Under His Protection

Chapter 67: A Fragile Balance

The villa hummed with quiet activity, but the focus remained on Travis and Taylor. It had been days since Taylor's breakdown, and while everyone was doing their best to help, the strain was beginning to show on Travis. Taylor refused to let him out of her sight, clinging to him like a lifeline.

In the living room, Brittany was trying to distract Bronze and Sterling with a game, but their occasional glances toward Taylor betrayed their confusion and concern. Bronze, especially, kept looking back at Taylor, his little brow furrowed. He didn't understand why his Mama wasn't herself, but he knew something was wrong.

Meanwhile, Travis sat beside Taylor on the couch, gently coaxing her to eat a few bites of food. She leaned heavily against him, her head resting on his shoulder as if even the smallest distance between them was unbearable.

"Come on, Sunshine," Travis murmured, his voice soft but firm. "Just a little more, for me. You need to eat."

Taylor hesitated, her eyes flickering to the fork in his hand. Slowly, she opened her mouth, taking a small bite.

"There you go," he said, smiling encouragingly. "That's my girl."

In the dining room, Brittany, Patrick, Ross, and Isiah were gathered around the table, their faces etched with worry.

"He can't keep doing this," Brittany said, her voice low but urgent. "He hasn't slept more than a couple of hours at a time, and he's barely eating. He's going to run himself into the ground."

"We all see it," Ross said, his arms crossed. "But how do we help without making things worse? Taylor won't let anyone else near her except for Travis and Bronze."

Isiah leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "Maybe we start with the kids. If we take care of them, at least Travis can focus on Taylor without worrying about them too."

"Good idea," Patrick said. "But what about Travis? He needs someone to take care of him too, even if he won't admit it."

"I'll talk to him," Ross offered. "He'll listen to me, or at least he'll try."

Later that afternoon, Travis was trying to gently encourage Taylor to pump breast milk for the twins. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she held the pump.

"I can't," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Yes, you can," Travis said, kneeling in front of her. "You've done this before, Sunshine. You're amazing at it. The twins need you."

Her eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head. "I'm scared. What if I can't do it? What if-"

Travis took her hands in his, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You're not alone. I'm right here with you, every step of the way. We'll do this together."

With his encouragement, she finally began, her breathing unsteady but improving as he stayed by her side, holding her hand and whispering soothing words.

That evening, after the kids had been fed and put to bed, Travis helped Taylor into the bathroom for a shower. She clung to him the entire time, her fear of being alone outweighing any discomfort.

"Travis," she murmured as he gently rinsed her hair. "Don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine," he said, his voice steady despite his own exhaustion. "I'm right here."

She nodded but didn't loosen her grip on his arm. Even as he helped her step out of the shower and wrapped her in a towel, her fingers never left his.

In the dining room, the team reconvened.

"He's burning out," Brittany said, her voice filled with worry. "I saw him earlier-he could barely keep his eyes open."

"Taylor's needs are overwhelming," Ross said. "We all understand why, but it's too much for one person to handle."

"We need a plan," Patrick said firmly. "Something that gives Travis some breathing room without making Taylor feel abandoned."

"Maybe we can ease her into trusting one of us," Isiah suggested. "Start small. She already trusts Bronze when Travis steps away for a minute. Maybe we can build on that."

"It's worth a try," Brittany said. "But we need to act fast. Travis won't ask for help, and Taylor... she's too fragile right now to see what this is doing to him."

As the night wore on, Travis sat on the couch with Taylor curled up beside him, her head resting on his chest. Bronze had climbed into her lap, offering her one of his favorite toys.

"Mama," he said softly, his big eyes filled with concern. "You feel better now?"

Taylor managed a small smile and hugged him tightly. "I'm trying, baby. I promise I'm trying."

Travis watched the exchange, his heart aching. He could see the love Taylor had for Bronze, but her fear was still holding her back.

As she leaned back against him, her fingers gripping his shirt, Travis knew one thing for certain: he would do whatever it took to help her heal, no matter the cost.