Tayvis one-shots (3)

Parenting Practice

It started with a casual coffee shop conversation between Taylor and her close friend, Gigi. They were catching up about life, work, and Gigi's two-year-old daughter, Khai, who was growing up faster than anyone could believe.

"I swear, Taylor, it feels like just yesterday she was learning to walk," Gigi said, stirring her latte. "But now she's talking up a storm, and her energy is off the charts. I could use a day off, honestly."

Taylor, ever the supportive friend, nodded in understanding. "You need a break, G. Let Travis and I babysit her for a day. You deserve some time to yourself."

Gigi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You? Babysitting a toddler?"

Taylor smirked, pretending to be offended. "What, you don't think I can handle it?"

"It's not you I'm worried about," Gigi teased. "It's Travis. Have you ever seen a football player try to keep up with a two-year-old? They're not as tough as they look."

Taylor laughed. "Challenge accepted. We'll take Khai for the day, and you can go have a spa day or whatever you want."

True to her word, Gigi dropped Khai off at Taylor and Travis's home the following Saturday morning. The little girl, with her curly blonde hair and bright hazel eyes, clutched a small backpack filled with her favorite toys and snacks.

"Hi, Khai!" Taylor greeted her warmly, crouching down to her level. "We're going to have so much fun today!"

Khai giggled shyly, holding onto Gigi's leg.

Travis appeared from the living room, grinning. "Hey, kiddo! You ready for a fun day with Auntie Taylor and Uncle Travis?"

Khai stared up at him, wide-eyed, before breaking into a smile. "Unca Twavis!" she said, mispronouncing his name adorably.

Travis laughed. "Close enough, kid."

Gigi kissed Khai goodbye and gave Taylor a grateful hug. "Call me if you need anything. And good luck!"

The day started off smoothly enough. Taylor and Khai sat on the living room floor, building towers with colorful blocks, while Travis made silly faces to make her laugh.

"Look, Khai," Taylor said, stacking another block. "We're building a castle!"

Khai clapped her hands. "Castle!"

Travis leaned over, pretending to be a dragon. "Raaawr! I'm going to knock it down!"

Khai squealed in delight as Travis gently knocked over the blocks, sending them tumbling.

"She loves you already," Taylor said, smiling at him.

"What can I say? Kids dig me," Travis replied, puffing out his chest playfully.

Things took a more chaotic turn during lunchtime. Taylor had prepared a simple meal of chicken nuggets and apple slices, but Khai was more interested in smearing ketchup all over her highchair.

"Is it supposed to look like modern art?" Travis asked, holding up a ketchup-covered napkin.

Taylor sighed but couldn't help laughing. "She's expressing herself. Let's just go with it."

After lunch, they decided to take Khai to the park. Travis carried her on his shoulders as they walked, while Taylor carried the diaper bag.

"Higher, Unca Twavis!" Khai demanded, giggling as she held onto his hair.

"If I go any higher, I'll be in the clouds," Travis joked, earning more giggles from Khai.

At the park, they played on the swings, slid down the slide, and chased Khai around as she explored. Taylor snapped a few candid photos of Travis and Khai together, already imagining how much Gigi would love them.