Travis Kelce did not accompany the girlfriend Taylor Swift to the MTV VMAs on Sept. 11, but she made sure his presence was felt when she took home a Moon Man – her seventh of the night – for Video of the Year for her song “Fortnight.” After thanking her collaborators, including Post MaloneSwift turned the spotlight to Kelce, saying she'll never forget how he cheered her on between takes on set. “Everything that man touches turns into happiness and fun and magic,” she said as the crowd cheered excitedly. “So I want to thank him for bringing that to our shoot because I'll never forget that.”

The sweet greeting followed a tumultuous – and very visible – week for the couple. On September 8, their love fest culminated in the US Open, where they kissed, danced and at one point passionately sang the Darkness song “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” from 2003. In the days before, they were out and about in the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Lucali and attended the wedding of the model Karen Elson at Electric Lady Studios. The outings — along with Swift's effusive acceptance speech at the VMAs — quickly helped dispel rumors that the couple had faked their relationship for PR purposes. On Sept. 2, fake documents outlining a media-spread plan for Kelce and Swift went viral; Kelce's PR firm, Full Scope, threatened to take legal action over the “false and fabricated” paperwork, which bore the company's logo.

It's clear that the romance between the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the Grammy-winning singer is as real as it gets, and their bond has only grown stronger amid the public attention and challenges that come with high-profile, stressful careers. “They built a lot of trust. They both knew what they were getting into and handled it well,” a source exclusively tells the latest We weekly Cover story. “They are in love and don't care what others think.”

Now, after more than a year of dating, the two are entering a new phase of their relationship, as Swift's record-breaking Epoch tour is coming to an end. “Taylor and Travis are very committed and serious about their future,” says a second source. “Taylor is ready for the next era of her life. She knows it will be special.”

Enjoy the moments

Swift and Kelce are making the most of their break before she hits the road again in late October for the final dates of her tour, which ends on December 8 after 152 shows. “It's been incredible since Taylor and Travis got back together,” the first source says, adding that they've been “enjoying every minute together” since Swift returned to the States in late August. They hung out at her $17 million Rhode Island home last month with a number of A-list pals, including Patrick And Brittany Mahomes, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper And Jason And Kylie Kelce.

“Taylor has been working non-stop and wanted to spend some time there while the weather was still good,” a source said earlier Us“It was really the first time in a long time that everyone came together in one place.”

Related: Chronology of the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the only ones everyone is talking about. Swift and Kelce were first linked in July 2023, when the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said he tried to ask Swift out after she took part in her Eras Tour. “I was a little pissed that I couldn't give her one of the bracelets that I (…)

One of Swift and Kelce's favorite things to do is hole up at home and enjoy each other's company. “They're both laid-back people who love their downtime,” says the first source, adding that their secret dates are downright easy: “Staying home is a luxury for them. They love cooking together. It's a refreshing contrast to their (public) lives.” The second source says they've found a “good balance” between strolling around town and keeping a low profile.

Swift will spend the next few weeks attending as many Chiefs games as possible (she was at the season opener on Sept. 5). “She loves cheering for Travis and supporting him, just like he loves cheering for her,” the first source says. (Kelce reached his 14th birthday in 2017.) Epoch tour concert in Germany on July 18, days before the Chiefs' training camp began.) The second source adds, “Taylor has learned to love football and is thrilled the season is starting again.” (Kelce recently confirmed that Swift has been drawing up plays for him.) “She loves being in the football community,” the source says. “It's a break from work for her, and Travis is happy that she's fully integrated into his world.” Swift will likely be on hand to celebrate his birthday on October 5 with family and friends at his Kelce Car Jam in Kansas City.

Be there to win

They've had “serious conversations” about what's next, the second source says. “Taylor has expressed how excited she is to settle down after her tour ends. They're on the same page.” The first source says friends hope an engagement is imminent. “They both see marriage as something they want sooner rather than later, and they both want kids. Taylor has always been (excited about) the idea of ​​getting married and starting a family. She just hadn't found the right guy until now.” Kelce is also ready to take things to the next level and “has been dropping hints to those close to him,” the source says. (In an interview with UsRapper — and Swiftie — Taste Flav even said that he would be happy to perform their wedding ceremony!)

It will be a busy few months. Kelce's new Robert F. Kennedy FX series, grotesquewill be released on September 25th and his game show, Are you smarter than a star?Premieres on October 16. He and his brother also signed a huge $100 million deal for their podcast “New Heights,” and he will make a cameo appearance in Adam Sandler's upcoming Happy Gilmore Continued. “Taylor is happy for Travis' success,” notes the first source, “and encourages him to pursue new opportunities.”

Swift hasn't made any major decisions about her post-tour career plans. “She's excited to take a break and relax. She's exhausted,” the source says, adding that Swift is ready to focus on herself and her future with Kelce. “That's the plan for 2025,” the second source says. “Taylor can't wait to start the next chapter with Travis.”

For more on Swift and Kelce, check out the exclusive video above and the latest edition of We weekly — now at the kiosk.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson and Amanda Williams