Page 78 of Anteros' Return

“You’d tell him about Mike?” His mouth fell open ever so slightly as his eyes darted to mine to see if I was serious.

“Why wouldn’t I? That man ruined years of our lives while he played saint to us all. Liam deserves to know that the reason he missed out on having his dad around was because of Mike and nobody else.” I clenched my jaw, and my teeth clamped shut.

“But I could have come back, couldn’t I? I could have seen for myself that you didn’t move on. I could have?—”

“The past is the past. And you know I always believe everything happens for a reason, no matter how hard that reason might be to swallow.” He rested his forehead against mine in the middle of the sports shop, clearly not caring who was around or watching. “Just enjoy your time with Liam. Live in the now and not in the past. Can you do that for me, please?”

“I can do that.” His lips turned up the smallest bit at the corners, and I watched as the weight he carried on his shoulders lifted. He planted a quick, gentle kiss on my lips. I could barely hide my smile afterwards.

“What’s that smile for?” he asked, arching his brow.

“That was the first time you’ve kissed me in public.” I blushed, wondering if he felt as giddy as I did.

“The first of many.” He pressed his lips against mine once more before leading me to where the tills were.

After checking out, Beckett dragged me around countless shops, but for someone who adored shopping, this was on another level. He truly was like a kid in a sweet shop, picking up and buying anything he thought Liam would like, and if he didn’t know, he’d look to me for approval.

“Now, time for me to treat you to lunch.” He said as he put the final shopping bag in the boot of the car.

“Why don’t I buy lunch today?” I offered, but by the look on his face, it was clear that was a solid no.

“You already know my answer to that, Em, so don’t try it.” He draped his arm over my shoulders as he pulled me protectively into him. “Any requests?”

“Surprise me.”

And he did.

We stepped inside what was a family run Italian restaurant as we finally sheltered from the chilly Manchester air. The warm, inviting glow beckoned us inside as the incredible scent of garlic and fresh basil filled our senses the second we crossed the threshold.

It was small and intimate with rustic wooden tables and chairs, each adorned with a simple red and white checkered tablecloth. Family photos decorated the walls as they were illuminated by warm lighting, each snapshot telling a different story.

“Table for two?” The waiter asked as he held out his hands to take our coats.

“Please.” Beckett handed them over before we were shown to our table.

“Here are your menus. Can I get you a drink while you decide?” Our waiter had a thick Italian accent and must have been no older than twenty.

“Water for me, please. What about you, Em?” Beckett asked as he held my cold hand in his, trying to warm it up.

“I’ll have a Sanpellegrino limonata, please.”

“Grazie.” He left the two of us alone as he hurried off to retrieve our drinks.

“So, do you think I got Liam enough for his birthday?” Beckett questioned, already knowing deep down he probably got too much.

“He would have been happy with one present, Beckett. But honestly, you did amazing, and he will be on cloud nine.”

“I can’t wait to see him score goals in those new boots!” His whole face lit up, as his eyes danced with the kind of happiness that was infectious. “I know I won’t be here, cupcake, but I will get back as much as I can. I promise.”

“I’ve had so many empty promises over the years, Beck. And if you want me to be honest, I’m scared this will be another one.” I sighed, unable to tear my eyes away from his.

“Em, this isn’t an empty promise. Not to you or to Liam. I will make it work. No matter what it takes, I’ll do it.” The sincerity in his voice cemented his words for me. There was no denying that it would be hard, saying goodbye yet again to the man I’d loved since I was a teen. “Emily, I need you to trust me, and I know I don’t deserve that, but I will do anything and everything to gain it back.”

“I’m used to heartbreak. But Liam isn’t and he can’t lose you, Beckett. He just can’t.”

“He won’t lose me and neither will you. I will fight for you over and over, until my dying breath, if that’s what it takes.” His thumb brushed over my knuckles. A second later, the waiter interrupted us by bringing our drinks.

“Are you ready to order?” He plucked his pad from his pocket and waited eagerly.

---