Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 24

"Maybe later, sweetie." Jeni patted the little girl on the head as she and the rest of the family gaped at Tom.

Tom's mouth opened and closed a couple of times as all eyes turned to him. "Yes, well, actually..." Tom spoke slowly, drawing it out to buy some time. Sophie managed one sip of wine, hoping it would calm her nerves before Tom stole the glass from her fingers and drained it. His entire family were looking at them in confusion and silence. "Sophie and I got married." He blew out a big breath, glanced at her once again before turning back to face his family.

"He's my Daddy now," Jasmine piped up as she ran up to Tom and wrapped her arms around his legs.

Then everyone seemed to respond at once.

"What?"

"Oh my God!"

"That's wonderful!"

"Are you serious?"

"When?"

Sophie had no idea who was saying what or even managing to take in what they were saying. She let her gaze go from one family member to another, and she couldn't believe it - they weren't mad. They were genuinely happy for them and supportive. It was so foreign to her.

"This is wonderful news!" his mum gushed, hugging Tom, then Sophie, and then picking Jasmine up to give her a cuddle. "That does make me your Granny, doesn't it sweetheart?" She crooned.

"I always wanted another granny," Jasmine beamed at her, making Sophie's heart swell and a warmth settle over her the way they were accepted so easily.

"Why weren't we invited?" Danielle grumbled. "This is just like you, Tom! You should've let us plan a huge wedding!"

"Dani," Jeni scolded lightly. "Maybe that was why they didn't tell us."

"Exactly," Tom nodded and turned to his mum.

"And if that's the way you wanted it, then we're happy for you," Jeni assured them both, smiling at Sophie.

"Of course we are," Dani dismissed. "I just wanted a big party. And to be a bridesmaid. It'll be nice to have another girl around the place," she winked at Sophie and linked arms with her.

Sophie turned around when she heard the pop of a champagne cork, only to have a glass of champagne shoved into her hand. "Welcome to the family," his grandfather said with a knowing smile.

There was even more champagne with dinner, as well as more toasts from his grandfather and father, celebrations, photos, and of course cake, which just happened to be the delicious chocolate lava cakes from the hotel.

"How's the cake?" Tom murmured in her ear.

"Don't forget the cream behind his ears," his Grandpa added and they all laughed.

Tom was mortified. He'd hoped that story wouldn't come out. He'd really hoped they'd all forgotten about it. "Don't listen to them, Soph. It's lies, all lies," he shook his head.

"Sure it is," she laughed, leaning over to brush her lips on his.

"Speaking of cake... You two need to at least cut some kind of cake," Dani grinned with a cheeky glint in her eye, and he had a feeling she was up to no good.

"No," Tom held up a hand. He did not want this. "This was why we got married like we did, so you couldn't make a fuss."

"This is not a fuss. You're cutting a cake," his mum ordered as she placed one of the little cakes on a plate and handed them a knife.

"Come on, stand up. I need a photo of this," his grandmother said as she pulled her camera out again.

Tom blew out a breath and reluctantly stood up, tugging Sophie to her feet at the same time. He just reminded himself it would all be over within a few minutes. "Ready?" he asked his wife as he looked into her smiling face.

"Yep," she nodded, glancing down as they held the knife and cut through the little cake, posing for a photo at the same time.