Ashton’s POV
I sink down into the plush leather seat of the team coach next to Dalton, my starting defenceman and one of my oldest friends. We’ve dominated the ice together for five years with the Hawks, but our bond stretches back even further to our rookie days. My head drops back against the headrest, the tension in my shoulders refusing to thaw as the hiss of the door closing echoes around us.
‘You okay man?’ the defenceman asks me quietly, his gaze burning into the side of my face.
I nod, ‘yeah, just tired’ I reply gruffly.
Dalton nods, ‘how is your dad? Any updates?’
A heavy sigh escapes me. I glance over to meet his gaze, finding his expression is etched with genuine concern.
‘He’s doing okay’ I mutter, ‘I spoke to mum last night after I went to bed . . . I didn’t want Beth to
