Page 139 of Branded Hearts

“Guys, hate to interrupt this beautiful family moment, but... time’s ticking,” Isla chimes in.

“Oh, fuck,” I say, springing into action, filling up my suitcase with the essentials. We all pile into Xavier’s Tacoma, the tension thick in the air. The engine roars to life as he heads toward the airport. My pulse races, matching the rapid blur of the scenery outside the window. Unease fills my mind, overthinking everything—what if she doesn’t want to see me? What if I say the wrong thing? What if it’s too late?

Nausea creeps up as I think this, twisting my stomach into knots. I grip the edge of my seat, my knuckles turning white. One word comes to mind: anxiety. It’s anxiety I’m feeling. Ever since Amelia mentioned it, I’ve been thinking about it more, and she was fucking right.

She always is.

I’ve come to accept it. Anxiety gnaws at me, tightening my chest and making it hard to breathe. I swallow hard, trying to push itdown, to focus on the task at hand.

As I board the plane, my heart pounds in my chest. I grip the armrest, my fingers tapping nervously as I settle into the cramped seat, my legs pressing uncomfortably against the seat in front of me. I shift, trying to find a more comfortable position, but my tall frame takes up most of the space. I thank God this flight is only an hour or so long. The engine hums softly in the background as I close my eyes, picturing her sweet face—hersmile.

I can’t wait to hold her in my arms again, to make things right, to start anew. The thought of seeing her, of fighting for us, is the only thing keeping me grounded.

Amelia has always been more than just someone I care about; she’s the one who understands me in ways no one else ever has. Her kindness, her quiet strength, and the way her eyes light up when she talks about something she loves—it’s all etched into my memory.

I think about the little moments we shared, the quiet conversations late at night, the way she fits perfectly against me when we cuddle. I miss her laughter, her voice, the way she makes even the worst days feel bearable. Every day without her has felt like an eternity, and I’m determined to show her just how much she means to me, and that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.

I know I missed my opportunity to tell her I love her.

I didn’t understand the full extent of my feelings until I’d lost that chance. But now, I’m ready to be the man she deserves, the one who will stand by her no matter what. I want to build a future with her, to share everything—the highs and the lows.

She’s my heart, my home, and I’m ready to prove that to her.

48

Go Get Her - Restless Road

Stargazing - Myles Smith

After a restlessflight, I finally touch down in Sydney. The journey felt like an eternity, my mind racing with thoughts of seeing her again. Now, as I hop into a taxi, I announce the address that I assume is her sister’s house.

Nerves kick in, full-blown and trembling with anticipation. God, I could vomit. Swallowing hard, I tell myself,Fucking get a grip, Bradley. You’re fine.

I fight the urge to spew into this taxi as we continue on. The taxi pulls up outside a small, modern federation-style home, its exterior painted in soothing shades of grey and white. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that threaten to overwhelm me. Stepping out, I make my way up the pathway, each step feeling heavier than the last. Finally, standing in front of the door, I raise my hand and knock, the sound echoing through the quiet street. I hear a voice from inside call out, “Coming!”

The sound of footsteps approaches the door, and it swings open. Kat, Amelia’s sister, stands there, her expression a mix of shock and relief.

“Bradley?” she gasps, her voice barely a whisper. I can see the emotions swirling in her eyes, and I know my presence here has caught her off guard.

“I’m sorry to barge in unannounced, I—” I begin, but she cuts me off with a knowing smile.

“I know,” she says softly before pulling me into a tight hug. It’s a surprise, but I welcome it, knowing how much Amelia means to her.

“Thank youfor coming,” she says, and I nod, feeling a glimmer of hope.

I ask about Amelia’s whereabouts, and she tells me that she’s at the exhibition, getting ready. She hands me a small paper with details and urges me to get going.

“She’s been a mess. Go get her,” she insists. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I ask why she’s not with Amelia.

She chuckles, explaining, “She wanted to do this on her own. So stubborn, that woman.”

I can’t help but smile at the thought. We’re so alike, in so many ways.

“Here, take my car,” she adds, tossing me the keys. I catch them instinctively, appreciating her trust.

As I head to the car, she calls out, stopping me in my tracks. She runs up to me, breathless, handing me a few sheets of paper. “Here. She’ll probably kill me for giving these to you, but fuck it. I know she’d want you to have them.”

I look down and my heart lurches in my chest. In my hand are drawings, multiple drawings, all of me, some of Amelia and metogether.

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