Being back in Kansas felt like a welcome return to normalcy, a far cry from the whirlwind of concerts and interviews. It was refreshing—a routine that was slow-paced compared to the constant rush of tours.
Most mornings started with the comfort of breakfast together. Travis and I would enjoy those moments, savoring the simplicity of our shared meals. Afterward, Travis would head off to work, leaving me to delve into my work on the laptop, whether it was crafting new songs or handling emails.
Evenings were the highlight of the day. Travis would return home, the welcoming presence that filled our space. We'd spend those evenings cocooned in each other's company, conversations flowing freely, sometimes over dinner, other times just lounging on the couch. It was these moments that felt the most precious.
However, our routine had its exceptions, particularly Saturdays and Sundays. Saturdays usually found us preparing for the game, Travis focused and gearing up for the upcoming match. Then there were the Sunday mornings, the limited time we had together before he had to head back to the stadium by noon.
Even Home games meant a slight deviation from our routine. Travis was required to stay at a hotel the night before to maintain focus and prevent distractions, a rule set by the team. Sunday mornings were our oasis, a few cherished hours before the game. We made the most of that short window, treasuring the time spent together before Travis had to return to the stadium for his match. These stolen moments became our lifeline amid the demands of his games.
I watched him, leaning against the doorframe of our bedroom, a soft smile gracing my lips. "Are you coming to the holiday party tonight?" he asked, turning to face me.
His question pulled me from my reverie. "If I am invited, I would love to," I replied, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me.
He grinned, the excitement of the game day apparent in his eyes. "I'll make sure you're on the list. It's going to be a blast," he said, walking over to give me a quick kiss before heading out for the stadium.
Alone in the quiet house, I wandered into the kitchen, the scent of coffee lingering in the air. The morning light danced across the countertops, casting soft patterns on the tiled floor. I busied myself with a cup of coffee, the warmth of the mug seeping into my hands.
The prospect of the holiday party brought a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. It wasn't often that I attended such gatherings, especially ones associated with Travis's team. But the idea of being there with him felt comforting.
I mulled over what to wear, shuffling through my closet, mentally assembling outfits. The holiday party was a chance to mingle, to socialize with the players' families and the team's staff. It wasn't just an event; it was an opportunity to immerse myself in Travis's world.
While the day progressed, I busied myself with work, occasionally glancing at the clock, counting down the hours until the party. The thought of spending the evening together, surrounded by the festive spirit, filled me with a sense of warmth and excitement.
"Hey," I greeted him, a mix of sympathy and support in my voice as I approached. "Tough game."
Travis nodded, his expression a blend of disappointment and determination. "Yeah, it was a rough one today. we'll bounce back, though."
We walked together, the chatter of disappointed fans lingering in the background. Despite the loss, Travis remained optimistic, focused on the team's resilience and their ability to regroup.
"It's okay, babe," I said, offering him a reassuring smile. "you'll come back stronger."
Travis wrapped an arm around my shoulder, appreciating the comfort. "Thanks, Tay."
"Still going to the party?" I asked leaning up to kiss him
"Absolutely," Travis replied with a smile, returning the kiss. "Can't miss it. Besides, it'll be great to have you there."
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming holiday party. "Looking forward to it."
With a shared smile, we set off,
As we made our way through the crowded bar, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. This was Travis' annual team holiday party, and I knew it wouldn't be long until we encountered some familiar faces. And indeed, within minutes, we spotted a group of people huddled around with drinks laughing and chatting animatedly.
, things went smoothly enough. We mingled with the crowd, enjoying the festivities and trying our best to avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves. But eventually, Travis' coach approached us, introducing himself to me warmly and inviting us to join him and his wife for a round of drinks. Over the course of the evening, we struck up conversations with several of Travis' teamates and their partners, sharing stories and laughter late into the night.
At some point I met up with brittany, she was one of travis's best friends wife and we had spent a lot of time together at the games but haden't spoken much outside of that.
Before it was time for us to leave I asked for her to take a photo of me and Travis. We didn't have many photos together for privacy let alone photos at events but this felt different.
As I leant in to plant a soft kiss on Travis' cheek, I could see the adoration etched deeply onto Brittany's face. Her own husband, patrick, was a talented quarterback who played alongside Travis, and they shared a strong bond founded upon years of camaraderie and mutual admiration. Yet even so, I could sense the genuine warmth and support emanating from her in that instant - a testament to the kind of community that forms amongst people united by a common passion for sport and friendship.
The car ride home was quiet, filled only with the gentle humming of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves against the windows. As we drove, I found myself drifting into a peaceful slumber, lulled by the comforting presence of the man beside me. When I opened my eyes once more, we had pulled into our driveway, and I groggily fumbled for my seatbelt before stumbling out of the vehicle.
Travis followed close behind, wrapping an arm around my waist as we made our way towards the front door. Inside, the house was bathed in the soft orange light of the Christmas tree, twinkling brightly in the corner. Without a word, Travis led me upstairs to bed, where we fell asleep entwined beneath the covers, our bodies pressed closely against one another.
It wasn't until morning that I fully appreciated the beauty and richness of last night's experience. The memories flooded back to me in waves, filling me with a deep sense of contentment and joy that lingered throughout the day. In those hours between dusk and dawn, surrounded by the people we cared about most, we had discovered yet again the simple pleasures of companionship and love. The way travis' team had taken me in as if I was a normal girlfriend made me relax.
Waking up to the aroma of coffee and the sight of a deliciously prepared breakfast was a delightful start to the morning. Travis entered the room with a warm smile, carrying a plate filled with mouthwatering food and a steaming cup of coffee.
"Good morning, my beautiful girlfriend," he greeted me, his eyes reflecting genuine affection.
"Good morning," I replied with a smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for his thoughtful gesture. He settled beside me on the bed, and the aroma of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
He handed me the plate, the food arranged meticulously, as if he had crafted a masterpiece. Fluffy pancakes topped with berries sat alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs, a perfect morning indulgence.
"Wow, this looks amazing," I exclaimed, touched by his effort.
"I wanted to start your day on a good note," he said, his gaze soft.
We savored the breakfast together, the flavors dancing on our taste buds, accompanied by the comforting warmth of the coffee. Travis's presence added an extra touch of joy to the simple act of sharing a meal together.
As we enjoyed our breakfast in bed, the morning sun peeked through the curtains, painting the room with a gentle glow.
As I scrolled through the photos from the previous night's event, I stumbled upon one I deemed worthy of sharing. I turned to Travis, sitting nearby, engrossed in our morning routine. "Can I get someone to post this?" I asked, showing him the captured moment.
Travis glanced at the photo, a genuine smile forming on his face. "If you want to, go ahead. You look so beautiful," he praised, his eyes radiating warmth.
"Okay, cool. Thanks," I replied, shifting slightly as his affectionate head kiss transformed into a gentle touch on my lips. His playfulness earned a laugh before I pulled him in for another sweet kiss, our moments together always feeling too short.
"Sneaky," he teased, his laughter vibrating against my lips. "I've got to get to practice," he sighed, planting a tender kiss on my forehead before reluctantly detaching himself.
The fleeting morning moments with Travis were always a bittersweet joy, filled with love, playfulness, and the anticipation of his departure for practice. As he left, I couldn't help but savor the sweet taste of his kiss, a lingering reminder of our shared affection.
"Okay, I will see you on Friday," I said with a gentle sigh, feeling the bittersweetness of parting for a few days.
"Have an amazing birthday," Travis whispered, pulling me close for another kiss that lingered with tenderness.
"I will. Tree has a surprise planned, and we can celebrate on Friday," I replied, cherishing the moments between soft, lingering kisses.
"I have something very special for you," Travis revealed, a glint of excitement in his eyes, understanding that our actual celebration wouldn't happen until Friday.
"I can't wait. Love you," I whispered, the words carrying the depth of my affection and the anticipation of his surprise.
"Love you more, princess," he declared, leaving me with the warmth of his embrace and the promise of a special birthday celebration.