Page 21 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

Within minutes, Luna was on the floor with the other children, showing Buckaroo her beloved Bunny while the twins watched with fascination. Paxon—or maybe it was Rooker—reached out to touch Bunny’s ear, and Luna gently showed him how to pet the stuffed animal “nice and soft.”

“That didn’t take long,” Sam laughed, watching them interact.

“She doesn’t get much time with other kids,” I admitted. “I work a lot.”

Flynn linked her arm through mine. “Well, she’s in heaven now. Would you like some hot chocolate? I just made a fresh batch. You have the option of the adult version or the kid friendly one.”

“Adult version, please.”

As we moved toward the kitchen, I glanced at Luna, feeling the familiar pang of guilt that came with being a single parent and knowing she’d never have siblings of her own. As an only child myself, I’d always dreamed of having more than one, of giving my children the big family I never had. I hadn’t planned on having Luna when I did—hadn’t planned on doing it alone—but I wouldn’t change it for anything. She was my entire world.

The kitchen was as impressive as the rest of the house—a chef’s dream, with gleaming appliances and enough counter space to prepare a feast. Flynn ladled rich hot chocolate into mugs while Sam added whipped cream, along with a shot of butterscotch schnapps.

“Luna’s adorable,” Flynn said, handing me a mug. “She looks like you.”

“That’s what everyone says,” I replied, though I knew if anyone saw her with Remi, they’d notice she also looked like him.

Through the open doorway, I could see Holt in the great room, down on all fours, giving the twins “horseback” rides while Luna and Buckaroo waited their turns, clapping and giggling. Something in my chest tightened while watching him. He was so at ease with the children, so naturally playful and gentle.

A man like that—a cowboy through and through, but also a gentleman who clearly cared deeply about family—was exactly the kind of man I’d once dreamed of marrying. The kind of man who’d make a wonderful father.

“He’s good with kids, isn’t he?” Sam’s voice came from beside me, startling me from my thoughts.

I took a sip of chocolate to hide my embarrassment at being caught staring.

“Just so you know,” Sam said quietly, leaning closer. “When you’re not looking, he watches you the same way.”

I nearly choked on my drink. “We barely know each other.”

Sam shrugged. “Sometimes, that doesn’t matter.”

Before I could respond, Buck entered, stomping snow from his boots. “Sorry I’m late,” he said. “Had to finish up some work.”

“Buck!” Flynn exclaimed. “You promised no work on Christmas Eve.”

He grinned, the family resemblance to Holt unmistakable. “Just a quick call. Had to make sure everything’s set for tomorrow.” He spotted me and waved. “Hey, Keltie. I’m Buck, the oldest and wisest of the Wheaton clan.”

I remembered meeting all of them at the Goat but appreciated the reminder of each of their names.

“Don’t believe a word he says,” another man said, joining us. “I’m Cord. The one with actual wisdom.”

I laughed as the brothers playfully shoved each other, their easy camaraderie making me smile.

“Is Porter coming tonight?” Flynn asked, her expression hopeful.

Buck shook his head. “Not looking likely. He and Cici are stuck in Parlin. The roads are getting bad.”

Flynn’s face fell, but she quickly recovered.

Dinner wasa full Christmas Eve feast, with prime rib, ham, turkey, and every side dish imaginable. Luna sat betweenBuckaroo and one of the twins, all three of them in booster seats, while the other twin insisted on sitting on his father’s lap.

“Flynn is an amazing cook,” Holt whispered from beside me. “She’s been running the ranch kitchen since she was sixteen.”

I looked at the spread with newfound appreciation. “Everything looks delicious.”

I found myself relaxing into the warmth of this family gathering in a way I hadn’t expected. Luna was thriving, chattering happily with Buckaroo and occasionally looking over at me with a smile that made my heart swell.

“This is the bestest Christmas ever,” she declared mid meal, chocolate smudged on her cheek.

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