Page 77 of Anteros' Return

“Thank you for tonight.” She brushed the hair back that had slid down over my forehead. “I really enjoyed being here with you.”

“So did I.” I kissed her forehead as a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

“Do these tell a story?” she questioned as she traced her dainty fingers over my tattoos.

“Not really. The only one that has a story behind it is the one on my leg. The one you designed.”

“I think you mean the one I unintentionally designed.” She chuckled, her fingers skimming the ink.

“Doesn’t matter if it was intentional or not, it’s the only one that truly means something to me.” I tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear as she let out a sweet, soft sigh.

“Goodnight, Beck,” she murmured as she snuggled into my chest. I’d never get tired of her being in my arms.

My gaze followed her every movement, slow and quiet, like I was memorising her without even trying. Her eyelids fluttered shut and sleep peacefully enveloped her. Her chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, the soothing sound of her breathing filling the air. I inhaled deeply, savouring her intoxicating scent as she draped her leg over mine and locked me in. A delicate flush painted her cheeks, complementing the soft auburn waves that fanned the pillow. Her lips parted as I gently cupped her face, letting my thumb caress the smooth curve of her cheek. I was lost in the beauty of her, just as I always had been.

“Goodnight, cupcake.”

27

It had been three weeks since the wedding and our night alone. Despite Liam always being there, Beckett managed to stay over at ours more than we expected. Luckily, Liam was none the wiser. Beckett either left before Liam woke up or was out of the house before he came home from school. I hated sneaking around and lying to Liam, but it was what we needed for now.

“Em, what about this?” Beckett called from halfway across the shop. He was holding up the away kit for Bluehaven United.

“He’ll love it!” I couldn’t help the smile that crept across my face as he placed it over his arm and headed toward the football boots.

I stood back and watched as he debated between studs and astro boots. I never knew a decision over footwear could take so long.

“So, what are you going with?” I asked, relaxing on the seat beside where he stood.

“Both.” He grinned, his face lighting up as he decided on treating Liam to two pairs.

“Beckett, you don’t need to?—”

“Em, I missed the past seven birthdays, and although he doesn’t know I’m his dad yet, I want to make up for the years I lost.” There was no way I could argue or complain about that, and to be honest, I wouldn’t dream of it.

He picked up a branded football as a mischievous smile played on his lips.

“Don’t even think about it.” I warned, but there was no point. He was already halfway through effortlessly tapping it into the basket I was holding. “He already has more footballs than I can count.”

“Goal!” he joked, and I couldn’t help but smile. “You know you can never have enough.”

No matter how well known his name was around the world, I loved that Beckett still acted as he did all those years ago.

“Hey, Em?” he asked from beside me as we wandered to the checkout.

“Yeah?”

“Do you think he’ll be happy?” he asked, and I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the presents or something else.

“With what?” I stopped in my tracks, turning to look at him, instantly seeing his once joyful face now a picture of worry.

“The fact that I’m his dad.” And there it was, the question that had obviously been playing on repeat in the back of his mind.

“I can honestly say, hand on my heart, that he’ll be over the moon to know you’re his dad.” His eyes dropped to where I placed my hand on his forearm.

“What if he hates me for not being around?”

“Beck, listen to me. That boy will know the truth at some point. He’ll know exactly why you weren’t around, and exactly who fed you lies.” I sighed, thinking back to all the mistruths Mike told and how he deprived my son of his father.

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