Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 23

He'd bet his hotel on there being a whole lot more to it than what she'd said. But he let her get away with distracting him from asking more questions - for now. "Enough, indeed," he grinned as he lowered his head to kiss her.

"Don't be nervous. My family are going to love you," Tom whispered as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

"How do you know I'm nervous?" Sophie asked and looked up into his amused gaze as they stood side by side in Tom's kitchen, preparing the salad, nibbles, and meat for the barbecue.

"You changed your outfit four times. I counted. And you're trembling," he said, giving her a lingering kiss on the lips, instilling some confidence into her.

It was the kind of scene she'd always pictured - a happily married couple and their daughter getting ready for a regular family dinner. She just hoped she was up to the task of being the perfect wife. "Tell me more about them?" Sophie prompted as she went back to making the salad dressing, hoping it would distract her.

"You know about the hotels and I think I've told you about my grandfather," he answered as he glanced at her.

"So your mum and dad live in Melbourne?" she asked, wanting to know what to expect from Tom's mum and dad. She hoped they were nothing like hers.

"Yes," he nodded, "but they're all here on holiday at the moment. My sister and her family and our grandparents too. They all travel a lot, especially my Dad."

"To visit you?" she questioned, still thrown by the fact they lived in the same city as her, and not knowing if that was good or bad.

"Mostly, but also because they just love travelling," he murmured as he concentrated on peeling the prawns.

She was a little overwhelmed, and nervous, about meeting his family. What would they think of her? As far as she knew he hadn't told them about her, and now they were all turning up to his house for dinner. They'd get the shock of their lives when they found out he had a wife and child.

Tom grinned at her. "Are you ready?" he asked as he washed his hands.

"No," she shook her head as the doorbell rang just before a good looking older couple walked in. Jasmine rushed over to answer the door, only to pause when she saw unfamiliar faces.

Then Sophie heard the front door close heavily and she turned to see the rest of his family entering the lounge room, putting bags down and exchanging hugs and kisses and pleasantries. Sophie watched on, her heart racing and her breath catching in her throat. She felt like a complete outsider. Then she found Tom's hand and linked her fingers with him for reassurance.

He dipped his head to her ear. "It'll be fine. Just relax and enjoy the celebrations that are about to ensue," he murmured. "Everyone," Tom's loud voice had everyone turn to look at him. "This is Sophie, and that's Jasmine," he said as he ruffled her hair. "Soph, this is my sister, Danielle, her husband Grant and their two kids Oscar and Lizzie. And my grandparents, Elsie and Albert," he said, standing by her side. Jasmine stayed behind kitchen bench, shyly watching as they all crowded Sophie and Tom, shaking hands, kissing her cheek and giving the couple curious looks.

Jeni crouched down to look Jasmine in the eyes and speak to her. "Hi, Jasmine, I'm Jeni. That's a pretty dress you're wearing. We're almost matching," she smiled reassuringly.

"Pink is my favourite colour," Jasmine told her.

"It's my favourite colour too," Jeni whispered.

Jasmine looked up at Tom and her voice cut through the chatter. "Daddy, is she my new grandmother?" All eyes turned to the little girl, who was completely unaware of the significance of her words. Jasmine, her eyes wide with excitement, grabbed Jeni's hand and tried to lead her new grandmother away. "My whole room is pink. Daddy made it that way just for me. It's so pretty. You should see it."