Page 83 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

Keltie appeared in the doorway, wrapped in a robe, her hair a wild tangle around her shoulders. My breath caught at the sight of her—sleep-rumpled and beautiful.

“Mommy!” Luna called. “We made French toast!”

“I see that,” Keltie said, coming to kiss Luna’s forehead before accepting the coffee mug Victor handed her. Her eyes met mine over the rim, and her cheeks pinkened.

“Morning,” I murmured, fighting the urge to pull her onto my lap.

“Morning,” she replied, her voice still husky with sleep.

Victor cleared his throat. “I thought I might take Luna to the park later, if she’s feeling up to it.”

“Can we, Mommy?” Luna asked, bouncing in her chair. “Dr. Robbins said I can play outside if I wear my mask.”

Keltie hesitated, and her fingers tightened around her mug. “Let’s see how you feel after breakfast,” she said, her standard non-answer that made Luna sigh dramatically.

After we finished eating, I helped Victor with the dishes while Keltie took Luna upstairs to get dressed.

“She loves you,” Victor said as he handed me a plate to dry.

“I love them both,” I replied honestly.

“Good. They deserve that.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m not going anywhere, Victor.”

He studied me, his weathered face solemn. “When Mary Grace died, I thought I’d never recover. Luna’s mother—she was so young.” He shook his head. “But I had to, for Keltie. Now, you understand, yes? What it means to be the rock someone leans on?”

“Yes,” I said quietly. “I do.”

“Bueno.”He clapped me on the shoulder. “Then, we understand each other.”

Later that morning,I offered to pick up Luna’s prescription at the pharmacy. Elk Avenue had transformed overnight. Benefit concert posters hung on every shop window, telephone pole, and on the bulletin board outside the library. “Valentine’s Day with CB Rice,” they announced in bold letters. “Supporting Luna Marquez’s Fight Against Leukemia.”

The drug store was buzzing with chatter about the concert as I waited for Luna’s medications to be filled.

“Did you hear they might add a second day?” the woman ahead of me asked her friend. “Sold out in under ten minutes!”

“My mother-in-law in Denver somehow scored tickets,” the other replied. “She’s driving all the way here for it. I warned her to make a reservation at one of the hotels now. I’m sure they’re going to sell out too!”

I smiled to myself, still amazed by Ben’s generosity and the town’s response.

When I returnedto Keltie’s house, I found her curled on the sofa with a notebook, scribbling what looked like medication schedules and appointment times.

“Where are Luna and Victor?” I asked, setting down the bag of medications.

“Park,” she replied, tucking a curl behind her ear. “Luna was bouncing off the walls, so I finally gave in and said she could go.”

I sank down beside her, examining her list. “That’s a lot to keep track of.”

“Miguel’s been incredible about scheduling everyone’s shifts around me being away,” she said, letting out a deep sigh. “But it’s still a juggling act.”

“Maybe you could use another juggler?” I suggested, taking her hand. “I meant what I said last night, Keltie. I love you. I love Luna. I’ll do whatever I can to help. Whatever needs to be done.”

“How are you at bartending?” she asked.

I raised a brow. “I grew up in a ski town. How do you think?”

She smirked. “But do you know how to do more than pour beer?”

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