Four months later, Evelyn sat in a grand hall, watching Samantha and Ella precede Rayna down the aisle, scattering flowers in her path. The hall was elegant, its high ceilings adorned with cascading floral arrangements and chandeliers that sparkled like a thousand stars. Rows of elegantly dressed guests filled the space, their excited murmurs a melody blending with the soft strains of a string quartet in the corner.

At Evelyn's table sat her parents, Derek's parents, and Liam, whose gaze was fixed on Maya, Rayna's maid of honor, poised at the hall's entrance in a flowing peach gown.

Evelyn sighed softly, placing her hands on her substantial belly. Nearly nine months pregnant, her pregnancy was impossible to ignore beneath her flowing dress. Her due date was imminent, and her radiant face was tinged with weariness. She'd had mild diarrhea all morning and still felt the urge to use the restroom.

She was grateful she'd declined Rayna's request to be maid of honor; otherwise, she wouldn't have coped. Rayna had insisted despite Evelyn's pregnancy, but Evelyn lacked the energy. She didn't want to doze off in front of guests or constantly rush to the restroom.

She smiled as her gaze met Derek's; he stood tall and handsome, serving as Ethan's best man. Ethan, tall and proud in a sharp black tuxedo, showed a mixture of nerves and joy. Beside him, Derek adjusted his tie, a teasing grin on his lips as he whispered something that made Ethan chuckle, easing the tension.

Evelyn rose with the others; all heads turned as Rayna appeared, arm in arm with her father. Radiant in her lace wedding gown, the fabric hugged her figure before flowing into a delicate train. Her veil framed her glowing face, her eyes fixed on Ethan as if no one else existed.

For much of the ceremony, Liam's gaze remained on Maya, whose eyes shone with happiness as she stood behind Rayna, holding her bouquet.

The ceremony was heartfelt and moving. Vows were exchanged, promises made, and Derek, dapper in his tailored suit, grinned at Ethan as he handed over the rings. He performed his duties as best man with pride and the occasional teasing comment. When the officiant declared them husband and wife, Ethan kissed Rayna with a passion that elicited loud cheers and applause.

As the newlyweds descended the aisle, Evelyn dabbed her eyes. "That was beautiful," she whispered to her mother, who smiled in agreement.

The reception followed, the hall now filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. As the party progressed, Liam watched with concern as Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. He'd noticed her discomfort all morning and saw her growing restlessness.

"Are you okay?" Liam asked, concern etched on his face.

Evelyn offered a tight smile, though her discomfort was evident. "I'm fine," she said. "Just eager to be free from this."

Liam chuckled softly. "Let me know if anything changes. We'll get you to the hospital immediately."

Derek's mother offered warm encouragement, and Claire gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Evelyn smiled. "I don't think it'll be anytime soon," she said confidently, turning to Samantha.

"Mommy, I'm thirsty," Samantha said. Just as Evelyn reached into her handbag for Samantha's water bottle, a sharp gasp escaped her lips, and her hand flew to her stomach.

"Mommy?" Samantha called, wide-eyed.

"I think—" Evelyn stopped, her face pale as her water broke in a sudden rush. Warmth pooled beneath her; she froze, her hand flying to her mother's arm. "My water just broke," she said, her voice tinged with shock and panic.

Liam sprang to his feet, his years as an OB/GYN instantly taking over. "It's time," he said firmly. "We need to get her to the hospital." His expression shifted from calm to laser-focused. "Alright, Evelyn, stay calm," he said, moving to her side. "We need to get you to the hospital."

Chaos erupted around the table as Evelyn's and Derek's parents sprang into action. Derek, mid-toast at the head table, paused as he noticed the commotion. His eyes met Evelyn's; he passed the microphone to Maya and hurried across the room.

"What's going on?" he asked, his gaze fixed on Evelyn.

"My water broke," Evelyn said, reaching for Derek's support. He immediately helped her to her feet.

"What's happening?" Rayna whispered to Maya, worry in her eyes as she started to rise.

Maya gently took Rayna's arm. "No, you stay. They can handle it. It's your wedding day. Enjoy the party," she said firmly.

"But—" Rayna hesitated, looking between Maya and Ethan.

Ethan smiled softly. "It's okay, babe. If you want to leave, we can," he said, watching with a conflicted expression as Derek carried Evelyn out, their parents following, while Liam hurried ahead to get the car. Rayna hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. We'll stay for now and go after the first dance. Let's wrap things up quickly, then we can go."

Outside, Evelyn's contractions were coming rapidly, each one agonizing.

"It seems you've been having contractions all day. The interval is very close now," Liam observed as he got behind the wheel, Derek and Evelyn in the back, and Claire in the front. Evelyn's father joined Derek's parents and Samantha in their car; Eric was too anxious to drive.

Evelyn clutched Derek's hand tightly, her face contorted with pain. "It's happening so fast," she panted, her voice trembling. "Derek, it hurts so much!"

"You're doing great, sweetheart. We'll get you there soon," Derek assured her, though his own nervousness was evident in his restless tapping.

Liam glanced in the rearview mirror. "We're five minutes out. Just keep breathing, Evelyn."

"Forget breathing!" Evelyn snapped, her voice sharp with pain. "I feel like it's coming now!"

Another contraction hit; Evelyn's head fell back. "I can feel the baby coming," she gasped, her voice rising in panic.

Derek's eyes widened; he looked at Liam. "Can she hold on?"

Liam hesitated. "If she's crowning, we'll have to pull over."

Evelyn cried out as another contraction hit. "I'm telling you, it's coming now!"

Derek glanced at Liam, his jaw tight. "Well? Can you do it?" he asked, momentarily forgetting his earlier preference. "With my eyes closed," Liam replied confidently.

"Can you just hurry?" Evelyn yelled impatiently, glaring at Derek for his question.

Claire turned around. "Her maternity bag is in the trunk."

Liam nodded, pulling the car to the side of the road. Derek's parents joined them; Rebecca joined the women while the men stayed with Samantha. The women gathered supplies and made Evelyn comfortable.

Evelyn screamed as another contraction hit, her grip on Derek's hand turning his knuckles white. "I can't do this," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"Yes, you can," Liam said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're strong, Evelyn. We did this before; we're going to do it again. Just focus on your breathing and push when I tell you to."

Within moments, the car became a makeshift delivery room. Liam crouched in the back seat, his hands steady as Evelyn pushed with all her strength. Derek wiped her forehead and murmured encouragement.

The next few moments were a blur of pain and effort. Evelyn pushed, her cries filling the air, and Liam guided the baby into the world with practiced ease. "Almost there," Liam said, his voice calm. "One more push, Evelyn. You've got this."

With a final, guttural scream, Evelyn delivered the baby. A loud, healthy cry filled the car, and Liam held up a tiny, squirming boy.

"It's a boy!" Liam announced, carefully swaddling the newborn.

But before celebration, Evelyn gasped again, her body tensing in another contraction. Her eyes widened. "I think there's another one," she said weakly.

"What?!" Derek exclaimed, his grip tightening.

Liam's eyes widened, but he quickly composed himself, handing the first baby to Claire. "Alright, Evelyn, one more time. Push."

Liam worked quickly, guiding Evelyn through the delivery of her second baby—a girl.

"You've got twins!" Liam said, a relieved smile on his face as he held up the second baby.

The car erupted in joyous laughter and tears as the babies cried. While the mothers cleaned the babies, Liam completed the delivery, attending to the placenta.

"Now we need to get you and the babies to the hospital," Liam said, handing the babies to Evelyn.

Evelyn's exhausted face lit up with joy as she cradled both babies. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and Derek, arms around her, looked down at their children. "They're perfect," Derek whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Evelyn looked at her newborns, her exhaustion overshadowed by overwhelming love. "Twins," she murmured, filled with wonder. The scans had never shown two babies.

A short while later, they arrived at the hospital. After Evelyn and the babies were checked and cleaned, others were allowed to see them. Samantha's excitement was unmatched. "I'm a big sister to both a brother and a sister!" she declared proudly, squealing with joy.

Eric kissed Evelyn's forehead. "How are you feeling, darling?" he asked softly, checking on Evelyn before the twins. Evelyn smiled. "I'm fine," she assured him.

The door opened; Rayna, Maya, and Ethan hurried in, still in their wedding attire.

Ethan asked if she needed anything; she shook her head. "All I need is right here," she said, smiling at everyone.

"You didn't have to come now! I can't believe you came in your wedding gown!" Evelyn said, giggling as Rayna almost tripped. "Those adorable babies are the only reason I'm forgiving you for cutting short my wedding," Rayna said, smiling at Evelyn as Ethan slapped Derek's back. "It's what you deserve. My babies were paying you back for stealing the spotlight from me at my wedding with your proposal," Evelyn said, and they all laughed. "Liam, you should have proposed to Maya today so that we could have our baby at your wedding in a couple of months, too," Ethan said, and they all laughed. "We're not in a hurry," Liam said, winking at Maya, who grinned.

"Wait! What does that mean?" Evelyn asked; Rayna giggled, realizing only Evelyn had noticed. "It means we're catching up," she said with a wink, rubbing her abdomen.

Everyone laughed, congratulating Rayna and Ethan.

After everyone left so Evelyn could rest, Derek held her close, tears streaming down his face. "You've given me everything, Eve," he said, his voice breaking.

Evelyn smiled up at him, brushing his cheek. "We did it together," she whispered. "And in case you missed it, Liam did it again," she added with a grin. Derek laughed, holding her close. "Thank you," he murmured. "Thank you for giving me this family."

Evelyn smiled. "No, Derek. Thank you. Thank you for saving me that day and for coming into my life. Now more than ever, I'm thankful for all that happened to bring us together."

"I love you, Eve. Forever."

"Forever," Evelyn echoed, their bond stronger than ever.

The End.