Totally Different

The Ultimate 3rd Birthday Bash

If there was one thing Travis knew about birthdays, it was that they had to be big.

Especially for his little girl.

So when May rolled around, he and Kayla went all out for Hartley's third birthday.

The backyard of Kayla's house had been transformed into a pink wonderland, complete with a bounce house, a mini petting zoo, and a dessert table that looked like it belonged on Pinterest.

Hartley, dressed in a sparkly pink tutu and a tiara, was living her best life.

"This is so extra," Kayla muttered as she watched a real-life princess performer arrive.

Travis smirked. "She deserves it."

Kayla sighed. "She does, but I swear you're just showing off."

Travis chuckled. "Maybe a little."

Scottie, dressed in a matching pink onesie, sat in Donna's lap, clapping her tiny hands as she watched Hartley run around.

Patrick and Brittney had brought their kids, while Jason and Kylie had flown in with their boys. Taylor Rooks was there too, chatting with Odell via FaceTime.

And then there was Taylor Swift.

She had arrived earlier, keeping a low profile but still drawing plenty of attention.

Kayla, to her credit, kept things cordial, though there was an occasional pointed glance whenever Taylor got too comfortable in Travis's space.

"Daddy, look!" Hartley squealed, running up to him with a giant cupcake in her hands.

Travis crouched down. "That looks amazing, Princess!"

Hartley grinned, then smashed some frosting on his nose.

Kayla gasped. "Hartley!"

Travis just laughed, wiping it off with his finger before playfully dabbing some on Hartley's cheek.

Hartley giggled uncontrollably.

Kayla shook her head. "You're both children."

"Pretty much," Travis agreed.

As the party went on, Travis found himself watching Kayla.

She looked happy—laughing with friends, carrying Scottie around, making sure Hartley had the best day possible.

And despite everything between them, they really did make a great team.

⸻

Later That Night

After the party wrapped up, Donna took Hartley and Scottie back to her place for the night, giving Travis a rare kid-free evening.

Taylor had planned a romantic dinner at her rented condo, complete with candlelight and a bottle of wine.

Travis grinned as he walked in, taking in the cozy setup.

"Damn, baby. You did all this?"

Taylor smirked. "Of course I did."

Travis walked over, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I love it."

They sat down for dinner, talking and laughing about everything—the party, the offseason, even the insane amount of attention they always got.

But then, somewhere between dinner and dessert, Taylor brought up Kayla.

"I know today was about Hartley," she said, swirling her wine. "But... you and Kayla looked really comfortable together."

Travis sighed. "Tay—"

"I get it," she interrupted. "You have kids together. You have to be close. But..."

Travis set his glass down. "But what?"

Taylor hesitated. "I just—sometimes it feels like there's more there."

Travis ran a hand over his face. "There's history, yeah. But that's all it is."

Taylor studied him. "Are you sure?"

Travis leaned forward, taking her hand. "I love you, Tay. Only you."

Taylor sighed, nodding. "Okay."

He kissed her knuckles. "Now... can we please get back to our amazing dinner?"

Taylor smirked. "That depends."

Travis raised a brow. "On what?"

She leaned in, brushing her lips against his ear.

"On whether or not you make it up to me."

Travis chuckled. "Oh, I got you, baby."

And with that, the night took a much better turn.

⸻

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