At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Rock paced anxiously on his balcony, casting glances at the road below as he awaited Ben and Melanie's return. Since they'd left, he hadn't been able to shake the nervous energy building inside him. Tonight was the night Ben planned to propose, and while Rock was rooting for a "yes," he couldn't help the niggling doubt creeping into his mind.
In the time he'd spent around Melanie, he'd come to know her as warm yet guarded. She and Ben clearly had a strong connection, and Rock sensed she was falling for him too. But he also knew Melanie's illness weighed heavily on her, possibly making her hesitant to fully commit despite her feelings.
Rock exhaled slowly, hoping she'd be able to see past her fears and trust in Ben's love.
