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 City twinkling 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.
Before Carmen can respond, Julia lets out a squeal and rushes over to Carmen, pulling her into a hug. “I knew it! I had a feeling!”
Brent shakes his head, laughing. “Congrats, man. I’m telling you, parenthood is a wild ride.”
Ryker and Wren follow suit, offering their congratulations. “A baby Steger,” Ryker says with a grin. “Who would’ve thought?”
“I’m thrilled for you both,” Wren adds, hugging Carmen tightly.
Mia, holding Evan’s hand, approaches next. “I knew something was up,” she says with a playful smile. “You’ve been glowing for weeks, Carmen.”
Carmen laughs, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “I can’t believe we kept it a secret this long.”
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of well wishes, laughter, and more than a few toasts to the newest addition to the Steger family.
As the party winds down, and guests begin to head out, I catch Walker giving me a nod, pulling me aside for a quick word.
“I’m happy for you, Donny,” he says, glancing toward Carmen. “She deserves this happiness.”
I nod, clasping his shoulder. “Thanks, man. And I’m glad to see you and Jessa doing better.”
Walker smiles, a bit of the weight lifting from his expression. “Yeah, things are looking up. Counseling’s actually been... good for us. She’s different, Donny. She’s trying, and I can’t ask for more than that.”
I give him a pat on the back. “You’re both doing great, Walker. It’s good to see you happy.”
As he heads back to Jessa and the kids, I find Carmen talking with her mom and Layla one last time. She meets my eyes across the room, and even after all this time, the sight of her still makes my heart skip a beat.
Soon, the last of the guests leave, and Carmen and I make our way back to our place, filled with joy and anticipation of what’s to come.
Once we’re home, I kick off my shoes and pull Carmen close as we collapse onto the couch. She rests her head on my shoulder, her hand on her stomach.
“So,” I say, breaking the quiet, “we need to talk about names.”
Carmen smiles, glancing up at me. “I’ve been thinking about that too. If it’s a boy, maybe something strong... like Asher and Robert for his middle name, after your dad. Asher Robert Steger.”
I grin, nodding. “I’d love that. And if it’s a girl?”
Carmen’s eyes soften. “Aria because it's Italian for melody. And her middle name Estelle, after my mom. She’s been through so much, and I’d love to honor her.”
“Aria Estelle Steger,” I repeat, liking the sound of it. “It’s perfect.”
She snuggles closer, and I place my hand over hers, feeling the warmth between us. “You know,” I say, my voice low, “whatever happens, I just know this baby is going to be so loved.”
Carmen lifts her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I know, Donny. I feel it too.”
I kiss her gently, the weight of the future settling in around us.
It’s funny how life works—what begins as something pretend can turn out to be more genuine than you ever imagined. It’s about taking chances, following your heart, and daring to believe that your dreams are worth it.
As I scoop her up in my arms, I glance down, “Are you ready for your Christmas present, Sunshine?"
“I’ve been imagining what it would be like to strip you out of this suit, I can’t wait any longer.”
I grin, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Not quite yet, but I promise you’ll love this.”
I carry her to the bedroom, kicking the door open, and gently lower her onto the bed. The soft light from the bedside lamp casts a warm glow, highlighting the delicate roses scattered on the nightstand. In the center of the bed sits a familiar jewelry box—just like the one I gave her back at the cabin.
She looks up at me, eyes filled with anticipation. I hand her the box, her fingers brushing against mine as she opens it. Inside is a heart-shaped diamond eternity pendant, with an aquamarine stone at the center—the exact color of her eyes. It’s paired with a matching charm for her bracelet, both symbols of everlasting love.
Her breath catches, and her fingers tremble as they trace the delicate shape. “It’s beautiful,” she whispers, tears slipping down her cheeks.
I sit beside her, my hand sliding up her thigh. “It means forever, Sunshine. Everything you are to me—my love, my life. You’re the brightest light in my world, bringing nothing but love and happiness.”
“I love you, Drummer Boy,” she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion.
I smirk. “Never gonna get tired of hearing that name, huh, Sunshine?”
She chuckles, her eyes still shining. “Not a chance. Think you can handle that?”
“I’ll handle anything as long as it means you’ll be by my side for the rest of my life,” I whisper, leaning in to capture her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.
As I pull back, she smiles up at me, her gaze heated. “Now, let’s get to the part about stripping you out of this suit.”
I raise a brow, feeling the fire between us flare. “I was hoping you'd say that.”
Her hands reach for me, her eyes sparkling.
“I can’t wait.”