Poor Jock slouched lower on the bench and studied his feet. His face was flushed bright red. I felt sorry for him, but I kept my sympathy to myself. Nobody crossed Gorst when he was in one of his moods.

Gorst barked out a few more words, then stomped from the locker room with his assistants in tow.

Next to me, Jock rubbed his eyes. I noticed he had big bags under them. He was one of those quiet guys who was often forgotten. He went about his job and never asked for attention or praise. “Not sleeping?” I asked.

“I have five little kids. What do you think?”

“I think sleep would be a luxury.”

He nodded. “I look forward to road trips.”

“I can understand that.”

I didn’t know much about Jock. He was in his late thirties, and he rarely attended team events. His wife didn’t come to any of his games or hang out with the other WAGs, but with five kids, no one questioned her absence. I certainly didn’t.

“Don’t get me wrong. I love my kids, but it’s hard with that many.”

“I’m sorry he nailed you like that.”

“I deserved it.” Jock shrugged. “I hear you’re a new father. How’s that going?” Typical Jock, he took the focus off him and put it on others.

“It’s going well with the kids, but they don’t know I’m their father yet.”

“Oh, that’s rough. When are you planning on telling them?”

“As soon as their mother approves it.” I sounded more irritated than I meant to. Jock arched a brow at me but didn’t say much.

“You’ll find fatherhood is the most rewarding and most challenging thing you’ve ever done. Playing in the NHL is far easier.”

“I believe you.”

“Enjoy every beautiful, frustrating moment. They grow up too fast.”

“I will. I’ve missed enough as it is.” Once again, bitterness crept into my voice.

“You might want to get over that attitude before it affects your children. Forgive and move on. They’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

“I’m trying.”

“Try harder.” Jock gave me a sad smile and moved to his locker to get out of his gear. I watched him go and wondered how a man with a loving family could be so sad.

~~Caroline~~

The new year was almost three weeks old.

Nothing was resolved between Easton and me. In fact, he avoided being alone with me as I did him. While we hadn’t discussed it, we appeared to be taking a break from each other, and I couldn’t say if this break was temporary or permanent. I was dealing with a lot of emotional shit, trying to get my head on straight, and I’d started classes at a nearby college.

I’d backed off and allowed Easton to take the kids without requiring my presence. It was easier on both of us this way. I also gave the school permission for Easton to pick them up after school on occasion. If Hailey and Heath thought it was weird they spent so much time with a friend of the family, they never voiced their concerns.