Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 25

"You're supposed to kiss your wife, Tom," his grandfather directed.

Tom rolled his eyes but did what he was told - he wouldn't pass up an opportunity to lock lips with Sophie. He was too busy kissing his wife to notice the exchange between his father and grandfather.

"Told you it would work," Albert said, raising his eighty-eight year old fist to his son.

Ed lifted a matching fist, bumping knuckles with his dad. "Yes, Dad, you were right. Again."

Then the kiss was over and Tom put the knife down.

"Now, feed each other some cake," Jeni insisted.

"No, it's okay," Sophie said, sitting back down. At least she was being sensible.

"Yes," everyone insisted.

Sophie got to her feet reluctantly and looked at Dani for a moment before turning to him with a silly grin on her face. She lifted a piece of cake to his lips; he complied and did the same, but at the last second, Sophie shoved it in his face, the chocolate filling sticking to her fingers and all around his mouth. Tom was stunned. What on earth had made her do that? He stood there staring at her for a few moments while she giggled and licked her fingers. His entire family were laughing, but none more than Jasmine, who thought it was hilarious.

Okay, now this means war. He grabbed another cake, and stared threateningly at his wife. He might make a mess now, but he'd enjoy licking it off her skin later.

"No! Don't you dare!" Sophie shrieked and ducked under his hand as he aimed for her.

She was fast, moving around the table and staying just out of his reach on the other side. He'd go left, and she'd go right. If he went right, she'd go left. He would catch her though, he had to. He plotted his moves. He started to go one way, darting back when she moved until they were on the same side of the room. He looked at her, victory was his. He stalked towards her, and she just stared at him.

He stepped up closer, he was close. Then... thump. He looked down at his step-daughter, who'd gotten in on the act, squashing a cake on his tummy as he'd walked past her.

Jasmine's blue eyes were huge, and looked shocked for a moment, until he started laughing, then she started giggling too, clapping her hands and jumping. There was laughter all round. He glanced up at Sophie, who was holding her middle in a fit of giggles. This was his chance. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into him, wiping his chest across hers and kissing her, wiping chocolate cake all over her as well. She wriggled to avoid it, tears of laughter in her eyes.

When had he ever had this much fun with a woman?

"Gabe! You made it!" Dani and Jeni were by his side in an instant and hugging him. They obviously both doted on him.

"You'll be sorry you didn't get here earlier!" Dani scolded as Jeni was dragged back to the lounge by Jasmine.

"Why? What happened?" Gabe frowned and glanced briefly at the little girl and then in their direction, "Apart from Tom having a woman here. Hello again, Sophie."

"Hi Gabe," she replied, raising a hand to wave at him as Dani threw her head back and laughed loudly.

Gabe stared at Tom, his eyes drifting to Dani and back again. "What?"

Tom blew out a breath. "Sophie and I got married," he kept his eyes on his younger brother as Gabe's mouth dropped open and then understanding dawned on his face.

"Hence why you disappeared for three days," Gabe murmured as he stepped up close to his brother. "You could have told me. Why didn't you invite me?" he asked, his expression one of hurt.