Under His Protection

Chapter 58: A Moment of Calm

Back in Italy, the villa was unusually quiet, save for the soft rustling of the trees and the faint hum of conversation in the kitchen. Taylor stood in the nursery, gently swaying back and forth with Evan in her arms while Ross held Ethan. Both babies had just woken up from their nap, their soft coos filling the room.

"Do you ever wonder how they can be so peaceful one moment and absolute chaos the next?" Ross asked with a smirk as he adjusted Ethan's blanket.

Taylor laughed softly, pressing a kiss to Evan's tiny forehead. "Every single day. But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Brittany appeared in the doorway, holding Sterling's hand while Bronze trailed behind her. "Hey, I figured we'd check in before starting a snack. Sterling wanted to show you her latest masterpiece."

Sterling beamed, holding up a brightly colored drawing. "It's us!" she said proudly. The picture featured stick figures labeled with names—Taylor, Travis, Bronze, Sterling, Evan, Ethan, Brittany, and Patrick.

Taylor knelt down, still cradling Evan, to admire the drawing. "This is beautiful, Sterling. You've got such an eye for detail. Look at how you even gave Uncle Ross his sunglasses!"

Ross chuckled from his spot in the rocking chair. "I mean, they are my trademark."

Bronze tugged on Taylor's sleeve, his eyes big and serious. "Mama, can we have time just us later? No babies, no Sterling, no Uncle Ross?"

Brittany raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, watching the interaction with amusement.

Taylor smiled warmly and stroked Bronze's cheek. "Of course, sweetheart. We can have some Mama-and-Bronze time after dinner, okay?"

Bronze nodded, satisfied, and leaned against her leg. "Okay. You're my favorite person, Mama."

Brittany exchanged a look with Taylor and then grinned. "You know, Bronze, you're pretty lucky to have so many people who love you. But I think your mama needs a break every now and then."

"Never!" Bronze declared dramatically, making everyone laugh.

"Alright, you little ham," Brittany said, ruffling his hair. "Let's go get that snack. Sterling, come help me."

As Brittany herded the kids out of the nursery, Taylor let out a soft sigh. "I love them, but wow, it's a lot sometimes."

Ross handed Ethan back to her and grinned. "That's why you've got backup. Team effort, remember? Now, go take a break while I get these little guys settled again."

Taylor hesitated but eventually nodded. "Thanks, Ross. I owe you one."

She stepped out of the nursery and headed to the terrace, letting the warm sun and cool breeze wash over her. For a brief moment, everything felt calm, like the storm brewing with Santino was a world away.

Back in Kansas City, Travis was pacing in the living room of his father's house. Patrick and Isiah sat nearby, maps and plans spread out across the coffee table.

"You sure Ross is handling everything okay?" Travis asked for the third time in as many minutes.

Patrick groaned. "Yes, Travis. Ross is fine. Taylor is fine. Bronze is still glued to her hip, and Brittany is taking care of Sterling like always. Relax."

Travis ran a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. It's just—I hate being away from them. Especially now."

Patrick shot him a pointed look. "And yet, this is where we need to be. If we don't deal with Santino, none of us will be able to rest."

Isiah leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "Patrick's right. Focus on the mission. Your family is safe. Ross wouldn't let anything happen to them."

Travis nodded, though the worry in his chest didn't ease. He knew they were right, but being apart from Taylor and the kids felt like leaving a piece of himself behind.