Chapter 299
As the night wore on, the laughter grew louder, and the mood lighter. The group was so caught up in the fun that they didn’t even notice the time passing by. Snacks were passed around, drinks refilled, and more rounds of games followed: Pictionary, trivia, and even a friendly competition of who could tell the best joke.
“Seriously! I can’t believe I’m the only one getting drunk tonight, along with William and Alexander!” Vernice complained since Rain and Sanya weren’t drinking anything with alcohol, both for the same reason… for a healthy pregnancy.
Rain and Sanya exchanged meaningful glances because the two of them were just a day apart in their regular menstrual cycle.
“Let my daughters-in-law be since they want to stay healthy. Who knows if one of them could already be pregnant, so it’s safe not to drink any alcohol at all,” Father Rock scolded.
Both Rain and Sanya blushed. Vernice shrugged, and then Rock grabbed the glass from her hand and said, “That’s enough. You’ll go crazy if you drink past your limit p>
Meanwhile, William leaned back in his chair, looking content. “I haven’t had a night like this in a long time,” he said with a smile.
“Same here,” Alexander agreed, his arm draped around Rain’s shoulders. “It’s good to take a break every once in a while p>
Vernice took her glass back from Father Rock and raised it. “To family, laughter, and a good time,” she toasted.
Everyone ended up joining in the toast, and the night stretched on, full of stories, shared memories, and the simple joy of being together.
Rain hoped her aunt was with them, but then she was sure her Aunt Melanie was enjoying her time alone with her husband Ben on their long honeymoon!
At Sinclair Winery and Vineyard
Ben paced back and forth, glancing anxiously at the bathroom door. His palms were sweaty, and his mind was racing.
“Melanie, are you okay?” he called out nervously. “Are you bleeding p>
Inside the bathroom, Melanie sighed softly at his concern, her heart warming despite the situation. “Ben, I’m fine,” she called back, trying to reassure him. “I’m just checking p>
Ben stopped pacing but stayed rooted in place, his eyes glued to the door. “You said that last night too, and then there was blood,” he muttered, mostly to himself. “The doctor said this could happen, but p>
The door creaked open, and Melanie stepped out, her robe tied tightly around her. She gave him a soft smile, though her cheeks were slightly flushed. “No bleeding this time,” she said, her voice gentle.
Ben’s shoulders sagged in relief, but his worry didn’t completely fade. “Are you sure? Should I call Dr. Hayes? What if p>
“Ben,” Melanie interrupted, walking up to him and placing her hands on his chest. “It’s okay. Really. I know you’re worried, but we’ve taken every precaution. The doctor said this might happen because of my hemophilia, but it’s not serious p>
“I just Ben trailed off, his hands gently resting on her waist. “It’s your first time, and I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to risk anything. You mean too much to me p>
Melanie’s smile softened as she tilted her head up to look at him. “You didn’t hurt me, Ben. You were gentle, and I wanted this just as much as you did. Stop blaming yourself p>
He let out a shaky breath and pulled her into a protective embrace. “I love you,” he murmured against her hair. “I just want to keep you safe p>
Melanie hugged him back tightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I know, and I love you for that. But I’m okay, Ben. We’re okay p>
He kissed the top of her head, his heart still heavy with concern but comforted by her reassurance. “If anything feels off, you’ll tell me, right? No hiding it p>
“Promise,” Melanie said, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “Now, stop worrying. We’re going to be just fine p>
Ben nodded slowly, though a part of him knew he’d never stop worrying about her. Still, he let himself relax in her arms, savoring the moment. Melanie gently pulled Ben back onto their bed, nestling herself into his arms with a satisfied sigh. She looked up at him, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
“There’s no bleeding now,” she said softly, tracing small circles on his chest. “The doctor said it’s fine, so you can stop holding back, Ben p>
Ben chuckled, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Let’s wait for a few more days, just to be sure,” he murmured, though his eyes betrayed the desire he was trying so hard to suppress.
Melanie couldn’t help but laugh, her fingers playfully tugging at his shirt. “You know, for someone as passionate as you, you’re awfully cautious. It’s sweet, but also kind of frustrating,” she teased. “I feel like I’m the one always trying to convince you p>
Ben grinned, shaking his head as he brushed a strand of her hair aside. “It’s because I love you, Mel. I want you to be safe. You’re too precious to me p>
She groaned dramatically, burying her face in his chest. “You’re impossible, you know that? Here I am, practically begging my husband, and you’re still holding back. Are you sure I’m not the one corrupting you p>
Ben laughed, the deep, rich sound rumbling in his chest as he held her tighter. “Oh, trust me, Mel. I want you more than anything,” he admitted, his voice lower now. “But I need to know you’re completely okay before I let myself go p>
Melanie lifted her head, meeting his gaze with a playful pout. “Well, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re just scared of me,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Terrified,” Ben admitted with a smirk, leaning down to kiss her nose. “Because once I stop holding back, you might regret unleashing me p>
Melanie blushed deeply as Ben kissed her lips softly, savoring the intimate moment between them. “Soon,” he promised, his voice rich with both love and restraint. “But for now, let me just hold you like this p>
She smiled shyly, burying her face against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Wrapped in his arms, she felt safe, cherished, and deeply loved… a feeling she wished could last forever.