Speak To Me
Chapter 170 –

(Rylan)

I can't believe I am about to marry the girl of my dreams..not only that, she was the one who freaking suggested it!

I reached over and took her hand in my own. My gaze darted between the most beautiful woman in the world and the road in front of us as we headed for the airport.

"I love you Angel, so damn much." I rushed before pulling her hand to my mouth and kissing it softly.

After we left her old apartment, we raced home to get all of the necessary documents we needed. And once I booked the tickets to Vegas, everything finally hit me. I was going to marry this girl..and when that realization set in, not a single fucking doubt flooded through my mind. No, instead I thought about what the future held for us..how this is just the start and after today, I was going to keep my promise and spend the rest of my life making Matila Anne Martinez the happiest woman alive. Well, at least I would try to..

"No doubts, right?" Her small voice suddenly filled the car, making a big smile fill my face as I shook my head no.

"Not a single one." I whispered, meaning it wholeheartedly.

But..there was just one thing..one thing that kept nagging at me in the back of my mind.

One thing I might regret because I knew just how important it was for Tilly..and that's why in the rush of the moment, I saw an exit on the freeway coming up and quickly took it, making Tilly look at me worriedly.

"Is everything okay?" She asked, shifting in her seat slightly as I squeezed her hand, refusing to let it go.

"There's just one more place we need to stop..we should have enough time." I stated, making her sigh with relief as she glanced outside the window, watching the city come back into view.

There was something I had to do...because I knew if I didn't, I would feel horrible later on.

I wanted to speak with Tilly's papa..I wanted to ask him for permission and let him know just how much I truly loved her. I know I don't have to..but I want to..and I think it will mean a lot to Tilly as well.

It was a little past eight now and I was hoping Paula wasn't there..either way..nothing was going to stop this from happening, but it would be an unnecessary inconvenience if she were to replace out now. As soon as we pulled up to the Rehab facility, I heard Tilly let out a gasp.

"Rylan, why are we here?" She asked in confusion as I put the car in park before turning to face her.

"Because I need to do this right..this is the most important day of our lives..at least it is for me..and I don't want you to have a single doubt about it.."

"Rylan, I don't-"

"I know Angel..I know..but I also know how much this means to you..and I made a promise to you that I would do this.." I reminded her. I could see her tears already forming..the way her blue/green eyes sparkled was enough to have me lunging towards her and wrapping my arms around her small frame tightly.

"Thank you Rylan..thank you so much." She breathed, her hands gripping my shirt as I couldn't help but feel whole..she was all I needed..she was all I ever needed and I hate the fact that it took me this long to replace her. No..it took me this long to see her..she was always there from the start.

I pulled her back before sliding my finger through her dark hair and bent forward, kissing her lips passionately.

"Come on, let's go tell your papa, and then.." I began, kissing her again before continuing. "And then I will make you my wife."

Tilly nodded her head eagerly as I pulled away before jumping out of the car and running to her side.

Truthfully..I knew my family was going to be pissed..but they would survive. Hell, Jamie was going to be pissed too..but we needed to do this..it was the only way we could without anyone interfering. I didn't want to chance someone trying to talk me out of this.

After helping Tilly out of the car, I couldn't help but kiss her a dozen more times before we finally headed into the building.

We found out that Mr. Martinez was still in his room and had just eaten dinner so we didn't have to wake him or anything..and luckily Paula hadn't arrived yet.

Every step closer we took to that room, I swear my heart began to beat louder and louder..

What if he says no? Would that change Tilly's mind? Was this a good idea after all or did I shoot myself in the foot? I guess we are about to replace out...

Tilly knocked on the door gently before opening it up.

"Papa? Are you awake?" She asked sweetly, making her Papa scoot up on the bed higher before turning his head towards us.

"Tilly, is that you princesa?" He asked, seeming surprised.

"Yes papa, it's me and Rylan, we came to visit you." She said nervously, her eyes darting towards me as I gave her a reassuring smile.

I knew Mr. Martinez spoke better Spanish than English..and honestly, I kind of daydreamed about learning my little speech in Spanish and asking him that way..but yeah, we don't have time for that..so I hope everything I say comes across okay.

"Oh, are you hungry? Do you want me to call the nurse?" He suddenly asked, making Tilly pull me forward before she came to her Papa's side.

"No, we won't be staying long. How was dinner? Was the food good?" She began to make small talk as I swear sweat began flooding down my brow..god, why was I so nervous all of a sudden?!

"Sir, there was something I actually wanted to ask you." I blurted, not even knowing what they were talking about as Mr. Martinez turned his head towards me curiously. He definitely was the more strong and silent type..so when he nodded his head once, I figured that was my time to speak.

"I know Tilly and I haven't been dating long..and things right now are more complicated..but Mr. Martinez, I have fallen in love with your...Tilly.." I trailed off, not sure how to address her before continuing. I'm sure he still saw her as a daughter though..

"And the reason why we are here tonight. I wanted to ask for your permission to marry her. I want to ask Matilda to be my wife." I finally spat out, looking at Mr. Martinez nervously as he just sat there for a few moments seeming to think over my words. "Will you promise not to hurt her? To treat her like the precious tesoro (treasure) she is?" He asked softly, the emotion behind his voice showing as Tilly slapped her hand over her mouth, trying not to cry.

"I swear on my life..I will love her, cherish her, and provide for her for the rest of her life..she will be well taken care of."

"Money isn't everything..My Tilly doesn't care about that..she is different." He stated firmly, the passion behind those words matching my own.

"I know that..and I also realize that other people will think otherwise...but I know deep down that what Tilly and I have..it's a once in a lifetime type of love. She is the other half of my soul..and if I lost everything tomorrow, I also know I would still be the happiest man on earth because I would still have her..she is all I need..and I will work hard to prove that to you..no, to everyone.." I stated firmly, trying to express these feelings into words as I knew that if I truly did lose everything..the house, the money, the cars..all of it..I would still be the luckiest man alive because of her.

"Matilda..is this what you want? Be honest mi amor.." Her papa asked while reaching for her hand before squeezing it tightly.

"Yes Papa, I love him..I have always loved him." She whispered, making my heart fucking burst as I couldn't help but step closer to her..my arm wrapping around her waist as I watched those big beautiful eyes peer up at me.

She has to be my entire purpose..I just feel it deep down..I know she is the whole reason I'm here. She has to be.

"Very well..if this is what will make you happy Tilly then I will support this union."

I swear I could kiss the man! But instead I opted for a hug that surprised not only Mr. Martinez but Tilly as well.

"I swear I will never hurt her..I will only love her like she deserves to be loved." I reassured, hugging the man tightly as he patted my back awkwardly.

"Si..I expect only the best for her." He mumbled, making me smile widely as I looked towards Tilly.

I could see she was fighting a laugh as tears streamed down her cheeks as I went to her next, kissing every damn inch of her face before pulling back and staring down at her. "Come on Angel..we have a flight to catch."