Page 26 of Branded Hearts

“Fine,” I reply with a nod, hoping to brush off any signs of distraction. I glance around the table, hoping my momentary lapse went unnoticed.

“Bradley, you’ve been quiet over there. How’s work been?”

Mum’s curious gaze settles on me, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. Work isn’t a topic I enjoy discussing, especially here. I’ve dealt with my share of cases—some straightforward, others challenging—but work stays at work, a line I prefer not to blur. I clearmy throat, trying to dispel the unease settling in my chest.

“It’s been fine, Mum,” I reply. “Just the usual.”

Xavier’s gaze lingers on me a moment longer, his curiosity palpable. I quickly divert my attention to my plate, avoiding him.

“So, Isla and I have something we need to tell you all,” Xavier chimes. His announcement draws everyone’s attention away from me, and for that brief moment, I’m silently grateful.

Mum, always eager for news, leans forward in her seat. “What is it?” she asks eagerly.

Xavier glances at Isla, and they exchange a knowing smile before he continues, “It’s still early days, but—”

Before he can finish, Liv interjects with her characteristic impatience, her excitement palpable. “You’re pregnant?” she blurts out, eyes widening with surprise.

Isla beams, her smile infectious. “Yes! It’s still early, but we couldn’t wait to tell you all.”

The room fills with congratulations and happy chatter, the joy of the moment spreading like wildfire.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me, I find myself smiling. It’s a significant change, and despite Xavier being the older one, I feel a surge of pride and protectiveness for him.

Dad clears his throat, a gruff sound amidst the emotional atmosphere.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re crying over there, old man?” I tease, trying to keep things light. Xavier chuckles.

“Fuck off, Bradley. Got somethin’ in me eye, is all,” he repliesgruffly.

“Mhm. Sure thing, bud,” I mutter, watching as Dad rises from his seat and claps Xavier on the back, messing up his hair in a playful gesture. Leaning down, he plants a kiss on Isla’s tear-streaked cheek. The dogs join in, barking happily at the commotion, and Xavier bends down to give them some affectionate belly scratches.

As the initial excitement settles, Liv bombards Isla with questions about the pregnancy, and Mum gets up to hug them both, tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. I lean back, silently observing the scene unfolding before me. My family, in its evolving and unexpected ways, reminds me of what truly matters.

Seeing Xavier so content, knowing he’s about to become a father, stirs thoughts about my own future. The idea of having a family of my own, of being a father someday, tugs at a deep longing inside me.

In that moment, amidst the love and laughter of my family, I can’t deny it—I yearn for that one day.

My phone vibrates on the table, pulling me out of my thoughts. I pick it up and see a text from Daniels.

I contemplate it. Maybe hanging out with thatboofhead might settle my thoughts.

Amelia

I’m sitting on my couch, take-away from Madison’s spread out in front of me. I tap on my phone and open FaceTime, calling my sister, Kat. It’s not long before her face fills the screen, and little Millie’s bright eyes peek over her shoulder.

“Hey, you two,” I greet them, trying to keep my voice light despite the turmoil in my head.

“Hi, Meli!” Millie chirps, her little hand waving enthusiastically.

“Hey, sis,” Kat says, a knowing smirk already forming on her lips. “So, what the bloody hell was that today?”

I groan, sinking further into the couch. I had texted her earlier, and of course, she’s bringing it up again. “Nothing. Shush. There are children present.”

Kat scoffs. “Oh please. Hey, Millie, cover your ears for me, okay?” she says casually.

I hear Millie’s little voice respond, “Okay.”

I shake my head. “Is she actually doing it?”

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