So High School

I'm here, I love you

A/N i think this is my longest chapter yet– get yourselves ready (10k words)

TW

Travis and Taylor were sitting on the back porch, watching the kids play as they relaxed on the outdoor furniture. Kylie and Jason had invited the pair over for a barbecue, and now the sun had fallen in the sky as The cool night air drifted around them.

Travis had his arm draped around Taylor’s shoulders, his thumb absentmindedly brushing her arm, a subtle but constant gesture of affection. She nestled closer to him, enjoying the sense of calm that came with being with someone who made her feel so secure.

Taylor glanced over at Travis, a smile tugging at her lips. "I’ve missed this. Being around your family," she said, her voice soft.

Travis smiled down at her, his eyes lighting up with warmth. "Yeah, it’s one of my favorite things, too. My brother and Kylie are great, and the girls—" He chuckled as Wyatt ran past, chasing after Elliotte, who was waving a toy airplane in the air. "They definitely keep things lively."

"I can tell," Taylor laughed, her heart warmed by the sight of the little ones. "They’re so full of energy."

"They’re a handful, but I love it," Travis said, his voice filled with a deep fondness as he looked at his nieces. "Jason and Kylie do an amazing job with them. It's always fun coming here."

Taylor’s gaze lingered on the kids for a moment before she turned back to Travis, her eyes softening. "You’re going to be such an incredible dad one day, you know that?"

Travis’s smile softened, and he looked away for a second, clearly touched by her words. He had thought about it often—about building a family of his own with Taylor, about the possibility of a future together that stretched far beyond their careers. Being around Jason and Kylie’s family had made him realize how much he wanted that, too.

"I hope so," he said quietly, his voice a mix of sincerity and vulnerability. "More than anything, I want to give that to you—us, a future, a home filled with love and laughter. You’re everything to me, Taylor."

Taylor’s heart fluttered at his words, a rush of emotion flooding her chest. She leaned in, placing her head on his shoulder as the warmth of the moment washed over her. Everything felt so right. Travis had become her anchor, her constant in a world that could often feel unpredictable. And in this moment, sitting on Jason's porch, surrounded by the love of family, she knew she was where she was meant to be.

Travis’s hand gently cupped Taylor’s chin, lifting her face to meet his. His eyes were filled with a quiet determination, and in that moment, he knew there was no one else he wanted to spend his life with.

"I’m here, Taylor," he whispered softly, his voice steady and filled with love. "I love you."

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Taylor inhaled deeply, soaking in the feel of Travis's arms wrapped around her. She gazed off into the night sky, taking in the picture perfect scene before her.

"Travis?" Taylor whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
"Mhm?" He turned his head, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

Taylor took a deep breath, unsure of how to put her feelings into words.
"I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I feel safe with you. I feel like I can be myself, and that’s not something I’ve always felt. You’re... you’re my best friend."

Travis smiled, his eyes softening as he gazed into her eyes.
"You don’t have to say that, Tay. I already know." His voice was low, full of affection. He gently squeezed her hand, reassuring her. "You mean everything to me too."