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I ’d never get over hearing those words leave Emily’s lips. Almost nine years I went without hearing them but never again. Never would I have to go a day without hearing I love you from the woman I planned on spending my life with, the woman who gave me a son and the woman who made me the man I was.

“I can’t believe you’re home.” She grinned, the tip of her nose circling mine.

“Believe it, cupcake.” I chuckled, not letting her go, not even for a second. “As I said before, I knew words weren’t enough. I had to prove myself to you. I had to prove I was worthy enough for you and Liam.”

“You are worthy, Beckett.” Her fingers threaded through my hair as I let out a moan at her touch. “Do your parents know you’re home?”

“Everyone does, and the order in the kitchen… Well, it’s for Ollie.” I chuckled as her mouth fell open.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Nope, I had to think of a way to make sure you’d be home today, otherwise my plan wouldn’t have worked.” Her face was a picture as I spoke. “I’m sorry, but they won’t go to waste. I promise.”

“Beckett Ashmore, whatever will I do with you?”

“Love me forever, that’s it.” I pressed my lips against hers, savouring every second with her.

“Done.”

I lifted her effortlessly into my arms as she wrapped her legs around my waist. Her eyes locked with mine as I began the ascent up the stairs. The warmth of her body seeped through the fabric of our clothes, a promise of what was to come. The afternoon light from the hallway cast a golden glow on her serene features, highlighting the contours of her face in a tender embrace of shadow and light.

I could feel her heart pounding beneath my fingertips as I carefully placed her down in front of me. Goosebumps spread across her skin as I unbuttoned her blouse, her lips parted in an invitation as I palmed her breasts.

Tracing the delicate curves of her body, I removed her bra with ease, our eyes never leaving one another’s. “Say it again.”

“I love you,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I love you.”

I backed her towards the bed as the back of her knees collided with the mattress. “It looks like you’re all mine.” Brushing her hair over her shoulder, I showered her neck with kisses, each one rougher than the last.

“I always have been.” Indeed she had.

She lay back on the mattress, her body warm and inviting as I removed my own clothes. Her eyes hungrily roamed over my body, the pure need for me written all over her face.

“You look as though you love me,” I teased as a smile played on her lips.

“That’s because I do. Now, come over here already,” she demanded ever so sweetly.

And who was I to deny her? I settled between her legs, my cock already aching to be inside of her.

“Don’t keep me waiting, Beck.” I was usually in control when it came to sex between Em and me, but not right then. “Fuck me.”

She had me in a chokehold, and I loved every single second.

I cupped the back of her head, slamming my lips against hers as she struggled to contain her moan. I thrusted inside of her, fisting her hair at the nape of her neck as she arched her back into me.

“I love how you take me.” I breathed against her ear, taking her lobe between my teeth.

“Then take me harder, please…” she begged.

“Already giving up control, hmm?”

“Yes, take all the control you want. Just fuck me harder.” She fisted my hair, making my scalp burn.

I slammed into her as her head fell back. She whimpered as my fingers dug into her skin, keeping her right where I wanted her. I filled her pussy over and over, giving her exactly what she wanted. “Good fucking girl,” I growled as she slowly lost it and gave me everything. “Every single inch of you is mine. You are mine.”

“I’m yours,” she cried out. “Please… Beck, I need?—”

“You need to come, don’t you?” I teased, knowing just how much she needed it, how much she was chasing her orgasm.

“Y-yes… Please!” she pleaded. “Please.”

“Come for me, Em. Come all over my cock.” I said the words she needed for her release as I watched the pleasure surge through her, her pussy clenching around me and choking my cock. “Ah, fuck! Yes, give me everything.” Blood rang in my ears as I filled her, roaring with my own release.

“B-Beck!” She closed her eyes, revelling in the sensation of her orgasm.

I rested my forehead against hers, her breathing matching my own ragged breaths.

“I fucking love you, Emily Ryton,” I whispered, my lips brushing hers.

“I love you too, Ashmore.” She smiled, finally opening her eyes to look at me.

I stood beside Emily at the door of Liam’s classroom, eagerly waiting for him to exit and see us.

“Do you think he’ll be happy?” I asked.

“Is that a genuine question? That boy will be on cloud nine.” She linked her fingers with mine—our first display of affection in front of people she knew.

It was fair to say it earned a few looks from mums who loved to gossip. I tried not to smile too hard as I kissed her cheek.

“Beck, what are you doing?” She blushed, looking up at me with a shy expression.

“Giving those mums something else to gossip about.” I chuckled as she shot the four women a mind-your-own-business look. “That’s my girl.”

“DAD!” Liam shouted the second the door opened. He wasted no time in bounding over to where we stood. I braced myself for the impact and boy was there one. He jumped into my waiting arms as Emily dropped my hand, allowing me to give Liam my undivided attention.

“Hey, my boy.” I beamed, spinning him around a couple of times, his laughter making the dizziness worth it.

“You’re home early! You said two sleeps!” I threw him up onto my shoulders, my ankle feeling a lot stronger than before.

“I know. I can go and come back again?”

“NO!” He gasped, gripping onto my neck. I felt him shift for a second before I laughed at his next comment. “Believe he’s my dad now, do ya?!” He directed it at the three boys behind us that obviously hadn’t believed him the other day.

“Come on, let’s get home. Your dad has some news for you and your grandparents are coming over to meet you.” Emily took my hand once more, and I realised this would be my life now by choosing to play at home.

After a short walk back to the house, Liam was eagerly waiting for the news Emily mentioned. I sat on the bottom step as he watched me intently with his large, green eyes.

“So… What is it?!” Liam practically bounced up and down on the spot.

“How would you feel if your dad played for Bluehaven United?” I asked, watching the emotions flash across his face.

“What? Do you mean it?!” His mouth fell open with a smile as his hands flew to either side of his head.

“Yes, I mean it. So, what do you say about it? Happy?”

“Happy?! Happy ?! Of course I am!” He jumped onto my lap, tears now soaking my jumper.

“I hope they’re happy tears,” I teased as I tightened my hold on him.

He nodded against my shoulder, his smile never fading as I caught Emily tearing up too.

“Are you okay?” I mouthed as she swiftly wiped the tear away.

“I’m just happy,” she mouthed back, wrinkling her nose as her lips turned up at the corners.

“Thanks, Dad.” Liam kissed my cheek as he squeezed me tightly. “I didn’t want you to leave.”

“I never planned on it, mate.” That was the truth. No matter what, I’d always find a way. “Why don’t you go and get changed? I think my mum and dad will be here soon.”

“Alright.” He jumped off my lap and bounded up the stairs.

“And how are you feeling about seeing them? I know it’s been a while.” I breathed, just wanting Emily to feel comfortable.

“What do you mean? I saw your dad when he picked you up a while ago.”

“You know what I mean. You haven’t been in the same room for years.” I tucked a stray curl behind her ear as she genuinely looked as though she wasn’t fazed by it. “You really are alright, aren’t you?” I chuckled.

“Of course. They were fed lies too. They had no idea about Liam being yours either, so I think we’ll be fine.” She placed her hand softly on my cheek as I kissed her palm. “I do have a question, though.”

“What is it?”

“Now that you’re home, do you plan on staying with them or…?” She blushed, glancing at her knotted fingers.

“I don’t know if I really want to live with my parents. I was thinking of looking for somewhere close to here to be near you and Liam.”

“What if you don’t look? What if you move in here with me and Liam?” She teased her lower lip between her teeth, anxiously waiting for my answer. “That’s if you want to. Don’t feel as though you have to just because?—”

I cut her off with a kiss, giving her my answer without speaking. She was adorable when she was flustered. It baffled me that she thought I’d say no to her. I could never say no to this woman. I couldn’t think of anything better than coming home to her every single day, cooking for her, sharing a bed with her, her on the left side and me on the right. She pulled away from me breathlessly, her eyes still searching mine for the answer.

“Yes, cupcake. I would love to move in with you and Liam. On one condition.”

“Name it,” she said with an eye roll.

“I get the right side of the bed.”

“It was always yours anyway.” She breathed, my breath mingling with hers as we remained within kissing distance.

There was a knock on the door, bringing us back to earth with a bang. I wanted to stay in our bubble for a while longer but ah well.

I strode to the door to welcome my parents, who were extremely excited to meet Liam and see Emily again. She could say she was fine all she wanted, but I knew she was nervous and anxious about seeing them again. I knew her better than she realised.

“Hey, Mum.”

“Oh, move, Beckett. I see you enough.” I laughed as she practically pushed me out of the way to head in Emily’s direction. I stood beside my dad as I watched her fling her arms around Emily, pulling her into a warm embrace.

“Hi, Mrs. Ashmore.” Emily closed her eyes, breathing a sigh of relief as I instantly saw her relax.

“Enough of that. You know to call me Joanie.” She cupped Emily’s shoulders with a welcoming smile.

“Move out the way now, Joanie. Come here Emily, love.” My dad pulled Emily into a tight hug as she chuckled at his attitude towards her. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“Dad?” Liam piped up from the middle of the stairs.

Everyone’s heads whipped around, seeing the little cutie waiting to be introduced.

“Mum, Dad, this is Liam, our son.” I crossed the hallway, lifting him effortlessly into my arms as he never once shied away.

“Hi, Liam. I’m Joanie, your Nanna.” My mum gave him a gentle wave, not wanting to overdo it.

“And I’m Rich, your Grandpa.” My dad held his hand out as Liam shook it strongly. “Wow, you’ve got quite the shake, young man.”

“Thanks, I’m strong like my dad.” Liam smirked as the room erupted with laughter.

“Do you guys want to head on into the lounge and I’ll bring in some tea? I’ve got plenty of cupcakes, too, thanks to that son of yours,” Emily tutted with a smile.

“Ah, he told you then?” Dad guffawed.

“Indeed, he did.”

Emily disappeared into the kitchen, leaving us alone. Well, that was until my mum decided to up and leave us too.

“Do you know where she’s going?” I asked, unable to take my eyes off of the kitchen door.

“To give Emily a hand. Will you relax?”

“I’d have helped her.” I was about to join them when my dad clapped his hand on my knee, stopping me immediately.

“So, Liam, your dad tells me you’re an incredible football player, and he even told me about the hat trick you scored at school yesterday!” Dad let go of my knee and clapped his hands together.

Well, once Dad started on football, Liam was well away. He chatted his ear off about his goals and team. My dad didn’t care. He was too in the moment, enjoying every second with his grandson and making up for lost time.

“Dad, Mum is fine.” Liam grinned.

Fuck, was I that obvious?

“Listen to your son,.I’m fine.” She placed the tray with tea and cupcakes on the table and settled down on the sofa next to me. I rested my hand on her knee, not giving a shit if I came across protective.

“Dad, can we play football with Grandad in the garden?” Liam asked, sipping his juice.

“Why don’t you go and set everything up and we’ll join you in a minute?” He nodded and headed towards the backdoor.

“Emily,” my mum started, which stopped me from moving. “I want to start off by saying we’re sorry.” Excuse me? Did she just say sorry?

“I don’t understand what you have to be sorry for.” Emily smiled, handling the situation with such grace.

“We’re sorry we believed a man we shouldn’t have. We knew you better than that, and should have known you’d never have a baby with him. We should have come directly to you, and I’m so sorry we didn’t.” My mum reached for Emily’s hand, which she took gently.

“There is nothing to be sorry for, Joanie. We were all lied to—me, Beckett, you two, and even Liam.” Emily was an angel, and I knew my mum was in awe just like I was. “Liam wants to know his grandparents, and you’re welcome around here anytime you like.”

“Within reason,” I joked which earned me a mega fucking eye roll from my mother. “Come on, Dad, let’s go and see Liam.”