MISSING YOU; Bradley Simpson

8.

EVELYN

After Brad and the boys finished at the studio, he suggested to take me and Faith to a nice place. I agreed, and now we're on our way to wherever Brad was thinking to take us.

"I'm so glad the boys are happy about Faith," I smile, looking out the window.

All the boys were surprised when we told them Faith was our daughter, but they were happy. I can't say the same about Joe, though. He thinks a baby will stop or hold Brad back, but we reassured that's not going to happen.

"Yeah, me too," Brad nods in agreement, placing his hand on my thigh. I look at Faith in the rearview mirror to see her playing with the stuffed animal Brad got her.

"Where are you taking us?" I ask.

"To that hill I once took you to," he finally tells me.

"Oh, I love it there. The city's so beautiful from up there, especially at night," I smile, remembering the view from that hill. Brad just nods in agreement and we spend the rest of the ride in silence.

--

"I brought a blanket too," Brad says, taking the blanket out of the car and placing it on the grass.

I smile and sit down, placing Faith on my lap. Brad follows me and kisses the top of our daughter's head before laying down. I do the same, lying Faith on top of me as I look up at the stars.

"This is so nice," I say quietly.

"It is," Brad says, but instead of looking at the sky like I do, he looks at me and Faith.

"I never thought you'd be happy to have a daughter. Or a son, for that matter," I admit, looking into his eyes.

"Me neither. I guess time really changes you," he shrugs, a small smile appearing on his face.

I return his smile and look at the small girl, who is asleep now. I kiss the top of her head and look back at the sky, seeing a dog shape made out of stars.

"That looks like a dog," I point at the shape. Brad chuckles, extending his hand and starting to play with mine. I chuckle quietly as well, making sure Faith won't wake up.

"And that one looks like a flower," he points somewhere and I follow his finger, seeing the flower shape on the sky.

"I never dared to dream about a moment like this with you. I knew you'd never be this sloppy to watch the stars with me and point out some shapes," I giggle.

"Me neither. But I actually like it," he looks at me and moves closer. I feel him placing his hand on top of mine, which is resting on Faith's back.

We watch the sky for a few more minutes before Faith wakes up and starts crying. I feed her, then we stand up from the blanket. While I put Faith in her seat, Brad puts the blanket away. We sit in the car at the same time and drive away, back to my apartment.

"Do you want to... spend the night with us?" I ask.

"Of course. I will just go by my apartment and get some clothes," he says. I nod my head, a stupid grin appearing on my face.

We drive in silence back to Brad's apartment. I wait for him in his car, switching through the stations on the radio. Once I find something I like, I sit up straight in my seat and dab my fingers against my thigh. A few people walk by, looking at my daughter through the window. Some of them smile, some of them keep a straight face. I don't mind, unless they try to do something with her.

"Hi, hottie," a man leaning against my window scares me. I jump in my seat, leaning back so he won't be practically up in my face. "Wanna join me at a party?" he asks.

"No, thanks," I force a smile.

"Come on, baby. It's gonna be fine," he leans closer.

"Leave her alone," Brad says from behind the man. He stands straight up, facing the father of my daughter.

"Who are you? Her babysitter?" the guy laughs and I just realize how drunk he is.

"No. I'm her boyfriend, so you better leave her alone before I do something we'll both regret," Brad threatens and I can't help, but bite my lower lip. Partially because he said he's my boyfriend, and because he sounds so hot when he threatens someone.

"Fine, mate. No need to bite my head off," the guy laughs again uncomfortably and walks away with hurried steps.

"Thanks," I let out a sigh of relief when Brad sits in the car.

"Anytime," he smiles at me and kisses my cheek before starting the car and driving towards my apartment. This small, affectionate gesture makes my cheeks flush immediately. I turn my head away, so he won't see how red my face is.

When we finally arrive, Brad puts his bag down in my room while I put Faith to sleep. We both change into our pajamas and plop down on my couch, turning on the TV, searching for a good Netflix movie. I decide to watch Family Guy, not in the mood for anything sloppy or sad. We laugh at a few scenes, while cuddling up. I lay between Brad's legs, my head resting on his chest while his arms hold me tightly at my waist. I intertwine our hands, smiling to myself. Oh, how I missed these nights with him, cuddling on the couch while watching something on the TV.

BRAD

After watching a few episodes of Family Guy, I decide it's time to sleep. I almost start speaking to Evelyn when I realize she fell asleep. I smile, feeling a warmth in my chest as I watch her sleep peacefully with her head on my chest. I slowly stand up with her in my arms, turning off the TV before heading towards the bedroom. I place Eve down on the bed, pulling the covers over her before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead and checking on my daughter. Once I make sure she's sleeping as well, I go back to the bedroom and going to sleep as well. I wrap my arms around Evelyn, pulling her closer to me. She places her head in the crook of my neck as she continues to sleep.