Notes: OK, so I'm slightly obsessed with Rock, if you couldn't tell. This first chapter is about the proposal and the second one will be the wedding itself. Sigh I'm neglecting my SPD stories. I write a chapter for one of them and then I have at least three more ideas for Rock ones. I wonder if I'll ever get the SPD ones done…LOL…
We're both looking for something Looking at you, holding my breath,
We've been afraid to find
It's easier to be broken
It's easier to hide
For once in my life, I'm scared to death,
I'm taking a chance, letting you inside.
From "First Time," by Lifehouse
The First Time
Rose Ortiz wandered into the kitchen of the apartment she shared with her boyfriend. Mack was sitting at the table, his nose buried in a book, as was usual for the two of them. Standing behind him, Rose slid her arms down around his shoulders, her hands settling flat palmed on his chest. She pressed one cheek to his hair.
"Hey you," Mack greeted softly. "How was your nap? You slept for a long time."
"I do feel a lot better," Rose answered. She unwound her arms from Mack and sat down opposite him. "Did I miss anything?"
Mack thought for a moment. He fought to keep a mischievous smile from crossing his face. "My dad called. He said Jessica is coming back and that they're giving her an award. We're supposed to go to the ceremony. We 'inspired' her or something."
"When is it?" Rose questioned, already not looking forward to it.
"A week from Saturday," Mack answered. "Don't worry, Rose; Ronny, Will, Dax and Tyzonn are going to suffer right along with us. It won't be so bad." Mack got up from his chair and went around to Rose's side of the table. "I think you'll actually enjoy it."
Rose managed a small smile for her boyfriend. "If you say so," she murmured. "If you say so."
--
Rose was sitting at her vanity, frowning at her reflection as she ran her brush through her hair to get rid of the tangles. Mack, she saw in the mirror, seemed to be trying very hard not to laugh as he attempted to tie his tie. "Oh honestly, Mack, you're going to strangle yourself…" She stood and went over to him. Nimble, delicate hands knotted the tie correctly. Rose smoothed the fabric down and evened his collar. "You clean up very nicely."
Mack merely planted a kiss on top of her head. Keeping up with the charade of an awards ceremony for Jessica, Mack spoke in an annoyed tone. "Come on; the sooner we get there the sooner we can leave."
On cue, the phone rang. Mack picked it up and listened as Ronny fed him a fake story about she and Will getting lost. Mack heaved a dramatic sigh and informed her he'd be there in a minute. "Hey Rose, Ronny and Will missed a turn or something. I'm gonna go find them. I'll see you there, OK?" He kissed her swiftly and headed out the door. This plan was working flawlessly so far.
Now alone, Rose turned her focus to the clothing choices in front of her. Pink or black, pink or black… She held both in front of her petite form, trying to decide. Pink, Rose thought, Mack loves to see me in pink.
She slipped the pink dress over her head. Rose brushed her hair back into a neat bun and looked at her reflection once more. She was as ready as she'd ever be.
Rose found the place easily: a chic hotel in downtown San Angeles. She noticed Mack had obviously led Will and Ronny successfully; both cars were in the parking lot. Andrew's instructions said the banquet and ceremony were to take place in the hotel's ballroom. Not many people seemed to have turned out, Rose noted as she pulled open the door.
Bunches of red and pink balloons were tied to the backs of unused chairs. Tall red vases filled with pink roses sat on the tables. A pianist was plunking away at the keys of a grand piano in one corner of the room. Sitting at a long table were all of her friends, Mack's father, and her own parents and sister. All were smiling at her as she descended the steps into the room. Mack was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. It looked as if Jessica getting an award was all an elaborate scheme.
"What's all this about, Mack?" Rose questioned as he took hold of her hand and led her into the room. He stopped abruptly and let go of her hand. Mack turned towards her, took a small black velvet box from his pocket and dropped to one knee. Rose couldn't breathe properly.
"Rose Ortiz," Mack began quietly, "Will you marry me?" He popped the box open, revealing a sparkling diamond ring. Before Rose could even think, she had thrown herself into his arms, knocking the both of them to the ground. She pressed a very firm kiss to his lips, winding her arms around his neck. When it became necessary to breathe again, Rose panted, "Yes Mack, I will marry you."