35

I t had been almost a week and Beckett was a lot more secretive than usual. I brushed it off, putting it down to football related things since he was still attending physio and medicals.

“Em, are you ready?” Beck called from the bottom of the stairs.

I checked myself over in the mirror once more, not having a clue what to wear since Beckett had been very hush-hush about this whole outing. Jeans, a turtle neck, and knee-high boots seemed the way to go on this occasion.

I left our bedroom and met Beck at the bottom of the stairs, who was dressed similarly.

“Hey, beautiful.” He rested his hands on my waist, kissing me softly. “Are you ready?”

“I would be if I knew where we were going,” I teased, hoping he’d give in and tell me.

“Nice try, but I’ve kept it a secret this long, I don’t plan on ruining it now.” He beamed, barely able to contain his excitement which only filled my stomach with more butterflies than before. “Let’s go, we can walk.”

“Alright.” Walking distance… Okay, now I was even more intrigued.

He took my hand, leading me from the house and down the familiar roads we walked millions of times. His ear to ear smile didn’t falter once.

“What’s got you smiling this much?” I asked as he stopped me before we reached the corner of the row of shops.

“I need to blindfold you now, okay?” He held up a black satin piece of fabric between his fingers, catching my attention.

“What is going on, Beck?” I glanced from him to the blindfold multiple times.

“Just trust me, okay?” He smiled, stepping closer to me to secure the fabric over my eyes.

“I trust you.” I took his hand as he led me down the road a little farther, everything pitch black. I put my trust in him as we came to a stop somewhere. I heard a lock turn as he helped me over the threshold.

“Okay, stop there,” he said, leaving me standing alone for a moment as it sounded like he was flicking on some lights. He took a deep breath and slowly removed the blindfold as my eyes became accustomed to the light.

I stood there, frozen in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. The sunlight streamed through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow across the polished hardwood floors. Wait a minute… I was standing in the very building I had been dreaming of purchasing for months. The realisation struck like a bolt of lightning. He had bought it. But how did he know my plans?

I turned around slowly, my eyes wide with amazement as I absorbed every detail of the space. The exposed brick walls, the sleek modern fixtures, and the open-concept design. It was as if I had stepped directly into my carefully curated Pinterest board. Each element seemed to echo my deepest desires, and I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that he had made this dream a reality for me.

A sleek, marble countertop stretched across one side of the room, ready to display the pastries I had yet to create. Elegant pendant lights hung from the ceiling, their soft glow reflecting off the glass cases that would soon hold delicate confections. The shelves were lined with jars and canisters, waiting to be filled with flour, sugar, and all the ingredients that would bring what was once just a dream to life. Beckett had even included the cozy corner idea I had saved with the plush chairs and small, round tables, perfect for customers to relax and enjoy their delicacies. It was everything I had imagined and more. A space filled with promise and potential. And it was ours.

“Beckett, you did this for me?” I wept, but these tears were all happy ones. This man had continued to surprise me time and time again, but this time was something I never expected.

“Of course. You need to know I’d do anything to see you happy, cupcake. I support any dream you have, and I will be with you every step of the way to make this a success, not that you need my help.” His faith in me was all I needed.

“But how did you know all of this?”

“Well, you can thank our son for that. He spilled all the details on your plan.” Beckett seemed so proud of everything as it unfolded.

“Of course, he did.” I ran my fingers along the marble countertop. This man had spared no cost when it came to this building. “Beck, this is too much.”

“Nothing is too much when it comes to you. Everything I have is yours.” He stood in front of me, a proud smile curling at his lips, his eyes warm and full of love. My heart swelled with emotion, gratitude overflowing like a river. Without a second thought, I stepped closer to him, my hands reaching up to cup his face. His skin was warm beneath my fingertips. I leaned in, closing the small gap between us, and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was soft and tender, filled with unspoken thanks and promises. At that moment, everything was perfect.

We were perfect.

“Mum!” Liam shouted, bounding into the bakery, a gappy smile gracing his face. “Dad, did she love it?!” He jumped into Beckett’s arms as he admired the space. “Did you see the front?!”

“No, I didn’t. Can we go and see?” I asked as Beckett was already leading us outside where I saw my parents, Harry, Joanie and Rich.

He stood beside me, watching me intently as I glanced up at the sign. It was the same one I’d designed on my iPad. The same cupcake I’d drawn on Beckett’s leg years ago. Back then, it was a silly doodle, but as the years passed, I could never get that image out of my head—hence the logo. The name Whimsical Bakes was beautifully designed beneath the logo and my heart felt so incredibly full.

“Beckett, this is just… Perfect.” He wrapped his arm around my waist as Liam rested his head on my shoulder while Beckett held him in his arms.

He smiled, moving his attention from the sign to me. “Are you happy?”

“I have no words for how happy I am. Thank you.”

“We did it, Dad!” Liam high-fived Beck, their eyes shining with happiness.

“We did, my boy.”

“Congratulations, darling!” My mum cooed, throwing her arms around me as my dad followed suit.

“The boy did good, didn’t he?” My dad smiled, pulling me into his embrace.

“Which one?” I teased, knowing he mainly meant Beckett.

“Well both of them, but Beckett, you truly outdid yourself.” Dad shook Beck’s hand as my heart swelled even more than before. “Listen, the past is the past, alright? We speak no more of it. Crap happened and it was neither your fault or our Emily’s. I hope the two of you will be so very happy together.” Dad expressed his feelings as Beck’s body relaxed, knowing now that he was welcomed back with open arms.

“Welcome home, my darling boy.” Mum pulled Beck into a cuddle as he caught my eye over her shoulder. His boyish grin met my giddy one as I knew we were destined to be okay.

Mum gasped, remembering something I had no clue about. “Emily, we need to go shopping and find you a dress for the grand opening!”

“The what now?” I asked.

“We’ve arranged a grand opening. Word has spread. I think it’s going to be pretty big,” Beckett confirmed.

“Yeah, Mum, I think some of my teachers are coming too. And some of the mums, but maybe they just want to gawk at dad.” He laughed. “Just kidding.”

“Maybe the next dress we go shopping for will be your wedding dress.” Mum had no filter. She didn’t care what she said, that much was obvious.

“Mum!” I gasped as Beckett just shrugged his shoulders and chuckled.

“You never know.” Beckett winked at me. I blushed at his reply.

“I need to go back inside to look again,” I said. Beckett handed Liam to Harry and turned to me. “It doesn’t feel real yet.”

“Come on then, let’s go and see just how real it is.”

He led me back into the shop, and there it was again, that feeling of pure astonishment. He really had nailed this. And even managed to keep it a secret for so long.

“Are you ready to make your dreams come true, my love?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

“With you by my side, I’m ready to do anything.”

As I descended the staircase, Beckett's gaze was locked on me, tracking every step I took. The slit of my emerald green satin gown revealed a glimpse of my leg with each graceful step. My mother had spent the afternoon with me, carefully selecting the dress that mirrored the exact hue of my eyes. I’d worn my hair down in soft, subtle waves and only a small amount of makeup.

“Wow, you really want us to stay home tonight, don’t you?” He smirked.

“Get your mind out of the gutter for five minutes, Ashmore.”

“Dammit.” He met me at the bottom of the stairs with a handsome smile on his face. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you, you look amazing, too.” I breathed him in for a moment, savouring the faint scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of fresh laundry. His crisp white shirt was slightly open at the collar, revealing a glimpse of his neck. It was neatly tucked into his tailored black trousers. The ensemble was completed with a sleek black suit jacket that fit him perfectly, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

“Are you ready for your big night?”

“I think so. I’m a little nervous, though.” I blushed as he draped my shawl around my shoulders to brave the cool evening air.

“Don’t be. Just enjoy it.” He brushed my hair over my shoulder before softly kissing my neck. “Is that the new perfume I bought you?”

“Mhm. I love it.” A scent of fresh jasmine mingled with the slightest hint of vanilla filled the air every time I moved.

He took my hand and led me outside to the waiting car, which we didn’t need since it was only a short walk.

“Don’t protest tonight, please. I knew the second we got down this hill you’d say your heels are already hurting your feet. So, please, love of my life, in you get.” He held open the door as I slid into the backseat with him entering straight behind me.

“We’re ready to go, thanks.” Beckett nodded to the driver as he focused his attention on me, his hand resting on my bare thigh. Leaning into me, I felt the warmth of his breath against my ear as his voice was nothing but a hushed whisper. “I can’t wait to get you home tonight.”

Fuck…

Beckett and I pulled up to the scene of my bakery's grand opening. The entrance was adorned with a plush, white carpet that stretched invitingly towards the door, lined with bouquets of fresh flowers whose fragrances mingled with the crisp evening air.

I stepped out of the car, accepting Beckett’s waiting hand, taking a moment to breathe it all in, the sight of the elegantly dressed guests milling about and the gentle hum of anticipation in the air.

Beckett offered his arm with a charming smile as he stopped at the end of the carpet, ushering me down in front of the cameras alone at first.

“Beck, what are you doing?” I asked, feeling overwhelmed.

“This moment is about you, Em, and only you. This is your time to shine, not mine.” He smiled, wanting me to have my moment alone first. “I’ll join you in a minute, I promise.”

I nodded and I walked towards where the cameras were, the flashes dazzling me, but in a way, I didn’t mind. I smiled and posed as they asked before reaching out for Beckett, who shook his head with a smile.

He joined me by my side as we looked at one another lovingly, the cameras continuing to flash as a couple of football questions poured in.

“Beckett, what’s going on with Sevilla Sols? Are you signing for Bluehaven United?” one journalist shouted towards him.

“Tonight isn’t about me or my career. It’s about Emily, so I have no comment on that matter.” He spoke firmly, and I felt so proud at that moment. He offered a tight-lipped smile before pulling me away towards the bakery.

“You’re good at that.” I glanced back at the journalists who he shut down.

“I guess I’ve had plenty of practice.”

We stepped inside the bakery, seeing the shelves lined with the creations I had poured my heart into for tonight as everyone cheered the second we entered.

This was it.

The culmination of dreams and countless hours of work. A sense of pride and joy bubbled up within me, and I squeezed Beckett's arm, sharing a private smile with him.

“Thank you for coming home to me.” I glanced up at him, capturing his attention for a moment.

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

“I would have waited forever,” I murmured.

And that was the truth, I would have.

“Mum, I’ve got my money ready!” Liam held up a five-pound note in his hand.

“What’s that for?” I asked, genuinely confused as to why he needed money in here.

“Well, I told Dad I wanted to be your first customer, so can I be?” He asked, wearing a proud smile.

“Oh, Liam, I don’t know what I did to deserve a son like you,” I said, kissing his cheek.

“I know, I’m one of a kind,” he playfully joked, obviously learning from Beckett.

“That you are. Now, let me guess, you want one of those funfetti cupcakes that I haven’t yet brought out to the case.”

“You know me too well, Mum. Come on, Dad. Let’s go with her.” They exchanged a glance as we made our way into the back.

Liam closed the door to the kitchen as I disappeared for a moment to grab the exact cupcakes Liam wanted to buy.

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.”