Page 96 of Branded Hearts

“I will soon,” he replies, locking eyes with me.

I offer him a smile in return. Millie bursts into the kitchen, grabbing Bradley’s hand.

“Bwadey, Bwadey, come,” she exclaims, tugging him toward the living room. Bradley chuckles and follows my little niece inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a sinking feeling in my stomach.

As Mum and Kat exchange knowing looks, I catch on to their silent communication.

“What?” I ask with unease.

Kat responds with a sheepish, “Nothing,” before Mum cuts in.

“It’s quite obvious, Meli.”

“What’s obvious?” I press, my confusion growing.

“It’sobvioushow smitten Bradley is with you, dear. And you, him.” Her tone is laced with amusement and a hint of motherly knowingness.

“Yup! You light up whenever he’s around. It’s cute,” Kat adds, a playful grin on her face.

My cheeks burn, and I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. My heart flutters, caught between wanting to protest and secretly enjoying their teasing. The memory of Brad’s comment from theother night flickers in my mind.Sunshine.

My skin tingles as if his words are a touch I can feel.

“Stop it, you guys,” I mumble, trying to hide my growing smile. But the warmth in my chest is undeniable. A fuzzy sensation. We eventually finish washing up and join the rest in the lounge.

“Bwadey was showing me his horthies, Mummy. Can we get horthie?” Millie asks, bouncing in front of us. Her pronunciation is still adorable, and I know that nickname is going to stick for a while.

“I don’t think so, munchkin. But you can have a toy horse,” Kat replies.

“O-kay,” Millie says with a little frown, her disappointment clear. She then comes up to me, tugging on my hand.

“Do ya know Bwadey is a bear? He is Bwadey Bear.” Her pronunciation is endearing, and I can’t help but smile at her.

I furrow my brows, smiling at her, then look over at Bradley, who just shrugs with a grin. His hair is slightly tousled, and he sits on the couch so casually. He’s masculine, yet so warm and inviting. I feel myself falling for him, and I can’t do anything to stop it.

“Bradley Bear?” I ask, intrigued.

“Yeah! When you hug’im, he feels like a bear,” Millie explains, her explanation bringing laughter to the room.

John mutters, “She doesn’t say that about me.”

Kat smirks and quips, “That’s because you’re more like a grumpy old possum, John.”

Everyone laughs some more, and Millie’s little face lights up with joy as she joins in the laughter.

As the evening starts to wane, I feel the fatigue setting in, my eyes heavy and my yawns more frequent. I decide it’s time to head home. Bradley seems to have the same idea because he stands up right away. “I should probably head off, too,” he says, exchanging goodbyes.

Dad surprises me by stepping forward, offering his hand to Bradley. “It was good to have you here, Bradley. You’re welcome back anytime.”

My heart races at Dad’s unexpected approval. Bradley shakes his hand firmly. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.” At the sight of Dad’s smirk, I can tell he’s loving being calledsir. He won’t ever mention it, but his face gives him away.

Mum calls out, “Yes, dear! Please don’t be a stranger.”

Bradley smiles. “I won’t. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

I say my goodbyes, hugging my sister goodnight, then lean down to plant a big, wet kiss on Millie’s cheek. She turns to Bradley, her eyes wide with innocence, and asks for a hug. My heart melts at the sight. Kat’s face lights up with a smile, and she sends me a knowing wink. Bradley doesn’t hesitate to scoop Millie into his strong arms for a hug that nearly makes my heart burst.

“G’night, Bwadey Bear,” Millie chirps happily.

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