Page 14 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

Holt settled into the chair to resume his story. Luna’s eyes grew heavy as he played, her body relaxing into sleep even as she fought to hear the end of the tale.

When he finished, she was sound asleep, her breathing deep and even. Holt placed his guitar in its case and stood again, gesturing toward the hallway. I followed him out.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. “It was nice to see her smile.”

His gaze was intense. “I overheard a bit of what the doctor said.”

I stiffened. “You were listening?”

“Not intentionally.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Look, I know this is presumptuous, but I want to help. I can drive you both to Denver for the appointment.”

“That’s really not necessary. We’ll be fine.”

He hesitated, indecision flickering across his face. “The thing is…” He stopped, then seemed to come to a decision. “I need to tell you something strange.”

“Strange how?”

“I know we barely know each other,” he said quietly. “And I don’t want to overstep. But when I met Luna last night…” He paused, seeming to reconsider his words. “She’s a special kid. I could tell right away.”

“Thanks.” I was tired but grateful for the acknowledgment.

“And when Miguel told me she was in the hospital, I thought you could both use a friend.”

I studied his face, looking for ulterior motives, but finding only genuine concern. His showing up was unexpected, yes, but his support—especially the way he’d connected with Luna—felt like a lifeline on one of the worst days of my life.

He cleared his throat. “Anyway, the offer stands.”

“Why would you do that? You barely know us.”

The question seemed to surprise him. “Because you need help, and I can give it. Because Luna is…” He trailed off, then finished simply, “Because it matters.”

We stood in silence for a long moment, the hospital sounds fading to background noise. Part of me screamed not to trust him, not to need anyone. That part had kept me safe, kept Luna safe, for four years. But a smaller voice whispered that Luna deserved every advantage, every kindness the world might offer.

“The appointment isn’t until next week,” I finally said. “December 30.”

“Just let me know.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” He hesitated. “Actually, there was another reason I came looking for you tonight. Sam and my family wanted me to invite you and Luna to spend Christmas with us at the ranch. There’s plenty of room, and with all the kids there now, it would be fun for Luna. One of the ranch hands dresses up as Santa every year.”

The invitation caught me off guard. Christmas was two days away, and I’d planned for Luna and me to have a quiet celebration at home. But looking at my sleeping daughter, I wondered if a family Christmas—even with strangers—might be better than the two of us alone in our house with this new fear hanging over us.

“I’ll think about that too,” I said. “If Luna feels up to it.”

“Fair enough.” He glanced at his watch. “Can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink?”

His kindness nearly undid me again. “Coffee would be amazing.”

“Coming right up.” He squeezed my shoulder lightly, the touch sending an unexpected current through me despite myexhaustion. “By the way, you should know—Luna made me promise to teach her how to play guitar when she feels better.”

A smile tugged at my lips, the first real one in hours. “Did she, now?”

“She’s very persuasive. Must get that from her mother,” he added with a wink.

6

HOLT

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