As Derek drove them home after the interview, Evelyn looked out the window, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the incredible day. The live proposal had been the last thing she expected, and her cheeks still ached 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 in front of their house. "I wanted everyone to know how much I love you," he said.

"Still, that wassurprising," she said with a grin, and Derek laughed. "I'm glad I could surprise you," he said, getting out and opening her door.

Before Evelyn could exit, Derek leaned in and kissed her. "You know I love you, right?" he asked. She grinned. "Yeah. I know. And I love you, too," she said as she got out. They headed for the front door.

"I'm going to have to call Rayna 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 include her," Evelyn said with a giggle. The giggle died on her lips the moment Derek opened the door, and a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Evelyn froze, her eyes widening. The living room had been transformed into a warm party space. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the walls, soft music played, and a table near the corner held a beautifully decorated cake, trays of pastries, and an array of food and drinks. Her parents stood near the center, beaming. Derek's parents were beside them, their hands clasped in knowing smiles. Rayna and Ethan waved from their 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.

"Whatwhat 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 to her parents, kissed Evelyn's belly (greeting her younger sibling), and then handed the bouquet to her mother.

"Thank you, darling," Evelyn said, taking the bouquet and kissing Samantha's forehead.

Evelyn turned to Derek, her eyes sparkling. "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 pleased. "Of course I did. I baked the cake and pastries!"

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

Rayna laughed. "I was just pulling your leg. Besides, it was so much fun watching Derek steal the show. Congratulations, you two," she said, embracing Evelyn while Ethan slapped Derek's back in congratulation. Their parents came forward to embrace and congratulate them. Then Maya stepped forward, pulling Evelyn into a tight hug. "Congratulations, Evelyn! You deserve all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Maya," Evelyn murmured.

As Maya stepped back, Evelyn glanced at Liam, who stood with his hands in his pockets, a small smile on his face. "Liam! It's so good to see you."

Liam stepped forward, shaking her hand warmly. "Congratulations, Evelyn. I stopped by to convince Maya to hang out with me, but I walked into a party instead. They invited me to stay, and, well, here I am."

Evelyn chuckled. "I'm glad you stayed."

"Come now, Evie. We ladies have to start planning the wedding at once," Rebecca said, and Evelyn laughed as she followed the women while Derek joined the men, leaving Maya and Liam to part as well.

The ladies discussed wedding plans while the men drank and talked about business, sports, and politics, each contributing adequately to the conversations. Samantha darted around, happily delivering slices of cake. The soft music kept the atmosphere light and joyful.

After some time, they reconvened, and Rebecca announced, "So, we've chosen a date for the wedding."

"Already?" Evelyn's father asked, and they laughed.

"Yes. The wedding will be in three weeks," Claire said with a wide smile.

"Honey, what about your birthday party?" Derek's father asked his wife. She shook her head. "I won't be celebrating my birthday party as planned. This is all the celebration I need. I'll hand out the wedding invitations instead of my birthday invitations," she said with a proud smile.

"Will three weeks be enough to plan a wedding?" Ethan asked thoughtfully, hoping his hand would be completely healed by then.

"Even a week is enough if you have the money and know what you want," Claire assured him.

"Don't worry, Evie; all you need to do is relax and tell us what you want. Between your Mom, Maya, Rayna, and me, you don't need a planner," Rebecca said. Samantha pouted. "Me too," she said, eyeing her grandmother.

"Oh, my darling. How could I leave you out? Of course, you're the best planner in the house," Rebecca corrected, and they all laughed.

"What if my arm isn't healed by then?" Ethan asked Derek.

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

"And deprive me the chance of looking dashing before my girlfriend? Never!" Ethan said, and the ladies laughed.

"Here I was thinking you were worried about your arm because you were concerned about not being able to assist me properly," Derek said dryly, shaking his head. Ethan grinned.

"Hopefully your arm will be fine by then. The doctor said it needs a week or two to heal," Rayna assured Ethan.

"Although we won't be having a long train, you two should be part of it," Evelyn said, looking from Maya to Liam. "And you guys need to bond over the planning," she said, referring to Derek and Liam.

"Guys don't bond over wedding planning. We bond over drinks and sports," Ethan said, and Derek eyed him.

"If my fiancée says we should bond over planning, then we will," Derek said, and everyone laughed.

"Good. I see you two having a very 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 mean? When am I ever wrong?" she asked. He shook his head. "Never. You're always right," he said, and everyone laughed.

The evening passed in a blur of laughter, heartfelt toasts, and stories as Derek's and Evelyn's parents talked about how they met and their proposal stories.

As the party wound down, Maya saw Liam off to his car. "I will admit," Liam began, leaning against his car, "I wanted to spend some time alone with you tonight, but this was a pretty great party."

Maya smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It was."

Liam's gaze softened. "Samantha is so happy. I'm happy for them."

Maya nodded thoughtfully. "I've been thinking, Liam. About us."

Liam straightened, hope in his eyes. "And?"

She hesitated, then smiled softly. "I think we should be friends"

"No way. I'm not interested in being just friends with you," Liam cut in. Maya raised an eyebrow. "I thought you wanted us to be friends?" she asked. He shook his head. "Yes, I did. But that was before I realized I had feelings for you. I don't want to just be friends with you," Liam said. Maya rolled her eyes playfully.

"As I was saying before, you rudely interrupted," she said, and Liam chuckled. "I think we should be friends for a while. Maybe we can spend a few weeks getting to know each other better. And if you're sure about how you feel after that, we can think about dating. If you don't mind dating a student, that is."

Liam didn't miss a beat. "I don't mind dating a student as long as that student is you," he said with a grin.

Maya laughed, stepping back as he moved closer. "Don't jump the gun, Liam. Remember, we're starting as friends."

Liam smirked, his voice low and teasing. "Friends who kiss? 'Cause that's the only friendship I want," he said, winking and pouting his lips.

Maya's laughter rang out. "Not a chance! Everyone's inside, and I don't need them watching."

"I don't care if everyone knows how much I love to kiss you," Liam said, his tone light but sincere.

Maya shook her head, laughing as she backed toward the door. "Goodnight, Liam. I'll see you tomorrow."

Before he could respond, she disappeared inside, leaving him smiling.

When Maya returned to the living room, all eyes turned to her, grins and knowing looks on their faces. "Someone looks awfully happy," Derek teased, raising an eyebrow.

Maya laughed, flopping onto the couch. "Leave me alone."

The room erupted into laughter. "You both look really good together," Claire said with a grin.

"Yeah. He's a fine young man. They both kept gazing at each other from across the room. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was also their engagement party," Derek's mother said, and everyone laughed while Maya blushed.

"You're all terrible," Maya murmured shyly, making them laugh even more.

Maya had a wide smile on her face as she watched them all, her heart swelling with gratitude. She was surrounded by love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future. She was grateful for the turn her life had taken.