nhl one-shots | completed

xxii | william nylander

FOR HER | for aaronjudge

-

Maddie sighed, looking over at her four-year-old daughter, Emilie, who was holding onto the side of the side table and looking at the pictures that rested on top of it, all of either Maddie and her husband, William, or the three of them together.

"Daddy," she said, reaching out for the picture of William and Maddie on their wedding day. Maddie's heart sunk, knowing exactly how she felt.

"I know, sweetie," she said softly, walking over to Emilie. "Daddy will be home soon, alright?" Emilie nodded as Maddie held out a hand to her. "Why don't you watch some Blues Clues?"

Maddie sat Emilie on the couch, turning the young girl's favorite show on before walking into the kitchen. She leaned on the counter, sighing heavily as she hid her face in her hands.

Maddie knew marrying a professional hockey player wasn't going to be easy. William was always busy due to the demanding schedule the Toronto Maple Leafs had. However, she hadn't been ready for this. William was rarely home when he could be, and when it was always late at night when Emilie was already asleep. Even now, it was almost midnight and Maddie knew Emilie should be sleeping, but she clearly didn't want to go to sleep and neither did Maddie.

The front door opened, catching Maddie's attention. She glanced over at Emilie, making sure she hadn't heard the sound of the TV, before walking to the entryway. William hung his coat up before looking up at her.

"Where were you, Will?" Maddie questioned quietly.

"With the guys," he responded, running a hand through his blonde hair.

Maddie sighed. "You're always with them. What about us?"

He paused, contemplating what to say. "Maddie, I—"

"You have a family here. You have a four-year-old daughter that asks me when you're going to be home almost every day. You have a wife that has to lie, saying you'll be home soon when she had no more of a clue that the daughter does. I understand you don't feel like you used to. If you're going to try, let it be because of your poor daughter that just wants her dad back." She blinked back tears. "Emilie and I are leaving. We'll be at Steph's if you care enough to find us."

Maddie walked into the living room, crouching down in front of Emilie. She looked over at her Mom, bright blue eyes sparkling.

"We're going to sleep over at Auntie Steph's house, alright?" she said.

"Why?" the younger girl questioned, frowning.

"Just for fun. We're going to leave right now, alright?" She nodded.

William didn't try to stop them as they left.

-

"What the hell are you doing here?" Maddie asked harshly, glaring at William. It was almost 4 A.M. and he was standing on Steph's doorstep, wanting to talk to Maddie.

"Please just let me explain, Maddie," he begged softly. Though Maddie was hesitant, she opened the door wider, silently prompting him to go on. "I'm scared. I know I'm hurting you, but I feel like I'm being a better father when I'm gone then when I'm here. You're such a good mother. I'm nothing compared to you."

"Will," she began with a sigh. "You are not a horrible father. From what I've seen, you are an amazing father. Being here is better than being gone. Emilie misses you. I miss you."

"So you forgive me?" he questioned.

"Of course. As long as from now on, you're home whenever you can," she told him.

"Alright," he said, stepping towards her. "Now, please come home, Maddie."

Maddie smiled. "We've already been gone for way too long."

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willy's hair is so nice ??? i just wanna run my fingers through it

i realized half way through this that i changed it up a bit so i hope you don't mind, maddie

11.21.17