While preparing Travis’s favorite dish, Donna Kelsey was humming softly in her kitchen, filling the cozy room with the familiar aroma of her renowned chili. These small moments had always brought her peace, especially because she would be having dinner with Taylor and her baby today.

 However, something tiny and velvety soft fell to the floor with a subtle thud that would alter everything as she grabbed for Travis’s jacket, which she had hap-hazardly tossed over the kitchen chair. Her heart almost stopped. Lying there on her kitchen, there was only one possible meaning for the tiny navy blue box that contained tiles.

 Donna took it up gingerly, her hands shaking as her thoughts raced with potential outcomes. This was no ordinary box. It was a ring box, the kind with dreams, futures, and promises. For months, she had been secretly longing to witness this kind. Travis intended to ask Taylor Swift to marry him. A flood of feelings swept over her. Joy, excitement, anxiety, and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

She had come to adore Taylor as if she were her own daughter. Had, however, this secret felt like a physical burden, bearing down on her chest. Should she act as though she didn’t see it? Should she hint at her knowledge to Travis? Should she begin mentally preparing the ideal proposal? Her hands were still trembling at the severity of what she had found, but her maternal instincts took over as she carefully put the package back in his jacket pocket.

 The afternoon passed slowly like winter molasses. Donna startled every time her phone buzzed, fearing it may be. Travis calls to let her know what he has planned or to seek guidance on the ideal occasion. Three times she had to rearrange the same cabinet. Her mind was racing with ideas about organizing the wedding, Taylor becoming an official Kelsey, and grandchildren roaming around this kitchen with bright eyes and curly hair.

 She saw helping Taylor organized the wedding of a century, telling her friends the news over the phone, and seeing Travis’s happy expression as he walked down the aisle. However, there was a persistent. Perhaps things weren’t as straightforward as they appeared. A tiny voice in the back of her mind said. Over the past two weeks, Donna had observed small changes in Travis and Taylor.

 Taylor appeared more nervous than normal, frequently checking her phone and even losing herself in contemplation during a conference call. Travis had been uncharacteristically reticent, answering calls in different rooms and being evasive about his intentions for the weekend. She had thought it was just the normal anxiety that comes with making such a significant move.

 However, she now questioned whether something more intricate was going on behind the surface. Around 6:00 p.m., the front door finally opened and Donna virtually leaped out of the kitchen, attempting to be casual but failing terribly. Taylor, who looked gorgeous even in only jeans and a cream colored sweater, followed Travis, who entered first with his typical self- assured swagger.

 However, Donna saw something in Taylor’s eyes. a detachment, a previously absent contemplation, and dark circles that implied. She had been having trouble falling asleep. “Hey, Mom,” Travis replied, lifting her off the ground for a brief time with his trademark bare embrace. “This place smells amazing.” “Oh, you know me,” Taylor said with a warm smile as she embraced Anna.

However, the older woman sensed a tightness in the younger woman’s shoulders that made her recently found secret feel even heavy. Please tell me you made cornbread, too. Just cooking up a storm, Donna said, raising her voice a little. Taylor, honey, you look gorgeous as always, she said. That sweater makes your eyes pop.

 She was overcompensating, and she knew it, but she couldn’t stop herself. The words felt awkward in her mouth, waiting with the knowledge she was carrying. As they sat around the dining table, Donna found herself directing every conversation towards subjects that now felt loaded with meaning. She almost choked on her water when Travis brought up his teammates’s recent engagement, describing the elaborate proposal at Arrowhead Stadium.

When Taylor brought up her friend’s impending wedding, “You know,” Donna said during a pause in conversation as they were passing around seconds of chili. I was just thinking today about how wonderful it is when two people find their perfect match. When everything just clicks into place like puzzle pieces.

 Travis raised an eyebrow at his mother’s unusually sentimental tone while Taylor shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her spoon making nervous noises. Donna’s eyes practically sparkled with knowing looks that she hoped weren’t too obvious. Circles in her bowl. Where’s this coming from, Mom? Amma sake’s jealousy. Oh, nothing specific, Donna continued, unable to stop herself now.

 The words seem to have a life of their own, pouring out despite her better judgment. I just thinkcommitment is such a lovely thing when you know you know right. Some people wait years to find what you two have. She turned to face Taylor, who had turned pale, her normally rosy complexion turning a frightening shade of white.

 Taylor’s fork clattered against her plate, louder than intended, and the sound echoed in the suddenly quiet room. “Mrs. Kelsey, I actually I need to tell you both something,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, and the room suddenly felt electric with tension, like the air before a thunderstorm. “He reached across the table for her hand right away, his big fingers swallowing her tiny ones.

” “Pit, what’s wrong? You appear to have witnessed a ghost. Has anything occurred at the studio today? I’m not ready, Taylor blurted out, trying frantically to blink back as tears filled her eyes. I mean, I know what everyone expects, she said. I see where this is going, but I’m not prepared for what lies ahead. I can’t bear the pressure anymore, Donna said, feeling her heart sink to her stomach.

 had her enthusiasm for the ring caused her to push too hard. Somehow forced Taylor into the scenario, the guilt was overpowering and instantaneous, but Travis appeared genuinely perplexed, which just made things more difficult and tragic. “Are you ready for what, baby? We could take things at whatever pace you need,” Travis said, softly caressing Taylor’s hand with his thumb in tiny, reassuring circles.

 With tears streaming down her cheeks and leaving dark stains on her pricey sweater, Taylor drew a trembling breath and said, “There’s no rush for anything.” She pulled her hand away and covered her face with both hands, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs. Miss Tambi was knocked out of her revery. Travis stared at her in utter confusion, his own eyes widening with shock and confusion.

 Taylor, what ring? What engagement? I have no idea what you’re talking about. Donna felt her world tilt on its axis as if someone had just told her that gravity worked sideways. But but the box, she whispered, barely believing what she was hearing, her own voice sounding foreign to her ears. His voice was so genuinely confused, so utterly perplexed that both women looked at him in surprise.

 There was no trace of deception in his expression, just pure honest confusion. “What box?” Travis inquired, glancing between his mother and girlfriend as if they had gone insane and were conversing in a strange language. Donna whispered softly. “The ring box in your jacket pocket.” As heat rose to her cheeks as she realized how big of a mistake she had made.

 When I was hanging up your jacket earlier, I noticed it. I pondered. I suppose feeling embarrassed and silly, she trailed off. After taking a time to comprehend this knowledge, Travis blinked at her before erupting into laughter. The kind of relieved, slightly hysterical laughter that occurs when a significant misconception suddenly clicks into, similar to the last jigsaw puzzle piece.

 Mom,” he replied as he stood up and carefully picked up his jacket from the chair. He took out the little navy box and placed it on the table between them as if it were courtroom evidence. “This isn’t an engagement ring,” Taylor said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand while simultaneously appearing perplexed, ashamed, and relieved. “It’s not.

” “No,” Travis said, opening the box to show a tiny pair of glittering diamond earrings that caught the light beautifully. similar to small stars. These are for you, Mom, for your birthday next week. I wanted to surprise you, and I asked Taylor to help me pick them out last weekend. He looked at Taylor with such tenderness and understanding that Donna felt her heart crack open.

 That’s why you’ve been acting weird, isn’t it? You thought I was going to pop the question, and you weren’t ready, Hosen. Bakery Gormidan. Taylor nodded miserably. I’ve been freaking out all week. I love you so much, Travis, but marriage feels so big. And oh, honey, Donna said, reaching across the table to squeeze Taylor’s hand with both of hers.

 You sweet, wonderful girl, she said. Everyone would have opinions about our wedding, about our timeline, about everything. I was afraid you’d ask, and I’d have to hurt you by saying I need more time. The relief was overwhelming, but so was the love she felt for this amazing young woman who had been torturing herself over a misunderstanding.

 You are not required to adhere to any timeline other than your own. There is no expiration date for love. With his chairs legs slapping the hardwood floor, Travis drew Taylor into his arms like she belonged there. She sank into his grip. Listen to me, baby. It’s a victory, not an if. When I’m prepared to pop the question, it will be because I am aware that you are also prepared.

 First, let’s discuss it. You won’t be under pressure or feel stuck because of a surprise. Are you not dissatisfied? Taylor asked in a little fragile voice that broke Donna’s heart. You’re disappointed but not angry thatI’m not ready to be your fiance. Pulling back to gaze at her face, Travis repeated incredulously.

 I’m relieved, Taylor. I want you to desire to marry me rather than feel pressured or expected to do so by others. We have an endless amount of time. They were all taken aback by what transpired next. With a cry of unadulterated pleasure and delight, Taylor began to chuckle through her tears. Donna followed and then Travis until they were all laughing so much that they were having trouble breathing.

 The evening stress gave way to something lovely and cozy. It’s unbelievable that birthday earrings caused me to get so anxious. Between chuckles, Taylor gasped and used her sleeve to wipe her eyes. It’s unbelievable that I believed I was being discreet about being aware of a proposal that wasn’t taking place. Donna continued, brushing away tears that had turned from emotion to laughter.

 And it’s unbelievable that you two believed I was slick enough to arrange a covert proposal. They burst out laughing again as Travis replied without completely giving it away. Do you know who I am? You won’t be under pressure or feel stuck because of a surprise. Are you not dissatisfied? With a small timid voice that broke Donna’s heart, Taylor asked, “I’m not yet ready to be your fiance, but that doesn’t bother you.

” Feeling let down, pulling back to gaze at her face, Travis repeated incredulously, “I’m relieved, Taylor. I want to be married to anyone, not feel compelled to accept due to external demands or expectations. We have an endless amount of time. They were all taken aback by what transpired next. I have a hard time keeping the surprise birthday party a secret.

 As their laughter subsided, Dura waited to get a sermon. Reaching across the table, Taylor grasped Donna’s hands and her finger bearing engagement ring, but her heart was full. Thank you, Mrs. Kelsey for loving me so much that you are thrilled about my becoming a member of your family. Despite the miscommunication, being aware that you’d be.

 It means the world to me to be thrilled about it. Feeling the warmth and genuiness of Taylor’s touch, Donna squeezed her hands back. You already belong to this family, Taylor. Honey, you are my daughter in every manner that counts. Ring or no ring. You filled our lives with so much love and happiness. Donna thought her heart may explode with pride and joy as Travis witnessed this encounter with such love in his eyes.

With a smile that brought back memories of him as a little child plotting mischief, he asked, “You know what this means, though, right, Mom? What that, sweetheart? Now I have to find a new hiding place for your birthday present. I have to pretend to be surprised when you give them to her next week.” I’m terrible at pretending, Donna remarked thoughtfully as she admired the earrings in their velvet nest.

 Taylor groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. I’ve thought of something better. I’ll pretend I never saw them if you give them to me right now. In this manner, you won’t need to locate a new hiding place, and Taylor won’t have to keep any more secrets. Deal, said Travis. Donna whispered softly.

 the ring box in your jacket pocket. As heat rose to her cheeks as she realized how big of a mistake she had made when I was hanging up your jacket earlier, I noticed it. I pondered. I suppose feeling embarrassed and silly. She trailed off. After taking a time to comprehend this knowledge, Travis blinked at her before erupting into laughter.

 the kind of relieved, slightly hysterical laughter that occurs when a significant misconception suddenly clicks into. Similar to the last jigsaw puzzle piece. Mom, he replied as he stood up and carefully picked up his jacket from the chair. He took out the little navy box and placed it on the table between them as if it were courtroom evidence.

 This isn’t an engagement ring, Taylor said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand while simultaneously appearing perplexed, ashamed, and relieved. It’s not. No, Travis said, opening the box to show a tiny pair of glittering diamond earrings that caught the light beautifully. Similar to small stars. These are for you, Mom, for your birthday next week.

 I wanted to surprise you, and I asked Taylor to help me pick them out last weekend. He looked at Taylor with such tenderness and understanding that Donna felt her heart crack open. That’s why you’ve been acting weird, isn’t it? You thought I was going to pop the question and you weren’t ready. Hazen Bakery Gormidan Taylor nodded miserably.

 I’ve been freaking out all week. I love you so much, Travis. But marriage feels so big and Oh, honey, Donna said, reaching across the table to squeeze Taylor’s hand with both of hers. You sweet, wonderful girl, she said. Everyone would have opinions about our wedding, about our timeline, about everything. I was afraid you’d ask, and I’d have to hurt you by saying I need more time.

 The relief was overwhelming, but so was the love she felt for this amazing youngwoman who had been torturing herself over a misunderstanding. You are not required to adhere to any timeline other than your own. There is no expiration date for love. With his chairs legs slapping the hardwood floor, Travis drew Taylor into his arms like she belonged there. She sank into his grip.

 Listen to me, baby. It’s a victory, not an if. When I’m prepared to pop the question, it will be because I am aware that you are also prepared. First, let’s discuss it. You won’t be under pressure or feel stuck because of a surprise. Are you not dissatisfied? Taylor asked in a little fragile voice that broke Donna’s heart.

You’re disappointed but not angry that I’m not ready to be your fianceé. Pulling back to gaze at her face, Travis repeated incredulously. I’m relieved, Taylor. I want you to desire to marry me rather than feel pressured or expected to do so by others. We have an endless amount of time.

 They were all takenback by what transpired next. With a cry of unadulterated pleasure and delight, Taylor began to chuckle through her tears. Donna followed and then Travis until they were all laughing so much that they were having trouble breathing. The evening stress gave way to something lovely and cozy. It’s unbelievable that birthday earrings caused me to get so anxious.

 Between chuckles, Taylor gasped and used her sleeve to wipe her eyes. It’s unbelievable that I believed I was being discreet about being aware of a proposal that wasn’t taking place. Donna continued, brushing away tears that had turned from emotion to laughter. And it’s unbelievable that you two believed I was slick enough to arrange a covert proposal.

 They burst out laughing again as Travis replied without completely giving it away. Do you know who I am? You won’t be under pressure or feel stuck because of a surprise. Are you not dissatisfied? with a small timid voice that broke Donna’s heart, Taylor asked, “I’m not yet ready to be your fianceé.” “But that doesn’t bother you.

” Feeling let down, pulling back to gaze at her face, Travis repeated incredulously. “I’m relieved, Taylor. I want to be married to anyone, not feel compelled to accept due to external demands or expectations. We have an endless amount of time.” They were all taken aback by what transpired next. I have a hard time keeping the surprise birthday party a secret.

 As their laughter subsided, Dura waited to get a sermon. Reaching across the table, Taylor grasped Donna’s hands and her fingerbearing engagement ring, but her heart was full. Thank you, Mrs. Kelsey, for loving me so much that you are thrilled about my becoming a member of your family. Despite the miscommunication, being aware that you’d be, it means the world to me to be thrilled about it.

 Feeling the warmth and genuiness of Taylor’s touch, Donna squeezed her hands back. You already belong to this family. Taylor, honey, you are my daughter in every manner that counts. Ring or no ring. You filled our lives with so much love and happiness. Donna thought her heart may explode with pride and joy as Travis witnessed this encounter with such love in his eyes.

with a smile that brought back memories of him as a little child plotting mischief. He asked, “You know what this means, though, right, Mom? What’s that, sweetheart? Now I have to find a new hiding place for your birthday present. I have to pretend to be surprised when you give them to her next week.” “I’m terrible at pretending,” Donna remarked thoughtfully as she admired the earrings in their velvet nest.

 Taylor groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. “I thought of something better. I’ll pretend I never saw them if you give them to me right now. In this manner, you won’t need to locate a new hiding place, and Taylor won’t have to keep any more secrets. Deal, said Travis.