Page 111 of Branded Hearts

“It would appear so.”

I point to myself and then back to him, my eyes widening as a smile breaks out on my face. Heat rushes up my spine, straight to my cheeks.

“So, does mygirlfriendsay yes? Or will I have to cancel on him?”

Holy crap! He’s asking me to be his girlfriend.Is this even real life? Am I dreaming?I realise I’ve been stuck in my head for too long, so I blurt out, “Uh, y-yes! Yes.”

“Fucking finally, woman,” he growls before kissing me senseless again. This time, it’s filled with a sense of finality and beginning all at once. His lips move against mine with a hunger that makes my knees weak. Wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, I get lost in the moment. Funny thing is, I’ve been falling for him long before all this started picking up.

Like,tenyears long. It’s crazy, right?

But deep down, I know that ‘like’ has morphed into something more. A decade of waiting, and finally, here we are. Sure, he hasn’t taken my virginity yet, and neither of us has said those three little words. But this?

This is a start.

The kitchen is filled with the clinking of dishes and the soft hum of the dishwasher as Mum and I finish washing up from dinner. Occasionally, I glance into the living room, where Bradley and Dad are deep in conversation. It warms my heart to see them getting along so well, but it also sends a nervous flutter through my chest.

Earlier this afternoon, after we wrapped up our time at the shooting range, Dad texted me to invite Bradley over for dinner.

For this to come from my dad, who for years had been so strict about not letting anyone in our house unless he trusted them completely, was huge. I couldn’t help but laugh at his spelling, though. A few years ago, Kat and I got Dad a new iPhone, and he just loves to text—but his grammar? Not too good. His unexpected eagerness only added to my nerves.

Mum looks up from the sink, her curiosity piqued. “So, what did you two get up to this afternoon?”

I glance at Bradley, who catches my eye and gives me a reassuring smile. “He took me to the shooting range,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Taught me how tohandle a gun.”

Mum’s eyes widen with surprise, and a smile tugs at her lips. “Really? That’s quite something. Your father did the same with me when we were younger. It brings back such fond memories.”

I feel my cheeks warm at her words. “Oh, really? I didn’t know that.”

Mum’s eyes twinkle. “Yes, he took me out huntin’ all the time, too. It was our special time together. Our little camping trips. I remember feeling so proud and a bit intimidated, but he was always so patient.”

“That soundsreallynice, Mum.”

She places a hand on my shoulder, her expression softening. “You know, love, you seem more… alive when he’s around. Like you’re shining a bit brighter.”

I shift, feeling a mix of embarrassment and happiness. “Oh, stop it. Kat’s not here, so you don’t need to be saying these things. She’s the one who usually says stuff like this. She has no filter.”

Mum chuckles softly. “No, I’m being serious, Meli. I’ve always liked him—comes from a good family.”

I let out a sigh. “I feel… I don’t know, Mum. Is it wrong to be hanging around him, you know, without Liv? It’s just… he’s really special.”

She looks at me with understanding, her gaze gentle but firm. “Oh, I can see that. But look, it’s not my place to get involved. I just want you to be happy. If that man in there is the one to bring that happiness, then I see nothing wrong with it. But when the time presents itself, you need to be honest.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I understand.”

Mum continues, her voice steady. “Just don’t sweep it under the rug. Liv’s a great girl. Hell, she’s your best friend. I’m sure she’d understand, especially when she sees what we’re all seeing now.”

I take a deep breath, absorbing her words. “Thanks, Mum. I really appreciate your support.”

Mum’s gaze softens further, and she squeezes my shoulder. “Come on, let’s not keep them waiting. Help me bring out the coffee.”

I grab a glass and fill it with cold water. “Bradley’s not a coffee drinker, Mum,” I explain, giving her a small smile. We walk back into the lounge, balancing the drinks carefully. The TV is on, the Nine News playing in the background. Dad is settled in his recliner chair, looking relaxed, while Bradley sits on the two-seater with one foot over his knee, looking so effortlessly attractive.

I hand Dad his coffee and pass the glass of water to Bradley, who mouths a “thank you” to me. I smile back, feeling a flutter in my chest.

“Heard you went shooting today?” Dad says, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Uh, yep. Bradley taught me,” I reply.

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