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nickysurfer28 · 1 month ago

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Stepping Up | Part 3

Summary: You get stuck at work and have to call in your boyfriend of over a year to pick up your daughter from school. Bradley is more than happy to help out, but when he arrives to pick up your daughter, he’s met with a sad version of his favorite Little Bee. Time for an Ice Cream date and Roo to the rescue.

Word Count: 6646

FINAL PART

Warnings: FLUFF, slight angst (Sad Little Bee), Mentions of dead beat dad (not Bradley or any TGM characters). Illusions to SMUT- MINORS DNI

Pairings: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Female! Single Mom! Reader, OC Briella (Reader’s daughter)

A/N: I don’t own Top Gun Maverick characters or plot but all OC readers and plots are mine DO NOT STEAL. I Don’t give permission to repost to other sites, copy, translate, or use in AI. JUST DON’T BE A JERK and MINORS DNI…my blog is 18+.

Masterlist Part 2

By the time the weekend came around again, the squad had helped Bradley get everything ready for the perfect proposal. Brielle was full of excited energy by the end of the week. Over the course of the week, Bradley had started to bring more and more of his clothing, and had stayed at the house more than his apartment. He had stopped at the apartment after work each day and grabbed more of his things and brought them over, slowly moving in.

“Roo…when will you live here forever?” Briella asked as they were eating pizza and sitting on the couch Friday night.

“Very soon, Little Bee.” He promised her, smiling, “I’ve got most of my clothes here already, so I can stay most nights if you want.”

“ALL nights, please.” She beamed, giving him the sweetest smile, melting his heart.

“Ok, Little Bee.” He chuckled, “All nights it is.” He was unable to tell her ‘no’ at this point, especially when she was asking for him to stay and be where he already wanted to be.

“You’re in so much trouble, Handsome.” You laughed, coming over to sit down next to him on the couch. “A certain little girl has you so wrapped around her finger.”

“Just like her Momma.” He smiled, leaning over to kiss you. “But this is right where I want to be… with both of my girls.”

“I love you Bradley.” Briella said, moving over to hug him, looking up at him, smiling brightly.

“I love you too, Little Bee.” He replied, hugging her back and dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

Later that night when it was time for bed, Briella requested that Bradley tuck her in and read her a bedtime story. You picked up the living room and put the dishes in the dishwasher then sat on the couch, scrolling through your phone while you waited for him to come back downstairs.

A text came through from Nat while you were on Pinterest looking at ideas for how to do Briella’s hair for the dance.

Nat: Hey! I’m long overdue for a pamper session. Manis and pedis and brunch on Sunday? Princess Bee can come too, we’ll have a girl’s day!

You: Let me check with Bradley so make sure he didn’t plan anything, but sounds amazing! 😃 💅

Nat: Perfect! Don’t forget to send pictures tomorrow! We all wanna see “Daddy” Rooster and Princess Bee!

You: I absolutely will. I honestly don’t know which one is more excited for the dance!

“She’s finally all settled in… after two books and a bedtime song.” Bradley said, chuckling as he came into the living room and sat down next to you, pulling you into his side. “And the promise of chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.”

You can’t help but laugh as you lean into him, “Baby, you really need to work on your negotiation skills.”

“You might be right.” He agreed, laughing, “But she gives me those big Bambi eyes and I’m a goner.”

“Amateur.” You teased, looking up at him. The love that shines through in his eyes when he’s talking about your daughter just solidifies the fact even more that you’d truly found the one you were meant to spend your life with. You’d found the man who was meant to be Briella’s real dad. “But you’re doing an incredible job, Bradley. We’re so lucky to have you… and I’m with Bumblebee… I also want you here ‘all nights’.”

“Beautiful, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than here with you and Little Bee.” He replied, pulling you closer, “I can promise you that. My stuff at the apartment is pretty much all packed and the squad said they’re ready to help move it over whenever.”

“How does Sunday sound?” You asked him, turning your body into him on the couch. He pulled you into his lap, making you laugh as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Hmm, I think Nat had mentioned wanting to call you about a girl’s pamper session.” He replied, nuzzling his nose in the crook of your neck. “Could probably grab the rest of the squadron and pull something together while you girls are out…”

“I don’t want you to have to do all the work, Handsome.” You replied, running your fingers up into the longer hair towards the top of his head. “Nat texted while you were putting Bumblebee to bed. Manis and pedis won’t take all day, we can move you after.”

“Beautiful, it’s fine.” He assured you, smiling “The squad and I’ve got it. Leave it all to us… unless you don’t trust us?” He smirked at you.

“I absolutely trust you, Goofball.” You replied, rolling your eyes playfully. “I simply felt bad leaving you to all of the work… but have at it, Big Guy… it’s officially your home too.”

“That sounds so amazing, Beautiful.” He smiled, “Having a home with you and Little Bee. The two of you being my home.”

“Bumblebee and I love it too.” You replied, leaning in to rest your head against his forehead, a soft smile on your lips.

Bradley smiled, bringing his hands up to cup your face and leaning in to kiss you. His lips brushed yours before connecting completely, his tongue snaking out to lick over the seam of your lips. You opened to him, the kiss deepening, his tongue pushing into your mouth to tangle with yours. You moaned softly against his lips, your arms tightening around him.

“Mmm…. Handsome?” You whispered, when you broke apart to breathe, “I think it’s time for us to go to bed…”

“Yeah?” He asked, a slight smirk on his lips, his voice husky, “Feeling sleepy, Beautiful?”

“Who said anything about sleep?” You asked, leaning forward and tipping your head to kiss and nip at the sensitive spot behind his ear that you know gets him going.

Without another word, he stands, keeping you in his arms, and heading straight for the stairs and up to your now shared bedroom, fighting to keep from taking you against the wall in the hallway. You giggle lightly, teasing him as he moves, nipping at his neck, and earlobe and then kissing the sting away. Once in the bedroom, Bradley tossed you on the bed and followed you down, pinning you to the bed.

“I hope you don’t mind being tired tomorrow, Beautiful.” He husked, “You won’t be sleeping for a while.”

***

The next morning, Bradley let you sleep in and got up with Briella to make her the promised chocolate chip pancakes. She was already bounding with energy and excited for the dance later that evening. Her excitement was infectious and Bradley felt like he was floating on cloud nine. He was also excited for what he knew was coming the next day. He needed to send a text to the group chat once he got Briella settled with her pancakes to make sure everything was set.

“Hey, Little Bee,” He said, turning to her and smiling warmly, “Your mom and I made some plans last night…”

“What kinda plans?” She asked, looking up at him curiously, a big smile on her face. “Are we going to Disneyland?”

“Umm… better?” He replied, chuckling, “Ok… maybe not… I’ll run that one by her and see what I can do.”

“What’s better than Disneyland?” She asked, confused.

“I’m moving in completely tomorrow.” Bradley replied, plating her pancakes and turning to smile down at her, “Does that rate at least as good as Disneyland?”

“REALLY?” She exclaimed, “You’re really truly moving in forever?”

“Really truly.” He said, laughing when she launched herself into him, her arms hugging him tightly. He hugged her back, “You’re going to have a girl’s day with your Mama and Nat while the rest of the squad comes to help me move my stuff in.”

“I can stay and help!” She offered, “I’m strong!”

“I know you are, Little Bee.” He agreed, smiling, “Can you keep a secret?”

“Yes!” She said eagerly. “I pinky promise!”

Bradley laughed and crouched down by her. “While you are with Mama and Nat tomorrow, the guys and I are gonna move my stuff here then we’re going to set up a super special surprise.”

“What is it?” She asked, her voice full of excitement.

“I can’t tell you that.” He laughed, “It’s a surprise. But it’s a really good one, Little Bee. I think you’re going to absolutely love it.”

“This is the best weekend ever!” She exclaimed, hugging him again. He chuckled, hugging her back before standing up and getting her settled at the table with her pancakes and some milk.

He cleaned up the kitchen, putting some pancakes into the microwave to keep them warm for you when you woke up and started the coffee maker. While the coffee brewed, he sat down at the table and sent a text to the group.

Dagger Chat:

Rooster: We still good for tomorrow? Nat is taking the girls for a girl’s day…

Phoenix: Yes! I have the best job in this setup. I get to spend the day with Princess Bee and Y/N!

Bob: All set! Signs are all made. Just need to set up. What time?

Hangman: Nix just said we’re doing some moving first? Want us all at your place in the morning?

Rooster: Whenever the girls head out for their spa and brunch– Nat the tab is on me. Thanks for doing this!

Fanboy: Where’s our spa day??

Hangman: Pizza and beer is on Rooster afterwards… call it an impromptu engagement party/housewarming.

Coyote: I’m in! (I was in before pizza and beer was on offer, I just got these texts.)

Hangman: Sure you were, Javy… 😂

Phoenix: I’m getting the girls at 9 to go get manis and pedis then brunch after. I’ll text when we’re on our way to the pier.

Rooster: I owe you all… beyond just the pizza and beer… or the spa and brunch Nix…. thank you.

Hangman: That’s what family is for. I expect pictures of Princess Bee before the dance… and Bradshaw.. NO

HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

Phoenix: It’s not as if he has access to nice dress uniforms or anything… 🙄… but seriously… what Jake

said…. None of those gaudy shirts.

Rooster: Feeling attacked here…

Bob: I kinda like the Hawaiian shirts… just… maybe not for the dance.

Rooster: Thanks, Bob. Just so you all now, I was already planning on wearing my dress uniform.

Phoenix: One can never assume with you… But like Jake said, we ALL expect pictures! Our niece has a very

Important night and we want to see!

Rooster: Will do. See you all tomorrow. Thank you again.

Payback: You silence your phone for a little bit and the group chat blows up….. Damn. Rooster… I’ll be there.

And I agree with the consensus… no florals.

Rooster: Wow… Little Bee loves my Hawaiian shirts… so that’s all that matters.

Coyote: Fashion advice from a 6 year old… a very cool 6 year old…. But…..

Rooster: I’m ignoring you all now and going to spend time with my girls. See you tomorrow. 😝

By the time the afternoon rolled around, Briella was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. When you told her it was time to start getting ready she leaped off the chair where she’d been sitting, coloring pictures with Bradley and ran to her room. You laughed, following her. Bradley cleaned up the coloring supplies then made his way upstairs to shower and get ready as well.

Briella decided she wanted her hair curly with a braided crown. It was an easy enough style, and her hair had a natural wave to it, so getting it to curl was easy. Once her hair was done, you helped her into her dress.

“Can you make sure my bow is perfect in the back, Mommy?” She asked.

“I will absolutely make sure it’s perfect, Bumblebee.” You said, smiling softly. “You look absolutely like a princess.”

“Do you think Roo will think so?” She asked, looking at you through the mirror.

“Oh, Baby Girl, he’s going to be blown away by how absolutely beautiful and princess-like you look.” You promised.

She smiled happily, her eyes sparkling. You finished perfecting the bow at the back of her dress.

“Ok… twirl.” You said, smiling at her, “Gotta give it the princess test.”

She twirled, the skirt of the dress billowed out around her perfectly, causing her to giggle in delight.

“It’s perfect, Mommy!” She declared, looking in the mirror again. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, Bumblebee.” You replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead, “Are you ready to go see Bradley and if he’s ready?”

“Yes!” She exclaimed, bouncing from the room. You followed her out of the room and to the stairs. As you walked with her down the steps, Bradley slowly came into view. Your breath caught in your throat at the sight of him standing next to the couch, a soft smile on his face. He was wearing his dress whites and looked like he stepped straight from a fairytale as the prince, waiting for the princess.

“Wow… Little Bee…” He said, his voice thick with emotion, “Sweetheart… You look so beautiful. So grown up… just like a princess.” He crouched down to her level and pulled her into a hug. “I’m the luckiest guy at this dance…I’ll be with the best girl there.”

“Roo, I love your uniform.” Brielle said, hugging him back, then looked up at him, her eyes full of love and adoration, “Thank you for taking me tonight.”

“Oh, Little Bee, the honor is all mine, Princess.” He replied, his voice dropping.

You stood, watching the two people you loved most in the world have their moment, while you fought back tears. You pulled your phone out and took a few pictures of them while they were engrossed in their moment, before Bradley looked up at you and winked, giving you a heartstopping smile.

“Hey, Beautiful.” He said, standing up, keeping his eyes on you.

“Hey there, Handsome.” You replied smiling, your voice soft, reverent. “Looks like Bumblebee will be getting a real fairytale prince to take her to the dance tonight.”

He laughed, stepping over to you and leaning down to kiss you.

“I had to step up my game to be worthy of escorting such a beautiful Princess to the dance.” He replied, smiling.

“I really like the uniform…” You said, giving him a flirty smile.

“You do, huh?” He asked, with a little smirk, “Do you like these better than the service khakis? Or the flight suit?”

“I’m starting to think I just like you in any uniform, Handsome.” You replied, leaning in to kiss him.

“Duly noted.” He chuckled.

“Let me get some pictures of my two favorite people together.” You said, directing them to the front porch.

You took several pictures, your heart melting more and more with each shot you took. You would definitely be sending several to get printed to frame and hang on the wall.

With pictures taken, Bradley and Briella headed off to the dance. You sent pictures of them to Nat, before taking advantage of the alone time and headed upstairs to take a long, relaxing bubble bath. It wasn’t often you allowed yourself the luxury of just soaking in a bath. You always felt like you needed to be doing other things with the time.

After the bath you sat on the couch, curled up in your pajamas and started a movie, opting for a RomCom. The credits were just starting to roll when Bradley walked through the front door with a passed out Briella in his arms.

“She danced herself out.” He said with a big smile, “Fell asleep as soon as she got buckled in.”

“Looks like you two had fun.” You replied, smiling up at him. You stood up and walked over to him, leaning up on tip-toes to kiss him. “I’ll help get her all tucked in. Then I’ll get you all tucked in…”

“Beautiful, I think that is an amazing plan.” He answered, "Following you to the stairs, a big grin on his face.”

****

The next morning Nat picked you and a very excited Briella up for your girl’s day. Before you left, Briella ran back up the front steps and threw her arms around Bradley.

“I love you, Bradley!” She said, squeezing him. “I’m so excited you’re staying forever.”

“I love you too, Little Bee.” He replied, hugging her tightly to him, his voice slightly horse with emotion, “I’m really happy you and your Momma will be my home.”

She turned her head and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her and kissed her forehead before setting her down again. She bounded down the front steps to the car where you and Nat were waiting on her watching the scene unfold with teary smiles (even Nat).

Bradley watched you all drive off then sent a text to the group chat letting them know the coast was clear. They’d all been waiting at his apartment with his stuff in their vehicles for the all clear and would be on their way over.

He always assumed that when he got ready to move in and propose to someone he’d be nervous as hell leading up to it, but today, Bradley was calm and sure. He was excited to get to the pier later, to finally be able to ask you to be his wife and to ask his Little Bee if he could be her daddy. The necklace from Etsy had arrived and was perfect. He couldn’t wait to give it to Briella later that day.

Bradley went inside and started making room for some of the boxes to be brought in. Most of his stuff would just go into the garage to be sorted later. You’d insisted he bring in any pictures he had from growing up that had been saved, anything he had of his parents, and other decor to blend the two of your lives together. Most of his clothing was already here but the rest would be put away too. His weights and gym stuff was going into the garage where he would set up a small workout area eventually.

Jake pulled up in his truck, backing in. He and Javy jumped out and started to unload boxes, bringing them up the steps. Bradley told them where to set them then went out to grab some boxes himself. Bob, Fanboy and Payback all pulled up in two more vehicles, jumping out to start hauling stuff in.

“All that’s left really is the gym stuff and furniture. We can get that with Jake’s truck next load.” Payback said.

“Thanks guys… really.” Bradley said, smiling at his friends. “I could not do any of this without you.”

“It’s what family does, Man.” Jake shrugged, “We show up. Now stop lollygagging and let’s get you moved in. We also have a kickass proposal to pull off today!”

“Yes, we do.” He agreed, laughing.

Between them all they made quick work of unloading. The unpacking and getting things settled was more of a challenge.

“Maybe we should have had Y/N here for this…” Fanboy said, pulling out some framed pictures from a box. “How do any of us know where to put things?”

“How hard can it be?” Jake asked, “Look at how she has it set up… then find stuff of Rooster’s that matches… ok I see the problem.”

“Hey!” Bradley said, in mock offense. “I have great taste in decor.”

“Bradley… we’re looking at your taste as we unpack your stuff…” Payback chuckled, “No offense, but I think it’s a good idea to let Y/N take the lead on decorating… always.”

“Rude.” He replied.

“Ok, ok.” Bob jumped in, saving him, “The pictures are easy…we just fit them in with the pictures of Y/n and Princess Bee. Then the rest… we can piece it in or keep it in a box and you ask Y/N to help place them when she’s home.”

“That’s a good idea… let’s go with that.” Bradley agreed.

“Well, while y’all do that, Javy and I will go grab the gym equipment and furniture from your apartment.” Jake said.

“Need another vehicle to transport it with?” Payback asked, “Fanboy and I can come and help.”

“How much of the furniture is coming and what’s staying?” Jake asked Bradley.

“It all has to be out of the apartment when I turn the keys in.” He replied, “But some will go into storage until we figure out what to do with it…”

“Ok, yeah…” Jake chuckled, “We’ll probably need another vehicle… and a few trips.”

“How about a trailer?” Fanboy asked

“I mean if we had one…” Jake said, “That would obviously be the ideal solution.”

Fanboy moves to the front door and opens it revealing Mav standing next to a truck with a trailer attached.

“Figured you might need some help…” He said, walking up the front path.

“Mav… thank you.” Bradley said, a stunned smile on his face.

“Of course, Kid.” He said, smiling.

“Alright, now we’re gonna get somewhere.” Jake said. “Mav… follow us over to Bradley’s apartment and we’ll be able to load it all up at once.”

“Sounds good.” Mav replied with a smile.

They all headed out to grab the last of the stuff while Bradley and Bob continued to unpack what had already been brought over. Bob takes charge of getting the pictures put out and unpacking those boxes while Bradley finds room on some shelves to place some of the memorabilia he’d collected over the years from various places and some of the awards he’d received. They’d just finished when the others returned with the furniture and gym equipment. Bradley and Bob moved outside to help them unload and move it all to the garage. They set up the gym equipment on one side of the garage and were about to grab the furniture from the trailer when Mav stopped them.

“I have room at the hangar to store this for you so you’re not using up the whole garage…or paying for storage.” He offered, looking at Bradley.

“Are you sure?” Bradley asked, not wanting to take advantage of their newly repaired relationship.

“Wouldn’t have offered otherwise.” Mav chuckled at his godson. “No sense paying for storage when there’s plenty of space out at the hangar.”

“Thanks, Mav.” Bradley said, smiling.

“No problem.” He replied, “I can take it out there for you now. Was planning on working on my plane today anyway.”

“Or… you could stay and go to the pier later and be there when I propose to Y/N…” Bradley suggested.

“I would love to.” Mav said with a soft smile. “What time are you planning to go over there?”

“The girls are getting manis and pedis right now and then brunch.” Bradley replied, “Once we finish here, we’re gonna get cleaned up and then head over to set up. Nat will text when they’re on their way.”

“Ok. I’ll run the trailer to the hangar and drop it off and then meet you back at the pier.” Mav said. “Do you need me to help with anything?”

“You’ve already helped with so much… just having you there will be great.” Bradley replied, smiling.

“Alright, I’ll be there.” Mav promised with a chuckle.

“Do you need help unloading the furniture, Mav?” Payback asked, “We’re happy to come out and help unload.”

“Sure. I could use some help.” He answered, “You can follow me out.”

“Gotcha.” Payback replied, smiling. “Rooster, we’ll be at the pier, Man. You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” He replied, “Thank you all… seriously. For everything.”

“Bradshaw, stop thanking us.” Javy laughed, “Seriously. We’re family.”

“He’ll get it eventually,” Jake said, giving Bradley an amused smile and clapping him on the shoulder, “In the meantime, we’re going to start getting things set up at the pier. You get yourself cleaned up and presentable… I’d say no Hawaiian shirts, but… Princess Bee seems to like them so… I’ll leave it up to you. Meet us down at the pier when you’re done and then we’ll get an ETA from the girls.”

“Ok, Th…” He started but was interrupted by a look from Jake so he shook his head and chuckled, “Sounds good. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”

“Perfect.” Jake said, “Javy, Bob, let’s go start setting the stage.”

The squad all headed out to tackle their tasks while Bradley ran upstairs to grab a quick shower and change. Remembering his conversation with you from last night, he stood in the closet and looked over his options and smiled before pulling out his dress blues and starting to get dressed. Once he’s dressed, he slips the ring and Little Bee’s necklace into his pocket and grabs his wallet. He texts the group to let them know he’s on his way to the pier.

The parking lot was surprisingly not busy for a Sunday. Bradley was able to find a parking spot easily. Pulling in, he parked the Bronco and hopped out, and took a deep breath before he started to walk toward the pier. Jake, Javy and Bob were already there and had all of the signs out and in order. Once everyone else arrived they’d each be holding a sign with Bradley at the end ready to do his part and propose… and become Little Bee’s Daddy, officially.. He hoped.

“Bradshaw… lookin’ good!” Jake called as he walked up to them. “Glad you went with something appropriate to the occasion.”

“My girl informed me last night when I was in uniform to take Little Bee to the dance how much she loves me in uniform…” Bradley smirked, “I’m hedging my bets here.”

“Man, she’s not saying ‘No’.” Javy laughed, “Y’all are so sickeningly in love. I mean it’s adorable and all… but for real… I’m sending you my dental bills.”

“Fair enough.” Bradley laughed.

They got a text in the group chat from Nat. Bradley pulled his phone from his pocket to check.

Dagger Chat

Nat: We’re almost done with brunch. Are y’all set?

Bradley: At the pier. 😅

Fanboy: On our way back from the hangar! Stopping to change quickly… minor mishap.

Nat: Hangar? Thought you were helping with moving?

Bradley: They are… Mav brought a trailer and offered to store furniture at the hangar. Fanboy and Payback went with, to unload the furniture… but… mishap?

Payback: He tripped and landed in some oil 😂

Coyote: Wow…

Nat: Ok… well…. Hurry?

Fanboy: Copy.

“Looks like it’s almost show time.” Jake said, smiling at Bradley. “You ready?”

“Yes.” Bradley said confidently, “I’ve been ready.”

They walked down to the end of the pier. Bob handed Bradley the two signs he’d need. Bradley felt like his heart would explode from the love he had for his two girls. There had never been anything he wanted more than this… he could get grounded right now…never fly again… and he’d still be the happiest man alive as long as he had you and Little Bee.

“Mav’s here.” Jake said, looking down the pier. “He stopped for Penny.”

“How did he make it back so fast?” Javy asked, “Does the man do everything at Mach speed?”

“Yes.” Bradley laughed. “Except, make things permanent with Penny… he does that at a snail's pace”

“Maybe this will light a fire under his ass.” Jake smirked.

“One can hope.” Bradley replied, smiling as she watched his godfather approach with Penny.

As soon as Mav and Penny reached the group, Nat sent a message to the group chat that they were going to be heading this way. Payback and Fanboy finally arrived and everyone went over the plan again to make sure they all knew where to stand. Mav and Penny offered to take pictures and film. Bradley made his way to the end of the pier again, standing by the same bench that he’d had an ice cream date with Little Bee on the week before. The others stood at even intervals down the pier with their signs ready and waiting.

Jake stood close to Bradley before moving into his spot, looking at the older man he smiled, put his hand on Bradley’s shoulder and said, “Breathe, Bradshaw… you’ve got this.”

“Is it weird that I’m not nervous?” Bradley asked, smiling “I always assumed I would be… but… I’m just excited.”

“Not weird at all.” Jake assured him, “Y/N and Princess Bee are already your family, Man… this is all just a formality. We all knew within a few hours of meeting her, that she’d be the one you married.”

“Someone tell Nat to drive faster… but be careful, she has precious cargo.” Bradley said, smiling.

******

Your POV

You felt fully pampered by the time you left the nail salon. Nat had insisted you and Briella get manicures and pedicures with her, saying she rarely got to do this kind of thing. You’d opted for simple French tip nails. They looked elegant and pretty, but weren’t overly flashy. Brielle had picked out a light pink polish and then the nail tech had painted a tiny bumblebee on some of her nails with tiny daisies on the other nails. Needless to say, she’d been ecstatic…especially when they’d done her toes to match. You’d gone with a light pink on your toes, opting for some color. Nat went with bright red on her toes and kept her fingernails neutral with French Tips as well.

After the salon you’d all headed to brunch. You resisted the urge to text Bradley to see how things were going, not wanting to make him think you didn’t trust him to move his stuff in… or to make Nat think you weren’t grateful for a girl’s day. The truth was, you just genuinely liked checking in with Bradley throughout the day. It had become your new normal over the several months. You knew the first time he had to deploy would be rough… for both you and Briella.

“What do you say we swing by the pier and get some ice cream, Princess Bee?” Nat asked Briella, looking at her from the rearview mirror at a stop light. “Jake texted the group chat and they’re taking a break.”

“Yes! Will Roo be there too?” She asked, excitedly, already practically bouncing in her seat.

“He absolutely will.” She replied, winking at the little girl. Looking over at you, she added, “Don’t worry, Mav ended up showing up to help with the move so I’m sure they got it all done.”

“I don’t know if that’s reassuring or not.” You laughed, “Doesn’t Mav also need adult supervision sometimes?”

“Occasionally.” Nat laughed, “Mostly when in the cockpit though.”

They arrived at the pier and found parking. You helped Briella out of her seat and held her hand as the two of you made your way to the start of the pier.

Getting closer, you see the squad all staggered, rather than being in a group. You look at Nat, confusion on your face.

“What are they doing?” You asked her, amusement in your voice.

“It appears they’re holding signs… I think you should get a closer look.” She replied, a soft smile lighting up her face.

Your heart started to race as you approached Fanboy, who held the first sign. Briella was still holding your hand, which helped to keep you grounded.

“Mommy, read it!” Briella said, excitedly looking between the sign and you. Fanboy smiled brightly at you as you read the sign aloud.

“It says, ‘Step 1: Meet the girl of my dreams.’” You said, your voice surprisingly steady, despite the emotions taking over. Butterflies were erupting in your belly.

“Let’s see what Payback’s says!” Briella said, pulling you further down the pier. You saw Mav and Penny both filming and taking pictures, as was Nat now.

Getting to where Payback was standing you saw his sign and laughed softly, moisture starting to gather in your eyes.

“Step 2: Ask her out on a date.” You read aloud. Payback smiled, winking at Briella, making her giggle.

Briella pulled you down the pier to Javy who stood with the next sign.

“Step 3: Take her on a date… and don’t screw it up.” You laughed as you read it, remembering how nervous Bradley had been.

“Bob has the next one, Mommy!” Briella said, pulling you down further towards where Bob was standing with a big grin on his face.

“Step 4: Fall head over heels in love with her.” You read, having to reach up to wipe away a tear. You smiled at Bob who had tears in his own eyes.

“Jakey is next!” Briella exclaimed. She’d formed a special bond with Jake. She was close to all of the squad, but especially close with Jake and Nat.

When you approached, Jake looked at you, clearly fighting tears of his own and he smiled at you and at Briella.

“Hey, Sweets. Princess Bee.” He said.

“Hi Jakey!” Briella said cheerfully, a big smile on her face, “Mommy, read Jakey’s sign!”

“Step 5: Fall in love with her beautiful Little Bumblebee.” You read, almost choking on the emotions now welling up. Your heart was about to burst from your chest.

“That’s me!” Briella said, her smile bright enough to light up the entire city of San Diego.

“That absolutely is you, Princess Bee.” Jake said, reaching up to wipe his eyes.

“Mommy! It’s Roo!” Briella said, pointing further down.

Looking up, your breath stalls in your chest. Standing at the end of the pier, in his dress blue uniform is Bradley. He’s got a soft smile on his face as he watches you and Briella. He’s holding another sign.

“Come on, Mommy!” Briella said, tugging you towards where he stood, excited to reach her favorite person.

The rest of the squad was following now as you walked towards Bradley.

Once you stood before him you felt your heart finally fully burst. More tears welled as you smiled up at him.

“Hi, Beautiful.” He said, his voice raspy with emotion.

“Hi, Handsome.” You replied, your own voice wavering from the unshed tears.

“What does Roo’s sign say, Mommy?” Briella asked

“Final Step: Marry the girl of my dreams.” Your voice almost gave out as you read it.

Bradley smiled softly at you before dropping down to one knee. He set the sign down and pulled a ring box from his pocket and opened it.

“Beautiful, I love you more than anything in this world. You and Little Bee.. you are my world. You’re my family. I knew right away when I met you that you were the one that I wanted to spend forever with.” He said, his voice raspy but steady. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” You whispered past the lump in your throat, tears now spilling over as you smile down at him. He reaches for your hand and slips the ring onto your finger before standing up and pulling you into his arms, your own sliding around him. His lips find yours, kissing you softly, conveying without words the love and happiness he was feeling.

Everyone erupted into cheers, causing you to pull apart laughing.

“There’s actually one more step.” Bradley said, kissing you one more time before pulling back. He smiled softly at you and then looked at Briella. He reached over to the bench for another sign and bent down on one knee again, this time in front of Briella.

You watched as he held up the sign, looking up at you and smiling before looking at Briella.

“This one says, ‘Real Final Step: Become a Daddy.’” Bradley said, his eyes on Briella, who looked at the sign. You’d given up on keeping the tears controlled and just let the fall at this point. The little bumblebee under the writing of the sign did you in. Bradley reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it, he pulled a necklace out.

“It’s a Bumblebee.” Briella said, her voice soft, her eyes wide as she looked at Bradley. You could see the hope in her eyes.

“It is.” Bradley said, smiling. “It has a charm on it too… it says, ‘Daddy’s Little Bee’.... Briella… My sweet Little Bee… Can I be your Daddy?”

“Yes!” She exclaimed and threw herself into his arms, her own wrapping tightly around his neck. He scooped her up, standing and holding her just as tightly. You stepped closer, wrapping your arms around both of them, and Bradley pulled you in, the three of you embracing as the family that you already were. There wasn’t a dry eye left on the pier.

“I love you, Daddy.” Briella said, her voice soft and tentative as if she was afraid to say it and burst the dream.

“I love you so much Little Bee.” Bradley replied, choked up.

“Congratulations, Bradshaw family.” Nat said, smiling through her own tears as she looked at her best friend and his family.

“Thanks, Nat.” Bradley said, smiling back at her, “Thank you all for helping me set this up.”

“He’s hopeless.” Javy said, “Bradshaw… stop thanking us!”

“Sorry. Force of habit.” He laughed.

“Shall we go celebrate?” Penny asked, “I can have food delivered to The Hard Deck.”

“I think that’s a fabulous idea.” Mav agreed, “We should call Amelia… have her come down too.”

“Good thinking.” Penny agreed. “Alright everyone, let’s head to The Hard Deck.”

“What about ice cream?” Briella asked

“I did promise my girl ice cream.” Nat smiled, “Let’s go, Princess Bee. Uncle Jakey and I will get you ice cream on the way to The Hard Deck.”

“YES!” She exclaimed, “Best day ever!”

“One second, Little Bee.” Bradley said, smiling as he set her down. He undid the necklace and carefully secured it around her neck, making sure the clasp was tight. “There. Perfect.”

“Thank you, Daddy!” She replied, turning to smile and hug him.

“You’re welcome, Bee.” He answered, hugging her back. He was once more choked up at hearing her call him ‘Daddy’.

While everyone else walked ahead, Bradley hung back with you, holding your hand in his, walking along with you. You weren’t sure how the human heart could possibly hold this much happiness.

“You need to add one more sign.” You said, looking up at him as you walked, a soft smile playing on your lips.

“Yeah?” He asked, chuckling, “What’s that, Beautiful?”

“Real Real Final Step: Live Happily Ever After.” You answered.

He smiled brightly, putting his arm around you and pulling you close, dropping a kiss on the top of your head as the two of you continued down the pier.

THE END... (maybe?)

***

A/N: Thoughts?? Let me know!

***

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