Epilogue
You it just felt right. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about it. I didn’t mean to overstep. I just know it’s you I want. We could get married, start a family, grow old together here—”
Before he can continue, I break into a huge smile and cut him off with a kiss, tears streaming down my cheeks. I pull back, “Brad. I’m not mad, and you didn’t overstep. This is... perfect. You’re perfect. I love you so much.”
He wraps his arms around me. “I love you too, Mills.”
I smirk playfully and tease, “Who’s the nervous yapper now?”
He chuckles and replies, “No one can know.”
I mime locking my lips and tossing away the key. “Come on, I’ll show you inside,” he says, already pulling me toward the door and unlocking it. I let him guide me inside, my curiosity sparking and heart racing. To my right, I spot a charming wooden love seat and a Monstera plant. As I step further in, Bradley closes the front door, revealing a cosy living room with wooden furniture, white couches, and a large antique rug. Natural light pours in from the sash windows, bathing the space in a warm glow. He follows me into the kitchen, where I trace my fingers along the smooth marble countertop. The cream wooden cabinets and grey-tiled backsplash complement the white walls and gleaming sink .
Bradley stands close behind me, brushing my hair away to kiss my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “Brad, this house is amazing,” I say, turning to face him.
He smiles, his hands sliding to my waist. Before I know it, he lifts me effortlessly onto the counter. The cool marble against my thighs makes me shiver. His lips find mine again, deepening the kiss. His fingers trail up my dress, brushing the inside of my thigh until they reach my underwear. I freeze. “Wait. What are you doing?” I whisper-yell, though there’s no one else around.
“What’s it look like? I’m going to fuck my girl in our kitchen,” he murmurs against my neck. “Want me to stop?”
I release a shaky breath. “No.”
His fingers slip beneath my underwear, and I instantly know I’m drenched. Just one kiss or touch from him has me completely aroused.
“Always so wet for me,” he growls. He eases a finger inside, and I moan as I arch my back. Another finger joins, moving in deliberate, measured strokes. Pleasure radiates through me, narrowing my world to just this moment with him.
His pace quickens, fingers working with increasing speed. I bite my lip to stifle my moans, but too he’s pulling his fingers away, leaving me panting. My eyes snap open as I hear the distinct sound of a zipper.
Bradley hoists my dress higher and tugs my underwear down, which I kick off onto the floor. I pull at his t-shirt as he swiftly pulls out his cock, lines himself up, and thrusts deep inside me. His movements are forceful and rhythmic, driving into me with quick, deliberate thrusts. He tugs at my straps to free my breasts, each motion intense and urgent.
My head falls back, and I cling to him. He whispers in my ear, his breath hot against my skin. “Tell me you love me again, Mills.”
“I love you,” I gasp, barely able to speak. “I love you, Bradley. I love you so much.” My words spill out in a fervent stream, like a prayer.
He growls, his thrusts gaining intensity. One hand braces on the bench, the other grips my hip. I lean back, letting him press me into the bench, his length pushing deeper, rubbing deliciously against my tight walls. The pressure builds to an unbearable peak.
“More, I need more,” I beg, my voice desperate.
Bradley takes a breast in his mouth, biting and sucking, making me moan loudly. He moves to the other, his mouth hot and insistent.
“Bradley, oh God,” I cry out, overwhelmed by the sensation. His pace quickens, each thrust sending waves of ecstasy through me. His thrusts become erratic, and with a final, powerful thrust, I shatter around him, my release crashing over me and soon he’s following me over the edge, groaning my name as he comes deep inside me.
The hot rush of his release fills me, and I feel it drip onto my inner thigh. I’m on the pill now, have been for a few months, but his words about starting a family keep echoing in my mind. The idea of stopping it, of one day feeling a baby growing inside me—his baby, our child—sends a thrilling shiver down my spine.
One day.
Bradley stays inside me, our breaths mingling. His forehead rests against mine, eyes locked. “I love you,” he whispers, filled with emotion.
“I love you too,” I reply, my hands sliding up his back. “More than anything.”
He grins that lopsided grin. “You’re amazing, Mills. You know that?”
“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, thank you , 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. Do you ?”
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
I jolt 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 be so glad to see you . 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.”
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 a consensual act.”
“Yeah, well, you try pushing a baby out of… your… dick ,” she says with a shrug and arms crossed, “and then see 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 expect you to 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 of awws. 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 are you holding 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’s dad . “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?”
“Godparents?” I ask, taken aback.
Xavier nods. “Yeah. There’s no one else we’d trust more with this role. You’ve always had my back, and I know you’ll have my daughter’s too. And Amelia, and you’re part of our family. Isla and I know you’ll show the same love to little Cal that you’ve always shown to us. We couldn’t think of better godparents for Callie.”
Tears prick at my eyes. I pull Xavier into a rough hug. “Thanks, Xav. That means the world to me. We won’t let you down.”
Amelia’s eyes also shine with tears and I wrap my arm around her as she says, “Thank you both. We’re honoured to be Callie’s godparents.”
“You know, Xav, if she inherits half your charm, we’re all in trouble,” I joke.
Isla laughs softly, looking at her daughter. “Oh, trust me, she’s already got a bit of her father’s charm. And his eye colour, too.”
“That’s the Mitchell genes for you—strong sperm,” Xavier says proudly. Idiot . Mum, standing nearby, smacks Xavier gently on the arm and we all laugh. She then hugs both Amelia and I warmly, congratulating us.
“I’m so proud of you both! Now, let’s get cracking on more grandkids, chop-chop!”
I smile nervously, glancing at Amelia. Her eyes light up, a true ray of sunshine. Holding her close, surrounded by family and our new goddaughter, I realise how much this moment means to me. I think about the possibility of one day having a daughter or son of my own. With Amelia by my side, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and certainty.
Together, we have everything I could ever want.