Page 65 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

When I put my phone away, Cord kept his eyes on the road, giving me a moment to collect myself.

“How is she?” he finally asked.

“It’s confirmed—leukemia,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. “The doctors are moving quickly with the treatment.”

“God, man, I’m so sorry. Did they say how long she’ll need to stay in Denver?”

“A month. They’re focused on getting through the first phase of treatment.”

My cell rang, startling me, but when I looked at the screen, I saw it was Buck.

“Hey, we’re headed your way.”

“Good. Flynn’s got dinner ready at the main house. Everyone’s here.”

“Everyone?”

“Yeah. Porter, Cici, and Maverick drove over from Morris Ranch.”

I didn’t like the thought of everyone gathered, waiting for news. “Don’t forget I have to play at the Goat tonight.”

“Right. I’m sure Flynn can make you a plate to go, unless you’d rather eat there.”

I’d rather not eat at all, to be honest. “I’ll grab my truck and swing by. I won’t be able to stay long, though.”

“Understood, brother.” The resignation in Buck’s voice echoed my own.

Twenty minutes later,I parked in front of the main house, my exhaustion hitting me all at once. Before I could even reach the porch, Flynn swung the door open and raced over to me.

“How is she?” she asked, pulling me into a hug.

“Not great.” My voice caught. “They’ve confirmed it’s cancer.”

Her arms tightened. “That poor little girl.”

Inside, the scene was exactly as I’d imagined—my siblings and their partners were gathered in the great room, their faces turning toward me as I entered. No one was sitting around the dining table, though, and the casual way they lounged made it seem less like an ambush.

“Here.” Buck handed me a shot of whiskey as I sank into one of the armchairs. “You look like you need it.”

I accepted the drink, swallowing it before facing their questioning looks.

“I wish to fucking hell I was there instead of here.”

Porter eased off the sofa and walked toward me. “Merry Christmas, Holt. Sorry I missed it. Guess I should say happy New Year, instead.” When we embraced, he held on extra long, and I appreciated it.

“What can we do?” TJ asked, sitting beside Buck on the sofa, their fingers interlaced.

I shook my head. “I don’t know. This is all new territory for me.”

“For both of you,” Flynn added gently.

My throat tightened, thinking of Keltie trying to process all this medical information alone, making decisions about her daughter’s care. I’d texted her again before coming inside, but she hadn’t responded yet.

“I need to be in Denver,” I said.

“But first, you need to play tonight,” said Porter. “And we all plan to be there.”

I lowered my gaze. “You don’t have to do that,” I said, even though I’d love to have them there for support.

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