-Taylors Pov-
I put the twins to bed, which wasn't easy because they were so excited about the new people in our house. I had to promise they would be there tomorrow as well just to get them in their cribs. It makes me happy to know that the twins have welcomed Jacob and Elena with open arms. It will make everything easier to know they get along.
Before I go back downstairs, I get things set up for Jacob and Elena. Towels, new toothbrushes, and toothpaste are placed on the counter as well as a new hairbrush for Elena. Their showers are stocked with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner already so that's ready to go. I just want to make sure they have everything they need for their first night with us. I'm sure it's scary to suddenly move into a new house with new people and have to navigate what their new normal is going to be like.
Back downstairs Travis and Jacob are watching a hockey game, because apparently Jacob likes hockey as well while Elena is curled up on the couch with them, not really paying attention to the TV. I grab a blanket and drape it over her "Thank you" she says with a weak smile.
I take a seat beside her but keep a little distance to not make her uncomfortable. "if you don't like sports, what do you like to watch? If you could pick anything to watch, what would it be?" I ask her.
She thinks for a second before saying anything "At Mr. and Mrs. Grant's place, the last place we lived, their oldest daughter loved Twilight, so I watched that a lot with her. I like those movies" She might be a bit too young to watch that, but if she has seen it already, I don't mind letting her watch it again as long as I'm with her.
"how about we watch some of that tomorrow? We have a movie room here and I can make popcorn?" I suggest and she gives me a weak smile "I'm okay, you have better things to do, I'm sure. I'm going to stay out of your way, I promise."
She seems like a girl who isn't used to taking up space or getting her needs met. But that's going to change from here on out. never will she go without attention again, because I'm going to shower her with all the love she could ever need, and then some.
"them men that play Edward and Jacob, Robert and Taylor, are good friends of mine," I tell her, and her eyes widen "Really?" she asks, and I nod. "he sure is. I went to dinner with Taylor and his wife only a few months ago when I was in New York. And get this. He came to my birthday party. Are you team Edward or Jacob?"
"I'm team Edward. I like vampires better than werewolves" she shrugs, and I have to agree with her. I'm totally team Edward as well. Mostly because they end up together and I love a good romance story where the couple end up together. I'm actually not a big fan of love triangles at all, but they do make it work in those movies. "I'm team Edward too. don't tell Taylor though, he might be jelly" I joke at the end making her giggle.
The little sound escaping her is so precious, just like when I hear Maddie or Avery laugh. It's the kind of sound that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.
**
At nine I announce it's time for bed, so we head upstairs with them. Divide and conquer seems like the best approach so I go with Elena while Travis goes with Jacob into their respective rooms.
"I put out some toiletries for you and a towel if you want to take a shower sweetie. But that's up to you, no pressure" I don't know how she feels about that yet so I'm not going to pressure her to anything. Showering in a new place can be a bit uncomfortable for some people.
"I wouldn't mind a shower if that's okay," she says timidly. "of course you can take a shower. Go ahead and I'll be back in a bit to tuck your inn, okay?" I ask and she nods.
Outside their bedroom, I meet up with Travis and together we head to our room where I quickly jump in the shower as well. Travis had a workout earlier and already showered, and he prefers to do it in the morning anyway, so it's just me. sometimes we shower together because of the convenience though, and it leads to wandering hands which I never turn down. No time for that tonight though, we have kids to tuck in and make sure are okay.
The first night in a new place can be scary, especially for little kids. So I want to make them as comfortable as possible. The shower is quick, and I slip into some pajamas and blow dry my hair before braiding it.
Travis is waiting in his own pajamas in our bedroom, and I walk straight into his arms "It's going well so far" he mumbles, and I agree. Elena is going to be a hard nut to crack but I think I can do it. I think this could really work, but it's too early to tell if it's going to happen or not. It could all blow up in our faces quickly if we aren't careful. it's delicate bringing someone new into your family, let alone two someone's, but I'm determined to make it work.
We wait a little longer, just standing in each other's embrace before we head back to the kids. I walk into Elena's room after knocking, and she is sitting on her bed all dressed in her pajamas and newly showered.
"Are you ready for bed sweetie?" I ask and she nods "Yeah, I'm a bit tired," she says.
It's been a long day for both of them, so I'm not surprised if she is tired. I would be too if I suddenly packed up everything I owned and moved into, yet another house filled with strangers. Their world has gotten flipped around yet again and it must be exhausting.
"Are you feeling, okay? Anything you need before bed?" I take a seat on her bed, and she shakes her head "No I'm good."
We move around so I can tuck her in snuggly. "Travis and I are right down the hall, all the way at the end if you need anything. Don't worry about waking us, we don't mind. If you wake up, are scared, have a nightmare, or just need something. don't hesitate, okay? We are here for you" I don't want them to stay in bed all alone and be scared, that's a bad feeling and I don't wish that on anyway. Laying there in pitch darkness and overthinking doesn't bring anyone any good, and I don't want that for them. I'm no idiot I don't think they will be able to trust us that way so early on, but I want to put the offer out there anyway because we can work our way up to it.
"Okay. I'll be back tomorrow morning waking you up, okay? There is a whole new day waiting for us and we can do something fun together" I smile at her one last time before leaving the room with the door cracked a little to give her a little light and make it easier for me to hear her if she is up wandering around during the night.
Back in our bedroom I meet Travis who is already slipping under the covers, so I join him. "did it go okay? I tucked Jacob in, and he seemed fine."
"Elena is hesitant, but I think she will do okay as well. I left her door slightly ajar just in case I check them during the night" he did the same thing with Jacob so great minds think alike, I guess. I don't know If I will have peace of mind without checking in on them during the night, just in case they can't sleep their first night here. I wouldn't be surprised if they can't sleep soundly when it's a whole new place with new people. I know I would struggle.
***
It's the middle of the night and Travis breaths heavily beside me, but I woke just minutes ago and can't seem to find sleep again. Slipping out of bed I tiptoe down the hall towards the kid's rooms. Listening against the door to the twins' rooms I don't hear anything so that's good.
Jacob's door is ajar, but I don't even need to see him to know he is asleep with the soft snores that come from his room. That boy is out cold. That leaves Elena, and I take a peek inside her room. Sure enough, she isn't asleep, she sits against the wall by her bed with her legs tucked against her chest.
I turn on the light and walk towards her "Sweetheart, can't you sleep?" I ask her, clearly startling her. When she looks up, I see she has been crying. "are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I didn't mean to wake up. I'm sorry" she says with a shaky voice. There is something about the cover of night that exposes us differently than during the day and makes us more vulnerable in a way.
"you didn't wake me. I was already awake and wanted to come check on you. good thing I did because you shouldn't have to be sitting here in pain alone" I take a seat on her bed while keeping some distance to ease her discomfort. "what's bothering you?"
"Nothing, really. I just couldn't sleep" she mutters, and I want to pull her into my arms for a big cuddle, but I don't think that's the right way to go with this. She isn't ready to open up, and that's okay. It will come with time. now I just want her to get some sleep, so she is ready for a new day tomorrow.
"it's okay if you don't want to tell me, that's perfectly fine. but I would like to sit here until you fall back asleep if that's alright. Sleep is really important, and I don't want you to miss out on any" I ask her, and she takes a second before nodding. I don't think she is particularly excited about it, but she didn't oppose it either.
So I turn off the lights again and take a seat by her bed in silence. she snuggles back under the covers, and I'm determined to sit here as long as it takes for her to fall back asleep. If I need to, I will sit with her all night long to just watch over her.