best thing that's ever been mine - a Kaylor story

Chapter 33

The jet is halfway between the Bahamas and the US when Karlie glances out the window, taking in the beautiful sunset painting a picture on the horizon. They left Musha Cay in the early evening after a beautiful and relaxing week away from their crazy daily lives, and now, nearly two hours later, Karlie already misses the calm waves on the beach and the particular kind of quiet that can only be found in remote places.

Taylor is resting in Karlie's arms, seemingly lost in an episode of SVU playing on the laptop sitting on the table in front of them. Her fingers play idly with Karlie's hand, alternately stroking it and tapping it.

Karlie gazes lovingly at her girlfriend, taking in the sight of her. She's been so relaxed this week, gotten some color on her skin and even gained a few pounds, looking refreshed and healthy, and it makes Karlie smile. Taking this trip has been the best idea she's had all year. If only it could last even longer.

"I think we should go to Nashville tomorrow," Taylor suddenly says, tilting her head upwards to look at Karlie.

Smugly, Karlie pushes the little button on the side of their seats, connecting them to the cockpit. "Marco, can you please inform Taylor where we are currently headed?"

"Nashville, ma'am," Marco replies and Karlie grins.

When Taylor sits up straight and looks at her incredulously, Karlie smiles back at her. "I already arranged to have us taken straight to Nashville. The interview airs tomorrow and I know you would want to be with your mom when we watch it."

Tears are welling up in Taylor's eyes and she blinks them away. "Thank you," she whispers, "thank you for all of this, Nashville and Musha Cay and for just being attentive and beautiful and perfect." She places her soft lips gently on Karlie's for a moment before she puts her cheek down on Karlie's shoulder, holding her tight. "What about the cats?" she mumbles after a moment, but she keeps her body pressed up against Karlie's, refusing to let go.

"Austin was under strict orders to pick them up yesterday, so I would assume they are already waiting for us."

"I miss them," Taylor murmurs softly, finally breaking their embrace. She wipes her face on her sleeve and gives Karlie a smile before she turns around again, settling in with her head resting on Karlie's chest again.

"I know, babe. We'll see them soon."

***

The following afternoon, Karlie is sitting on Andrea's couch with Taylor on one side and Andrea's huge dog Kitty on the other, waiting for Ellen to start. Taylor is lazily stuffing her face with whipped cream from a can, causing the big dog to reach across Karlie and attempt to lick Taylor's face.

"Stop it," she yells at the dog, her mouth full of cream.

Kitty looks so sad from being denied whipped cream that Karlie reaches out to scratch behind her ears. "Look at this cutie," Karlie says, "what did she ever do to you?"

Taylor looks Karlie deep into her eyes and holds her gaze. "So many things, Karlie, oh, so many things." Not averting her eyes from Karlie's, she stuffs another mouthful of cream into her mouth.

Staring at her incredulously for a few moments, Karlie laughs, causing Taylor to reveal a huge grin.

"After she got Meredith, she suddenly hated dogs," Andrea says with a laugh, carrying a steaming mug of coffee in one hand and a dog treat in the other.

"I don't hate them," Taylor protests, "they're just too up in my face all the time. It's gross."

"Tell that to your poor dog that you abandoned here," Andrea says jokingly and smooches to Kitty to get her attention. "Hey darling, look what I've got," she tells the dog who immediately jumps over to her to eat the treat before lying down on the floor by her feet.