Speak To Me
Chapter 178 –

(Alder)

I narrowed my eyes at Caspian, watching as he lifted up a roll before stuffing his face and chewing rather aggressively. Did I act like this when he was going through his emo phase? No..I was supportive as hell and completely understanding..even if I didn't know the full extent of the situation, I was still there for my brother no matter what. So this attitude he is giving me...yeah, it's pissing me the hell off.

"So, you grew up in New York?" My mom asked Jolie, trying to ignore the clear stare-off Caspian and I were having.

Jolie went on to tell Mom about her parents and how they started in the restaurant business.

That's when I felt a swift kick to my leg as Caspian mouthed something to me.

"Check your phone."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes before reaching into my pocket. I could see Jolie was really engrossed in the conversation so I didn't think she would even notice.

From Cas: Are you seriously thinking about marrying this girl after all that sketchy stuff that happened?

I clenched my teeth together, feeling like I might just snap by how angry that made me.

To Cas: I already told you it was a misunderstanding. The guy was an asshole. Maybe if you actually pulled your head out of your ass and gave Jolie a chance, you would see how amazing she is.

I typed out angrily before hitting send.

That should piss him off.

That's when I heard the scoff before Caspian sunk lower in his chair and stared down at his lap intently. What, was he typing a freaking novel or something?

From Caspian: I would expect my brother to tell me this type of shit and not have to learn it on my own. You know you have only called me three times in the past month? Three..it's like you aren't even a part of this family anymore. How do I know this girl isn't the main reason for that?

I read his message over a few times as guilt began to set it..I know I've fucked up..my family means everything to me and I guess this is the first time I feel like I'm my own person. Don't get me wrong...I love my brother, but a lot of times I felt like I have lived in his shadow. But with Jolie..fuck..she makes me feel like I'm the only person she sees..that I'm her whole world.

And maybe I was afraid if I introduced my family to her, it would somehow be ruined. I don't know..I'm not sure why I haven't said shit..but I owe them an explanation, especially since Jolie seems to be taking the brunt of it.

To Cas: Look, I'm sorry. A lot has happened and I didn't how to tell you guys. I love her Cas..really love her and she loves me too. So please, just give her a chance. You can be mad at me all you like..but Jolie is incredible, I mean, look how well they are getting along..

I sent, watching my brother's hard gaze soften before glancing at our Mom and Jolie. I could see him studying Mom carefully as she reached forward and grabbed Jolie's hand before bursting into laughter.

To Cas: Besides..if you keep being mean to her, I'm going to tell Johnnie.

I sent another text quickly, knowing this was going to have the reaction I wanted.

Caspian glanced at the phone when his eyes suddenly went wide before snapping to mine.

"You wouldn't." He blurted out loud.

"I might." I shrugged, putting my phone away as Caspian seemed very worried now.

That's because his wife is the only one who could truly make an impact on the idiot..and she would definitely be on my side. I think he knows that too.

Caspian sighed before sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms.

"Jolie..what's your favorite hockey team?" Caspian suddenly asked, making both Jolie and my mom pause as they looked towards my brother.

"Is that even a question? The Panthers of course..considering they are in the running for the Stanley Cup again this year." She said nonchalantly, causing my mouth to drop open as I looked at her in surprise. The Panthers i Caspian's favorite team. Fuck..this girl, I swear she keeps replaceing ways to blow my mind.

Caspian just nodded and reached for another piece of bread trying to play it cool. But I could tell that won him over a little.

I leaned over, placing my ear close to Jolie's before sliding my hand across her back.

"I didn't realize you knew a lot about hockey." I whispered, making her smile up at me.

"It's more so that Rylan won't shut up about it..that and boxing..for once his motor mouth came in handy." Jolie explained, making me beam in response.

God, she is perfect..how did I get so damn lucky?

We continued on with breakfast as Jolie held my hand for most of the time..I could tell she was getting nervous about what we were about to tell them the longer we sat there.

And once they took my mom's plate away, not before Caspian finished it off for her though, I knew it was time.

I didn't want to keep any more secrets...and this was a pretty big one.

"Maybe tomorrow we can go shopping while the boys go visit the office." My mom offered, making Jolie smile nervously before nodding.

That's when I took a deep steadying breath..my heart felt like it might just explode as Jolie gripped my hand tighter.

"I'm right here with you." She whispered as I nodded my head and looked towards my brother and Mom.

"There is one more thing we need to tell you." I began, making Mom's brow furrow as Caspian put his fork down before sitting up straighter.

"What is it, son? Has your dad tried contacting you or something?" Mom rushed out, making me shake my head no.

"It's nothing like that..it's good news." I began, turning to look at Jolie before smiling. "Great news actually. " I added, seeing her green eyes start to fill with tears.

"Jolie is...pregnant." I stated, trying to sound confident as Caspian suddenly dropped his fork before choking.

"Did you just say pregnant?! Like..a baby pregnant?" He gasped as my mom slapped his back hard.

"I know it's a surprise..it was for us too. But we decided to keep the baby." Jolie began explaining as I hurriedly butt in.

"I wouldn't want it any other way. This..how we met and how things happened..it just feels like we are meant to be. I know it's fast and this is why I haven't exactly been speaking with you..I didn't know how to tell you yet." I said anxiously, turning to look at my mom's face..which seemed rather expressionless at first. I couldn't help but feel disappointed..but then..then I saw the tears falling and I wasn't sure what that meant.

"You are having a baby?" Mom asked quietly.

I nodded my head, pulling Jolie closer to my side as she buried her face agaisnt my shirt.

"Yes, we are going to have a baby." I confirmed and what happened next made relief flood through me.

Mom let out an excited squeal as her hand slapped over her mouth. Then she quickly stood before rushing over towards us.

"Oh Alder..I can't believe it." She gushed, making emotion swell up inside of me as she quickly hugged me and Jolie both.

"I am so happy for you..and seeing you two together, I see the love..I see it from the both of you."

That's all I wanted to hear..that she sees this..that she understands why I am moving so fast and realizes it's because I'm head over heels in love with Jolie.

"What the hell..first Ben, now you..why do I feel left out all of a sudden? I was even married first!" Caspian grumbled before standing and coming over to us.

"Congratulations brother, I'm happy for you..for the both of you." He choked out the last part as I could tell he was trying his hardest..but yeah, it will take time for Caspian to trust Jolie fully. But she is my future wife..so he better figure that shit out quick because this girl isn't going anywhere.

I stared down at Jolie as my mom hugged her tightly. I could see the relief and happiness which probably mirrored my own and knew this was just one step closer to becoming our own little family.

"I love you." I whispered, pulling Jolie to my chest before crashing my mouth to hers.

"I love you too Alder King." She replied, making my stomach somersault as everything felt right in the world..well, almost everything..we still have to tell Jolie's parents.

Yeah, I'm not exactly looking forward to that one..