Page 214 of The Dixon Rule

“Glad to be back.”

Beckett’s already in his practice jersey and gear, so he sits on the bench while we get ready. “How’s Diana?” he asks somberly.

“Better.” My smile falters for a moment, because every time I think about my girlfriend lying in that hospital room, I feel sick to my stomach. “It’s been tough, but we’re getting through it.”

My friends nod in understanding, a mixture of sympathy and support in their eyes.

“Let us know if she needs anything, mate,” Beck says, his tone sincere.

“Thanks, man.”

My chest is tight with emotion, so I twist toward my locker, pretending to search for something while I blink through my suddenly misty eyes. Jesus Christ. I’m not going to cry in front of a room full of hockey players. I’ve already cried enough in front of Diana since I returned to Hastings.

But knowing my friends are here for me is soul soothing. This locker room is a brotherhood, and I feel that bond every time I walk in here. I know I can always lean on these guys, even obnoxious Trager, when times get tough.

“She’s dying to get home,” I say.

“When is she being discharged?” Will asks from his locker.

“Tomorrow morning, I think. The doctors are finally satisfied her kidney isn’t going to explode or something.”

Ryder chuckles.

We finish dressing for practice, but before I can walk out into the tunnel, Coach Jensen intercepts me. He toys with the whistle dangling around his neck as he pulls me aside.

A mix of nerves and gratitude swirls in my gut as I wait for him to speak.

“Welcome back, Lindley,” he says briskly. “I just wanted to check how your girl is doing.”

“She’s good. Thank you for asking.”

“And the asshole who did that to her?”

“They arrested him the night it happened, but he’s out on bail.”

Jensen’s eyes flash.

“I know,” I say with a sigh. “But he’s in Indiana now. His parents came to get him, and he was given permission to leave the state with them so long as he wore an ankle bracelet. But he was booked for the latest assault. He almost killed her, Coach. Nobody’s letting him off easy. The DA says he’ll do time.”

“They oughta throw away that key,” Coach mutters. “Any man who raises his hand to a woman doesn’t deserve to see daylight.”

I nod in agreement.

“Anyway. Go join the men.”

“Coach, wait. I just wanted to say…” I offer a sincere look. “I appreciate you giving me the time off to handle things.”

To my shock, Jensen does something very un-Jensen-like. He places a hand on my shoulder in a comforting touch.

“Hockey’s important, Lindley, but so is life. I’m here for you, and the team’s here for you. You ever need to talk, come find me.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, feeling the weight of my coach’s words. As I make my way down the tunnel, listening to the familiar sounds of my teammates warming up, I feel a renewed sense of purpose, and I know that wherever he is, my dad is watching over me.

After practice, I drive right back to the hospital to see Diana. I come armed with snacks and my laptop, so we can watch something better than the hospital channels. I’ve stayed true to my word—I don’t plan on leaving her side until she’s home.

Her face lights up the moment I walk into her room. She’s sitting up, wearing a white cardigan with green flowers, her blond hair around her shoulders. Despite the cut on her lip and the row of stitches on her temple, her cheeks have a healthy glow, and her eyes are bright.

Christ, I love this woman with all my heart. Being with Diana is like discovering a piece of myself that I never knew was missing. She makes me want to be the best version of myself, not because I feel like I have to impress her but because she inspires me to be better.

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