Page 111 of Anteros' Return

I returned with the tray of cakes, and without warning, almost dropped every single one when I saw Beckett down on one knee. Liam grabbed the tray and stood to the side, allowing his dad to have his moment as I was completely taken aback.

“Beck, what are you doing?” I whispered, unable to find my voice for a second.

“Emily Ryton, you know I’ve loved you since I first saw you. Since then, I’ve never stopped. No matter the distance between us, it was always you,” he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "From the moment we met, your laughter has been my favourite sound. You bring colour to my days and calm to my nights,” he continued, his voice sincere and full of adoration.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box and opening it to reveal a delicate ring that sparkled brighter than the stars. The emerald in the middle was surrounded by tiny diamonds that took my breath away. “I know we haven’t had it easy, but I cannot imagine my life or my future without you by my side.” He took my hand in his, holding it gently as sparks ignited the second we touched. “Emily Ryton, will you marry me?”

He placed the ring on the tip of my finger, waiting to hear that one word. Maybe it was too soon to outsiders, but to me, it wasn’t. He was my endgame, and I was his.

“Yes, Beck, I’ll marry you.” I sobbed as he slid the dainty ring onto my manicured finger.

He jumped to his feet, pressing his lips to mine in a gentle embrace. Liam clapped from beside us as tears continued to trickle down my cheeks. I could feel his heart violently hammering against my hand as I rested it on his chest. He spun me around in his arms as the biggest smile graced his face. I giggled with excitement.

“I can’t believe you said yes!” He whispered, eyes locked on mine, a soft, radiant smile spreading slowly across his face.

“There’s no other answer for me.” I brushed the hair off his forehead as he placed me down on the floor, letting Liam join in the celebration.

“It’s about time, Dad. It’s only taken you how many years?” Liam joked.

“I know, mate, but sometimes good things come to those who wait.” Beckett kissed me once more before taking my hand in his and leading me back into the shop front.

We kept it quiet for a minute while Liam became the first customer, keeping the word he’d made to himself.

“Thanks, Mum, can I eat it now? You know, since it is a celebration?”

“You can. Enjoy.” I smiled as he headed off in the direction of the plush corner sofa where he handed the other cake he bought to Ashton.

We were suddenly joined by both sets of parents and Harry who were all enjoying the opening. Beckett looked at me and I nodded, giving him the approval of telling our families about the engagement.

“So, we have some news.” He took a deep breath, unable to hide his smile. “I asked Emily to marry me, and she said yes.”

My mum and Joanie could barely keep their tears at bay as our dads were over the moon. While my mum was admiring the ring, my dad thanked Beckett for asking for his permission, and I was shocked that he actually did that.

“Don’t look so surprised. I always planned to ask your dad’s permission.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. He knew it was something important to me.

“So, it didn’t take you long then?” Harry teased.

“Wait, you knew, too?” I gasped, looking at them both.

“I didn’t know he was going to do it today, but that man has been carrying that ring around everywhere waiting for the right moment. Haven’t you, mate?”

“I have, but I didn’t want to wait anymore. We’ve wasted too much time already, and I’m not planning on wasting anymore.” Beckett pulled me into his embrace, and I was glad he didn’t wait.

“Good on ya. Congratulations to you both.” Harry kissed my cheek and hugged Beckett after.

“I love you, Emily Ashmore,” he whispered, catching me off guard with the surname.

“Not yet,” I teased.

“Soon enough, though.”

EPILOGUE

Today was the last game of the season. All we needed was the win to secure the title of champions. It wasn’t going to be easy, but with Emily and Liam in the crowd, I planned on scoring for them.

“Right. You know exactly what I want from you as a team. We haven’t worked hard all season to fuck it up now, alright?” Coach demanded with a raised voice, getting us all pumped up. “Ashmore, I want those fucking goals today. You’ve scored bangers all season. I expect no less.”

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