Page 93 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

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KELTIE

Crested Butte had transformed into a place I barely recognized on Valentine’s Day. Elk Avenue bustled with activity as vendors set up booths selling hot chocolate, handmade jewelry, and festival food. Storefronts displayed red and pink hearts alongside concert posters, and people streamed toward the amphitheater from every direction.

I guided Luna through the crowd, her small hand warm in mine. The scale of what friends, family, and even strangers had created for my daughter overwhelmed me. Flynn’s modest fundraiser idea had grown into something massive—hotels were booked solid, and people had flown in from across the state.

“Mommy, look!” Luna tugged at my hand, pointing toward a booth where Echo West was arranging pamphlets about the Miracles of Hope Children’s Charity. “It’s Miss Echo!”

Echo looked up, her face brightening. “There’s my favorite brave girl!” She came around the table and knelt to Luna’s level. “How are you feeling today, sweetheart?” It warmed my heart that, after our first meeting, she stopped in at the hospital periodically to see how we were doing and also to check on my daughter.

“Good!” Luna declared, twirling to show off her special outfit—a purple dress with silver stars that Sam had brought with her from New York specifically for today. It matched her favorite bandana perfectly.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” Echo said, her eyes meeting mine with silent understanding. We both knew how rare these good days were, how fleeting Luna’s energy could be.

“Miss Echo, can I help give out the flyers?” Luna asked, already reaching for the colorful brochures.

Echo glanced at me for permission.

“Just for a few minutes, Luna-bug,” I agreed. “Then we need to find our seats.”

“How’s she really doing?” Echo asked quietly, her eyes never leaving Luna.

“Better than last week,” I admitted. “The doctors are amazed at how well she’s responding. Her numbers are improving, though we’ve got a long road ahead.”

“Understood,” said Echo. “When do you get the father’s bone marrow test results?”

My throat tightened. “Soon, I hope.”

“There you are!”

I turned to see Sam hurrying toward us, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Beau followed her, carrying what looked like an enormous gift bag.

“Sam!” I exclaimed, embracing her. “Lunalovesher dress!”

She smiled. “We have something else to go with it.”

Before she could continue, Luna spotted them and squealed. “Miss Sam! Mr. Beau!” She abandoned her post at the charity booth and launched herself at Sam, who caught her in a hug.

“Hello, beautiful girl,” Sam said, kissing the top of Luna’s bandana. “I brought you something special.” She glanced at Beau, who extended the gift bag toward Luna.

Her eyes widened as she peered inside. “A unicorn cape!” She pulled out a shimmering purple cloth. “Can I wear it now, Mommy?Please?”

I laughed, unable to deny her anything that brought such joy to her face. “Of course.”

Sam helped her fasten the cape around her shoulders. “There. Now, you’re officially the most magical person at the entire concert.”

Luna twirled again, the cape fluttering around her. “I love it!” She wrapped her arms around Sam’s waist. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” said Sam. Her gaze met mine over Luna’s head, and I recognized the emotion there—the same fierce love I felt for my daughter had somehow extended to this found family we’d created.

Beau checked his watch. “We should head to our seats. The first act starts in fifteen minutes.”

Luna stood by my side, her cape billowing dramatically with each step. “Can we get ice cream, Mommy?”

“After the first set,” I promised. “Let’s go sit down first.”

We said goodbye to Echo, who would be joining us later, and made our way toward the amphitheater. The special seating area near the stage had been reserved for Luna and our family—a term that had expanded far beyond blood relations in recent months.

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