Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 19

Gabe on the other hand had spent a lot of time partying and drinking to excess, both during high school and university, and had only just managed to graduate thanks to Tom's intervention -not that Gabe knew anything about that. But even now, four years later there always seemed to be some crisis or another with Gabe. Tom, and their father were hoping that the extra responsibility would help tame him a bit.

"But you'll come back if I need you?" Gabe questioned.

Tom considered him for a moment, saw the panic in his eyes. He was anxious about being in charge, as he should be. Maybe this really would work out. "Of course. But you won't need me. You can do this. You know the business, you know all the staff. Trust yourself."

"You're really trusting me with this?" his brother asked warily, as if waiting for Tom to give him some extra conditions.

"Yes," he nodded, knowing it was sink or swim time for Gabe.

"But you'll be here until Saturday, in case I have questions?" he asked and looked like a little kid instead of a twenty-six year old man.

Tom shook his head. "Nope, I'm taking off for a few days."

"What? Why?"

He groaned inwardly, wishing he didn't have to justify everything to his family. "Because I need a break, as short as it'll be, before I throw myself into the development. It's already not going to plan and I'm expecting it to only get harder once work actually starts."

"Where are you going?"

"Tristan has a little place on the beach. No phone coverage" - he was going to switch his phone off - "and lots of peace and quiet." Plus he'd have Sophie and Jasmine to keep him busy.

"Does Dad know this?"

"I'll talk to him before I head off," Tom sighed, knowing he'd have to tell his father something. "Anyway, I really need to go pack. Can you keep an eye on my place, please? You can help yourself to whatever is in the fridge."

"Can I move in?"

"My brother seems to have forgotten his manners." Gabe's smile was fake as he stood up and held out his hand to Sophie. "I'm Gabe."

Tom panicked even as Sophie's blue questioning eyes met his gaze and then looked back at his brother. She put her hand in his briefly. "I'm Sophie."

"Nice to meet you," Gabe drawled. "Where are you two off to?" he settled back against the desk and crossed his arms over his chest, obviously wanting to drag this out.

Tom shut him down. "Like I said, none of your business. Now, if you'll excuse us..." Tom said and turned to escort Sophie out of what would be Gabe's office from now on. It was a huge decision and he hoped he wouldn't regret leaving his brother in charge.

"You didn't want me to meet your brother?" Sophie asked, as they headed towards reception. Tom was walking so quickly that, even though he was holding her hand, she struggled to keep up.

"Not today," he shook his head, as they left the building.

As he was placing their order at his favourite coffee shop, he looked at her sitting outside waiting for him and realised he'd been a bit hasty. He did want her to meet his family, he just hadn't been prepared for it today. He especially didn't want Gabe to make assumptions and start telling the rest of the family things he wasn't ready for them to know yet. He did not want them at the wedding - they'd make a big deal out of it. How could he stand up in front of two hundred plus people, and his family, and vow to love a woman he'd only just met? A woman he didn't actually love. Having Tristan and his wife as the only witnesses was going to be a hell of lot easier. His best mate knew his reasons behind the hasty wedding, and while Tristan had questioned Tom thoroughly about his decision that morning, he'd understood why he was doing it, and respected his decision.