Page 109 of Anteros' Return

He smiled, moving his attention from the sign to me. “Are you happy?”

“I have no words for how happy I am. Thank you.”

“We did it, Dad!” Liam high-fived Beck, their eyes shining with happiness.

“We did, my boy.”

“Congratulations, darling!” My mum cooed, throwing her arms around me as my dad followed suit.

“The boy did good, didn’t he?” My dad smiled, pulling me into his embrace.

“Which one?” I teased, knowing he mainly meant Beckett.

“Well both of them, but Beckett, you truly outdid yourself.” Dad shook Beck’s hand as my heart swelled even more thanbefore. “Listen, the past is the past, alright? We speak no more of it. Crap happened and it was neither your fault or our Emily’s. I hope the two of you will be so very happy together.” Dad expressed his feelings as Beck’s body relaxed, knowing now that he was welcomed back with open arms.

“Welcome home, my darling boy.” Mum pulled Beck into a cuddle as he caught my eye over her shoulder. His boyish grin met my giddy one as I knew we were destined to be okay.

Mum gasped, remembering something I had no clue about. “Emily, we need to go shopping and find you a dress for the grand opening!”

“The what now?” I asked.

“We’ve arranged a grand opening. Word has spread. I think it’s going to be pretty big,” Beckett confirmed.

“Yeah, Mum, I think some of my teachers are coming too. And some of the mums, but maybe they just want to gawk at dad.” He laughed. “Just kidding.”

“Maybe the next dress we go shopping for will be your wedding dress.” Mum had no filter. She didn’t care what she said, that much was obvious.

“Mum!” I gasped as Beckett just shrugged his shoulders and chuckled.

“You never know.” Beckett winked at me. I blushed at his reply.

“I need to go back inside to look again,” I said. Beckett handed Liam to Harry and turned to me. “It doesn’t feel real yet.”

“Come on then, let’s go and see just how real it is.”

He led me back into the shop, and there it was again, that feeling of pure astonishment. He really had nailed this. And even managed to keep it a secret for so long.

“Are you ready to make your dreams come true, my love?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

“With you by my side, I’m ready to do anything.”

As I descended the staircase, Beckett's gaze was locked on me, tracking every step I took. The slit of my emerald green satin gown revealed a glimpse of my leg with each graceful step. My mother had spent the afternoon with me, carefully selecting the dress that mirrored the exact hue of my eyes. I’d worn my hair down in soft, subtle waves and only a small amount of makeup.

“Wow, you really want us to stay home tonight, don’t you?” He smirked.

“Get your mind out of the gutter for five minutes, Ashmore.”

“Dammit.” He met me at the bottom of the stairs with a handsome smile on his face. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you, you look amazing, too.” I breathed him in for a moment, savouring the faint scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of fresh laundry. His crisp white shirt was slightly open at the collar, revealing a glimpse of his neck. It was neatly tucked into his tailored black trousers. The ensemble was completed with a sleek black suit jacket that fit him perfectly, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

“Are you ready for your big night?”

“I think so. I’m a little nervous, though.” I blushed as he draped my shawl around my shoulders to brave the cool evening air.

“Don’t be. Just enjoy it.” He brushed my hair over my shoulder before softly kissing my neck. “Is that the new perfume I bought you?”

“Mhm. I love it.” A scent of fresh jasmine mingled with the slightest hint of vanilla filled the air every time I moved.

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