You’ll all be happy – Bradley Bradshaw “Rooster”
Summary: You and Bradley fall hard and quick, but will he make the choice to stay with you and be a stepdad? What will your brother, Jake, think?
Pairing: reader x rooster / reader x brother!hangman
Word count: 5.6K
Warnings: mentions of unhappy parents, brief mention of Goose’s passing, thoughts of anxiety/small mental spiraling, talk of child birth
A/N: here it is! I hope you all like it, this is the fastest I’ve written this long of a fic in over a year!
“Jake!” You clapped, coming around from the bar and hugging your big brother, he tried to remain calm when he saw how big your bump had gotten, nearly six months along, you were definitely showing. “Hey, Y/N.” Jake murmured, hugging you tightly, “I missed you, sis.” He chuckled, putting on his tough guy act but he was so protective over you, you two had it a little rough growing up and he was always there for you, he still was, just from a distance because of his career. “I missed you too, J.” You smiled, “so has this girl, I play your videos every night.” You added, rubbing your bump, he grinned proudly, “as you should, she needs to know who her uncle Jake is.” He declared, “now, you gonna get me a beer or do I have to complain about the service here.” He joked, making you tip your head back in laughter. “Penny wouldn’t be very happy about that.” You retorted, stepping back into your position behind the bar, snapping the top off the glass bottle before sliding it to your brother.
“Not afraid your navy buddies are gonna see you talking to me?” You teased as you popped over to him after serving some other customers, “nah, if they say anything they know I’ll screw with them.” He shrugged, earning an eye roll. “Don’t be a dick.” You muttered, making him choke on his beer. “You’re literally pregnant but I refuse to hear that word from your mouth, you're my baby sister.” He chuckled, “oh my god, don’t start, J.” You sighed, letting him think you were actually offended for a little bit before giggling and easing his nerves. He’d made the mistake of pushing you too far over FaceTime a couple weeks ago, it’s safe to say he found out how hormonal you really were.
“Bradshaw?” Jake called out, standing up from the bar stool, you glanced up, “well, damn man, what are you doing here?” This Bradshaw fellow spoke up, giving your brother a quick smirk, “I thought they only called the best back.” He added, you giggled under your breath, which didn’t go unnoticed by him. “Oh you’re so funny, chicken.” Your brother rolled his eyes, “Rooster.” The man corrected, you held back a small smile at that. “Can I get a bud light, please?” Rooster asked, sliding a five dollar bill across the counter. “Sure thing, pilot.” You quipped, he furrowed his brows, he wasn’t in uniform, he watched you huff and bend over to grab one from the cooler, your bump keeping you from being entirely flexible. “Rooster, that is my little sister, Y/N.” Jake announced when Rooster went to ask how you knew he was a pilot. “Sister?” He gasped, looking at Jake. “Let me guess, he’s never mentioned me.” You spoke up, the brunette nodding as he forced his eyes back to you.
“Well, nice to meet you and uh, congratulations.” Rooster said, waving towards your bump, “I’m not pregnant.” You deadpanned, making Rooster begin to panic while Jake got red in the face trying not to laugh. “Kidding.” You laughed, watching as he went blank and Jake howled out in a laugh. “Oh god man, you should’ve seen your face.” Jake mumbled as the two walked off to join the others, you shook your head with a smile, guys are too easy sometimes.
***
“Hey hun, I have someone coming to help you put up the delivery this morning! I don’t want you climbing up the ladder, he’ll be there at 7.”
You read the text from Penny as you worked in the office at the bar, the alcohol delivery just coming in now, they were loading the crates and crates of liquid into the back room while you worked on counting the drawers.
Time passed incredibly slow as you felt useless not being able to unload most of the order, but you were far too pregnant and wobbly to be lifting that much above your head on a ladder. “Hello?” You heard someone call out as you untapped another box. “In the back!” You responded, frowning at the broken bottle inside the packaging, “damn it.” You whispered, picking it up and going to chuck it into the trash can. “Oh, hi Rooster.” You smiled politely, instantly knowing Penny was playing matchmaker, you were smitten with him after that first meeting a month ago, and everybody but him seemed to know it. Even your brother was over the obvious looks you gave his co-worker, but he didn’t meddle, not wanting to get on your bad side before the baby came.
“Hi, Y/N, how are you?” Rooster spoke up, handing you a towel, seeing the way you were rubbing your hands on your pants after getting rid of the bottle. “Good, thanks for coming to help.” You answered him, “I’m sure Penny made it sound like I’m incapable because of the baby.” You added with a giggle, Rooster laughed softly, “that’s ok, I don’t mind. How is the pregnancy going?” He asked, gentlemanly, he had already begun placing bottles on the shelf where you had pointed him too. “Good, slow, I’m torn between wishing she was here already and being terrified for when she comes.” You answered truthfully, he shot you a smile, “a girl huh? I bet she’ll be as pretty as you.” He answered before going wide eyed, you did a double take when his words hit you. “Thanks.” You mumbled, smiling softly at him. “How is the training going?” You asked, breaking down the box after he finished emptying it, you two were working like a conveyor belt. “Good, I can’t really talk about it.” He shrugged, shooting you an apologetic look. “I figured.” You mumbled, holding in a grunt when you had a tight feeling in your stomach.
“Y/N?” Rooster questioned, turning to see you with your hands on your knees as you took a deep breath. “I’m ok, just Braxton hicks.” You waved him off, you had panicked and gone to the doctor over them last week and were now accustomed to it. “Oh, ok, are you sure?” He stepped closer to you, furrowing his brows, he wanted to help but he didn’t know how. “Promise.” You were back to your chipper self once it passed. Rooster went back to the order, and with you breaking down boxes, it was finished in record time.
“Jeez, mind if I steal you for every delivery day?” You joked as you looked over the fully stocked shelves, Rooster, who you had found out is legally named Bradley, laughed along with you. “I wouldn’t mind.” He answers truthfully, making you look away as you warmed under his gaze. “I hope this isn’t too forward, and I understand if you’re not ready to, but I’d like to take you out on a date sometime.” Bradley spoke up, he was walking alongside you through the dining room, you faltered in your stride. “I’d really like that, Bradley, but I’m nearly ready to pop, I can hardly bring myself to come to work, let alone go out for anything extra.” You explained, and it pained you, because you really wanted to go out with him, clearly he was genuine, who else would ask out a 7 month pregnant woman.
“That’s ok, whenever you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.” He smiled genuinely, “I’ll be completely honest with you, Jake told me to wait until after you had the baby to ask you out, but I just wanted you to know my intentions now.” He explained, shoving his hands in his pockets as you two reached the door, he was rocking on his heels. “Oh, Bradley.” You mumbled, “you talked to Jake about asking me out?” You questioned, nervously rubbing your bump. “Of course I did.” He answered easily, “wouldn’t want to start off on the wrong foot, you deserve better.” He added, frowning when you sniffled. “Sorry, sorry, it’s just the hormones.” You fanned your face, “how embarrassing.” You mumbled only intending for you to hear. “Not embarrassing, you’re growing a whole human, you’re allowed to be emotional.” Bradley declared, rushing over to grab a napkin for you to dab your face.
“Would you want to have dinner at my place? An easy date, maybe meet in the middle until the baby comes.” You offered, looking up at him hopefully. Bradley smiled brightly, “I’d love that, but you’re not cooking, either I cook or I bring takeout.” He leaned in and kissed your cheek, “I’ve got to get to base, but I’ll call you later so we can set a date.” He smiled, waiting until you agreed before he left.
***
You felt like a beached whale as you looked in the mirror, the maternity dress was comfy, and honestly a cute style, but you just felt huge, approaching the 8 month mark. You weren’t the skinniest before the pregnancy, and now it felt like it exaggerated everything you disliked.
Bradley rang the doorbell exactly five minutes before he was supposed to be here, which you relentlessly teased him for and he took every minute of it as he was so enthralled by watching how excited you were as you talked about your favorite show, that he agreed to watch. He could tell you felt guilty for putting it on, but he didn’t mind, he grabbed your hand as you two sat there in silence, jamming in as much conversation as possible during commercial breaks.
“Thank you, Bradley.” You mumbled as he slipped his shoes on, he looked up at you with a wide smile. “Thank you.” He repeated, “I’m very lucky to have gotten to spend the night with you, and I really hope we can do it again sometime.” He explained, sincerity dripping from his voice as he looked you in the eyes. “I’d love to hang out with you again.” You answered, maybe too quickly but it only widened his smile. “Great.” He mumbled, you felt bold and took the step closer to him, practically begging him to make a move. “Can I–“ “Yes.” You cut him off, giggling when he cupped your face, he kissed you gently, nothing too aggressive. You were like a puddle in his hands as he pulled away, “one more time.” You whispered, cracking one eye open to find him grinning at you, he kissed you again, feeling you smile against his lips.
***
“Jake, honestly, do you have to make it sound like I’m not capable of making my own decisions?” You sighed as your brother helped you, or really you watched him put together the dresser for the nursery, you sat in the rocking chair, rubbing your belly as the baby kicked hard. “I’m not saying that, Y/N. I just don’t want you to be hurt again, and especially the baby, you know you’d never forgive yourself if Rooster breaks her heart.” He explained, poking his tongue out in concentration as he tried to get the screw to line up properly. “I know, I promise I’m thinking about that, but he really cares about us. Honestly now, you know a guy wouldn’t shack up with a ready to give birth pregnant woman if he didn’t actually care about her.” You responded, getting up and going to hold the back piece still while he screwed it together. “That’s true.” He muttered, not wanting to admit you were right, you hummed, making him roll his eyes. “Face it, you can’t find a way to talk me out of this, because Bradley is a good guy and you just don’t want to admit that being with a pilot won’t hurt me.” You ranted, going back to the chair once he waved you off.
Jake sighed, putting the screwdriver down, he crossed his arms over his knees as he rested on them. “He is a good guy, don’t tell him I said that, I’m always going to worry about you. That’s something you need to come to terms with, and god forbid something happens to him like it did to his dad, I can’t watch you go through that.” Your brother trailed off, a distant look in his eyes simply at the thought. “What happened to his dad?” You questioned, Jake cursed under his breath. “He was Maverick’s RIO, he died during a training accident.” Jake whispered, you nodded slowly, processing this new information. “When was that? Do you know?” You murmured, “Bradley was only four or so.” Your brother spoke softly, seeing your eyes well up. “That’s horrible.” You sniffled, your mind wanted to go into a tailspin, but you refused to go there.
“Jake I appreciate your concern, but I’m not going to think like that, he makes me happy, that's what I’m going to focus on. He wants to be there for Eloise, that’s huge, I’m choosing to enjoy this time with him, hopefully for a very long time.” You explained, putting your foot down, Jake nodded, before he realized you said the baby’s name. “Eloise?” He gasped, “the name I suggested?!” He jumped up, cursing loudly when he hit his foot on the half assembled dresser. “Yes, the name you suggested, did you just break a toe?” You shrieked, looking at the crooked toe on his foot. “Well shit.” He muttered, following your gaze and grimacing at the sight, “Jake!” You shouted in disgust as he reached down and pushed it back in place. “I think we’re good.” He declared, “but I happen to think she’s going to be a perfect little Eloise.” He added, hugging you tightly. “Now, I think you owe me a pizza as payment while I finish building this damned dresser.” He muttered, dramatically sitting back down to continue building it.
You laughed at your brother's antics, but went and ordered a pizza for dinner, and thanked him up and down for all the help he had done during his rare weekend off.
***
Bradley was extremely concerned as you went silent after his words, not like you at all, you and Jake were similar in always having a remark to make. “A mission? In two days?” You whispered, feeling the tears spill over onto your cheeks, “it’s going to be ok, sweetheart.” He murmured, wiping away the tears as they continued to flow. “The team is great, we’ll be in and out, we’ll be back before you have the baby I bet.” He explained, cringing when you went wide eyed, “we?!” You shrieked, “Jake is going too?” You felt your heart drop, the two most important men in your life both going to risk their lives. You knew what they signed up for with the navy but the realization hit so much harder in your current state. “I thought he told you.” Bradley sounded deflated, he was just giving all the bad news it seemed. “Clearly he didn’t, Bradley!” You snapped, he didn’t take your words to heart as he knew you were hurting. “I’m sorry, Y/N.” He sighed, “just try and calm down baby, come here.” He tugged you closer, he had been coming over most days as you got closer and closer to your due date, he quickly found that you were very much a physical contact kind of person. He let you rest your head on his chest as he rubbed your arm, “it’s gonna be ok, you have to be positive, alright?” He explained gently, you nodded as you sniffled. “I don’t want to have this baby alone.” You admitted, “and you two, you mean so much to me, I-I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to either of you.” You voiced your fears, and he helped to ease them as best as he could, he vowed to stay with you until he had to leave, and he kept that promise, Jake coming over frequently too, wanting to get in as much time as possible.
***
You picked at your lips as the FaceTime call rang and rang, this was right around when the team was supposed to be back on land, so you hoped one of them would pick up. You tried Jake first, he was never too quick at answering so you weren’t too surprised when he never answered, you inhaled deeply before calling Bradley, “Y/N, baby I was just going to call you, we’re–“ Bradley stopped talking as he finally looked at his screen, you had the baby. “Holy shit.” He mumbled, “Jake!” He shouted through the crowd, he was in the shade now so he could see properly. “Oh my god, Y/N, she’s beautiful.” He gasped, “hi sweet baby.” He cooed as she suckled on air in her sleep. You flipped the camera to you, “I missed you so much.” You sighed, seeing the way his eyes lit up when he saw your face. You were gross and exhausted and desperately wanted a shower, but he still thought you were stunning, and the fact that you had a baby by yourself? He was most definitely falling for you.
“I missed you, oh my god, I can’t believe you had her.” He was stunned, completely caught off guard. “Wait– are you still in the hospital?” He yanked his sunglasses off, “yes, she’s only ten hours old.” You giggled, Jake finally running into view. “The baby! Let me see her!” He demanded, you flipped the camera to show Eloise swaddled and lying between your legs. “Oh my god.” Jake mumbled, “she’s beautiful!” He pinched his eyes, sighing as you put yourself back on the screen, “sis, you did it!” He cheered, before realizing he may have ruined a moment between you and Bradley. “Ok, ok, enough glaring, I’ll leave you two to talk, but you let me know as soon as I can come see that little nugget.” Jake demanded, giving you a quick love you, before walking off.
“Bradley, would you maybe want to come meet her later today? If you’re too tired it’s ok we can just–“ “You want me to be the first to meet her?” His voice cracked, and your heart swelled, “yes I do, babe.” You used a pet name for the first time and he was like a puddle. “I’m going to go home and shower, then I’ll be there as quick as I can, text me your room number.” You smiled at his eagerness, “be safe, Bradley.” You reminded him, cooing down to Eloise as she opened her eyes. “I will be.” He assured, hanging up once you two said your goodbyes.
It felt like forever but really it was less than two hours by the time Bradley was walking into the room with two bouquets of flowers. “Hi, sweetheart.” He grinned, approaching you quickly, he welcomed the desperate kiss you pulled him in for, thankful that Eloise had been in the rollaway crib beside your bed. “No injuries lieutenant?” You asked softly, eyeing him over, your fingers ran over his cheeks. You had missed the feeling of his warm skin, you missed him, everything about him. “Not a scratch on me, thanks to your brother, but that’s a story for another time.” He explained, he didn’t want to lie and say everything went perfect, it didn’t, but he was home and that’s what mattered right now. “Ok.” You whispered, just happy to have him here. “Flowers for mom, and flowers for baby.” He told you as he handed you a bouquet and laid the other one on the table. You smiled gratefully as you delicately touched the petals, “thank you, they’re beautiful.” You sighed, setting them down on the table, Bradley moving to take them so you didn’t have to move out of bed.
“I’m sure you want to hold her.” You whispered as he sat on the edge of your bed, looking at the swaddled baby, he had yet to know her name. “Go wash your hands.” You instructed, taking Eloise out of the crib, she had just eaten not too long before he got here so she should be content. You admired her little nose, and the puffy cheeks, she had some of your hair, but you were sure it would change many times in her first year of life. “Ok.” Bradley nervously sat in front of you, why he was nervous, he had no idea. He was good with kids, great even, but this was your baby, this was a baby that would hopefully look up to and love him. It was a lot of pressure. He took her with ease, “you wanna know her name?” You asked softly, sneakily snapping a picture as he looked down at the cradled baby in his arms, he was already completely and totally in love with her. And with you, but he needed to say that at the right time. Bradley nodded, barely being able to pull his eyes off of her, “Eloise Jake Seresin.” You whispered, a single tear falling from your eye.
“Oh,” he murmured, “it’s beautiful, hi Eloise.” He turned to her, brushing a thumb over her cheek, smiling when she contorted her face and then settled back peacefully. “Does Jake know?” Bradley asked you, now taking the time to admire you as you rested against the pillows, your eyes a little bloodshot from the lack of sleep, but you were beaming with pride for the little girl in his arms. “Not yet, I’ll ask him to come soon though. I want him to meet her before we get released tomorrow.” You explained, he nodded in understanding, there weren't many words to be said at this moment. You both simply marveled at the sleeping beauty before you, knowing that once your brother came, the peace would be slightly disrupted. But you didn’t mind, Jake was your family and you truly couldn’t wait to see him with Eloise.
“So hungry.” You cooed, holding Eloise while she suckled on her bottle, she was like a maniac if she dropped it for a moment, and surely she wasn’t happy when you stopped halfway through to burp her. Jake knocked softly on the door as the cries calmed down when the bottle was back in her mouth. “Come in.” Bradley spoke for you, Jake poked his head in, “Aw come on, I’m second?” Your brother sighed looking at you as he stepped inside. He placed a pink teddy bear down by the flowers, “what a charmer, Bradshaw.” Jake teased, pointing to the bouquets. “Oh hush and wash your hands if you want to hold your niece.” You demanded with a giggle, even the playful banter was not allowed at this moment, you wanted a simple happy moment as you told your brother her full name. Jake rushed over to the sink, maybe even quicker than Bradley had, and returned in a flash, hands dried and reaching for the baby. You handed her over and watched as he instantly became wrapped around her finger. “Her name,” you paused, waiting for Jake to look at you, he nodded for you to continue, looking over at you with curious eyes, “Eloise Jake Seresin.” You spoke softly. Jake let his jaw drop, “I-are you serious?” He questioned, you nodded as you relished in his emotional reaction. “Rooster, if you tell anyone you saw me cry, you’re a dead man.” He threatened as Bradley chuckled softly. He put his hands up, “I would never, come on, man.” He declared, smiling over at you. “God, Y/N, I can’t believe it.” Jake whispered, he sat beside you on the bed, still cradling the baby. “I’m proud of you, to know that? You’re so strong.” He explained, kissing your cheek. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you, knowing Eloise and I will always have you in our lives, I know we’ll be ok.” You never thought as a child that you and Jake would be close as adults, but the way life has panned out, you two became the best of friends and you were grateful for that.
Things would be so different without Jake, you wouldn’t have moved to North Beach, you wouldn’t have Eloise, you wouldn’t know Bradley. Sure, maybe it was an exaggeration, but Jake was the reason everything had fallen into place in the past year for you.
Bradley cleared his throat as he stood, “I’m going to go get something from the cafeteria, did you want anything?” He questioned, walking over to the bed, “chips if they have them, I feel like I need salt.” You giggled, Bradley smiled and nodded as he tucked hair behind your ear, then kissed your forehead. Jake watched the way you instantly relaxed and your eyes shut at the soft contact, “I’ll be back. Jake, you want anything?” He added as he started heading for the door. “No.” Your brother answered simply, looking down at the baby in thought, truth be told, he was thinking of how he felt relieved that you two had Bradley now. “You love him.” Jake declared, he was expecting you to be defensive, you two had only been “dating” for just over two months and you were a very guarded person. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones that made you move so fast, but you were one hundred percent in love with Bradley Bradshaw. “I do love him.” You agreed, taking Eloise back.
“He loves you.” Jake whispered. “He looks at you the way dad looked at mom once upon a time.” He added when you looked over at him with furrowed brows.
Meanwhile, Bradley was pacing in an empty hallway, feeling a panic attack coming on as he realized the severity of this situation.
You, his girlfriend, just had a baby that wasn’t his. Yes he knew this was coming, but now that she was here, and he already loved her, and you for that matter. He was terrified of breaking your hearts, he saw how his mom was destroyed when his dad died, he knew how it felt to lose a dad. “Talk to me dad.” He whispered as he held his head in his hands, sinking into a chair. He closed his eyes and thought to his future, never in his life had he seen anything other than flying for the rest of his days, but now, he saw you and Eloise, hopefully even more kids. And a dog, definitely a dog.
Bradley snapped his head up when he heard Maverick’s voice, “Rooster, are you ok?” Mav asked, Bradley rubbed at his eyes, making sure he wasn’t hallucinating. “Mav? What are you doing here?” Bradley disregarded his question, tilting his head at Maverick. “Penny’s cousin fell down some steps, so we came to visit her.” Mav explained, “what are you doing here? And why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” The older man sat beside his student, who was also like a son, it’s complicated. “Y/N had the baby, and I feel like I’m going to pass out because I’m so in love with her and I’m afraid I’m going to break her heart.” Bradley rambled, Maverick raised his eyebrows, nodding slowly. “How would you break her heart? I know damn well you would not leave her because she has a baby.” Maverick demanded, “no of course not! I mean, if something happens to me, and she’s left alone like mom.” Bradley trailed off.
Maverick stood up, grabbed Bradley by the shoulders, and looked into his eyes.
“You can’t think like that, all you can do is love her the same way your dad loved your mom. You take care of her, and that baby, you live the life you want with them, you’ll all be happy.”
Bradley absorbed the words that were spoken with force, nodding slowly. “I should head back.” He whispered, standing up with a new mindset, “but first I need to find some potato chips.” He muttered heading to the cafeteria for you, Maverick furrowed his eyebrows but let Bradley go on his own.
***
“I found–“ Bradley stopped as he noticed you finally sleeping peacefully, Eloise in her crib, Jake stood from the chair, motioning for Bradley to follow him into the hallway. “We need to talk.” Jake informed him, leaning against the wall, Bradley cleared his throat, nodding, it was time for them to have this conversation. “I think I can take a guess at why you look so nervous, I know you don’t want to hurt my sister. Or Eloise. She knows what happened to your dad, I told her.” Jake started off, “it’s not your choice to make if she should be in a relationship with someone who could die any day on the job. She knows the risks, she also knows the rewards, Rooster.” He crossed his arms as he watched the slightly taller man think over his words. “I love her, Hangman. I just don’t want her to regret being with me, what if in a year she thinks how much better she and Eloise would’ve been without me.” Bradley sighed, he wasn’t sure where this doubt was coming from, but he thought of his mom and how it was for her with men approaching her. She hated it. They always wanted to change the way she patented Bradley, and he didn’t want to make you feel that way.
“My sister doesn’t just rush into things, she clearly loves you– but you didn’t hear that from me. She never regrets anything, she says everything happens for a reason, and quite honestly, I don’t think she’d be as happy as she is now if she hadn’t met you. It pains me to say this, but she wants you to be in Eloise’s life for the long haul, to be that father figure she needs. Y/N also wants you for herself, but she’s putting her daughter first like any mother would, so you need to reassure her that you’re going to be there for both of them as long as they’ll have you.”
Jake was even surprised by his own words, not thinking he was that knowledgeable. “Basically, you need to go in there, give her those potato chips and tell her you love her and you want to be whatever she wants you to be. And if you aren’t ready to be that, then you need to leave now before she falls for you anymore.” Your brother was strict with his words, it wasn’t a black and white situation, there was a lot of grey area, but that would be explored once Rooster made a decision, and Jake was prepared to pick up the pieces if he left you heartbroken, just like your father had done to you two and your mom. “Tell her I’ll come over to the house when she gets home tomorrow.” Jake turned and left, leaving a very rarely speechless Bradley there to mull over the words.
It was a simple decision, Bradley turned on his heels and walked right into that hospital room, waiting for almost an hour until you woke up.
“I got your chips.” He whispered when you opened your eyes, you smiled in your sleepy haze, instantly turning to check on Eloise, she was awake surprisingly, staring at the ceiling as she wiggled in her swaddle. “Thank you.” You spoke up, taking Eloise and laying her on the bed in front of you, she shot her arms up and scrunched her face when you undid the swaddle, her body only covered in a diaper and a bow hat. “Y/N, I need to tell you something.” Bradley walked over to the bed, carefully sitting beside you, “what is it, honey?” You questioned, not registering the severity of his words. His heart skipped a beat, honey, that’s what his parents always used and he’d yet to meet a girl who liked that term of endearment. This solidified everything for him, he asked his dad to talk to him, and he was convinced that was a sign straight from Goose. “I love you.” He declared, watching you shoot your head up, “you do?” You sounded giddy, like a little girl. “Yes, so much, and Eloise too.” His words were everything you needed to hear.
“I love you too, Bradley.”
***Epilogue***
“Happy birthday, daddy!” Eloise shrieked, jumping on the bed, you filmed it on your phone trying not to giggle over her rambling as Bradley groaned at the early wake up call. He had just gotten in last night after a two week detachment in Europe. “I missed you!” Eloise giggled, sitting beside his chest as he quickly pinned her and tickled her stomach. “I missed you, princess.” Bradley said in between his tickle attack, her shrieks of joy were music to his ears. The three year old, almost four, was squirming and giggling as he finally slowed down, “good morning, mama.” He saw you filming, he reached for the phone, turning it to point at you, “look at that bump. Maybe I’ll have a birthday twin!” Bradley spoke up, laughing heartily when you posed with your hands cradling your 9 month belly. Eloise stuck her face in front of the camera sticking her tongue out, “you goober.” He teased before ending the recording.
“Daddy, it’s your birthday! You pick breakfast.” She declared, happily snuggling into him once he sat up against the headboard, he waved you over, smiling as you tucked yourself under his shoulder, pressing a kiss to Eloise’s head. “Hmm, I think we can make some pancakes.” Those were Eloise’s favorite, and his too if he’s being honest, she nodded furiously. “Alright, you go out there, I’ll be right out.” He chuckled, kissing her forehead before she bolted out of the room. “Happy birthday, Roo.” You whispered, kissing him slowly, he smiled against your lips, “happy birthday indeed.” He murmured, fingers splayed across your stomach as Eloise called for you both from the kitchen.
He was the happiest he’d ever been with you two, and now with a little boy on the way. He had definitely made the right decision all those years ago, there was no question about it.
Tagging: @eberles @miracleonice87 @suitandtys @bb-nhlqueen7
