Page 34 of Anteros' Return

“I can imagine,” I replied as I walked out into the entryway hall with him following. “Just message me when you’re good to do something with Liam.”

“How about I pick him up for training tomorrow? We’ll be walking but that’s alright, right?” He asked.

“I’m sure he’d like that.” Handing him his jacket, I continued. “When is your cast coming off?”

“Thankfully, next week, all being well.” He grinned at the thought.

“How about I give you a ride to the doctor, and then we can take Liam out somewhere? No pressure, just an idea.” I didn’t know if it was a good one, but it was worth a shot. “There’s a new miniature golf course that opened up not far from here. He’s been asking to go.”

“I’d love that. Although, Daniel is coming too since he wants to know how well I’ve healed for physio. We can ditch him after,” he teased, his smile lighting up the dimly lit corners of my heart.

“That works. I understand why he needs to come, and then afterwards it’ll just be something for you and Liam to enjoy.” My eyes met his for a second. “I don’t know how long you’re planning on staying, but it would be nice if you made the most of your time together.”

“Don’t think about how much time we have. Let’s just think about what’s happening now, which is me being exactly where I should be.”

Where he should be…

Did he mean with Liam? Or the both of us?

“See you tomorrow, Beckett.” I held the door open for him, seeing his dad’s car parked right outside.

“See ya, cup—” He stopped himself, and I didn’t know if it was disappointment that ran through me or something else, but he hadn’t called me that nickname since we were together. “Em.”

I waved hello at his dad, who returned the gesture as he watched his son make his way to the car.

“Bye, Beckett!” Liam shouted from beside me.

“Where did you come from?!” I jumped, a little startled.

“I’m sneaky, you should know that by now.” He cocked his head to the side, with an inquisitive look on his face. “Who is that?”

“Beckett’s Dad. He’s just picking him up.” I ruffled Liam’s hair as he slid his hand into mine.

“So, that makes him…”

“Makes him what?” I asked, wondering where he was going with this.

“Nothing, never-mind.” He smiled.

“Anyway, did you finish your homework?”

“I’m on it. I just wanted a drink.”

“Off you go then.” He hurried off to the kitchen as Beckett’s dad, Harold, watched him disappear.

I held my hand up to them and waved goodbye before closing the door behind me.

I already dreaded Beckett boarding that plane to Spain and couldn’t help but worry about what it would do to Liam.

Later that evening, I relaxed on the sofa with Kayla who had come over to have a look at her cake design.

“So, what do you think?”

“I absolutely adore it!” She clapped her hands together with delight as she stared down at the design. It was a three-tiered masterpiece, each layer seamlessly blending elegance with a touch of whimsy. The base tier was wrapped in smooth ivory fondant, detailed with delicate lace-like piping that mimicked Kayla’s gown. The second tier featured soft, hand-painted watercolour florals in blush, dusty rose, and sage, giving it a romantic, almost ethereal feel. Tiny edible pearls lined the edges like jewellery. “You’re a bloody genius!”

“I know,” I teased.

“So, how was today?” She asked, waiting for me to fill her in with everything that happened.

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