Dependency // l.tomlinson *Completed*

39. Louis

39. Louis

"Alright, alright! Settle down, everyone!" Jackson- Royce's cousin from Florida- said into the mic. He was the MC for the reception party tonight. "I know everyone is just itching to see the husband and wife but how do you expect them to come in when not all of you are on your feet? Come on! Make some noise for them!"

I stood up and helped Radley stand as well. Theo was propped on her hip and he stared at all the unfamiliar faces that were around him. We were all clapping and laughing and continued to do so as the giant doors opened.

"I would like to welcome to you all the newly wed couple, Mr and Mrs Royce Oake!" Jackson said loudly into the mic.

Everyone erupted in cheers. They walked towards the stage- hand in hand- with huge smiles on their faces. They danced and shimmied until they were seated. They were the happiest couple here and I was glad I could experience their positive energy.

"So I guess we should start off the night with a few speeches."

"Here, I'll hold him for a bit. Let you relax and all." I whispered, smiling at Radley as I took Theo from her.

"I was okay but thank you anyways." She gave my arm a squeeze and took a sip of her water.

I watched her as she stared at Eleanor in complete adoration. I knew that she missed her cousin but Radley was the type of person that didn't voice her feelings. Someone has to do it for her but she also didn't want that to happen. I knew I had to fix them.

A few speeches were done from both sides of the family. I had gone up and did my speech from a best friend perspective. Jackson announced that he wanted Radley to come up and say a few words just as I sat down.

"Oh, no. She's going to kill me." The sadness in her voice was evident as she whispered to me. Radley gave me a desperate glance but stood up. She gave everyone a weak smile and went up to where Royce's cousin had his hand out. She took the mic and smiled again. "Hi. I'm Radley and I'm not quite good with speeches. I didn't know I was to do one or else I would've had a little something prepared."

A few people chuckled and I tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"So, um, I'd like to start off by saying congratulations to Eleanor and Royce on their big day. You're both glowing with happiness. Um, I want to thank Royce from the bottom of my heart for coming into my cousin's life. You're the reason she is always smiling and happy and laughing so thank you tons," Radley let out a breathy laugh and wiped her eyes, "I think everyone tells the groom that he got lucky with his wife but Royce, you've really won the lottery with her. Eleanor is just amazing. She will love you unconditionally for the rest of your life. She won't skip a heartbeat to make you laugh or smile. She'll take really good care of you because- to be quite frank with you- she's related to me." Everyone laughed at that bit and so did Eleanor. "No, I'm just pushing your buttons but really, Royce. You've married the perfect girl and I wish you two the best of luck. So you better take care of her, brother-in-law, because then I'll have to come after you and you don't really want that."

Radley smiled at the two of them and handed Jackson the mic again. She sat down next to me and looked at her hands.

"That was a really good speech, Rad. Are you okay?" I asked.

She shrugged and sighed, wiping her eyes, "I just want to leave. I don't belong here anymore, Louis. I really don't. I just embarrassed myself in front of her and I don't know. I don't want this stress to get to the babies."

"I'll take you home soon, if you'd like. But Charlie has been itching to have the father-daughter dance with you. Which Simon is just about to start," I said, "and maybe if that lightens your mood, you would want to stay longer. At least for little Theo."