Page 67 of Anteros' Return

“The room is all yours. I’ll be with Kayla after my shower, but I can come back and get Liam ready?” I suggested.

“I’ve got it. I’ll make sure he’s ready and where he needs to be. You have some time for yourself and Kayla. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

“Thank you.” I paused at the bathroom door. “I’ll see you after the ceremony.”

Closing the door behind me, I couldn’t help but smile a little.

Once I showered, I found the room empty—but it still felt like he was everywhere. His scent lingered in the warm air, subtle and unmistakable, like a trace of something too familiar to forget. It clung to the steam, to the sheets, to the space he'd just left behind—bright with Calabrian bergamot, sharp and citrusy, like the first cut of sun through morning mist. Beneath it, the crackle of fresh pepper gave it an edge, clean but wild.

There was a rawness to it—earthy, magnetic, undeniably him. I closed my eyes and breathed it in, letting it curl around me the way he used to, the scent both comfort and ache. He hadn’t changed it. Not in all this time. It was one I loved then, and still do.

It was the same one he kept repurchasing after I got it for him one Christmas.

After standing there for a moment longer, I made my way back to Kayla’s suite where we finished getting ready for the ceremony.

“Did you know?” I questioned her.

“Know what?” She looked surprised, but then again she was a pretty good actress.

“That there were no rooms available and that Beckett would be sharing with me?” I arched my brow as her poker face never faltered.

“Nope, still have no clue what you’re going on about.” Her lips formed into a pout. “But sharing a room… It must be getting serious?”

“No, no, it’s anything but serious.” I relaxed into the chair with an eye roll. “Now, I’m not discussing this anymore. My best friend is getting married!” I clapped my hands together in delight as Kayla beamed with excitement.

As I entered the reception hall, my eyes fell on Beckett as he was already at the bar buying Liam and Ashton soft drinks. I stood there for a moment, admiring the man who was the father of my child and who was once the love of my life… Who was I kidding? He always would be. It was just different now.

As if he knew I was watching, he glanced over his shoulder before turning back to the bartender and exchanging a couple more words. I began to wander towards them when I was stopped by Kayla’s mum.

“The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.” I exhaled happily as she kissed my cheek.

“It truly was. They’re made for one another.” She sipped her champagne before continuing. “Just as you and that man over there are.”

“Beckett and me?” My face must have spoken a thousand words as she chuckled around her glass.

“Of course, you and Beckett.” She ushered me closer to her. “You mustn’t have seen how he was admiring you during the ceremony. He never looked anywhere else, or at anyone else, for that matter.”

I couldn’t help but blush at her words. I knew the pair of us still had feelings for one another. And not simple, weak feelings, butburn the world down for one another feelings.

“I don’t know the ins and outs. That’s none of my business. I don’t know how much he hurt you, but I do know that judging by the way he looks at you, he’d do whatever it takes to be with you again.” She rubbed my bare arm with her cool hand.

“Thank you, Rachel.” I stole a quick glance at Beckett who was joking and dancing with Liam as Ashton joined in. “I guess we’ll see how it goes.”

“You do that.” She teased the fascinator that sat pretty on her head. “I’ll save this for yours too.”

Without letting me speak another word or protest her last statement, she made her way to where her husband was enjoying a beer with Kayla’s brother.

“Mum!” Liam appeared behind me, catching my attention as he pulled at my arm. “Beckett got you a drink too. Are you coming?”

“Lead the way.” He clutched my hand as he walked me over to where Beckett was waiting, looking incredible in his three-piece navy suit. I hadn’t seen him look that good since his school leavers party. A party where we danced until our feet couldn’t take anymore and laughed so hard our cheeks hurt. “Beckett, doesn’t my mum look pretty?” Liam interrupted my thoughts.

“Yeah, doesn’t Em look pretty?” Ashton joined in as both kids exchanged a cheeky look with each other.

“Don’t you two have somewhere to be?” Beckett asked, arching his brow.

“Nope,” Liam replied, popping his p.

“Are you sure?” Beckett tapped his index finger on his lips. “The word ‘photos’ is springing to mind.”

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