Page 8 of Say You Will
He crossed his arms. “Your deflection skills need work. Something’s going on, and I’d like to know what.”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
Shit. I pulled a face. “Won’t.”
Ace looked away. I could see the hurt momentarily before he cleared his expression. “Somebody’s not in trouble or sick? You not telling me isn’t gonna—”
“No! No.” I stepped in front of him, placing my hands on his chest. “No. It’s not a bad thing, I just can’t tell you right now. Sworn to secrecy and all that. Personally, I think it’s a good thing.” I shrugged, giving him a faint smile, before moving away to make my tea.
He wrapped his arms around me from behind, pressing his lips to the side of my neck. I tilted, allowing him room to work. Eventually, he propped his chin on my shoulder. “Okay. I believe you, but good things usually cause smiles, not groans.”
“Yeah, I just forgot to do something and need to get it done soon.”
“Anything you need help with?”
“No, babe.” I stuck my ass back, bumping him. “Go watch your game. I’ll be there in a minute.”
A final kiss and he was gone, leaving me cold. I regretted keeping this secret, but I’d wanted this and needed to see it through.
I snagged my phone from the charger and swiped it awake. As it rang, I picked up my mug and walked into the office, closing and locking the door behind me.
“Darren.”
“Hey, Dad. How are you?”
“I’m good, thank you for asking. What can I help you with? Or do you need Mom?”
“Both of you, maybe. How’d you know?”
Dad laughed. “The game’s on.” My mom and Ace were definitely peas of the same pod. Dad and I preferred books versus the rabid fans our partners were.
“Right,” I said, “well, nothing’s wrong, I just forgot to call you to see if you can visit over June twenty-first. I’m throwing Ace a surprise party.”
Dad was quiet a moment before he asked, “And…?”
“And… I’m going to pop the question.”
“Hold on.” The phone was muffled, but I distinctly heard my dad yell, “He’s going to ask Aaron to marry him!”
“Darren! Really? Oh, I’m so happy! When? Where?” Mom was breathless by the end.
“June twenty-first. I’m surprising Ace with a birthday party and a proposal.”
“Okay, so he can’t know we’re coming in. I’ll call Momma Lark and make arrangements to stay with her. Do they know?”
“About the party, yes. Why? You think I should ask for his hand in marriage?” I chuckled, but the bees buzzing in my chest told a different story. If I did ask, it made it all the more real. My hands were sweating just thinking about it.
“Yes,” Dad said. I hadn’t realized he was still on the line. I’d forgotten my parents still had their landline with multiple handsets. “It’s only proper.”
“But we’re—”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re asking, you ask. If he was asking, I’d expect the same courtesy.”
“You’re right. I’ll do it. I’ll let you know afterward, so you can call. Unless Momma Lark calls you first.”
Mom giggled. “She probably will. Now, let me get back to the game. Love you, kiddo.”