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I entered the kitchen to see my dad relaxing at the table, enjoying a cup of tea whilst listening to “My Girl” by The Temptations on the radio.

“Alright, son, I haven’t seen you smile like that since you first told me about Emily.” My dad chuckled.

“Not even when I was signed to Sevilla Sols?”

“Not even then.” He winked, pushing out of the chair. “So, c’mon, what’s got you smiling like that?”

“Em.”

“I bloody knew it.” He poured me a cup of tea from the teapot. The small gesture made me realise how much I missed him while I was away. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Maybe if I had, then you would have known how much of a lie Mike’s words were.”

“Forget it. It’s in the past. At least for now anyway.”

“When will you confront Mike?” He asked.

“I don’t know, but it’s a day I can’t wait for.” It was true, and I knew with each day that passed, he was closer to returning home.

“He bloody deserves it, the snake,” he scoffed before sipping his tea. Within a split second, my teddy bear father was back. “Anyway, what’s the reason she’s got you smiling today?”

“She asked me to be her plus one for Kayla's wedding.”

“And judging by that smile, you said yes?”

“Nothing gets past you, does it?” I chuckled. “It’s not a date, but it’s something.”

“Beck, what means more to you?” he asked, and I knew he meant my family or football.

“Actually, Dad, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

A few hours later, I arrived at Emily’s, cradling a new football for Liam and a bunch of sunflowers for Em.

Liam opened the door with a huge smile.

“I hear you need a goalie for the afternoon?” I asked.

“Beckett! You’re going to help me?!” He practically bounced up and down on the spot.

“I am, just take it easy on me, alright?”

“Deal!” He fist bumped the air.

“This is for you, little man.” When I handed him the football, he hugged it tight. “Where’s your mum?”

“I’m here. Don’t stand in the cold. Come in.” She hurried to the door, her hair tumbling over her shoulders as her flared leggings clung to her like a second skin. Her vest top was low enough to tease her cleavage but not as much as I’d have liked.

”I’ll wait in the garden,” Liam called, already halfway towards the back double doors.

“These are for you.” I held out the sunflowers to Em, whose eyes lit up the second she saw the vibrant yellow colour.

“My favourite!” She took them from my hand, admiring them just like she used to when I got them for her in the past.

“I know. They always remind me of you.” I brushed her hair over her shoulder, as she turned slightly, just enough for me to catch the curve of her smile. I leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. It wasn’t planned—it just felt right, like the kind of moment you don’t want to overthink.

“But it’s winter, how did you manage to get them?” She whispered as her cheeks turned the prettiest shade of pink.

“I have my ways.” I couldn’t help but be totally consumed by the soft smile gracing her lips.

She blushed and turned to enter the kitchen. “I’ll put these in some water. Do you want to join Liam outside?”

“Already on my way.” I exited out the back and walked towards the garden. I couldn’t help but feel happy with myself at seeing Emily’s face light up over something as simple as sunflowers. It took me back to all those years ago.

I was the first boy to buy her a bouquet, and I’d make sure I was the last and only man too.

“Beckett! Look at this!” Liam shouted as soon as he saw me approach him. He was practising his bicycle kick, a shot he wanted to perfect.

“That’s brilliant, mate! It’s coming along nicely.” I clapped my hands as I slowly jogged over to him, testing out my abilities since my injury.

“How’s your ankle?” he asked.

“All good for now.”

For the next hour, we played together and true to his word, he took it easy on me—I didn’t have to move much in the goal.

“I ordered pizza for lunch. Who’s hungry?” Emily called from the door.

“Pizza!” Liam grabbed his football, not wanting to leave it outside and ran towards Emily. “Beckett, hurry up, you won’t be any good on the pitch at that speed.”

“Alright, alright, you just wait until I’m back at full fitness, then we’ll see who’s slow.” I laughed along with Liam and Emily

She held the door open and asked, “How’s the ankle, really? No lies.”

“It’s fine, honestly.”

“Fine? You know I hate that word.” She rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind us.

“You always did.”

We sat at the breakfast counter, the three of us tucking into pizza together. My knee brushed against Emily’s, and she stirred, pulling her leg way too far away from mine.

“Mum, can I play FIFA for a little bit?”

“You can, but not for long, you have homework.”

“I know. Can Beckett play with me too?” he pleaded, giving me that puppy dog look that he aimed at everyone when he wanted something.

“Why don’t you ask him and see?” She stood from her stool, taking the empty plates to the dishwasher.

“I’d love to, mate.” I started to head into the living room but stopped when Emily busied herself with sorting the kitchen. “Are you sure you don’t need a hand?”

“I’m good. You go with Liam. I’ll be in shortly.” I realised as soon as she spoke that it made us sound like a proper family despite us not being one… Yet.

After getting humiliated on FIFA by Liam, he went off to bed, and I remained downstairs, hoping Em and I could spend a little time together before she kicked me out.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked as I shifted in my seat.

“Nothing, just thinking how long it’ll be until you kick my arse out.” I laughed, as did she.

“I actually thought we could relax a little. Maybe stick a movie on. What do you think?” That offer wasn't one I was expecting, but I sure as hell wasn't going to turn it down.

“I’d love to.” I stood up as she sat down, giving me a quizzical look. “We can’t watch a movie without popcorn, right?”

“We never could.” She flicked on the movie channels. “What’s your preference?”

“How about horror?” She always liked watching scary movies with me. “Now, tell me where you keep the popcorn, and I’ll grab some.”

“The cupboard next to the cooker.” She kicked off her slippers before tucking her legs beneath her. It was the first time I’d seen her this relaxed around me since I came back. She looked so at ease and at home that it made me realise just how much I missed being with her.

I found what I was looking for and headed back into the living room, where she’d already picked the movie and prepared a large throw blanket to cover us both. As I pulled it back, I noticed her lounge shorts had ridden up, exposing a little of her arse.

“Beckett, hurry up, you’re letting the cold air under the blanket.”

“Alright, boss,” I teased as I flopped onto the sofa beside her.

“You know, I haven't watched a horror movie in forever.”

Part of me wondered if that was because she wouldn’t watch them without me. Or maybe I was reading too much into it. Whatever the reason was, it felt good to be here with her again, especially when every time she moved, the subtle scent of her delicate perfume mixed with the sweet smell of her body lotion. It invaded my senses and drove me wild.

We sat with a little distance between us, something I was determined to close for good if I had my way, but I needed to take things at her pace. She was the one who would remain in control. Her decisions wouldn’t be influenced by me.

I let my head fall back on the cushion as I stretched out my arms along the back of the sofa. Emily fidgeted next to me, no doubt to get even comfier than she already looked. Her next move was one I was in no way anticipating. She laid back on the sofa with her toes brushing my thigh.

“Sorry.” She giggled.

“For what?” I didn’t give her time to answer as I wrapped my hands around her feet and rested them on my lap. Her face was a picture I wished I could capture. Much to my surprise, she didn’t try to move.

“Let’s just continue with the movie.” She turned back to watch the TV while the only thing I wanted to watch was her. I was fully captivated by her body, as well as her beauty.

I didn’t give a crap about looking at what was on the screen. Knowing Emily didn’t move for the rest of it made me think that maybe, just maybe, things were going in the right direction.

Of course I knew that Liam was her main priority. Having him in my life was mine too, but so was Emily. Having the two of them with me wherever I went was the ideal situation for me. If what I had in my head worked out, then they would be.

“So, Em…” I turned my head and found her asleep. Her lips were parted ever so slightly as her lashes fanned the very tops of her cheeks.

I moved her feet as gently as I could before carefully lifting her into my arms. I made my way towards the stairs, hoping I‘d find the right bed to put her in.

I rounded the corner of the upstairs hallway slowly—only to jump back as Liam suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

“Beckett, what are you doing?” He asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes with the backs of his fingers.

“Your mum fell asleep, mate. Which room is hers?” I asked in a hushed whisper.

“That one,” he pointed towards the door next to his, “right there.” He rubbed at his eyes before walking past me to plod downstairs in his sleepy state.

I opened Emily’s door, making my way over to her bed, and pulled back her covers as best as I could before lying her beneath them carefully. I pulled the sheets up around her body, breathing her in one last time. Brushing the hair away from her face, I whispered, “Goodnight, cupcake.”

“You can stay in the spare room,” she muttered before turning over and falling into a deeper sleep.

As I left Emily’s room, I saw Liam heading back into his. “Beckett, are you staying over?”

“I’ll be in the spare, mate.” He closed his door, and I went into the spare bedroom.

As I flicked on the light, I was met with a room that reflected Emily's personality. The soft moonlight glow illuminated the freshly picked flowers that were placed on the desk by the window, their sweet fragrance filling the room. A sage green throw was neatly folded and placed at the end of the bed, which seemed to add a pop of colour to the neutralness of the room. It was clear that every detail had been carefully chosen by Emily.

I stripped down to my boxers before climbing beneath the covers. My ankle was throbbing a little from possibly overdoing it in the garden but seeing the look and smile on Liam’s face made it worth it. I typed out a quick text, one I couldn’t wait any longer to send before drifting off to sleep.

I had to admit, sleeping under the same roof as my family filled a void I didn’t know I had. It was definitely one I wanted to fill permanently. The spare room would never be enough, not where Emily and I were concerned, and I knew I’d do whatever it took to get back to where I belonged.

The next morning, I was woken by the sound of Liam’s laughter floating up the stairs, followed by Emily’s. It was easy to imagine what waking up to those two everyday would feel like. And it was more than what I imagined it would be, so much bloody more.

After freshening up with what I found in the guest en suite, I pulled on my joggers and T-shirt before heading downstairs. Once I reached the kitchen, I leaned on the doorframe to admire Emily in her fitted jeans and turtleneck. Her hair was thrown up in a messy bun as loose curls fell in her face. She handed Liam a plate with freshly cooked pancakes.

“Beckett!” Liam gave me a lopsided grin, his hair unbrushed, before shoving a forkful of pancake in his mouth.

“Morning, mate. You ready for school?” I sat down beside Liam who was too engrossed in his breakfast to notice.

“I guess.” He shrugged.

“Actually, do you want to take him this morning?” Emily turned to face me before putting down a plate of pancakes in front of me.

“I’d love to and thank you.”

“I’ve got to pick up everything I need to get started on Kayla’s wedding cake. It’s next weekend, you know.” She flashed me the cutest smile I’d ever bloody seen. Of course I knew it was next weekend. It was one of the only things I could think about. “Have you got physiotherapy today?”

“Yeah, at lunchtime. I’m feeling optimistic, though. I think it’ll go well.”

“I hope so.” She clutched her cup of tea as she leant her elbows on the island. “By the way, I can’t promise you won’t get mobbed at the school gates.”

“By Liam’s mates?” I asked, arching my brow as Emily smirked.

“Oh, no, no, no.” She leaned a little closer as Liam was doing his best to control his laughter. “I’m talking about the mums.”

There was only one mum at the school gate I’d be bothered about, and I was looking right at her.

The two of them could barely control their laughter as I joined in, the three of us cackling in unison. I swear I hadn’t felt this comfortable in such a long time.

“That’s fine by me. I only have eyes for one anyway.” My gaze met Emily’s with an unmatched intensity, causing her cheeks to turn a pretty shade of pink. “We better get going. I don’t want him to be late.”

“See you.” She gnawed at her lower lip ever so slightly, clearly hoping I wouldn’t notice but she should have known by now… I noticed everything.

We arrived at the school gates with plenty of time to spare. Liam chatted nonstop on the way there, and it was just another thing to add to my list of blessings since I’d come back. The funny thing was, they all seemed to include Emily, Liam, or both of them.

“Oh my, you’re Beckett Ashmore!” a woman around twenty years older than me gushed. “My husband loves you!”

“Thank you.” I smiled as Liam chuckled from beside me, obviously remembering our previous conversation with Emily.

“You know, you’re on my list.”

“I’m sorry, list?” I asked, not having a clue what she was referring to.

“Yes, you know, the kind of list that if given the chance, we’d be allowed to have a pass with said celebrity.” She inched closer to me, clearly not caring that our children were present.

“I don’t know what kind of pass you’re referring to, but the only pass I enjoy is the kind on the pitch.” I placed my hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my girlfriend’s son to school.”

As we walked farther down the path, Liam glanced at me with a quizzical look in his eye. “Your girlfriend’s son? Mum isn’t your girlfriend.”

Yet.

“Thanks for pointing out the obvious there, mate. I just said what was needed to get rid of her.”

“Oh, crazy list lady. Yeah, makes sense.” He laughed as I helped him slide his arms into the straps of his bag. “Just don’t say it again,” he warned with a cheeky glint in his eye.

“Protective of your mum? Good boy. That’s how it should be.” I handed him his drink bottle as his friends called him from the far gate. “Have a good day. I’ll pick you up later if your mum agrees.”

“Thanks, Beckett.” He high-fived me. “Hope physio is alright!” He smiled before running off to his friends who were now waving in my direction.

After I dropped Liam off, I was surprised to have a message waiting from Em. I quickly opened it.

So, how were those school mums?

Why? You worried about me, cupcake?

I stared at the screen, expecting to see those three dots to indicate she was replying, but instead I saw nothing. Just the notification that the last message was read.

You know what, you were right… I’ll tell you about it later.

That must have hurt to admit.

What? That you’re right? No, not in the slightest.

Are you sure about that?

Well, maybe just a little bit.

I waited for a moment, watching those three dots happily on the screen until a new message popped up.

How was Liam?

Wonderful.

I was wondering if I’d be able to pick him up after school and take him to the park, is that alright?

Of course, I’ll let the school know.

Oh, and by the way, good luck at physio.

Thank you.

I hated the fact that I was confined to the physiotherapy room, despising that I was having to regain the strength and fitness I worked so hard on. The smell of liniment and sweat lingered in the air as I pushed through each exercise with determination.

“How’s that feeling?” Daniel asked from beside Issac, the physiotherapist the team had assigned to me.

“Alright. It hurts a little, but I can push through.”

“Take it easy. We don’t want you to overdo it,” Issac smiled as he jotted a couple of notes down on my file.

My muscles ached and trembled under the pressure, but I knew that this was what it would take to get back on the pitch. Through gritted teeth, I envisioned myself scoring the winning goal and earning cheers from the crowd. I was determined to make a successful comeback and prove to myself, my team, and my family that I was ready for battle once again.

“That’s good. Keep it going,” Daniel encouraged as he clapped his hands together.

“Excellent work, Beckett. You’re right where I need you to be.” Issac held up his hand, stopping my final exercise.

As I wrapped up the session, exhaustion washed over me, but I was filled with hope and determination for my journey back to the league. I just didn't know what that meant for Emily and me.