Chapter 456

Evelyn felt her cheeks burn under the intense gazes of Reginald Blackwood, Dominic, and Julian.

She quickly apologized to the elderly man. "Forgive me, Mr. Blackwood. My mind wandered for a moment. I'll visit my grandfather and aunt this weekend to discuss the engagement. Once we settle on a date, I'll inform you immediately."

Reginald cleared his throat loudly. "Good. I'll arrange dinner with the family and consult the almanac for the most auspicious date. There are still formalities to complete."

The old man was meticulous about choosing the perfect day. Dominic understood—his grandfather had always been superstitious about such matters.

With Reginald's blessing on their marriage, Dominic couldn't hide his satisfaction. "Whatever you decide, Grandfather. Evelyn and I will proceed with the engagement preparations. She's already two months along—we can wait, but your great-grandchild certainly can't."

Reginald raised his cane and lightly tapped his favorite grandson. "Brat. If you knew they couldn't wait, you should've married her first before getting her pregnant. Take better care of Evelyn. She looks thinner—has she been eating properly?"

Evelyn flushed. In truth, she had gained nearly fifteen pounds since her pregnancy.

Her sweet tooth and frequent snacks had padded her frame, though her naturally slender build made it less noticeable.

A small worry nagged at her—would she balloon into a penguin by her third trimester if she didn't control her cravings?

Defending Dominic, she said softly, "Grandpa, Dominic spoils me rotten. I eat more than enough to nourish the baby. Overeating during pregnancy can actually cause complications."

Reginald's eyes widened. "Really? My old friends force their daughters-in-law to drink tonics daily, insisting it makes the baby smarter and healthier. Back when your grandmother was pregnant, I was just starting my business. We were poor, but I still scraped together money to buy her supplements. And sure enough, she gave me a chubby son."

A wistful expression crossed Reginald's stern features at the memory of his late wife.

But the thought of his wayward son, Edmund—who had died young after squandering his brilliance on scandals—made him sigh. "At least that fool left me an exceptional grandson like you, Dominic... Ah, why dredge up the past? Dominic, cherish Evelyn while she's carrying your child. Don't let her suffer."

Dominic's dark eyes locked onto Evelyn with silent intensity.

He squeezed her hand. "Grandfather, Evelyn is my everything. I could never love her enough, let alone neglect her. Rest assured, I'll take care of her and our children."

His warm gaze drifted over Evelyn's delicate features before landing on the twins, who were listening with rapt attention, cheeks propped in their hands.

Every year of waiting had been worth this moment.

Julian, ever the mischief-maker, smirked at his brother's lovestruck expression. "Tsk. Grandpa, look at him—already whipped before the wedding. What'll he be like after?"

Reginald's cane came down hard on Julian's foot. "Your brother's having his second child, and you're still single. Aren't you ashamed?"

"Ow! Grandpa, I'm barely twenty-five! Must you humiliate me every time?" Julian yelped, hopping away like a startled rabbit.

Damn. The old man hits harder than ever.

"Mommy, are you really marrying Daddy?" Isabella tugged Evelyn's sleeve, eyes wide with disbelief.

Evelyn wiped a smudge from her daughter's lips. "Yes, sweetheart. Would you and Alexander like to be our flower girl and ring bearer?"

"YES!" Isabella burrowed into Evelyn's arms like an excited kitten, shooting her brother a triumphant look. "Alex! We get to be in the wedding!"

Alexander nestled close without a word, but his toothy grin said everything.

Mommy marrying Daddy? Best. News. Ever.

With Reginald's approval secured, Evelyn floated through the week in high spirits.

By Saturday, she and Dominic took the twins to visit her grandfather, Reginald Sinclair.

Having called ahead, they found Gwendolyn already waiting.

"Great-Grandpa! Aunt Gwendolyn!" The children rushed in—Isabella launching herself at the old man while Alexander shyly kissed his aunt's cheek.

Reginald Sinclair beamed, squeezing his great-grandchildren. "I've missed you both terribly!"

Clutching Evelyn's hand, he ordered, "Gwendolyn, prepare their favorites—Evelyn loves fried chicken and grilled salmon. Dominic, what do you prefer? Tell us so we can—"

Dominic, towering elegantly in the room, interrupted gently. "Grandfather, Aunt Gwendolyn, don't trouble yourselves. We're here to discuss our wedding. We've set the date for May 1st."