Page 110 of Anteros' Return

He took my hand and led me outside to the waiting car, which we didn’t need since it was only a short walk.

“Don’t protest tonight, please. I knew the second we got down this hill you’d say your heels are already hurting your feet. So, please, love of my life, in you get.” He held open the door as I slid into the backseat with him entering straight behind me.

“We’re ready to go, thanks.” Beckett nodded to the driver as he focused his attention on me, his hand resting on my bare thigh. Leaning into me, I felt the warmth of his breath against my ear as his voice was nothing but a hushed whisper. “I can’t wait to get you home tonight.”

Fuck…

Beckett and I pulled up to the scene of my bakery's grand opening. The entrance was adorned with a plush, white carpet that stretched invitingly towards the door, lined with bouquets of fresh flowers whose fragrances mingled with the crisp evening air.

I stepped out of the car, accepting Beckett’s waiting hand, taking a moment to breathe it all in, the sight of the elegantly dressed guests milling about and the gentle hum of anticipation in the air.

Beckett offered his arm with a charming smile as he stopped at the end of the carpet, ushering me down in front of the cameras alone at first.

“Beck, what are you doing?” I asked, feeling overwhelmed.

“This moment is about you, Em, and only you. This is your time to shine, not mine.” He smiled, wanting me to have my moment alone first. “I’ll join you in a minute, I promise.”

I nodded and I walked towards where the cameras were, the flashes dazzling me, but in a way, I didn’t mind. I smiled and posed as they asked before reaching out for Beckett, who shook his head with a smile.

He joined me by my side as we looked at one another lovingly, the cameras continuing to flash as a couple of football questions poured in.

“Beckett, what’s going on with Sevilla Sols? Are you signing for Bluehaven United?” one journalist shouted towards him.

“Tonight isn’t about me or my career. It’s about Emily, so I have no comment on that matter.” He spoke firmly, and I felt so proud at that moment. He offered a tight-lipped smile before pulling me away towards the bakery.

“You’re good at that.” I glanced back at the journalists who he shut down.

“I guess I’ve had plenty of practice.”

We stepped inside the bakery, seeing the shelves lined with the creations I had poured my heart into for tonight as everyone cheered the second we entered.

This was it.

The culmination of dreams and countless hours of work. A sense of pride and joy bubbled up within me, and I squeezed Beckett's arm, sharing a private smile with him.

“Thank you for coming home to me.” I glanced up at him, capturing his attention for a moment.

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

“I would have waited forever,” I murmured.

And that was the truth, I would have.

“Mum, I’ve got my money ready!” Liam held up a five-pound note in his hand.

“What’s that for?” I asked, genuinely confused as to why he needed money in here.

“Well, I told Dad I wanted to be your first customer, so can I be?” He asked, wearing a proud smile.

“Oh, Liam, I don’t know what I did to deserve a son like you,” I said, kissing his cheek.

“I know, I’m one of a kind,” he playfully joked, obviously learning from Beckett.

“That you are. Now, let me guess, you want one of those funfetti cupcakes that I haven’t yet brought out to the case.”

“You know me too well, Mum. Come on, Dad. Let’s go with her.” They exchanged a glance as we made our way into the back.

Liam closed the door to the kitchen as I disappeared for a moment to grab the exact cupcakes Liam wanted to buy.

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