Page 147 of Branded Hearts

Xavier nods, looking between us. Just then, Imogen barrels down the hallway, breathless. “How’s Isla doing? Is she okay?” She skids to a stop in front of us, looking worried. “How’s she holding up?”

“She’s alright,” Dad says with a chuckle. “It’s Xavier who needs the support.”

Imogen rolls her eyes but smiles. “Typical.”

Xavier defends himself, “Hey, I’m the one being threatened in there for getting her pregnant. It was aconsensualact.”

“Yeah, well, you try pushing a baby out of… your…dick,” she says with a shrug and arms crossed, “andthensee if she eases up a bit.”Ouch.

Xavier’s face contorts in pain. “Yikes. Not sure how that’s the same.”

Imogen shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it. I wouldn’t expectyouto understand.”

I can’t help but chuckle, the sound escaping before I can hold it back.

At the sound, she turns to me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing you laugh.”

I roll my eyes, but before I can respond, she playfully smacks my bicep. “Don’t worry, big fella, it suits you.”

I can’t help but smile at her, and she grins back, satisfied.

“Anywho, I’m going in to check on Isla,” she says before knocking on the door and walking inside. The murmur of comforting voices fills the hallway. After a while, now seated on the waiting lounge, a nurse steps out, her expression serious but calm. “Dad, Mum is ready to push.”

Xavier’s eyes widen, and he claps his hands together, taking a deep breath. “Alright, this is it.”

“Go get ‘em, tiger,” I say with a smirk.

Amelia and Imogen join us outside as Xavier heads inside. Amelia immediately moves to my side, and I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. We stand together, waiting in anxious anticipation.

The room buzzes with a mix of nerves and excitement, everyone glancing at the clock every few minutes. Just as I’m starting to lose my patience, the midwife from earlier comes out, a broad smile on her face.

“Congratulations everyone, we’ve got ourselves a girl! A healthy baby girl!” she announces, and the group erupts into a chorus ofawws. Mills and Imogen squeal in excitement, hugging each other. Th nurse’s eyes then scan the room. “Which one of you is Bradley and Amelia?”

We stand, hands entwined. “That’s us,” I say.

“Mum and Dad want you inside.”

Amelia and I exchange a glance, then follow the midwife. Inside, Mum and Xavier are by the bed. “Hey, there they are,” Xavier says, his pride shining through.

Isla, though exhausted, smiles as she cradles their baby girl. Amelia steps closer, her voice warm. “Isla, she’s so beautiful. How is she?”

Isla’s tired eyes brighten at Amelia’s words. “Thanks, girl. She’s doing great. It’s been a long night, but we’re over the moon.”

“How areyouholding up?” Amelia asks.

Isla smiles softly, her gaze fixed on her daughter. “I’m exhausted and sore, but it’s all worth it. Seeing her makes everything feel right.”

I step forward, peering at the tiny, perfect face. Her eyes are closed, tiny fingers curling and uncurling. “She is beautiful,” I say, my voice cracking slightly.

“Thanks, man,” he replies, his usual bravado softened. “Isla’s a bloody warrior.”

“Damn right she is,” I say, winking at Isla.

Isla looks down at her daughter and then back up to us. “This is little Callie, Cal for short,” my heart swells at the name.Callie. Cal, like Isla’sdad. “And there’s something we’d like to ask you both,” she finishes.

Xavier steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Brad,Amelia, we’d like you to be Callie’s godparents.”

Amelia’s eyes widen. “Wait, what?”

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