Speak To Me
Chapter 183 –

(Tilly)

"Welcome, would you like a glass of champagne? It's nonalcoholic." A server standing at the front door offered before holding out a tray and offering us the drink.

I glanced over at Rylan before he let out a long breath and shook his head no.

"No thank you." I whispered, feeling my nerves rising by the second as Nolan went to reach for one.

"Nope, he doesn't want one either." Rylan interjected.

"What? He clearly emphasized the nonalcoholic part for my sake." Nolan teased, making Rylan frown.

"Mom shouldn't be serving anything that resembles alcohol in the slightest." Rylan muttered in annoyance.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she has the real stuff in the back and is doing this just for show." Jolie chimed in as we all made our way into the house.

I couldn't help but glance around as I saw dozens of elegantly dressed guests standing in circles and chatting away happily.

"Okay Nole, let's see how many people you can actually tolerate are here." Rylan whispered lowly as both Nolan and Jolie snickered before peering around.

I guess they must be used to this type of thing..Even though this was Nolan's welcome home party, it felt more like a gala or something..especially with the dresses some of these women were wearing.

"Oh, there's Gabriella and Jamie!" Jolie chimed in and that's when I saw Nolan stiffen.

He opened up to me about what happened before..how he disliked Gabriella at first because he felt bad for his sister..and apparently he ended up spreading something about her that led to him going to rehab. I guess there was also a girl involved but he didn't really want to talk about that.

I glanced towards Nolan before reaching my free hand out and grabbing his arm.

"We are right here." I reminded him..seeing that anxious look in his eyes growing by the second.

That's when Rylan stepped closer and threw his arm around his brother next.

"Gabby is one of the sweetest people ever..well, besides my wife of course.." He added playfully while shooting me a wink. "I can guarantee that everything is water under the bridge little bro.."

I could see Nolan start to relax as he looked between us and nodded softly.

"But if she does decide to kick your ass...it would be a great excuse to leave early. Those pregnancy hormones are no joke apparently. " Rylan added teasingly, prompting Nolan to shoot him a glare.

I heard soft laughter growing closer as I glanced over and saw both Jamie and Gabriella walking over.

For a moment I wondered if Jolie and Gabriella went shopping for their dresses together, considering they wore similar colors.

Jolie had on a teal dress that had a lace bodice with thin straps while Gabriella wore a satin one with sleeves that hung off her shoulders. I could see Gabriella's round stomach beneath the material and couldn't help but admire the adorable bump. She was gorgeous..they both were.

"Tilly! It's s-so great to s-see you." Gabriella gushed as she surprisingly went in for a hug.

"It's great to see you too. You look beautiful." I said, feeling my cheeks warm as Gabriella pulled back before looking me up and down now.

"W-wow Rylan sure is one l-lucky guy." She stated, making my cheeks really burn now as Rylan swooped in and snaked his arms around my waist.

"Don't I know it..isn't my wife beautiful?" He added, making Gabriella's pink lips spread into a huge smile before she nodded her head hastily.

"So, I'm guessing you're not taking the subtle approach in telling your mom? Considering you seem to be announcing it freely." Jamie commented, making Rylan shrug before looking down at me.

"There is nothing she can do or say to change it..and I refuse to hide the fact that this gorgeous woman right here is mine." Rylan added while bending down and kissing my lips softly. I swear I felt my stomach flip a good hundred times. "Oh god..is this what you have to deal with all day long?" Jamie asked who I realized was Nolan when he began to laugh.

"For the most part..Tilly is mindful of it though..unlike this fucking animal right here." Nolan explained as he looked at Rylan in disgust. Of course Rylan wasn't helping his case as he began kissing down my neck and shoulder..quit sloppily I might add.. People were starting to stare..

"Th-thank you for inviting us to your p-party." Gabriella spoke up, making Nolan glance towards her now as I tried to bat Rylan away.

"Yeah.....well..thanks for coming..and about before-" He began nervously, making Gabriella reach out and touch his hand gently.

"It's o-okay..I understand. I'm just h-happy you are b-back with your family now." Gabriella interrupted, making Nolan search her gaze carefully before letting out a breath he must've been holding.

"Thank you..I'm happy to be back too." He added and just then, a loud shriek pierced through the room, making me jump.

"Nolan! My baby, come here." Caroline Walters exclaimed happily before waltzing her way over and making a huge production about it.

I could see all eyes land on Nolan as people began to whisper to one another.

"Hi mom..I see you invited half of the country club.." Nolam mumbled before letting his mom hug him.

"Oh sweetheart..everyone here cares about you..you have known them just as long as I have." She laughed while pulling back and looking at his tie.

"You look good baby, let me just fix this though." She whispered, fiddling with the tie I had helped him with as I felt Rylan stiffen beside me.

That's when his mom dragged her gaze from Nolan and settled it right on Rylan.

"Isn't it great to have the family back together?" She stated hastily as Rylan's dad came walking up next.

"Why didn't you tell me they were here?" He grumbled and went to give Nolan a big huh now.

"I'm surprised the loud shriek didn't give it away." Jolie mumbled.

I couldn't help but feel awkward as Rylan's mom stepped closer, seeming to not even notice me standing beside him as she reached up and smoothed down his suit jacket.

"Why haven't you answered my calls Ry? I was worried about you. Have you been eating enough? You look tired.." She began to fawn all over him as I tried to slip away..but of course Rylan tightened his grip and shot me a warning glare.

What was I supposed to do?! It was like his mom was boxing me out and I was just standing there awkwardly.

"We have been busy. Actually..there is something I wanted to speak with you about." Rylan snapped, making my eyes widen.

Already?! He was going to just say it right off the bat?

"Too busy? You have never been too busy for your mom before. I hope you aren't still mad at me..I was hoping we could have a word as well..alone..if that's alright with you." Caroline rushed, her green eyes peering up at Rylan as he pressing his mouth into a thin line...I could tell he was annoyed. But maybe it's best he does tell her privately..she might take the news better.

"Anything you need to say to me, you can say in front of Tilly." Rylan stated firmly, making my stomach twist anxiously.

"I see..of course..but this is more about your brother..a private matter." She whispered, glancing towards Nolan who was talking to his dad and Jamie.

I saw Rylan hesitate for a moment when Jolie and Alder stepped closer.

"Mom, maybe that can wait until after the party." Jolie stated, making Caroline look at her daughter before dragging her eyes up and down her body. "Jolie, have you been putting on weight?"

I swear both Rylan and my mouth dropped open in shock while Alder seemed to stiffen as an angry expression crossed his face.

"In fact I have..and do you want to know why?!" Jolie suddenly snapped, making my eyes widen and Alder suddenly lunged forward and circled his arms around Jolie's waist. "Why don't we go replace something to eat.." He mumbled and began whispering something into her ear.

"Screw the plan..she obviously hasn't learned a single thing." Jolie hissed back as Alder began walking her to the other side of the room by a table filled with different finger foods.

I could see Caroline's hand ball into a fist as she watched her daughter travel deeper into the foyer.

"Sweetheart, what was your sister talking about?" She asked, turning towards Rylan now as her fake smile started to falter.

"That's for her and Alder to tell you. But there is something I would like to say first." Rylan began, pulling me closer to his side as he gripped my hand and was about to lift it up.

Just as he did, a man carrying a tray of drinks was about to walk by when he suddenly tripped. I watched with wide eyes as the bubbly liquid came spilling out..right down the front of my dress.. "Oh my goodness!! Are you alright?!" Caroline rushed, making all eyes dart to us as Rylan was on me in seconds.

"Here, put this on." Rylan stated hurriedly while taking off his jacket and going to put it around me.

"Nonsense Rylan, your suit will be ruined..let me just take her up and get her one of Jolie's dresses." Caroline offered as Rylan turned even more protective.

"I will go with." He said quickly, causing Caroline to start to panic.

"No, it's okay..us girls can handle it..right Tilly? Besides, Nolan needs you here." She explained and I almost believed her with how genuine she sounded.

If I hadn't seen her foot slip out and trip that man with my own eyes..

But this needed to be done..and truthfully, I was waiting for it.

"I will be right back okay? I promise.." I said to Rylan, causing a deep frown to set on his face.

"Okay.." He muttered as worry flashed across his face.

"Great, we will only be a minute darling."

"At least let me walk you both to the room." He rushed, not wanting me to be alone with his mother for obviosuly.

And with that, we followed Caroline Walters towards the stairs, readying myself for whatever was waiting for me the moment we stepped into that room alone.

But what Caroline doesn't realize is I'm not the weak little girl she probably expects me to be.

When it comes to Rylan, I'm more than willing to fight back..and my mother-in-law is about to replace that out.