The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 219

As Derek drove them home after the interview, Evelyn looked out the window, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the incredible day they'd had.

The live proposal had been the last thing she'd expected, and her cheeks still hurt from smiling so much.

She reached for Derek's hand, squeezing it lightly. "I still can't believe you did that on live television," she

teased.

Derek chuckled as he parked the car in front of their house, "I wanted everyone to know how much I love you."

"Still, that was... surprising," she said with a grin, and Derek laughed.

"I'm glad I could surprise you," he said as he got out of the car and opened her door.

Before Evelyn could get out of the car, Derek leaned inside and kissed her, "You know I love you, right?" He asked, and she grinned

"Yeah. I know. And I love you, too"" she said as she got out of the car, and they both headed for the front

door.

"I'm going to have to give Rayna a call so we can officially start planning the wedding. I wonder if she saw the interview. She's going to be so upset you didn't carry her along," Evelyn said with a giggle, which died on her lips the moment Derek opened the door, and a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Evelyn froze in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. The living room had been transformed into a warm party space. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the walls, soft music played in the background, and a table near the corner was laden with a beautifully decorated cake, trays of pastries, and an array of food and drinks.

Her parents stood near the center of the room, beaming with pride. Derek's parents were beside them, their hands clasped as they exchanged knowing smiles. Rayna and Ethan waved from their own corner, and Maya stood near the food table with Liam, both grinning widely. But it was Samantha, holding a bouquet of daisies and bouncing on her toes, who stole Evelyn's heart.

"What... what is this?" Evelyn asked, her voice a mix of laughter and disbelief.

Derek slipped an arm around her waist, guiding her inside. "This, my love, is our engagement party."

"Surprise!" Samantha yelled again, making everyone laugh. She hurried over to join her parents and kissed Evelyn's belly, saying hello to her younger sibling before handing the bouquet to her mother.

"Thank you, darling," Evelyn said as she took the bouquet from Samantha and kissed her forehead.

Evelyn turned to Derek again, her eyes sparkling with surprise. "When did you even have time to plan this?

How did I not know?"

Derek shrugged, his grin mischievous. "I didn't want you to know. That's the whole point of a surprise." Evelyn turned to Rayna, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"And you? You knew about this, didn't you?"

Rayna giggled, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "Of course I did. I baked the cake and pastries!"

Evelyn gasped, pointing an accusatory finger at her friend. "And yet you were the one asking me to propose to him just yesterday! You're terrible!"

much fun watching Derek steal

them and then Maya stepped forward, pulling Evelyn into a

Evelyn murmured, her heart

Maya to Liam, who was standing with his hands in

It's so good to see

forward, shaking her

me, but I walked into a

chuckled, her smile soft. "I'm glad

as she followed them while

the men drank and talked about everything ranging from

around the

of cake to everyone while the soft strains of music

Rebecca announced, "So, we've

asked, and

will be in three weeks," Claire said with

Derek's father asked his wife, and

be celebrating my

need. I'll hand out the wedding invitation instead of my birthday invitation," she said

to plan a wedding?" Ethan asked

you

you need to do is relax and tell us what you want. Between your Mom, Maya, Rayna, and me, you

eyeing her grandmother with

Of course, you're the best planner

not healed by then?" Ethan asked Derek with

should be. If it's not, I'll stand in for you," Liam suggested with a

looking dashing before my

was thinking

about not being able to assist me properly," Derek said dryly with a shake of his

fine by then. The doctor said it needs a week or two to heal,

you two should be part of the train," Evelyn said, looking from Maya

she said, referring

wedding planning. We bond over drinks and sports," Ethan said, and Derek

over planning, then we will

to be right even when they're wrong," Derek's father said, his wife raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? When am I ever wrong?" She asked, and

You're always right," he said,

a blur of laughter, heartfelt toasts and stories as Derek's and Evelyn's parents talked about

Maya saw Liam off to his car when it was time for him

car. I wanted to spend some time alone with

this was a pretty great

a strand

"It was."