Page 9 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

I thought about Luna’s flushed cheeks and the something in her eyes that didn’t seem quite right. “She seemed… I don’t know. Not sick exactly, but not entirely well either.”

Flynn and TJ exchanged a glance, the kind of silent communication that happens between mothers.

“What?” I asked, noticing the look.

“Nothing,” Flynn said too quickly. “Just… kids that age catch everything. Especially at this time of year.”

“What would you think of inviting them to spend Christmas with us?” Sam asked. “With Buckaroo and the twins, it would be fun for Luna. And then they wouldn’t be alone for the holiday.”

A murmur of agreement swept around the table.

“Someone needs to ask them,” TJ pointed out, glancing meaningfully in my direction.

“Why me?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“Because you’re already halfway in love with her.” Buck smirked.

“I am not,” I protested, feeling the tips of my ears burn. “I barely know her.”

“Then, get to know her,” Flynn suggested. “While inviting her to spend Christmas here.”

I pushed away from the table. “I’ll think about it.”

Their knowing looks followed me as I retreated to the kitchen to refill my coffee mug.

“Don’t let them get to you,” Sam said, appearing beside me with her own empty cup. “They’re typical siblings.”

“I’m fine,” I said automatically.

Sam gave me a sympathetic look. “I think inviting Keltie is a good idea, regardless of whether you’re interested in her romantically. This is all new for her—new town, running a business, raising a child alone. Trust me, holidays can be rough when you’re flying solo.”

There was a weight to her words that suggested personal experience. I studied her face, thinking about how recently she’d discovered she was our cousin.

“I’ll ask,” I promised. “But no matchmaking attempts from any of you.”

Sam smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Would we do that?”

“In a heartbeat,” I grumbled, but found myself smiling too. “Seriously, though. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

I motioned for her to follow me out to the screened-in porch. “So, we’re cousins, and you and Keltie are cousins. Does that mean…?”

Sam shook her head before I finished the question. “I’m related to you on your mom’s side and to her on my grandmother’s side. She was a Marquez like Keltie’s dad is. Your mom wasn’t related to the Marquez family. Keltie’s aunt married your mother’s brother.”

I cocked my head, not sure I followed everything she’d said.

“Holt, if you were cousins, I’d tell you.”

That was good enough for me. “Thanks,” I said before heading out to my truck. “Say bye to everyone for me, would you?”

“Are you going to invite her for Christmas?”

“Yes, Sam.”

As I walked away, I heard her clap.

After breakfast,I returned to my cabin and dug out my laptop. With half my earnings this coming year going to charity, I wanted to know exactly where that money was headed.

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