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“You have a bright future ahead of you. The doctors say you’ll be back on the ice in time for playoffs. Focus on that. On what’s important.”

My father spoke like my heart hadn’t been ripped out of my chest and stomped on. I glanced over at the door, ready for Ari to burst in and prove that everything he was saying was a lie, but nothing happened.

He caught my stare. “Son, she’s not coming. She’s not even in the state.”

His words dug into me, each one scraping against the hope I’d been clinging to. Maybe I hadn’t done enough. Maybe I hadn’t earned her love.

My dad stood, smoothing the front of his jacket. “This is for the best, Dalton. You’ll see that in time.” He placed a hand on my shoulder briefly before turning and leaving the room.

The door clicked shut behind him, and the silence in the room was deafening.

I stared at the ceiling, trying to piece everything together.

She left. She fucking left.

The words echoed in my mind, each repetition heavier than the last.

What had I expected? She’d told me she would from the beginning. She’d put up those barriers the night I met her, and I’d been fighting to get through them ever since. I let out a bitter laugh, angry tears spilling over, and I wiped them away with the back of my hand.

I was an idiot. So fucking in love with her that I was seeing shit that wasn’t really there. I’d thought she loved me too, that we meant something to each other—that I meant something to her.

The door opened again, pulling me from my thoughts. Monroe stepped inside, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

“Hey,” he said, closing the door behind him. “How you holding up?”

I shrugged, the motion sending a twinge of pain through my ribs. “Been better.”

He pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “I ran into your dad on my way in. I take it he’s been filling your head with shit.”

My jaw tightened. “He said Ari took a job with San Jose. That she left me.”

Monroe snorted, his expression darkening. “You really believe that?”

“Well, she’s not fucking here, Josh. I wake up days later from surgery, and she’s not even in the same damn state anymore.” Another bitter laugh fell out. “Only note she left was her signature on a contract. She didn’t even text or call.”

“Check your, phone you idiot.”

“You don’t think I did?” I yelled it so loud, I thought nurses would come running. His eyes softened and he nudged the device toward me.

“They wouldn’t be coming from her number, Dalton. She’s trying to make sure your asshole father thinks she’s playing by the rules. Check the unsaved one. Probably the one that’s been blowing up your phone.”

Unknown Number:

I know you probably won’t see this for a while. I hope you’re resting. You need it. Please don’t push yourself too hard.

Unknown Number:

Monroe’s going to explain everything. I know it’s a mess, but...you deserve to know the truth and I can’t explain it all through text. Please, just listen to him. Trust him. Trust me.

Unknown Number:

I’m sorry for not being there when you woke up. I wanted to be. More than anything. I don’t cry much, Thatcher, but I’m pretty sure I’ve used up all the tears in my body.

Unknown Number:

You’re going to get through this, Thatcher. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.

It’s okay if you don’t believe him. I promise. I just want to know you’re doing what makes you happy.