Page 31 of Fake Fiancé for the Billionaire Rockstar

Sadie nods excitedly, her bright blue eyes shining brighter from the thick blanket of snow surrounding us. “I’m going to get a new dolly!”

“Wow,” I say and tickle her tummy. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Instead of waiting for the rest of the family to close us in, I nudge Donny toward the trunk and my brothers follow suit to grab our bags. Walker looks around, then grunts as he places one of my bags down on the ground.

“It’s only a few days, Carmen,” he mutters with a shake of his head as he reaches for another one of my bags. “Who the hell needs this much stuff for a few days?”

I roll my eyes. “Just being prepared.”

Declan smirks and grabs one of the bags, heading forward. “Which cabin is yours?”

Donny squeezes my waist one last time, his touch sending a jolt through me, before letting go to pick up the rest of our luggage. The brief separation leaves me feeling exposed, especially under the weight of everyone’s eyes on me.

Donny chuckles, breaking the tension, and nods toward the lone cabin tucked in the corner. “That’s us,” he says, taking the lead.

Walker watches me curiously as he passes, but thankfully keeps his thoughts to himself as he continues ahead.

The kids have since forgotten the excitement of me showing up and are back to giggling as they throw snowballs at each other. Even Sadie is joining in with a happy squeal. Jessa is standingon the front porch of one cabin, locked in deep conversation with Declan’s girlfriend while still watching the kids closely, and she pauses for a moment to wave at me with a smile.

I manage to give her a forced smile, though she barely notices as her attention quickly shifts to something she deems more important. Hopefully, Donny was paying attention when I explained that Jessa and I have always had a strained relationship—it never fails to show during these family trips.

Walker seems perfectly happy, but I can’t ignore how easily Jessa flaunts his money, acting more like a guest in her own home than a partner. She leaves most of the parenting to Walker, barely lifting a finger to help with the kids. It’s not just that she’s spoiled—it’s that I don’t believe she truly loves him. It feels more like she loves what he provides. And that thought gnaws at me, no matter how hard I try to let it go.

If Walker weren’t so blinded by whatever it is he feels for her, I know he’d see it too. That’s the only reason I’ve kept my mouth shut—he seems happy, and I don’t want to ruin that for him.

The feeling’s probably mutual. Jessa can’t stand me, likely because I’m the only one in the family who sees through the act she’s been playing all along.

When I finally make it to what’s supposed to be a shared cabin between me and Donny, my brothers are already making their way down the stairs in front of me with frowns. Declan pulls in for another hug, pressing his lips to the top of my head, and I pull away.

“Where’s the others at?”

Walker rolls his eyes and glances toward the cabin next to us. “Marissa insisted that she needed more beauty rest, since apparently the drive took too much out of her.”

“And Layla?”

“She should be here soon. She had to make a few pit stops on the way since that bladder of hers has a mind of its own,” Declan says with a chuckle.

I chew on the inside of my cheek and look up, the snow seeming to come down harder than it was a few moments ago. “I hope she doesn't get stuck anywhere. Was a snowstorm on the forecast?”

Walker runs a hand through his hair and sighs heavily. “Dad insisted that everything would be okay, even though I told him we should reschedule until after the holidays.”

“I’m sure it will be okay,” Declan says, then he waves a hand toward our cabin. “He seems like a good enough dude.”

“Yeah, good enough that he proposed before ever meeting the rest of us,” Walker grumbles. “I’m heading back to my cabin.”

“Which one is mom and dad’s?”

As much as I want to keep Donny away from them, it’s inevitable that they’ll meet each other and I need to get it over with.

Walker points down the driveway, which is getting thicker with snow each minute that passes, and shakes his head. “Not sure what they’re doing, but they should be inside. Probably steering clear of the storm, I suppose.”

“Perfect day for some hot chocolate with the kids,” I say softly. “I’m going to say hi, then come by your cabin to spend some time with them. That okay?”

Walker’s gaze softens, and he smiles. “It’s always okay. They never get enough of you.”

“Could you try to get ahold of Layla, make sure the drive is going okay?”

He nods. “Already planned on it now that the snow is coming down harder. I’ll let you know what she says.”

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