Evelyn's breath hitched as she turned from the door to see Samantha's small face, pale and frightened. Samantha wrapped her arms tightly around Evelyn's leg, her small body trembling. "I'm sorry about that, baby. Were you very startled?" Evelyn asked, patting Samantha's hair.

"Mommy, who was that man?" Samantha whispered. Evelyn knelt, gently cupping her daughter's face.

"That was just someone Mommy used to know. He's gone now," Evelyn said softly, brushing Samantha's hair from her face. "You don't have to worry about him."

"But he scared me," Samantha whimpered, clinging to her mother. "It's okay, baby. You're safe. No one will hurt you. I promise." Evelyn pulled her into a warm embrace.

As Evelyn held Samantha close, Maya nodded knowingly, her eyes flicking between the two. "Sammy, come introduce me to your new doll. Mommy needs to finish up in the kitchen," Maya called softly.

Evelyn hesitated, then relented. Maya had always been a comfort to Samantha. "Go show Maya your new doll while I finish up," she said, kissing Samantha's temple. Maya gently scooped Samantha up, whispering soothing words as she carried her toward the bedroom. Evelyn sighed, feeling the weight of the morning settle into her bones. She returned to the kitchen and found Liam standing there, his face filled with concern.

"Evie," Liam said, stepping closer. "Who is Michael? Is he Samantha's father?"

Evelyn quickly shook her head. "No, Michael's not her father. He's he's my ex-fiancé."

Liam's brow furrowed, and he exhaled slowly, looking relieved. "I see. I just I'm sorry if I overstepped."

Evelyn shook her head, feeling a mix of emotions. "No, Liam, you didn't overstep. I'm sorry for the embarrassment. I didn't want you to get involved."

Liam gave her a soft smile. "You don't need to apologize. I'm glad I was here. If he had done anything more, I wouldn't have let him." Evelyn smiled back, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you. I should get back to the kitchen," she said, and Liam followed her.

They returned to the kitchen, and Evelyn hesitated, ready to speak, but Liam spoke first.

"I wanted to tell you something," he said hesitantly but steadily.

"I have something to tell you, too. But you can go first," Evelyn said with a small smile.

Liam looked down at his hands before meeting her eyes again. "Evie, I know this might surprise you. The thing is, I like you. I've always liked you, but I thought it was just platonic, like family. That's why I never acted on it." He chuckled nervously. "But after you left Husla, I realized it wasn't just that. I was in love with you."

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat as she processed his words. Liam? In love with her? Did that mean Margaret had been right all along?

"I know it's sudden, and maybe I should have said something sooner, but I want to be part of your life, Evie. If you'll have me." Liam's eyes were sincere, his voice filled with emotion.

Evelyn's heart thumped in her chest, and thankfully, before Liam could continue, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension.

"I I get that," she said quickly, turning away before Liam could say more. Her heart pounded as she hurried to the door, her thoughts jumbled.

When she opened the door, she was met with Derek's concerned expression. "Is everything alright? What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.

Derek glanced behind her, quickly assessing the situation. "I was told Michael came by, and I came as soon as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone watching Michael. Evelyn sighed. "Yeah, he was here. He didn't do anything, though."

Before she could say more, Samantha's excited voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!" she cried, rushing toward Derek with open arms. Derek crouched down and scooped her up, hugging her tightly. "Hey, princess," he murmured.

Liam appeared in the kitchen doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha in Derek's arms, calling him "Daddy."

Evelyn's stomach twisted as she cleared her throat. "Liam, this is Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend. He was here when Michael showed up and helped me get rid of him."

Liam gave a tight nod, his face still pale. "Nice to meet you," he said, extending his hand. Derek shifted Samantha to one arm and shook Liam's hand firmly.

"I've heard a lot about you, Liam. Thanks for looking out for Evelyn and Samantha all these years."

Liam managed a small smile. "I was happy to do it."

Derek glanced at Evelyn, sensing the tension but ignoring it. "How long are you in town?" Derek asked, smoothly changing the subject. "I'd like to buy you a drink before you leave."

Liam shifted awkwardly. "I'm leaving tomorrow. Actually, I should probably get going to rest up for my flight."

"That's a shame," Derek said, and Evelyn stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "You don't have to rush off. Stay for lunch, please," she said.

But Liam shook his head, laughing lightly. "I think I'll pass this time. It's a little awkward, don't you think? I'll call you when I get settled, I promise." Samantha motioned for Derek to put her down, and when he did, she hugged Liam's leg. "I'll miss you, Liam."

Liam crouched down, giving her a soft smile. "I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for your mom, okay?" He patted her hair fondly. "Always," Samantha promised.

Liam straightened and looked at Derek. "I'm glad Evelyn and Samantha have you to take care of them," he said, and Derek smiled and nodded.

"I am grateful they had you with them," he said, stepping aside with Samantha as Evelyn escorted Liam to the door.

Evelyn felt a pang of guilt, knowing his confession hung between them. Her heart was heavy as she opened the door. Liam smiled at her. "Talk about wrong timing, huh?" he asked, and Evelyn forced a smile.

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be, Evie. I wish I could stay for lunch, but I'm feeling too embarrassed to face you right now. You should be happy. As long as you are happy, it's worth the heartbreak," he assured her.

"But we are cool, right?" she asked hopefully, and he nodded.

"Of course. I'll let you know when I arrive," he promised.

After Liam left, Evelyn returned to the living room and found Derek sitting at the dining table with Samantha happily chattering on his lap. Ignoring them, she went into the kitchen.

Michael's visit, Liam's confession, Derek's unwavering support—it all swirled in her mind, making her heart beat faster.

She smiled when Derek's arms wrapped around her from behind. "Liam seems like a nice guy. Why did he run off that way?" he asked.

Evelyn said, with a hint of amusement, "Because you showed up at such a perfect time," as she turned to face him. Derek grinned. "What did I do?" he asked, leaning on the counter as he held her close.

Evelyn laughed lightly. "He was just telling me how he felt about me when you rang the bell."

Derek raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Ah. I figured something like that was going on."

Evelyn shook her head, still feeling the weight of it all. "Well, you interrupted it."

"Glad I did. So, was that the reason you introduced me as just Samantha's father?" Derek asked, and Evelyn laughed.

"You noticed."

"Of course I did. Would you have accepted him had I not been in the picture?" He asked curiously.

"I don't know. Maybe. But not because I'm in love with him. He's a great guy," Evelyn said with a shrug. "And calling you my boyfriend sounded awkward. Plus, I thought introducing you as that would be harsh, considering he just confessed."

"Well, for the record, I'm not your baby daddy. That's not the title I'm here for. And since boyfriend sounds too awkward, let's work on making it fiancé; how about that?" Derek asked, and Evelyn giggled.

"Fiancé, huh? I don't see a ring," she said, and he shrugged.

"That's the easiest part," he said, and she grinned.

"So, what do you like? An elaborate proposal?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"No. I've been down that road. I don't want anything fancy," she said, and he raised a brow.

"You haven't been down this road, baby. But if you don't want anything fancy, that's fine with me," he said, then his expression grew serious. "So, what did Michael want?"

Evelyn explained everything that had happened with Michael. Derek listened intently, then chuckled. "Dinner with my parents is going to be interesting."

"Why do you say that?" Evelyn asked curiously.

"I can see Michael bringing it up during dinner. The unfaithful fiancée who called off her wedding and got pregnant for another man. It's going to be very interesting. I'm looking forward to it already. Too bad you won't be there," Derek said with a chuckle. Before Evelyn could respond, Samantha joined them. "Daddy, will you stay for lunch?" Derek glanced at Evelyn, who shrugged, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Of course, baby. Since I'm here and lunch smells amazing, I invite myself," Derek said, grinning. "What's on the menu, mama?" he drawled, and both Evelyn and Samantha laughed.

As they sat down for lunch, Evelyn leaned back, a wave of warmth and contentment washing over her. Derek's presence, his humor, and Samantha's innocent joy filled the room with a lightness that had been missing for so long. As she glanced at Derek, who was playfully chatting with Samantha, Evelyn realized how much things had changed. How much she had changed.