Evelyn's thoughts were scattered as she prepared Samantha's breakfast the following morning. Excitement and anxiety warred within her. Today, she would finally tell her parents everything.

After dropping Samantha off at school, Evelyn returned home and took a deep breath, surveying her living room. Her father had never been to her apartment before, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Hosting her parents for dinner was one thing; revealing Samantha, Sandra, and Derek was quite another. Her stomach churned, but she forced herself to focus.

She wiped down the kitchen counters and straightened the already immaculate furniture. The doorbell rang, and Evelyn rushed to answer it, expecting Maya, who had gone out to collect dinner supplies.

Instead, Rayna stood there, smiling broadly and carrying a bag of pastries. "Thought you could use some extra hands and dessert," Rayna said, her tone lighthearted but laced with concern. She understood the significance of this evening.

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. You're an angel."

Rayna placed the pastries in the refrigerator. "Everything will be fine, Evie. You've been stressing about this for years, but your parents will understand. Despite everything, your dad loves you, and I'm sure he'll be happy to finally hear everything."

Evelyn's hands trembled as she helped Rayna unpack. "I don't know, Ray. My dad… he's traditional, and he's always expected so much. I'm scared of his reaction to Samantha. To the fact that I had a child out of wedlock and hid it from him. And my stepmother… while wonderful and kind, she's Sandra's mother. What if she sides with Sandra?"

Rayna gently placed a hand on Evelyn's arm. "You're overthinking. You're not responsible for Sandra's actions. Claire might be upset, but she cares about you. She won't take Sandra's side. You're her daughter, too. And your dad… I'm sure he'll understand you did what you had to do. Just be honest. You've raised a wonderful daughter. He'll see that."

Evelyn offered a shaky smile, her heart pounding. "I hope you're right."

Soon, Maya returned with groceries, and Rayna and Maya helped Evelyn prepare a lavish meal. When it was time to pick up Samantha, Maya left to fetch her while Evelyn and Rayna set the table with their best china. Evelyn fussed over the flower arrangement until Rayna laughed and took the vase from her.

"Relax," Rayna said, placing the flowers in the center. "It's going to be fine."

Evelyn wiped her palms on her apron. "I just… I want everything to be perfect."

"It already is," Rayna smiled.

After Rayna left, Evelyn's heart felt lighter. A short time later, Samantha burst in, her face alight with excitement.

Samantha sniffed the air, filled with the aroma of roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables.

"Are we having a party, Mommy?" Samantha asked, her eyes wide, taking in the decorated table and the kitchen's bounty.

Evelyn knelt beside her daughter, smoothing her curls. "Not a party, darling. But your grandfather is coming to visit tonight, and I want you to be on your best behavior, okay?"

Samantha's eyes widened.

"Grandfather? Grandma Claire's husband?" she asked. Evelyn nodded.

"Yes, my father. You saw your Daddy yesterday, and now you'll see my Daddy. He's very important to me, so be a good girl," Evelyn said, her nerves resurfacing.

Samantha beamed and hugged her mother tightly. "I will, Mommy. I promise."

As dinner approached, Evelyn received a call from Derek. His voice eased her tension. "Hello, love! Sorry I haven't called. I've been busy. How are you? Sam? Everything going okay?" he asked. Evelyn glanced around, still searching for imperfections. "Sam's fine. I've been busy, but we're almost ready."

"Need anything on my way? Wine? Dessert?" Derek's tone was casual, but she sensed his concern.

"No, everything's set. I think… actually, maybe wine, just in case."

Derek chuckled. "I'll bring something special. See you soon."

Evelyn hung up, feeling comforted. Derek's calm presence would help her face her parents.

True to his word, Derek arrived shortly before Evelyn's parents. He carried a bottle of wine and a box of desserts. Evelyn, having freshened up, greeted him at the door, her nerves still apparent, but she smiled.

"You brought dessert?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You can never have too much," Derek replied, giving her a reassuring smile. He placed the wine and dessert on the table and embraced her. "You're doing great. Everything smells and looks perfect."

Evelyn let out a shaky breath, resting her head against his chest. "I'm scared, Derek. What if my dad… what if he's furious?"

Derek gently lifted her chin. "He might be upset at first, but I'm sure he'll come around. Don't worry, I'm here for you. We'll face this together."

Before Evelyn could respond, Samantha rushed in, her face lighting up at the sight of Derek. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, running to him.

Derek knelt to hug her. "Hey there, baby. How was school?"

"Exciting! I have so much to tell you. Are you staying for dinner? Will you meet my grandpa?"

Derek glanced at Evelyn with a knowing smile. "Of course, I'm staying. I don't want to miss this deliciousness. But first, let's hear about your day before your grandparents arrive."

Samantha grinned and took his hand, leading him to her bedroom. Evelyn watched them, her heart swelling. Derek was wonderful with Samantha. Anticipation tightened her stomach as dinner time approached. She was checking the roast when the doorbell rang. Her heart leaped.

She smoothed her dress and opened the door. Her father, looking confused, stood there, and her stepmother, smiling pleasantly. "Evelyn?" Eric said, furrowing his brow, looking from his daughter to his wife. "What's going on? Claire, didn't you say we were going out for dinner?"

Claire gave Evelyn a knowing glance. "Yes, darling. Evelyn wanted us to have dinner here tonight." Knowing her husband's temperament, she'd told him they were having a date and stopping by to see a friend.

Eric's eyes narrowed. "Claire, what is this?"

Evelyn stepped forward, hands clasped tightly. "I'm sorry for the surprise, Dad. I asked Mom to bring you here because… I need to talk to you both about everything."

Before Eric or Claire could respond, a small voice called from the hallway. "Mommy, is Grandpa here?"

Evelyn gasped, turning to see Samantha, her eyes wide with excitement. Samantha ran to her mother and took her hand.

Eric's expression changed instantly. His eyes widened as he saw the little girl, a mirror image of Evelyn as a child, except for her blue eyes. Grandpa?

"Is this him, Mommy? Is this my grandfather?" she asked, then looked at Claire and embraced her. "Grandma! I've missed you!"

Evelyn swallowed hard, her heart pounding.

"Dad, this is Samantha. Your granddaughter."

Silence fell.