The sun was setting, casting an enchanting glow across the landscape as Sarah and Derrick stood arm in arm, watching their children play.

"They're growing up so fast," whispered Sarah, a hint of regret in her voice.


Derrick gave her a firm squeeze. "They are," he acknowledged. "But one thing will never change – our love for them."

Sarah laid her head on his shoulder, experiencing a feeling of contentment wash over her. It had been an exciting year, packed with both challenges and successes.

However, their strong bond, their new family, and their unwavering spirit had helped them overcome every obstacle.


Sarah felt completely at home as she absorbed the lively atmosphere, the joyful expressions, and the pure laughter of their twins.

One block by block, they reconstructed their lives, and now they are even more resilient and stronger than before.


Throughout the busy day, there were group singing sessions, games, and an abundance of cake to feed a large group of people.

As the last visitor left, Sarah and Derrick collapsed onto the couch, both happy and exhausted.

"That was amazing," Sarah sighed contentedly, a tired smile gracing her lips.

Derrick nodded, pulling her close. "It was," he agreed. "They had so much fun. And seeing everyone here, celebrating with us… it felt good, Sarah. Like a normal family."

Sarah leaned against him, her heart overflowing with love. "We are a normal family," she whispered. "Maybe a little bit chaotic, but definitely normal, and definitely loved."

Looking at the sleeping twins, sprawled across a blanket with frosting smeared faces but contented smiles, they knew she was right.

It had been a difficult road with many obstacles and disappointments. However, they had drawn strength from one another, their family, and their everlasting love in the middle of the upheaval.

Even though the future was unknown, they knew that they would face it as a family, ready to celebrate fresh beginnings and make new memories, one cake-filled birthday at a time.

After the twins' birthday celebration the next morning, the Duke home became quiet. While the twins slept soundly in their cribs, Sarah, still glowing from the success of the celebration, busied herself cleaning up the leftovers.

Derrick, however, had a different plan brewing. Stealing a glance at Sarah, a mischievous glint in his eyes, he announced, "Honey, I'm going out to grab some coffee. Need anything?"

"Just a latte with extra caramel, please," Sarah replied, her attention focused on cleaning up a rogue cupcake left abandoned on the floor.

Derrick chuckled. "Coming right up." With nervous excitement, his heart was racing as he gave her a brief peck on the cheek. Coffee was only an excuse; his true purpose was far more important.

He crept out the house and headed to a quaint café he had secretly reserved for a special lunch across town.

Under the pretense of a friendly get-together, he had reached out to all of Sarah's family members, including Didi, Olivia, Mr. Carter (Sarah's father), Mr. Black (Sarah's grandfather), and even Mr. Duke (Derrick's father), concocting a web of falsehoods to bring them all together.

Nervous and excited at the same time, Derrick's heart grew. These were the most important individuals in his life, and he valued their approval beyond everything else.

"Derrick!" Didi boomed, breaking the comfortable chatter. "There you are! We were starting to think you got cold feet."

Derrick chuckled. "Not a chance, Didi. Even though the traffic was terrible, I would not give up this trip."

There was a sense of expectation in the air as he pulled out a chair and joined them. Mr. Black gave a throat clearing.He said, "Alright, Derrick," in a humorous tone. "Disclose the details. What justifies this secret meeting?"

Derrick inhaled deeply. "Well, as you all know, Sarah is the most amazing woman I know," he said, his nervousness evident in his tone. Strong, funny, kind… the list goes on."

He stole a glance at the others, their faces filled with a mixture of curiosity and approval.

"And the last few months," he continued, his voice growing firmer, "have only solidified my feelings. I can't imagine my life without her, without them."

He gestured towards a picture of Sarah and the twins on his phone, the image eliciting a chorus of awws from the table.

"So," he finally blurted out, his cheeks flushing slightly, "I'm planning to propose. And I wanted your blessing before I pop the question."

A surprised silence followed his declaration. Then there was a collective cry of happiness from the table.

Didi let out a squeal and fiercely embraced Derrick with her arms. "Oh my gosh! Derrick, that's amazing! I knew it! You two are perfect for each other."

Olivia chimed in shyly, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "I'm so happy for you both, Derrick."

Mr. Carter, a twinkle in his eye, clasped Derrick on the shoulder. "About time, son," he said with a gruff but affectionate chuckle. "Couldn't let that woman get away, could you?"

Mr. Black leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Always knew you had good taste, Derrick. Go for it. Sarah deserves the best."

Olivia, usually shy, surprised everyone by pulling Derrick into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you both," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Didi, ever the life of the party, whooped with delight. "This is amazing! We need to start planning the wedding right away! Theme ideas, anyone?"

Even Mr. Duke, still recovering but participating virtually, chimed in with his approval. "Derrick, you've grown into a fine man. Sarah is lucky to have you. Make her happy."

Derrick was enveloped in their kind words, overcome with a rush of thankfulness. He said, "Thank you," in a very emotional voice. "To me, this is everything. I couldn't imagine doing this without your support."

Relief washed over Derrick. He had their blessing. Mr. Black, ever the strategist, leaned forward. "So, Derrick," he began, a glint in his eye. "Tell us about your plan. Do you have a ring? Do you have any ideas for how you'll pop the question?"

The afternoon flew by in a flurry of ideas and suggestions. Didi, ever the romantic, insisted on helping Derrick pick out the perfect ring. Mr. Black offered his expertise on selecting a truly special setting.

Mr. Duke, with a mischievous glint in his eye, shared a few lighthearted (and slightly embarrassing) stories about his own proposal to Derrick's mother.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with laughter, well wishes, and lively discussions about the upcoming proposal.

Mr. Black, offered to help with the financial aspects of the wedding, while Didi enthusiastically volunteered to be Sarah's maid of honor.

As Derrick left the restaurant, a spring in his step and a secret glinting in his pocket, he knew he wasn't just proposing to Sarah.

He was proposing to a future filled with love, family, and the unwavering support of the people who mattered most.

Though he knew they would face obstacles on their journey ahead, he was confident that with Sarah at his side and the love of their new family surrounding them, they could overcome anything.

All he needed to do was wait for the ideal opportunity to ask her out.

**********************

The months had passed in a blur of activity. Once overwhelmed by the responsibilities of taking care of the twins and rebuilding T&T, Sarah was swept off her feet by Derrick's loving actions.

He would take up the chores at bath time, giving her priceless downtime. Little bouquets of wildflowers, their vivid hues a sharp contrast to the routineness of everyday life, would be his surprise gifts to her.

Most importantly, their relationship, which was forged in the crucible of adversity, became stronger every day.

One sunny afternoon, Sarah found Derrick acting suspiciously chipper. He kept humming a tune she didn't recognize and seemed perpetually on the verge of bursting with a secret.

Finally, after a particularly playful session with the twins, Derrick pulled her aside.

"Sarah," he began, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness, "I have a surprise for you."

Sarah's brow furrowed in curiosity. "A surprise?" she echoed. "What kind of surprise?"

Derrick grinned a little wider. "Close your eyes," he said, his eyes glinting playfully.

Sarah sighed playfully and followed his instructions. As Derrick's hand moved into hers, his cozy grip brought her comfort. Carefully pulling a blindfold over her eyes, he led her out the front door and into the waiting car.

After what seemed like an eternity, Derrick finally responded, "Okay, you can look now."

Sarah took off the blindfold slowly, her eyes going wide with shock. They were not where she had thought they would be—at a restaurant or a park.

Rather, a majestic brick home with windows sparkling in the afternoon light was in front of them.

"Derrick," Sarah said with a stutter, her throat seizing. "Is this…?"

Derrick said, "This is our new home," with a proud tone in his voice. "I know things have been hectic lately, but I wanted a location where the twins could run about and where we had enough room to grow. A future-building site."