Chapter 49: Chapter 49

The neighbors were getting ready for the bonfire carnival night. There were lanterns hung around the street which made Alvin curious.

" Why are they hanging lanterns?

" It's a tradition. In your understanding, it's like inviting light into your life. You'll love them when it's dark. Bonfire nights are the best" she squirmed offloading the bags which he collected wiggling his fingers as a warning.

" Fine. At least let me hold the trunk" she lamented shutting the door while the maids came out to help them.

Kate handed a gift box to everyone deciding to give Alvin his in their bedroom.

There she was sitting on the couch watching him get dressed. She found herself noticing every detail like the way he creamed himself, dabbed his lips, apply oil maybe for the cold then his singlet followed by a plaid shirt then a flannel shirt with brown boxers then cargo pants. He put socks on and a pair of brogue shoes then laced them. He did it with perfection like an everyday routine then picked a wristwatch to wear thus she stepped in.

" I've something for you. Consider it a Christmas or new year's gift" she stated handing him a box. He squint his eyes, twitched mouth then opened it staring at it then at her.

" I figured you love wristwatches plus I decided to get you a belt on my own" she stated helping him with it then hands him the belt but he raised his hands up. She scoffed helping him with it while he studied her like a book. her attention was on buckling the belt pushing fringes of hair backward to concentrate which was amusing to him.

She fixed it dropping his shirt down then met his eyes.

" It's my turn to get dressed I think" she giggled intending to leave but he drew her back caressing her hair.

" Thanks. I love them. I'm kinda overwhelmed. It's been a long someone got me a present. I'm grateful" he spoke slowly cupping her cheeks.

" You're full of surprises Kate" he added leaning for a kiss which she was eagerly waiting for but he took his time watching her desperate need for a kiss.

" Maybe I should get dressed" she muttered between his lips trembling, he shrugged teasing her further to kiss her but wouldn't. She gasps the moment he leaned closer then flinched in disappointment that he pulled away.

She trailed her hands over his chest slowly with one hand then put the other around his neck.

" What do you want Kate? He asked coyly stroking her lower lips with his thumb

" I want.." she took a measured breathe panting still caressing his clothed chest.

" Yes go on? He encouraged running his hands on her back.

" Would you... Kiss me, Alvin? She whispered, he smiled then kissed her passionately. There was something different about his kiss that had her melting into it unlike the rest it wasn't from lust or anger. It was from something more, something she was scared to admit.

He withdrew from it because of the knock at the door gasping for breath.

" Who is it? He asked huskily

" It's time for dinner. Mom is waiting ' Louis stated.

" We'll be right there" he chuckled letting her get a dress with his assistance.

" Are you sure trousers are good for the baby? I prefer the maroon gown. Try it " he stated holding it. She grabbed it then put it on impressed.

" You look gorgeous in that. Keep it." She smiled tending to dry her hair. ' let me' he blew her hair dry with cold air then helped her to straighten it.

" I'm pretty good at this, aren't I? You look good with your hair straightener" she giggled applying deodorant.

" I need that too. Aren't you forgetting something? She gave him a quizzical look then he wore a necklace for her.

" It's beautiful. Let's go" she held his hand while walking through the hallway.

The bonfire night began with some singing then folktales.

" I didn't know you listen to mythical stories," Alvin asked staring at her overwhelmed face.

" My favorites. Besides, it has moral lessons" she squirmed cheering the next person to tell a story.

" This is childish. Let's check the other group" he suggested.

" Good idea. Can I have some juice? I'm thirsty" she requested. He agreed to get one for her then invited her to lay on a blanket which she did. He drew her closer stretching his hands for her to use as a pillow.

" This looks familiar. You remember right? She asked rubbing his chest.

" When was that? He feigned oblivion caressing her hair slowly

" After my mom recovered from her surgery. You practically lived here. We laid down talking about the stars. Don't you remember? She asked raising her head up to look at him. The yellow flame wasn't helping either but she saw enough to leave her disappointed.

" None of it. I'm making up for it then " he pledged to look at the starry night as she pointed to her favorite star.

" Sirius" she stated as he creased his brow giving her a quizzical look.

" The brightest star. The constellations of stars are brighter than the other. Isn't it amazing? She asked as Alvin imagined a twenty-five years old Kate repeating the same thing with piercing eyes and heartwarming laughter. He was caught up in the trance that he unconsciously raised his hands touching hers pointing to another star. She stilled entwining their hands. Her hands seemed smaller compared to his but it fit.

" This is like a dream you know. Getting back together and all. I love you, Alvin. I always have. Always will cos you brought out a part of me I didn't know existed. I love you" she tells him too ashamed to face him releasing their hands but he entwined it again testing waters as she joined him.

" Really? He asked stunned to hear her confession. A part of him knew she was still in love with him but he chose to ignore it.

" Yeah. I don't think I can love another. You've loved Alvin. Do you still love me or you never did? She muttered. He stirred uncomfortably trying to forget her betrayal and lies then ignored her question turning her face to him.

" I'll try to for our baby's sake. I can't promise anything but I'm going to treat you right. No more fights and schemes between us. I want a perfect family. I can't do it without you" she smiled. At least he was honest though she wasn't expecting it. He was never in love with her then why did he chase her? Hell, why did he marry her? She didn't want to ruin the moment so she decided to let it go.

" That I can do. You're such a cutie" she complimented lying on her back to watch the starry sky counting and naming them.

" What are we going to name our baby? Alvin asked running his hands under her dress to generate heat.

"Lawrence, Vincent. I know I'm terrible with names " she palmed herself.

" Not really. Simon. I like the name Simon" he tells her hovering over her as she stirred uncomfortably.

" Hmm. What about Jacob. It's nice. Jacob Alvin Reagan" he scoffed at her reaction to his touch.

" Not bad but Simon Alvin Reagan is better and it compliments my family" she gave it a rest watching him rain kisses on her bump.

" That feels nice" then they heard Loui's voice calling out to them.

" Let's go back. I think the folktale session is over" she announced. He grumbled then stood up helping her back to the others.

" Where have you been? It's singing time" Louis announced as everyone cheered pointing glowing balls with some clapping.

" This is so fun. I miss this" she said clapping her hands tapping her toes smiling from ear to ear as they sang the amazing grace song. Some boys rapped to it while others did some crazy dance moves pointing to her. Alvin muttered a no, holding her back. Then she tried going around his back, he caught her nevertheless giving her a disapproving glare.

A guitar player tuned in with a pianist, Kate shouts at the top of her voice cheering them as they sang another song.

" Pop music. I love it. let's dance Alvin, please. I haven't done anything the whole day." She whined dragging him along. Kate's excitement overwhelmed him wondering if he'd taken that away from her for the past two years. he had forgotten how lively she could be and seeing her dancing, laughing, singing, and mingling with people showed she will be happy without him that thought had him whipped.

Will he be happy without her? The last two weren't happy one cos he stayed away from her and he made sure she wasn't happy either. He couldn't help but ask himself if he was doing the right thing.

" C'mon Alvin. It's New year. Make some move " she tells him watching as they shoot the fireworks continually.

It was indeed another year. A new beginning. She was going to be a mother and a wife or was it too much to ask?