Page 68 of Anteros' Return

“Photos! We have to find my mum!” Ashton jumped up from his chair, practically pulling Liam towards the garden where Kayla and Johnathon were having their photos taken.

I took the Malibu and Pineapple cocktail he handed to me with a smile. “That’s one way to get out of answering that question.”

“Trust me, I wasn’t getting out of answering anything. In fact…” He took my free hand in his and pulled me closer to him.

“Beckett,” I protested, looking around in a slight panic.

He gently grabbed my face, capturing my attention once more. “Eyes on me, cupcake. I wouldn’t care if a whole football stadium was watching. I plan on having you this close, if not closer, to me for the rest of the day and evening.” He didn’t falter as he spoke. The confidence oozed from him just as it always did.

“And what about Liam? What’s he going to think about that?”

“I love how you worry about our son, but when it comes to this, just stop.” He inched his face closer to mine, and I was fully aware of how we had attracted attention to us. “Liam might be a kid, but trust me when I say, I’m pretty sure he can tell I have feelings for his mum.”

“Beckett.”

“All I ask is that you just enjoy a drink and the rest of the day with me. Can you do that?”

“Alright, I can do that.” I nodded, meeting his gaze.

“Good girl, and would you look at that…” I glanced down to where his eyes were fixed on our place cards. “You’re seated right beside me for dinner.”

“Yeah, would you look at that,” I said in jest, knowing even though it was Kayla’s wedding day that she’d never stop playing cupid.

24

Isank back into the plush, cushioned chair, my gaze fixed on Emily as she twirled and swayed on the dance floor with Liam. Strands of her long auburn hair cascaded down her bare back, shimmering under the soft lights. Her emerald green dress perfectly complemented her eyes. The material clung to her curves with effortless grace, accentuating every step as she danced. She was a damn vision in that dress.

The sound of her laughter blended with Liam’s as the melody in the music guided them. Their joy mirrored each other’s. From where I sat, I could see sparkles twinkle in her eyes, her infectious smile spreading to all those around her. It was as if she was the sun, radiating warmth and happiness to everyone in her orbit.

“Aren’t you going to ask her to dance?” Kayla tried to capture my attention as she perched on the chair beside me, but my family captivated me more. “Beckett?”

“Sorry, what?” I reluctantly turned to face her. I had heard her, but I didn’t want her to think I was being rude.

“Aren’t you going to ask Em to dance?”

“I plan on dancing with her for the rest of night once she’s finished with Liam.” I sipped my beer as I turned my attention back to them.

“You love her, don’t you?”

“I loved that woman the moment I laid eyes on her all those years ago, and honestly, I haven’t stopped.” It was true. I loved Emily Ryton. I always did and I always would.

Seeing her for the first time that morning before school when Harry introduced us, I caught a glimpse of her and immediately knew she would be mine. Our differences only seemed to enhance our connection. She was an introvert while I was outgoing and spirited. But whenever we were together, we brought out the best in each other.

She could never understand why girls were jealous of her and guys were of me, but I knew it was because she never realised just how breathtakingly beautiful she was. And then there was the fact that I was the one lucky enough to be with her. To love her. She took my breath away every single time I saw her. Then, and now.

When Liam spotted Ashton tossing a rugby ball into the air through the patio doors, he sprinted off without hesitation. Em thought she was in for a relaxed sit down, but little did she know what was in store. I strode towards her with purpose, halting her steps in surprise.

“And where do you think you’re going, Miss Ryton?” I smirked as the apples of her cheeks blushed the most beautiful shade of pink.

“I was planning to sit down for a minute. That boy sure can dance.”

“He’s like his dad.” It was the first time I had compared Liam to myself in front of Emily, and I wondered how she would react to it.

“He sure is.” Her lips turned up at the corners as she slipped her hand into mine. “Actually, scrap sitting down. How about you show me the moves I remember?”

“I was supposed to be the one to ask you to dance.”

“Well, it looks like I beat you to it, Ashmore.” With a quick pull, we were back on the dance floor. I wasted no time in spinning her around, exactly like how I used to do.

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