Derek said, "Try to rest your head," as he drove Evelyn home. The drive was quiet. Evelyn rested her head against the window, watching the city lights blur past as exhaustion finally overcame her.

She closed her eyes, but all she could think about was Sandra. She wondered if there had been a better way to handle the situation, to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

She didn't realize they'd arrived until Derek opened her car door. She opened her eyes, climbed out, and was immediately swept into his arms.

She gasped, laughing softly. "What are you doing? I can walk, you know."

Grinning, Derek carried her toward the house. "I know," he said, "but I don't want you to tonight."

He carried her upstairs to their bedroom and gently set her on the bed, kneeling before her. His eyes were warm and steady as he took her hands.

"Eve," he began, "I don't think I've told you enough how incredibly grateful I am to have you and Samantha in my life. I'm glad Sandra's finally out of the picture, and I'm overjoyed that we're going to be parents again. I get to be with you every step of the way. I promise you'll never be alone or feel alone. I'll do everything in my power to support you through every joy and difficulty this brings. I'll keep you company on sleepless nights and do all I can to make you happy."

Evelyn's heart swelled; a soft smile touched her lips. He continued, "I planned to propose in a couple of weeks, after we dealt with Sandra; I'm glad we can do it now. I don't want to wait any longer. I want us to get married soon—before the baby bump is too obvious, so you can wear whatever wedding dress you want."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I don't mind if the bump shows. What matters is having Mom and Ethan there. We can wait until they're both well."

Derek smiled, his eyes full of affection. "Whatever you want," he said, kissing her abdomen before straightening. He ran a warm bath for her, then helped her undress. The weight of the night lifted under his gentle touch as he carried her to the bathroom and settled her in the tub.

Evelyn closed her eyes, sinking into the warm water. For the first time in a long time, she felt things might be all right. Derek undressed and joined her, massaging her neck and shoulders.

After their bath, Derek dried her and carried her back to the bedroom. He gave her a full-body massage. He smiled when she drifted off mid-massage, then lay beside her, admiring her serene beauty. He took a few pictures of her sleeping face, adjusted the blanket, and left the room to call the detectives.

Meanwhile, officers led Sandra from the police van into the station. Lost in thought, she processed the events at the hospital, shaking her head. She couldn't understand Derek's words, couldn't believe them. Evelyn's child couldn't be Derek's. It was impossible. How could she be pregnant by Derek when he'd only returned a day before her wedding? They had all fooled her. She was sure Derek loved Evelyn; she remembered how he'd looked at her on their first date. He couldn't have done this just for Evelyn.

Tears streamed down Sandra's face. After all these years, this was the end. "That's so unfair," she muttered.

"Did you say something?" the officer beside her asked. She looked at him with empty eyes, but didn't respond. All her plotting, all her scheming—for nothing. Just as her mother had said, she'd ended up like her criminal father, while Evelyn would inherit the family magazine and marry Derek. "Arghhh!" she screamed, pulling at her hair, startling everyone.

Michael, nearby, watched her sob. He felt a surge of satisfaction, but curiosity tempered his anger. Something serious had happened, and he wondered what it was. Sandra, usually so smug, was a frantic mess. He'd planned to confront her, to make her pay for betraying him, but he was rooted to his seat, watching her across the room.

As they were gathered for photographs and medical screening, Sandra met his gaze. Her slumped figure and empty eyes gave him pause. He craved revenge, but a battle raged within him. Sandra's fragile state made him hesitate.

He leaned against the wall, watching her, torn between revenge and an unfamiliar restraint. He decided she was already punished; she wasn't worth it. She was a mistake, and he wouldn't make more mistakes for her sake. He would serve his time for embezzlement, hoping his family would forgive him upon his return.