Sweet Little Lies

Ch. 25 A little help?

Ajax West
I can tell Harp is unhappy about something, as I walk towards the house and see her standing with her arms crossed. I think back to this morning. It definitely doesn't have to do with me, it must be our parents. I kiss here before she tells me what's wrong. "Okay, what is it?" I ask, when she doesn't kiss me back.
"Our mothers." She complains.
I cant help but smile. "What have they been up to?"
"Oh, nothing much. They only have our entire marriage planned out. They made me pick save the dates, colors and flowers. Wait, let me clarify. I picked, they opposed and told me what I was supposed to chosen."
I laugh at her rage. "What'd you expect?"
She glares at me and I know I said the wrong thing. "I expected to have time. What I didn't expect was after four stinking hours of being engaged I would be planning a wedding."
"You know how they are. They mean well." I remind her, hoping to curb her anger some.
"Ajax!" She yells in frustration. "I want your help! I need backup with them, they're too powerful as one!" Her dramatic description makes me want to laugh. I cover my mouth with my hand so she doesn't see my smile. I hug her against me so she doesn't notice my struggle. "I get it, hon. But what exactly can I do, that you cant?"
"Talk to them! Tell them to stop with the interference." She explains, practically begging.
"It didn't work this morning, I doubt it'll work now." I tell her, honestly.
I hear the door open. "Ajax, you're home! Harper, I hope you didn't ruin the surprise." Ma, says looking excited about something.
She pulls out of the embrace. "No, ma'am."
"What surprise?" I ask, pretending interest. I'm sure it has to be wedding related. To be honest I just don't care what the hell the place looks like or what food is served, as long as its Harp coming down the aisle. Ma, just smiles at my response and turns to go back inside. I glance down at a stricken Harp. "It cannot be that bad." I assure her, thinking shes upset on my behalf.
"Its not. Its just..." She shakes her head, unable to express her thoughts. She looks at her feet, digging the tip of her shoe into the grass and dirt. I can tell that shes uneasy about something, but what? I don't have a clue. Its not our parents, its something deeper.
"Are you regretting this?" I ask her worried.
Her head snaps up. "What? No! I just want to be left to enjoy our engagement. Not this." She answers, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Can we just go inside? Your Ma is waiting for us."
"Not until you tell me why you're so miserable." I state, concerned.
"I'm not miserable, I'm just irritated." Knowing it probably has to do with my surprise, I nod and take her hand. When we walk into the kitchen I see my parents, patiently standing by the garage door. Make that Pa, thats waiting patiently.
"Where going for a ride. Come with us." Ma orders, practically jumping up and down.
I look at Harp, who gives me a nervous smile. I tug her hand. "Please, stop looking so sad. Its killing me." I whisper.
She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me quickly, giving me a genuine smile. "I love you."
I lean down to get a proper kiss, but the car horn beeps at us twice. I growl. "We need to move out. Quickly." I state, seriously.
She laughs. "I already moved out. Its your cute pathetic butt, that still lives at home with your parents."
I narrow my eyes at her as we walk to the car. I open her door for her and get in on the other side. "Okay, what is this all about?" I question, again.
"Its a secret we've been keeping from you for the last year. We were supposed to wait for your birthday. However, at the insistence of your Ma, its going to be done today instead."
Confused I just watch the land pass trying to figure out where we could be going. When he turns off onto a stretch of land navigating the car between the trees, I'm shocked. But I'm floored when I see a pristine stone and log house. "What is this?"
"Its your new house." Ma says, smiling overjoyed.
"Our house?" I ask, looking over at Harp. Who is also in awe of the house and the landscape. I open the door and as I start to go around the car to get Harp, she steps out.
"Do you like it?" Ma asks, already knowing the answer.
I nod, "I love it. Thank you." I say, hugging her.
"Did you hear that, Pax! He loves it!"
"I heard. Does Harper?" Pa asks, looking at Harps passive face.
She smiles, automatically. "I'm sorry. I'm speechless." I throw my arm around her guiding her inside, wanting to see inside. As we walk in I notice the tall ceilings and exposed beams. It has a very masculine feel to it. I hope Harp doesn't mind. The walls still need to be pained, but the wood floors are gleaming. The fireplace dominates the large room. Its natural stone and big enough for harp to stand up in.
"These rooms are done, just some paint. The kitchen countertops need to be installed, then its ready."
I nod. "Its incredible."
"I have some colors swatches to choose from, so we can have painters come in this week. And I also have granite samples so you can pick what you like best for the counters. A woman's kitchen is the heart of the home. I want you to pick it Harper, Ajax doesn't get a say." Ma tells me, then winks at Harp.
As my parents walk to the back of the house towards the kitchen I lean towards Harp. "Our first night here, I'm taking you on the floor right in front on the fireplace."
She smiles up at me, her eyes shinning. "Promise?"
I growl, wanting to take her right now. I nod and I swing her into my arms. "I love you."