i can't want you (i'm taking you anyway)

part 27

Travis' POV

Taylor seemed genuinely delighted with the changes I'd made, which honestly, I hadn't expected. I'd wanted to show her, but I hadn't realized it was such a big deal. She was so happy, and I loved her even more for it.

"I got you something else as well." I told her, and she raised her eyebrows.

"You mean aside from a perfect home and a perfect daughter and a perfect boyfriend?" 

I couldn't help but kiss her then. God, this woman. 

"Yes pretty girl, aside from that." I told her when I pulled back, and she giggled at me. "Go sit on the bed." I murmured.

Taylor bit down a smile, going to do as I said. She folded her legs underneath her on top of the duvet, watching me as I moved over to my nightstand. I was unbelievably nervous about giving this to her, but I wanted too more than anything. We had only just figured everything out, and I wanted Taylor to know how incredibly serious I was about her. She had to know I'd never fuck us up again.

I took the tiny drawstring bag, encasing it in one hand before going to sit on the bed next to Taylor. She just looked at me, waiting, as I reached over with my other hand and took one of hers that was resting in her lap.

"Teddy." I sighed. "God, we've really been through it huh?" I hadn't planned what I was going to say, and the words just came. Taylor nodded, squeezing my hand gently. "I used to think that if I could go back and change the most awful thing I'd ever done to someone, I would." I told her. "But then we'd never have the most beautiful daughter in the world. And I know maybe this wasn't the most ideal way for things to happen, but that's what we got, and I couldn't be more grateful for the both of you. You two are the best parts of my life by a million miles." Taylor smiled adorably, pursing her lips slightly like she might cry. Hell, I might cry. "I know we've got a long way to go, and it might get hard sometimes, but I want you to know I'll never turn my back on you again. I don't care how rough it gets. I promised you forever, and you're going to get it. So..." 

I let go of Taylor's hand, pulling open the little drawstring bag open and reaching inside. My fingers brushed against the delicate metal band of the ring inside and I pulled it out. Taylor's eyes landed on it and then shot up to meet mine, widening in shock.

"I'm not going to ask you to marry me, because I know that's not what you want." I murmured, lifting a hand and stroking her cheek. Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "I know it's way too soon for us, and we have a lot to work on. But for now, I want you to know that I do intend to ask you one day. If you want this." I rubbed my thumb over the thin, simple silver band. "I promise."

"Of course I want it you idiot!" Taylor laughed, shifting forwards and climbing into my lap. I rested an arm around her back as she threw hers around my neck, pulling me close and kissing me. "I love you." She mumbled against my lips. "I promise too."

When she pulled back, I held the ring by the outside, waiting. I didn't know which hand Taylor wanted it on, and I wanted to let her choose. She looked down at the ring for a long moment, bit her lip, looked up at me, and then stuck out her left hand in front of me. My heart exploded as I slid the thin band onto her proffered fourth finger where it would stay until the day I decided to ask her to marry me. I didn't know when that would be, but I knew one day I would. And that was enough for the both of us for now.

Taylor's POV

The delicate promise ring fit perfectly on my finger, like it belonged. Because it did. And it meant the whole world to me and more. I was so sure about Travis, that I loved him, that he loved me, that we could make it work this time, but the gesture of a promise ring just made me so much surer. Made me love him so much more, if it were even possible.