Page 98 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“Before we play our last couple of songs,” Ben continued, “I’d like to invite Echo West from Miracles of Hope to the stage.”

Echo emerged from the wings, and the crowd quieted as she approached the microphone.

“Thank you all for coming today,” she began, her voice warm. “The Miracles of Hope Children’s Charity began with a vision to support families facing the devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer. Our founder envisioned a world where no family would face that journey alone, where financial burdens would never stand in the way of a child’s care.” She paused, her gaze sweeping the crowd. “Today, you’re making that vision a reality for Luna Marquez and for every child who will be diagnosed in the future.”

Echo spoke of the charity’s work, of children who’d won their battles, of brave families who’d faced unimaginable challenges. Throughout it all, her passion for the cause shone through. I found myself wondering again about the organization’s mysterious founder, about the connection to my family and the trust that continued to guide our lives.

Ben put one arm around Echo’s shoulders. “Ladies and gentlemen, thanks to all of you, I’m thrilled and honored toannounce that today’s show has raised over three hundred thousand dollars!”

A roar swept through the crowd. Echo’s hand flew to her mouth in surprise.

“The first portion of these funds will ensure Luna’s medical expenses are fully covered,” Ben continued. “The remainder will support Miracles of Hope in their mission to help other children and their families.”

After Echo left the stage, the band played their final songs, closing with their biggest hit. The crowd sang every word, hands swaying in unison under the bright February sun. As the last notes faded, there was a sense of community, a shared experience none of us would soon forget.

Backstage, Keltie flew into my arms. “That was incredible,” she said against my neck.

I held her in my arms, dancing to the encore the crowd refused to leave without. Her tears dampened my shirt, but I understood them. I felt like crying myself with both joy and sadness.

When Ben finally said farewell, I turned to tell Keltie I wanted to help them pack up and was almost floored by the dark shadows under her eyes.

“You should head home, darlin’,” I told her. “Give Luna a giant hug from me and tell her I’ll be there soon.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Go be with our girl.”

She smiled at the phrase “our girl,” her eyes softening. “Don’t be long.” With a quick kiss, she disappeared into the thinning crowd. I watched until she met up with Beau and Sam.

I helped the crew break down their gear, working with the band’s techs. As I was coiling the cable, Bridger appeared beside me.

“You sounded good up there,” he said, his usual economy of words intact.

“Thanks, man.”

He shifted his weight, a sign of discomfort I’d rarely seen from him. “I need you to come out to the Roaring Fork with me. While it’s still daylight.”

I glanced at my watch. It was midafternoon, with plenty of daylight remaining. “Can it wait? I promised Keltie?—”

“It can’t.” The urgency in his voice caught me off guard.

“What’s this about, Bridger?”

He shook his head. “It’s better if you see for yourself.”

In the months I’d known him, Bridger had never been anything but straightforward. His request was unusual, which told me how serious this was.

“All right,” I agreed, setting down the cables. “Let me tell Ben I’m heading out.”

Twenty minutes later,we drove through the gates of the Roaring Fork Ranch. Bridger directed me past the main house, beyond the stables and corrals, past all the cabins, to a part of the property I rarely, if ever, set foot on.

“Over there,” he said, pointing to a grove of pine trees sheltering a small meadow.

As I pulled to a stop, I saw more vehicles arriving—Buck’s truck, then Cord’s, followed by Porter’s and finally Flynn’s SUV with Irish in the passenger seat. My siblings climbed out, their faces reflecting the same confusion I felt.

“What’s going on?” Buck asked, approaching my truck as I stepped out.

“I’m not sure yet,” I admitted.

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