Page 59 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“I deserve it,” I said ruefully. “I should have called. No matter what I thought you might need.”

She gestured to the paperwork on the table. “I’m not used to having someone to share the load.”

“You do now,” I said firmly. “If you want me to be that person.”

Her smile was answer enough.

From the kitchen came the sounds of the freezer door opening and drawers being pulled out in search of a spoon.

“She’s got such spirit,” I said, lowering my voice. “It’s one of the things I love most about her.”

Keltie’s eyes warmed at my words. “She does. She’s always been that way—determined, brave.”

“She gets it from her mother,” I pointed out, earning another smile.

A thought occurred to me, something I’d been considering since my visit to Ben’s studio. “Keltie, what would you think about helping me produce my album? Not right away,” I hastened to add, seeing her surprised expression.

“I—” she began, but was interrupted by a harsh coughing sound from the kitchen.

We both turned to see Luna standing in the doorway, one hand pressed to her chest, the other still holding a spoon. Her face was flushed, her breathing rapid.

“Luna?”Keltie was on her feet immediately, racing to her daughter. When she placed her hand on Luna’s forehead, her face paled. “You’re burning up.”

I watched in dismay as Luna’s legs weakened, her small body collapsing against her mother. Instantly, I moved to them, catching Luna as another deep, wracking cough shook her entire frame.

“We need to get her to the hospital,” I said, scooping her into my arms. Her skin was hot to the touch, her breathing becoming more labored with each passing second.

Keltie raced for her purse and keys. “The emergency bag is by the door,” she instructed, her voice tight with fear.

I carried Luna to my truck, holding her against my chest as Keltie grabbed the car seat. The little girl’s eyes appeared unfocused, vacant.

“It’s going to be okay, Luna,” I said softly, helping Keltie secure her into the booster seat. “We’re going to get you help.”

As we accelerated toward Gunnison Valley Hospital, Luna’s labored breathing filled the truck’s cabin. I gripped the steering wheel fiercely. “I swear when she was sitting on my lap, she didn’t feel warm at all.”

“It comes out of nowhere sometimes,” Keltie said from the backseat, where she sat holding her daughter’s hand and murmuring reassurances that didn’t reach her tear-filled eyes.

17

KELTIE

The emergency room at Gunnison Valley Hospital held the same stark intensity I remembered from our previous visit. Luna lay, small and pale, on the gurney, her eyes glassy with fever as a nurse attached monitors to her chest. I stood frozen at her side, my hand clutching her too-warm fingers, while the medical staff moved around us.

“Her temperature’s 104.2,” a nurse announced, frowning at the thermometer. “We’ll get IV fluids started right away. Doctor Patel has ordered blood work and broad-spectrum antibiotics.”

Holt stood at the foot of the gurney, his face tight with worry. Every few moments, his eyes would meet mine across Luna’s small form, silent reassurance passing between us.

The doctor arrived a few minutes later, scanning Luna’s chart before examining her. “Her oxygen levels are good, but I don’t like this fever pattern,” he said, his brow furrowed as he listened to her chest.

Luna whimpered when he touched her abdomen, flinching away. “It hurts, Mommy.”

“I know, baby,” I whispered, brushing damp curls from her forehead. “The doctors are going to make it better.”

When he signaled for me to join him, Holt took my place at Luna’s side, distracting her with gentle questions about her stuffed animals.

“Her blood work from the other day remains concerning. With the addition of her struggling to breathe, combined with the recurring fevers and abdominal pain…” He paused, then put his hand on my shoulder. “I’ve contacted Children’s Hospital. They’re sending their flight team to transport Luna immediately.”

My legs nearly gave out. “Flight team? As in helicopter?”

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