Stone Tower Serenade: Love Etched in Stone

Chapter 34: Freedom

"Wow, Kev! You turned the tables on me," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as they caught the light on her engagement ring. "I thought I was going to be the one surprising you!"

"Believe it or not, it's been a long time coming," I admitted. "I meant to do this years ago, but then that accident happened, and this ring was stolen" I trailed off, hesitant to reveal everything.

"What do you mean?" Her brow furrowed in curiosity.

"That Rayven stole the ring," I finally confessed. "It's a family heirloom from my mom's side. He took it as part of a deal we made."

"But, I have another ring," I interrupted her questions, holding up her hand. "This one. I bought it for our second anniversary, planning to propose after you graduated. Life just...had other plans, I guess."

As she keeps the silence. I proceeded.

"Even so," I pressed on, "I want you to have both rings, Av. No more secrets, okay?" I reached for her hand, placing a gentle kiss on her fingers. "One ring symbolizes you becoming part of this family, and the other..." I paused, my gaze meeting hers, "represents that it's always been you, and always will be."

"But Kev, this is too much." She warn to start crying again. "Nothing is too much for you, Av. Always."

With the night deepening, I finally broached the subject of Rayven. I explained how his connections led him to her at Galvez's bar. He was the one behind the wheel, pulling her from the wreckage and just before the initial explosion we thought took him too. I arrived late, witnessing the crashed car. I managed to get her far, but by the time I tried to reach him, the car erupted in flames.

"But how is he still alive?" she gasped, confusion battling disbelief. "I thought it was you. I saw you... fading away. In the aftermath, it was all a blur. The only way I coped... those first months, I tried to erase you. The thought of losing you..." Her voice trailed off, choked with emotion. "The memories are flooding back now."

A tremor of apology ran through her voice. "So sorry, love. Those years must have been brutal. It explains everything."

"Let's pick this up tomorrow," I whispered, my hand reaching for hers. "This night's already stirring emotions we need clear heads for. You also promise for a steamy continuation."

After tucking Avery into bed, I crept downstairs, the silence thick with unspoken words. In the kitchen, Rayven lounged with two empty coffee mugs beside him, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.

"Quite the reunion, huh, brother?" he drawled. "Leveled up two whole games while you were busy getting hot and heavy."

"Cut the act, Rayven," I countered, my voice flat. "Get to the point."

His smile faltered for a moment, then returned, strained this time. "Aw, come on, man. Three years apart, you wouldn't know what to do with a real greeting?"

"We've caught up the past few days," I said, dismissing his transparent attempt at camaraderie.

"Right," he scoffed. "Because Marco's going to be thrilled to have another loose end walking around. Unless..." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "you can convince him I have amnesia."

The suggestion hung heavy in the air. I narrowed my eyes. "Vulnerability is the key with Dad too, huh?"

He shrugged, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "Just saying, it's the only play we've got."

"Living with a swollen face must be part of the act," I said, a steely glint in my eye. "We need to be there by four. Hope an hour's enough for your amnesia charade."