Page 64 of Fake Fiancé for the Billionaire Rockstar

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Donny

Brent and Evan are chattering excitedly in front of me, but I can’t hear a single word they’re saying when Carmen walks into the room. She’s got a silky red dress on that shines under the pale light of the chandeliers, a bright smile on her face as she notices someone in the crowd around us, and my heart stutters against my chest.Estelle rushes to her daughter, wrapping her in a big hug.

This woman never ceases to amaze me.

The warm glow of the rooftop restaurant’s chandeliers casts a soft light over the gathering, the skyline of New York Citytwinkling just beyond the glass walls. It’s an intimate space, high above the bustling streets below, offering one of the best views of the city. The perfect setting for our Christmas party. A special celebration for our families, bandmates, and closest friends. We rented out the rooftop of the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge where our families are staying for the weekend, keeping it cozy and private.

It’s been two years since Carmen moved in with me, and everything changed. Shortly after the engagement became real, we decided to get married in a small, intimate ceremony right here in New York. Just our parents, families, and bandmates attended, but the moment was perfect. The media went wild when pictures of us leaving the ceremony hit the internet, but none of that mattered. That day, it was just about us—about promising forever to each other, without any distractions.

Carmen stands by the floor-to-ceiling windows, laughing with Brent’s wife, Julia, who’s admiring Carmen’s dress—a stunning gown that hugs her in all the right places. My heart stirs as I watch her smile, radiant as ever. The woman has always had this power over me, but seeing her with our family and friends tonight, glowing with joy, makes my chest tighten in the best way.

I feel a clap on my back and turn to find Ryker grinning at me, his wife, Wren, standing beside him. “You’re one lucky man, Donny. You both look incredible.”

I smirk, nodding. “I feel incredible.”

Ryker chuckles before leaning in, his voice dropping. “And here I thought our Christmas party last year was something. You’ve outdone us all.”

Wren laughs softly, giving me a quick hug. “The rooftop is perfect, Donny. And this view! I could stay here all night.”

"Kudos to Carmen for this setting. She’d gone back and forth between The William Vale and the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge before settling on this spot for the incredible view. She wanted our families to feel like they were floating above the city," I smile.

Across the room, Jace and Mallory are chatting with Evan and Mia, each couple looking relaxed and happy. Brent’s over by the bar, one arm around Julia’s waist, his newest son strapped snugly in a baby carrier. It’s an intimate group, just the way Carmen and I wanted it—family, friends, and bandmates.Our people.

My mom and dad are seated at a table with Carmen’s parents, Estelle and Corbin, both sets of parents deep in conversation. I’m glad to see everyone getting along so well. I smile, the warmth of the evening filling me. This is what it’s all about—family, love, and the people who have been there through it all.

I excuse myself from Ryker and Wren and head over to Carmen, who’s just wrapped up her conversation with Julia. Her eyes meet mine, and I can’t help but smile as I cross the room toward her.

Brent catches my arm as I pass. “Donny, you look like you’ve got something on your mind, man.”

I grin at him. “You could say that.”

He smirks, nudging me. “Well, don’t keep her waiting.”

I chuckle and shake my head. Carmen’s been ready to share the news all night. I meet her halfway and slide my arm around her waist, pulling her close. She tilts her head up, her eyes soft and full of love.

I clear my throat. “Hey, everyone! Can we have your attention for a second?”

The chatter dies down, and all eyes turn toward us. Carmen steps closer, resting her hand on my arm, and I place mine over hers, covering her hand. “We just wanted to thank you all for being here tonight,” I begin, my voice steady but my heart racing. “It’s been a hell of a year, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without each of you.”

Carmen chuckles softly beside me. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s been the best year of our lives.”

I squeeze her hand, glancing at her before continuing. “And we’ve got some exciting news to share with you all. We’re, uh, expecting a baby.”

The room erupts into cheers and congratulations. Estelle gasps, her hands flying to her mouth, while Corbin beams with pride. My mom dabs at her eyes with a tissue, and Dad just grins, giving me a thumbs-up. Walker, who’s been standing near the fireplace with Jessa, looks genuinely happy for his sister, and even Jessa—who’s changed so much over the last year—smiles warmly.

“That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Declan beams, hooting while pulling his fiance against his side. “Happy for you, sis!”

She gives Declan a wide grin, then turns toward Marissa standing at the edge of the crowd with a hand over her growing belly and a few tears rolling down her cheek.

Marissa shakes her head and chuckles. “Just wait for the hormones to really kick in, you’ll be a mess like me.” She waddles over to us, pulling Carmen into a hug and smiling brightly at me. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

This time, Ryan is in attendance and he walks over, smacking my back playfully. “I’m glad I could make it this time around, definitely going to be a Christmas to remember. Congrats, you guys.”

Right behind him, Layla beams and rushes forward, giving her sister the biggest hug, her excitement radiating from the way she clings to Carmen. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispers, her smile never fading.

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