Plus One

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ian got out of the town car, then held out a hand for Sophie.

"I can't believe you were willing to get on another plane," he said. It had been a hurried morning in LA, repacking their bags and rushing away. At least she'd managed to sleep on the plane, which was more than he could say for himself.

She just smiled and put her hand in his. "I love you."

He gently kissed her and then they walked into the enormous Tudor mansion. Sophie felt dwarfed by the imposing stone structure, with several gales and large windows overlooking the circular drive. The interior was made up of marble and dark paneled wood, the furniture priceless antiques.

"I spent every summer here as a kid," he said.

"Did you like it?"

"Yeah. We'd go sailing, have clam bakes. At the time, there were a lot of kids in the neighborhood. We'd race up and down the beach, go into town on our bikes..."

"Sounds pretty nice," she said.

"It was."

"Mr. Tate—good to see you," said a gentleman coming down the stairs.

"Thanks, Kenneth—you too."

He turned to Sophie. "Ken has been our butler since before I was born."

Sophie raised her eyebrows and he could see her once again having to reorient herself in his world.

"Ken, this is my girl, Sophie Kinsale."

Soon to be Sophie Tate. He hoped, anyway.

The butler glanced at her, a gleam in his eye. "Yes, I've heard about you. The elderly Mr. Tate thought you a lovely young woman. So nice to finally meet you."

Ian's heart lifted. It meant a lot to him, to know that his father had not only met Sophie, but genuinely liked her. It was one of the few times he'd gotten his father's approval. Ian would always be sad he hadn't had the chance to tell his father that Sophie was pregnant. He wondered what words of wisdom he could have given to Ian.

Sophie shook his hand and then they were led into a grand living room with thick drapes hanging beside lead-paned windows.

"I'll let Mr. Samuel know you're here," he said before leaving the room.

"Maybe I should go up to our room?" she said, her voice anxious.

He knew the last thing she wanted was another confrontation with Samuel. She'd come to support Ian, to be here with him as he grieved. It meant the world to him, to have her by his side now.

He placed a gentle hand on her lower back and one on her belly. He couldn't wait until he felt his baby in her.

"I think it's going to be impossible to avoid him, Soph. But you won't be on your own this time."

She sighed. "Okay. But I won't hesitate to throw my beverages in his face if he's asking for it."

He smiled. "I give you full permission to do so."

"Ian," Samuel said, striding into the room. His eyes flicked to Sophie and his lips twitched with distaste.

"I'm fairly certain you haven't forgotten Sophie," Ian said.

"How could I?" Sam said, barely sparing her a glance.

Fury was already simmering under Ian's skin. He was so damn sick of his brother. Sick of the competitiveness, the little cruelties. And he really wasn't okay with how Sam thought he could treat Sophie.