Page 103 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

He tightened his hold on me. “When I was standing by Scarlett’s grave, I realized my mom did too.”

“I suppose it’s common enough to be a coincidence,” I offered.

Holt shook his head. “Something tells me it isn’t.”

28

HOLT

The small headstone remained fixed in my mind as I woke in Keltie’s bed the next morning. MysisterScarlett—a whisper from the past that now haunted me in the most unexpected ways. The early sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft patterns across the room where I’d spent the night holding the love of my life close.

I turned to find her already awake, watching me with solemn eyes.

“I think we should meet with Six-pack today,” I said quietly, reaching out to brush a curl from her face. “After the family meeting at the ranch. He could refer a custody attorney, help us prepare for whatever Remi might try.”

Keltie’s fingers laced with mine. “Good idea. I spoke with my dad this morning. He’s taking Luna to the park again.”

“She’s feeling up to it?”

“She seems better than ever,” she said, a smile finally breaking through the worry. “The resilience of children is incredible.”

The sound of small feet racing down the hallway interrupted us. Luna appeared in the doorway, still in her pajamas.

“Mr. Holt! You’re here!” She launched herself onto the bed, wiggling between us. “Are we having pancakes?Abuelomakes the best pancakes.”

“Is that so? I thought your Mommy made the best ones.” I said, tickling her side and grinning as she squirmed.

“She makes the best ones withblueberries.”

Behind her, Keltie rolled her eyes.

“Ah, right,” I murmured, winking.

The smell of coffee lured us to the kitchen, where Victor was already at the stove, pouring batter on the skillet.

“Buenos días,”he said. “Sleep well?”

“Very,” I replied, accepting the mug he offered.

After breakfast and quick showers,Keltie and I got ready for the day. I’d brought a change of clothes when I came over yesterday, anticipating I might stay the night.

“I’ll change, and then we can go,” I said to Keltie.

Luna tugged at my jeans as I headed toward the stairs. “You’re coming back, right?”

“Of course,” I promised, kneeling to her level. “Five minutes. Max.”

She shook her head. “I mean later.”

“If there’s ever a day, I can’t, I’ll tell you, okay? Otherwise, you can expect to fall asleep with me here and wake up to me too.”

She beamed and followed Keltie and me up the stairs.

“Still nothing from Remi?” I asked quietly when we came back down.

“No,” Keltie replied, sliding the phone into her pocket. “I don’t understand. I thought after seeing Luna…”

“Hard to say what he’s thinking.” My words weren’t as reassuring as I intended them to be, but with a guy like Remi, it was impossible to predict what he’d do.

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