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!"

mischief. "I was just pulling your leg. Besides, it was so much fun watching Derek steal the show.

and congratulate them and then Maya stepped forward, pulling Evelyn into a tight

Evelyn

past Maya to Liam, who was standing with his hands in

so good to see

shaking her

with me, but I

smile soft. "I'm glad you

planning the wedding at once," Rebecca said, and Evelyn laughed as she followed them while Derek

plan, the men drank and talked about everything ranging from business to sports and politics, and each of them

darted around the

the soft strains of

all converged again, and Rebecca

father asked, and they

be in three weeks," Claire said with

about your birthday party?" Derek's father asked

won't be celebrating my birthday party

out the wedding invitation instead of my birthday

enough to plan a wedding?" Ethan asked thoughtfully, hoping his hand

if you have the money and know what you

a thing, Evie; all you need to do is relax and tell us what you want. Between your Mom,

eyeing her grandmother

Of course, you're the best planner

arm is not healed by then?" Ethan asked Derek with a

in for you," Liam suggested with

of looking dashing before my girlfriend? Never!" Ethan said, and the ladies

I was

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

your arm will be fine by then. The doctor said

having a long train, but you two should be part of the train," Evelyn said, looking

she said, referring to Derek

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

we should bond over planning, then we will do that," Derek said,

successful home and happy family with that attitude. Women like to be right even when they're wrong," Derek's father said, his wife raised an eyebrow. "What do you

he

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

his car when it was time for him to leave for

Liam began, leaning against his car. I wanted to

a pretty great

a strand of hair behind

"It was."