Stone Tower Serenade: Love Etched in Stone

Chapter 33: The Gift

Kevin POV

Relief washed over me as I pulled Avery into a hug, the tension in her body slowly melting away. Leading her to the familiar couch by the window, I settled her beside me. The warmth radiating from her body was a welcome comfort after the shock of Rayven's appearance.

I took a deep breath, about to delve into the heavy explanation I owed her, but Avery surprised me. Leaning forward with a playful smile, she pressed a sweet kiss on my hand. "Hold that thought, love," she murmured. "Didn't you deserve a proper greeting first?"

The steely resolve I'd displayed moments ago dissolved instantly. There, with her sparkling eyes and playful demeanor, I was a goner. "Of course, my love," I chuckled, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

She took me further by surprise, straddling my lap. A spark of surprise flickered in my eyes, quickly replaced by amusement. "Getting bolder, aren't we?" I teased, unable to resist a playful jab.

Before I could elaborate, she leaned in, initiating a deep kiss. The world melted away, the only thing I was aware of was the warmth of her lips and the intoxicating scent of her hair. Just as the kiss intensified, a rude voice shattered the intimacy.

"Seriously? Can't you two use the bed? This whole display is a bit much for the downstairs audience," Rayven's voice boomed, laced with laughter. "Just got here and already making a spectacle of yourselves."

I gritted my teeth at the interruption. Avery, flustered, buried her face in my chest. Taking a deep breath, I decided to handle this with humor rather than anger.

Chuckling, I scooped her up – lap and all – carrying her towards the bedroom. "Looks like we'll have to find a more private location to continue this," I whispered in her ear, my voice husky with desire. Rayven's teasing had only added a spark to the already simmering tension.

Later, tucked away in the privacy of our room, I knew we couldn't postpone the difficult conversation any longer. But for now, I held Avery close, savoring the stolen moment of passion, a reminder of the love that bound us, a love strong enough to face whatever challenges.

As the embers of our intimate exchange cooled, Avery pulled back, a playful glint in her eyes. "I can't keep the celebrant holed up with me all night, can I?" she teased, a hint of apology in her voice. "The party's downstairs, waiting."

A reluctant sigh escaped my lips. Being this close to her, the afterglow of our connection lingering on my skin, the thought of rejoining the festivities was less than appealing. "The discussion can wait," she continued, her voice softening. "Later tonight, after everything is done... we can pick up where we left off. Maybe even add a steamy continuation."

Her words were a delicious promise, a future rendezvous that sent a jolt of excitement through me. The beast within, as she so playfully phrased it, stirred with anticipation. "Later tonight, then," I agreed, a husky note creeping into my voice. The image of a quiet night in, just the two of us, was far more enticing than any celebratory gathering.

A mischievous smile played on her lips. "Excellent," she declared, her voice laced with a hint of victory. "Now, come on, Mr. Celebrant. Let's not keep everyone waiting any longer."

With a playful tug on my hand, she led me out of the room, the anticipation of a later encounter fueling every step. The party might be in full swing, but the real celebration, the one that truly mattered, would happen later, under the cloak of night, just the two of us.

As we arrived in the frontyard, everyone invited is already present. Family and friends.

"Oh there they are! Finally! My glitter wanted to pop already!" Brylle, ever the life of the party, boomed, his voice tinged with mock frustration. The party was in full swing, a cacophony of laughter and chatter filling the room.

As everyone settled back into their conversations and I fetched the guest, I cleared my throat to make the introductions I'd intended to make earlier. "Everyone," I began, gesturing towards the figure standing awkwardly beside me, "this is Rayven, my brother."

A pang of guilt stabbed at me. The original plan, of course, had been for me to introduce Rayven first, to ease the tension of his unexpected arrival. But his earlier confrontation with Avery had thrown everything into disarray.

My initial plan to introduce Rayven myself had been utterly derailed. He stepped forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes, clearly reveling in the surprise. "Charmed, I'm sure," he drawled, his voice dripping with a false sincerity that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.

Great. Just what I needed – Rayven, the master of manipulation, in the midst of our friends and family. This was going to be a long night.

"Oh my goddess!" Brylle boomed, his voice dripping with amusement. "The dark Kevin, flesh and flesh! Though his personality seems a touch more playful than our own Kevin."

Rayven, ever quick on his feet, responded with a playful bow. "Pleasure, goddess from Olympus," he quipped, earning a chuckle from the crowd. "Our brother, or perhaps sister? Brylle."

"Yey, we're double twin now?" One of the twins exclaimed, gazing at them with mock astonishment as they stood side-by-side. "This must be our cheerful Stacy and silent Lacy!" He swept a playful bow, offering a kiss to the back of each of their hands before moving on.

Rayven continued his whirlwind introductions, showering everyone with playful nicknames and exaggerated greetings. "And the young David, of course!" he declared, ruffling a young boy's hair. "And young lady Lily!" He offered kisses to their hands, all the while keeping the room buzzing with laughter.

Reaching my uncle, he managed to elicit a small smile and a hesitant tap on the shoulder. "Mr. Piper, greetings!" he boomed.

A quick peck on our mother's cheek and a handshake with Uncle Greg followed. Then, with a flourish, he turned to Tim. "And the very handsome... he? She?" He gestured dramatically at Tim, who simply smiled and replied, "Just Tim."

Finally, he reached Avery. "And of course," he announced, placing a hand dramatically over his heart like a knight, "the very own Avery Graille Piper. We've met countless times already, but it seems only I have recollection among all of them."

He winked at her, and for a blissful moment, my glare was the only response he received. A small spark of satisfaction flickered within me – at least Avery wasn't falling for his act. "And of course," he finished, turning to me and the rest, "my dear twin brother Kevin and friends." He swept a grand bow, relishing the applause from everyone who clearly viewed him as some sort of carnival showman.

The night proceeded with a mix of everything: questions and answers, astonishment and amusement.

"Clang. Clang. Clang." Brylle gathers everyone's attention.

"Everyone, as the night is getting late, and with a new addition to the family, let's wish the two celebrants a happy birthday." Everyone cheers. "Also, before we end the party for the night, our dear Kevin would like to make an announcement."

"Thank you, everyone, for celebrating this night with us and for the warm welcome to my brother," Rayven interjects. "Whom many of you just discovered existed. Apologies, we've been separated for as long as we can remember." He motions for me to continue.

"And, of course, for granting us the most beautiful gift this year: my dear Ave finally managed to recollect her memories." Interruption occurs as everyone congratulates Avery.

"And lastly, for the gift of a new tomorrow, I want to offer this night to my only love, Av." Brylle motions to silence everyone and proceeds with our plan.

"Av, we've been through thick and thin, challenged our love by an unforeseen accident. We've held on through the process. But at the end of it all, you are the greatest gift life can offer. Together with the growing fruit of our love, will you allow me to accompany you into whatever the future may hold?" Silence deafens everyone, and tears stream from Avery's eyes. "Will you marry me, Av?" She nodded with a yes.

A wave of relief washed over as Avery's answer came back, a simple but powerful "yes." Cheers erupted around, a cacophony of joy that warmed us from the inside out. Congratulations poured in, pats on the back and eager questions directed at both of us, a playful interrogation about the pregnancy. The room buzzed with a delightful mix of emotions – the giddy excitement of friends, the tearful happiness of family, and a sense of pure, unadulterated celebration that enveloped them both.