Page 146 of Branded Hearts

“You’re not so bad yourself, Bradley Bear.” I rub my nose against his. “Thank you. Thank you for everything, for buying this house.”

He shakes his head, a tender smile on his lips. “No, thankyou, Amelia. For coming into my life. I can’t thank you enough, so I’ll spend every day of the rest of my life proving how grateful I am that you exist and that you’re mine.”

My heart swells with his words. “I can’t wait to see what’s next,” I whisper.

Bradley’s eyes sparkle. “Neither can I. So… should we christen the rest of the house, or do you want to take a break first?” Bradley’s lips curve into a devilish grin as he bites my lower lip and gives my behind a sharp, playful smack.

I smirk, teasing, “I don’t need a break. Doyou?”

He arches an eyebrow. “You think I can’t handle a few rounds?”

“Not sure. You’re going to have to prove it, Officer Mitchell,” I say sweetly.

With a growl, Bradley sweeps me up effortlessly, my dress hitched up and his pants still undone. “To the bedroom it is then,” he declares, our laughter and excitement mingling with the promise of new beginnings as he carries me through the house.

Bradley

Ijolt awake to the shrill ring of my phone, cutting through the quietness of the room. I squint at the clock—five twenty-five a.m.—and see Xavier’s name flashing on the screen. Panic knots in my chest as I blink away sleep. Shifting carefully to avoid waking Amelia, who’s still tangled in the sheets beside me, I press the phone to my ear.

“Xav? What’s up?”

His voice comes through, strained and hurried. “Brad, it’s Isla. She’s in labour. We’re at the hospital. Mum and dad are on their way, but… how fast can you get here.”

I glance at Amelia, who stirs beside me, her eyes blinking open.

“I’ll be there in ten,” I say, then hear him sigh through the phone.

“Okay, see you soon.”

“Who was that?” Amelia says with a yawn.

“Xavier. Isla’s gone into labour.” Amelia’s eyes widen, and she’s already up, getting dressed.

“We have to go now,” she says, urgency in her voice. I smile at her determination as I get dressed quickly and then we’re out the door and speeding—responsibly,of course—to the hospital. We make it in record time.

Inside, the harsh fluorescent lights are a jarring contrast to the early morning gloom. I stride up to the reception desk, heart pounding. “I’m here for Isla and Xavier Mitchell.”

The nurse types away, nodding. “They’re in the Acacia birthing ward. Take the lift to the third floor, and follow the corridor to room 305.”

“Thank you.” As we head to the lift, Amelia grabs my hand, sensing my nerves. I lean down and kiss the top of her head. We reach the third floor, and just as I take a step out, I spot Dad further down, waiting just outside a door.

“Jeez, you got here fast,” I call out, and he whips his head around, squinting even with his glasses on.

“Yeah well, your mother was going ballistic,” he says, pulling us into a quick hug as soon as we reach him. “They’re in there, but only a few people can go in at a time.”

“How’s Isla doing?” Amelia asks, squeezing my hand.

Dad smiles. “She’s a champ. Your brother, on the other hand,” he nods at me, “needs someone to hold his hand.”

We all laugh, easing the tension. The suddenly door opens, and Xavier emerges, his face lighting up at the sight of us. “Oh, thank fuck!” he exclaims, pulling us into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He keeps a hand on my shoulder and turns to Amelia. “Isla would besoglad to seeyou. She’s threatening to strangle my balls for putting her through this. I’d prefer to keep them intact.”

We chuckle, and Dad shakes his head with a smile. Amelia nods and steps inside. As the door closes, I hear Isla’s groans and the soothing voices of Mum and the nurse encouraging her. I ruffle Xavier’s hair playfully.

“Look at you, panicking like a kid. You’ve got this.”

“Fuck off,” he says with a smile, shoving me back. “I just didn’t expect any of this. I feel so unprepared.” I’ve never seen my brother so nervous.

Dad steps closer, placing a reassuring hand on Xavier’s back. “Son, no one’s ever truly prepared for this. You just gotta rub ‘er back, do those bloody breathing exercises… just be there for ‘er—even when she’s cursing at ya.”

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