Match Maker | T. Swift x OC

Chapter Twenty One

With a sigh, Mallory pushed her chair back gently, her expression apologetic. "I'll go check on him," she whispered, leaning over to place a gentle kiss on Taylor's cheek. "I promise I'll be back as soon as he's settled."

Taylor nodded, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. "Take your time. We can always reheat the food if needed."

Mallory hurriedly left the dining room, her steps quiet as she ascended the stairs toward the nursery. The cries grew louder, echoing down the hallway, tugging at her heartstrings. She entered the softly lit nursery, the moonlight filtering in through the curtains casting a serene glow over the room.

As Mallory lifted Peter from his crib, his small body nestled against her chest, she whispered soothing words and rocked him gently. The cries gradually subsided into soft whimpers, and she settled into the armchair beside the crib, her voice a tender lullaby that mingled with the faint rustling of leaves outside.

With each passing moment, Mallory's eyelids grew heavier, her fatigue catching up to her. As Peter's breathing evened out, lulled by the comfort of his mother's embrace, Mallory's own eyes fluttered closed. The exhaustion that had been building up over days of caring for their little one finally overtook her, and she slipped into a peaceful slumber.

Downstairs, Taylor's heart began to sink as minutes turned into what felt like hours. The dinner grew cold, the candles flickered, and the silence in the room became a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere that had enveloped them earlier. Her mind wandered, weaving scenarios of what could be keeping Mallory for so long.

Unable to ignore her growing concern, Taylor pushed her chair back and headed upstairs, her footsteps light but purposeful. The soft glow from the nursery spilt into the hallway, and as she peeked inside, her breath caught.

Mallory was nestled in the armchair, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm as she slept soundly. Peter was cradled against her, his tiny fingers curled against her skin, his face serene in slumber. A mixture of emotions washed over Taylor- understanding, love, and a touch of sadness.

She approached them quietly, a tender smile gracing her lips as she gazed at the scene before her. Carefully, she reached out to brush a strand of hair away from Mallory's face, her touch light and affectionate. Mallory stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet Taylor's.

"Oh, hey," she murmured, her voice soft and drowsy. "Did I fall asleep?"

Taylor chuckled, her heart swelling with warmth. "Yeah. I came to check on you."

Mallory shifted slightly, carefully cradling Peter as she stood. "I'm sorry I missed date night," she said with a hint of regret.

Taylor shook her head, her expression tender. "You didn't miss it. You just made it even more special."

Mallory hummed as she put the baby down.

"You need to be getting more sleep, Mal. No more staying up till midnight watching Peter sleep."

"Like you can talk. You have an album about staying up until midnight," Mallory yawned. "Which, by the way, I will be awake to stream it tonight. How long?"

"An hour-ish."

"Oh," Mallory frowned. "I'm sorry again for missing date night."

The blonde smiled. "I told you, it's fine. Next time we should invest in a babysitter."

"Yeah."

Mallory's voice filled the living room, echoing off the walls as she obnoxiously belted out the lyrics to one of Taylor's new songs. Taylor, her cheeks turning a shade of pink that could rival a rose, buried her head in the cushions of the sofa, trying to hide her embarrassment from her wife's enthusiastic performance.