Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 27

"Of course not," his grandfather agreed and his father nodded. "Now that that's settled, I think it's time I called it a night," his grandfather announced as he slowly pushed himself up out of the chair and walked out of the room.

Sophie hadn't missed the tension in Tom's jaw and shoulders as he'd stood up and followed the two older men from the room. Maybe they had talked about work, but more than likely the conversation had been about her and Jasmine. She'd expected that - his family would have an opinion on her, and his mother and sister seemed to like her, but she had no idea what his father or grandfather thought. She really liked them. They were so welcoming and kind to her, but the doubts crept in. Could she really be a part of this? A part of a real family. One that treated her like a family should. One that cared for her and Jasmine and didn't just see her for what she could do for them. She wasn't entirely sure, but she knew it all hinged on whatever was being discussed by Tom, his father and grandfather in the next room. Would they think she was just some gold-digger only after his money?

You should have signed a pre-nup!

But the thought had never occurred to her, until now when it was too late. Was it too late? Maybe she'd ask Tom. She'd sign one if he wanted her to. She didn't want his money, she just wanted him in her life.

"Don't worry about them, they're always talking work," Jeni said as she sat down beside her at the table and put her warm hand over Sophie's.

She lifted her anxious gaze to the older woman's. "Something to get used to, huh?"

"Something like that," Jeni murmured and looked at her with concern in her eyes. "What's bothering you?"

"Nothing," Sophie shook her head. "It's just... Thank you, so very much, for everything," she murmured as tears starting falling from her eyes. She was so overwhelmed with everything - she was in Tom's incredible house, with this big and loud, and very welcoming family, but she didn't really know what they thought of her. She knew all too well that looks could be deceiving.

"It's my pleasure," Jeni hugged her. "You just call me anytime you need me," she whispered and Sophie nodded, swallowing down the emotion in her throat. Was it possible to fall in love with a whole family? Because she think she had. "I'll see you soon enough, anyway, and we can have lunch, or go shopping, or whatever you like."

"But you hardly know me." Sophie shook her head, still stunned at how easily they'd accepted them both in Tom's life. She'd never had lunch or gone shopping with her own mother.

Tom nodded as he took Sophie's hand, pulling her from the chair before he turned to his mother. "Thanks for everything, Mum. I'll send you a message when we leave in the morning, and we'll call you from Melbourne."

"Please do," she hugged him briefly and turned back to Sophie and hugged her once again. "You take care, and call me if you need anything."

"I will," Sophie nodded, knowing that she could actually call her new mother-in-law.

Then as quickly as they'd arrived, his family left, leaving them alone in the quiet house. Two weeks ago she hadn't even known these people existed and now she was married and a part of a wonderful family. She'd never had someone else to rely on like this. Part of her loved it, the other part was terrified that it would end. He was still a rich powerful man, and she'd jumped into marriage with him so fast, without even finding out if he loved her.