Under His Protection

Chapter 62: A Cry for Help

Taylor stood in the kitchen, her hands gripping the edge of the counter as she tried to catch her breath. Evan's cries echoed from the nursery, sharp and insistent, while Ethan's whimpers added to the symphony of chaos. The bottles she'd just sterilized sat untouched on the counter, and the mess of toys scattered across the floor mocked her attempts to keep things under control.

She could feel it building inside her-like a storm she couldn't outrun.

"Mama?" Bronze's small voice cut through the noise. She turned to see him clutching his favorite toy truck, his wide eyes filled with concern.

"Yes, baby?" Taylor replied, forcing a smile she didn't feel.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, tilting his head.

She hadn't even realized the tears had started to fall. Quickly wiping her face, she crouched down to his level. "I'm just tired, sweetheart. But I'm okay."

Bronze's little hand reached out to touch her cheek. "You don't look okay."

Before she could respond, Evan's cries escalated into full-blown wails, and Ethan wasn't far behind. Taylor straightened, her head pounding as she rushed to the nursery. Bronze followed close behind, clutching the hem of her shirt.

Inside the nursery, Taylor scooped up Evan, cradling him against her chest as she gently rocked him. His cries didn't abate, and her anxiety only grew. Ethan's tiny fists flailed in the bassinet, his cries piercing through her already fragile composure.

"Bronze, can you get me the pacifier from the living room?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Bronze nodded and dashed off, leaving her alone with the twins. She sat in the rocking chair, trying to soothe Evan while Ethan's cries tugged at her heart.

"I'm trying," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm trying so hard."

Bronze returned with the pacifier and held it up to her. "Here, Mama."

"Thank you, baby," she said, but her hands shook as she tried to put the pacifier in Ethan's mouth. It slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor.

Evan's cries intensified, and Taylor's head dropped as she let out a choked sob. "I can't do this," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Bronze's face crumpled, and he climbed onto her lap, wrapping his small arms around her neck. "Don't cry, Mama," he pleaded. "I'll help. I'll be good."

She clung to him, burying her face in his curls as her tears soaked his hair. "It's not you, sweetheart. You're perfect. I just-I miss Travis so much."

Ross found Taylor in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair with Bronze clinging to her and Evan wailing in her arms. Ethan had exhausted himself and was lying quietly in the bassinet, but his tiny face was still scrunched up in distress.

"Taylor," Ross said gently, stepping inside.

She looked up, her face streaked with tears. "I can't do it, Ross. I can't."

Ross knelt beside her, his expression filled with concern. "You're doing so much, Taylor. More than anyone could ask of you. But you're not alone. Let us help."

"I don't know how," she whispered. "I don't know how to let go."

Ross carefully took Evan from her arms, rocking him with practiced ease. "Start by trusting us. You don't have to do everything. Brittany and I are here. You're allowed to need a break."

Taylor shook her head, her voice rising. "I can't just stop, Ross! They need me. The twins need me, Bronze needs me, and Sterling-"

"Needs a healthy, happy Taylor," Ross interrupted firmly. "And so does Travis. You're running yourself into the ground."

Taylor buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs. "I feel like I'm failing them. All of them."

"You're not failing," Ross said softly. "You're human. And right now, you need Travis."

In Kansas City, Travis sat at the kitchen table with Patrick and Isiah, reviewing the final details of their plan. His phone buzzed, and when he saw Ross's name, he immediately answered.

"Ross? What's going on?"

"It's Taylor," Ross said, his voice low but urgent. "She's not doing well, Travis. She's exhausted, overwhelmed, and she's breaking down. She's trying to hold it together, but it's too much."

Travis's grip on the phone tightened. "Is she sick?"

"She's worn out, both physically and emotionally," Ross explained. "She won't listen to anyone but you, and I think she's scared of letting anyone down. But she needs you, man. She needs you now."

Travis's heart ached at the thought of Taylor struggling without him. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing at Patrick and Isiah. "We're so close to finishing this plan. But if she's falling apart-"

"Family comes first," Ross said firmly. "She's your priority, Travis. We can handle things here."

Travis ended the call and looked at Patrick and Isiah. "Taylor's not doing well. She's overwhelmed with the kids and breaking down. Ross says she needs me."

Patrick nodded. "Then go. Isiah and I can manage things here. Family always comes first."

Travis hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Thanks, guys. Keep me updated."

Taylor was sitting on the couch, holding Ethan while Bronze leaned against her side, his small hand resting on her arm. She didn't even hear the front door open.

"Taylor?"

Her head snapped up, and when she saw Travis standing there, she burst into tears. He crossed the room in three long strides and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she sobbed against his chest.

"I'm here," he whispered, stroking her hair. "I've got you, Sunshine."

Bronze beamed, his arms wrapping around Travis's leg. "Uncle Twavis! You came back!"

Travis scooped him up, balancing him on one arm while keeping Taylor close with the other. "Of course I did, buddy. I couldn't stay away."

"You're not leaving again, right?" Bronze asked seriously.

"Not for a long time," Travis promised, his eyes locked on Taylor's. "I'm here for you-for all of you."