Page 32 of Anteros' Return

“Alright then. I do have a wedding cake to work on.”

“For Kayla and Johnathon?” Liam asked.

“Yes, darling, for them.” I nodded.

“Can I see when it’s done? Ashton is so excited for them to get married.” Liam beamed.

“I’m lost,” I interrupted.

“I’ll explain,” Liam reassured me as Emily left us alone.

We started to add everything into the pan, Liam helping with whatever he could. At times, I questioned if he remembered how he wasn’t fond of me. The aroma of simmering sauce filled the air as he stood on the stool, stirring carefully, his little brow furrowed in concentration.

“Do you want to add the spices?” I asked him.

He nodded eagerly, his small hands gripping the spoon tighter. “I think I can do that.”

“Perfect! Just sprinkle it in,” I encouraged, watching as he carefully measured out the chilli powder.

As we cooked, Liam spoke about his favourite cartoons and school projects, almost forgetting that it was me he was talking to. I hung on every word, drawn in by the fun twists of his stories and the way his eyes lit up with each detail. His hands flailed for emphasis, his grin wide and unfiltered, and I laughed like I hadn't in years. At that moment, something cracked open in me. A quiet warmth spread through my chest, unfamiliar yet deeply right. It was more than joy, it was recognition. This wasmyson, and I was seeing him, hearing him, knowing him for the first time. And God, it felt like I was exactly where I needed to be.

“Do you have any favourite recipes?” he asked, tilting his head curiously. “Except this one?”

“Well, this is one of your mum’s favourites, but I do have one I really love too. It’s a secret family recipe. Maybe I’ll let you in on it someday.”

His eyes widened with excitement. “A secret recipe? Cool! But you can’t tell me because it’s a family secret.” He huffed.

“Right, but your mum is a family friend, so technically, it would be okay to share it with you.” I smiled, helping him down from the stool.

“That might make me like you more, you know?”

“I was counting on that.” I put the lid on the sauce, letting it simmer while we headed off to set the table.

Liam might’ve still been skeptical of me, and he might’ve still had an attitude occasionally—and that was fine—but I cherished the time I spent with him. I hoped it would only get better from here on out.

13

“Lunch is ready.” Liam came bounding into the living room, waiting patiently for me to put my sketch pad down. “How good does it smell, Mummy?”

“The best thing I’ve ever smelt,” I said, taking Liam’s hand as he led me into the dining room.

“Lunch is served.” Beckett smiled, that same easy, lopsided grin that hadn’t changed one bit.

And just like that, something fluttered to life in my chest—light, sudden, and completely involuntary. My breath caught, embarrassingly so, and I had to look away for half a second just to steady myself. Heat crept up my neck from the way his eyes lingered on mine—like maybe he felt it too. It was ridiculous, really. After all these years, after everything... and yet, there it was. That stupid, familiar rush. Butterflies, soft and insistent, like they’d just been waiting all this time for him to walk back in and smile at me like that.

“Thank you.”

“Did you get done what you needed to do?” Beckett asked, placing my plate down in front of me.

“Almost. Just a few extra touches to add.” I sat down beside Liam and opposite Beckett.

“Well, after lunch you can finish that up, and I’ll be a goalie for Liam while he practises penalties if he wants.”

I arched my brow. “Do you really think that’s a good idea with your leg?”

“Good point.” He laughed as Liam joined in.

“I’ve been promising him a movie afternoon, you can join if you’d like?” I mentioned before looking at Liam. “That’s if you don’t mind?”

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