Page 94 of Branded Hearts

“Flowers,” he declares, and Millie’s mouth goes wide before she hides her face behind the flowers.

Bradley winks at me, and butterflies erupt in my core. Who would have thought grumpy, brooding Bradley Mitchell would be such a natural around kids? It’s a side of him I’ve never seen before, and it’senchanting.

Grumpy Bradley is sexy.

Playful, caring Bradley is downright captivating.

My ovaries are practically screaming for him.

Millie runs off, clutching the flowers, and I coax Bradley inside. Nerves wrack through my whole body; it feels like he’s my boyfriend and I’m bringing him home for the first time. Hah. Boyfriend. What a concept. Yeah right.

Kat spots him first from inside the kitchen and rushes up to us, wiping her hands.

“Bradley! Welcome,” she says, giving him a soft hug. He seems momentarily taken aback before putting one hand around her back and giving her a pat.

Mum is next. “Bradley, darling. It’s so lovely to see you.”

“Mrs. Brown. Sorry I’m late.”

“Nuh uh, what have I said? Sophie, please,” she urges him, before pulling him in for a hug, and he smiles. I can’t help but smile, watching their embrace.

I hand the bottle of rosé to my mom. “Ma, this is from Bradley,” I say.

She eyes Millie, standing beside me, still clutching the flowers like a vice. “And the flowers, I see. You didn’t have to bring anything, dear. We’re just glad you came, especially looking all fine in your uniform, too.”

“Yeah.” He huffs a laugh before running his hand down the back of his neck, causing his muscles to bulge through his shirt. “I got called in at the last minute and didn’t have time to change.”

“No worries at all, love. The boys are outside at the BBQ. Amelia, show him outside.”

As we walk off, I catch Kat’s gaze, her mouth wide open, fanning her face dramatically. I roll my eyes, trying my best to hide my now burning cheeks.

As we approach where Dad and John are chatting at the barbecue, a nervous bubble forms in my chest. I swallow hard, steadying myself before introducing Bradley.

“Dad, John, this is Bradley Mitchell,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

John is the first to react, offering a friendly handshake. “Good to meet ya, mate.”

Bradley takes his hand, giving a firm shake. “Good to meet you, too, John.”

Dad’s gaze lingers on Bradley for a moment, assessing him. I hold my breath, watching closely for their reactions.

“James,” Dad finally says, extending his hand. Bradley shakes itfirmly, maintaining eye contact. “Bradley Mitchell, ay? Dom’s boy?”

“Yes, sir. Nice to meet you.”

Dad nods in acknowledgment, a subtle smile forming on his lips. “Nice to meet you, too, son.”

I exhale slowly, relieved that the initial meeting seems to be going well. Seeing Dad’s approval lifts a weight off my shoulders. Bradley, true to form, remains calm and composed, not showing any signs of intimidation. The way he handles himself, standing tall and confident, makes me admire him even more. This is the first time I’ve brought someone home like this, and it feels significant. I’m amazed by how seamlessly Bradley fits into my world. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride and affection.

John glances at Bradley’s uniform. “Looking sharp there, Bradley.”

Bradley smirks, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Guess I took formal dress a little too seriously,” he jokes, making John chuckle. Dad just watches, his expression unreadable.

“Well, you wear it well. It suits you,” John says, clapping Bradley on the shoulder.

Bradley’s smirk softens into a genuine smile. “Appreciate that.”

Dad nods, his expression approving. “Takes dedication to be in your line of work. We respect that ‘round here.”

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