Pucking Hearts

Chapter 3

As Jett's thoughts drifted off to sleep, across town, Dax Elliott found himself pulling into the driveway of a modest suburban home. The porch light flickered on as he stepped out of his car, and the front door swung open to reveal Scott, his best friend since childhood.

"There he is, the man, the myth, the legend!" Scott called out, grinning widely. "Get in here, you old dog!"

Dax chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way up the path. "Who you calling old, you gray-haired geezer?"

The two men embraced, clapping each other on the back before Scott ushered Dax inside. The warm, lived-in atmosphere of the house enveloped him immediately – a stark contrast to his own sparse apartment.

"Lisa! Dax is here!" Scott called out, leading the way to the living room.

Lisa, Scott's wife, emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her face lit up at the sight of Dax. "Well, well, if it isn't our favorite hockey star," she teased, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on Dax's cheek.

Dax felt a familiar pang in his chest as he returned the greeting. "Hey, Lis. How's the little monster?"

As if on cue, the pitter-patter of tiny feet echoed down the hallway, and a small whirlwind of energy burst into the room. "Uncle Dax!" four-year-old Tommy squealed, launching himself at Dax's legs.

Laughing, Dax scooped the boy up, tossing him in the air before settling him on his hip. "There's my favorite little forward! You been practicing those slap shots I showed you?"

Tommy nodded enthusiastically, his curls bouncing. "I score ALL the goals!"

"That's my boy," Dax grinned, ruffling Tommy's hair.

Lisa watched the interaction with a soft smile. "Alright, Tommy, time for bed. Say goodnight to Uncle Dax."

After a chorus of "aww, mom" and a flurry of goodnight kisses, Lisa whisked Tommy off to bed, leaving Dax and Scott alone in the living room.

Scott handed Dax a beer, settling into his favorite armchair. "So, when are you gonna stop living vicariously through my kid and get one of your own?"

Dax sighed, taking a long pull from his beer. "You know that's not in the cards for me, man."

"Come on, Dax. You're only 33. Plenty of guys start families later than that."

"Yeah, well, those guys probably didn't have their parents bail on them at 15," Dax muttered, his voice tinged with old pain.

Scott's expression softened. "I know, man. But you can't let that define your whole life. You've got so much love to give – I see it every time you're with Tommy."

Dax shook his head, a rueful smile on his face. "I appreciate the thought, Scotty, but you know me. I'm not cut out for the whole settling down thing. I'm already ancient in hockey years, and I've never wanted more than... well, you know. And Tommy's different. He's my little man, my nephew. I'll always be there and love him, but he's not mine, so I can always give him back, you know? It's not the same as having my own kid, and wife, that I could never do."

"A quick roll in the hay? That's really all you think you are good for?" Scott supplied, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly," Dax nodded, though something in his eyes seemed uncertain. "Besides, I've got Gram. She's all the family I need."

Scott leaned forward, his tone serious. "Speaking of Gram, how's she doing? Still insisting she doesn't need the nurses checking on her?"

Dax chuckled, shaking his head. "You know Gram. She called me just yesterday, ranting about how she's not on her deathbed and can take care of herself. I swear, she's more stubborn than half the rookies on the team." A genuine smile spread across Dax's face. "She's amazing, Scott. I don't know where I'd be without her."