, the sooner I can get back to my family."

Patrick clapped him on the shoulder. "We've got this, man. One step at a time."

And with that, the three men turned their full attention to the plan, determination etched into their faces. They were a long way from Italy, but their resolve to protect their loved ones was stronger than ever.