Page 94 of Anteros' Return

The mother of my child, after six years away I was more than sure that I’d never love anyone like I loved you again. I had given up hope of ever giving my heart to anyone else. I love you x

12 p.m. - delivery seven

To the only woman I’ve ever loved. The seventh year may have been one of the hardest. I spent every day wishing I never got on that plane. Wishing I could call you mine just one more time. I love you x

12:30 p.m. - delivery eight

The love of my life, my eighth year was just as torturous as the very first. Realising you weren’t watching me from the stands killed me. Knowing you’d never understand how much I loved you killed me. Knowing we’d never grow old together in that very house you bought killed me. I wish I never left. I wish I could turn back the time on those seven years, but I can’t and that kills me too. I love you x

I was in shock, utterly taken aback by the ongoing gesture. This man, whose presence had been absent for so long, had sent a radiant bouquet of sunflowers for each year we’d been apart. Unable to contain my emotions, tears trickled down my cheeks, a gentle stream of happiness and astonishment. The room was filled with the golden glow of sunflowers, each one a symbol of his unwavering love.

With effort, I composed myself, taking a deep breath to steady my hands as I carefully finished icing the last of the muffin order. Just as I placed the final swirl of icing, a soft knock echoed through the room, drawing my attention back to thedoor. Glancing at the clock I noticed it has been thirty minutes since the last delivery…Twelve-thirty.

This man has got to be kidding, right?

I hurried to the door, not at all ready for who I saw when I answered it.

Standing there with another bouquet and his suitcase wasBeckett.

The love of my life.

“Beckett!” I managed as my mouth dropped open in shock. “You’re back!”

“Hey, cupcake.” He placed the flowers on the floor in the hall before closing the distance between us swiftly. “I’m home.”

“I can see that.” The shock must have been clear to him as he couldn’t hide his amusement.

“Cupcake, it has been almost nine years since we were apart. Getting injured was a blessing for me, although I didn’t know it at the time. It brought me back to you and our son. And I’ve come to realise that being in Spain isn’t going to work anymore.”

I had lost all ability to answer as I stood there unable to string a sentence together.

“Over the past few weeks I have been in talks with Sevilla Sols. I’ve expressed my interest to move to another club, and since I’m out for the rest of the season, they have agreed.” He smiled. “The club has made a pre-deal with another team, and I’ll officially sign for them when the transfer window opens in June.”

“Which team, Beck?” I whispered, pressing my fingers to my lips.

“Bluehaven United.” He beamed as he cupped my face in his hands. “I’m home, Em.”

“So, when you say you’re home, you mean?—”

“I’m home for good.” He rested his forehead against my own as I couldn’t hold back my emotions any longer. This man hadrendered me speechless as he stood there with that boyish smile I loved so much. And that’s when it hit me as he inched his lips closer to mine. I didn’t need to be scared anymore. I could finally let my fears go.

“I love you, Beck,” I whispered against his lips as his smile widened.

“Say it again,” he demanded.

“I love you, Beckett Ashmore.” I breathed. “I never stopped loving you.”

My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the words I had just spoken. Beckett's eyes, deep and tender, locked onto mine, searching as if he was trying to memorise every detail of this moment.

I felt the warmth of his skin as his hands continued cupping my neck, a comfort that steadied my racing thoughts. Slowly, he leaned in, his breath mingling with mine. Our lips met, tenderly at first, a gentle brush that sent a cascade of tingling sensations down my spine.

The kiss deepened, his embrace enveloping me, a cocoon of safety and love. His hand cradled the back of my head, fingers threading through my hair with a tenderness that made my heart swell. Time seemed to stand still, the only movement was the gentle rhythm of our breathing, synchronised and serene.

Pulling back just a little, our foreheads rested against one another’s. With closed eyes, we savoured the connection between us. In that moment, nothing else mattered. We were suspended in a perfect harmony, where the world faded away, leaving just the two of us and the unspoken promise of forever.

“You’re it for me, Em,” he murmured against my skin.

“I love you.”

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