length: 1085 words
warnings: swearing
requested: yes
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Tyler POV
I held onto Ava's small, warm hand as we walked through the park, occasionally stopping so that she could pick some daisies. Once she had accumulated a large bundle, she plucked one out and motioned for me to pick her up. Raising her up so that our faces were level, she placed the chosen flower behind my ear. She giggled and clapped, accidentally dropping her impromptu bouquet and tear started welling in her eyes. I brought her closer to me, whispering gently in an attempt to soothe her and when she smiled I knew I had been successful. "I love you, Daddy," she grinned and my heart almost burst with happiness.
Slowly lowering her back to the grass, we continued our walk. All of a sudden, Gerry sped off, chasing a squirrel, and I let go of Ava's hand and began to follow him before I realised what I had done. Turning quickly on my heel, I looked for Ava but I couldn't see her anywhere.
I couldn't believe this happened. I mean I knew that she was getting faster and all but - fuck, I should've just been more careful. My baby was all alone because of me. What if something happened to her? What if I never saw her again?
Rushing about in all directions, I checked every place I thought she would go, paying no attention to the dogs. "Ava, where are you?" I hollered every few seconds in the hope that she would suddenly appear but nothing happened. This was all my fucking fault.
Reader POV
You sat down on the grass along the bank of the lake, book in hand, gently gliding your fingers down your dog's back. Suddenly, you heard a high-pitched voice shout, "Puppy!" and you looked up to see a little girl toddling at full speed towards you before hesitantly slowing down when she got close to you. "Puppy," she whispered, inching closer.
"What's your name, sweetie?" you asked, concerned that there were no adults with the child. Your smile encouraged her to come closer and she beamed in return before speaking.
"Ava."
You motioned to your dog. "That's a lovely name. This is Harvey. Do you want to pet him?"
She nodded eagerly, coming to stand next to you and you placed your hand over her small one, guiding it along Harvey's fur. "How old are you?"
She quickly raised three fingers, too focused on your dog to speak.
Can you show me where your mommy or daddy is, hun?" you questioned, eager to get her back to her parents.
At those words Ava started blubbering, tears rolling down her face rapidly. "I dunno where Daddy is," she sobbed, coughing a little in her panic.
"Don't worry, sweetie," you said softly while standing up, "I'm sure we can find your daddy."
She wiped her face with her hands, still sniffing slightly, before grabbing your hand with her tiny one.
The two of you walked around the park and as you entered a large field, she began tugging at your hand and pointing at a figure in the distance who was surrounded by three dogs. "Daddy!" she shouted, leading you over as she started running.
As you got closer you saw that he was tall and very handsome, with tattoos wrapping their way up his arms and under his t-shirt sleeves. Resting a top his curls was a backwards cap with a small white flower tucked behind one ear. You immediately knew who he was and looked down self-consciously at your Stars t-shirt.
Rushing over to the two of you, he swooped Ava up into his arms, hugging her tightly before resting her on his hip. "Baby, I was so scared. Don't ever run off like that again, okay. Promise me," he said, voice cracking slightly at the end, while raising his little finger.
"Pinky promise!" she laughed, intertwining their two pinkies.
Remembering you, she pointed towards your dog and said, "Daddy, look, another puppy!"
He smiled at your dog and then raised his eyes to you, gratitude written all over his face. "Thank you so much for finding her and bringing her here. I don't know what I would have done if I lost her. Is there any way I can repay you-" he paused, unsure of what your name was.
"(y/n). And honestly, it was nothing at all. She's the one that found you, I just helped a little."
"Well (y/n), I'm Tyler," he said while putting Ava down gently and she stumbled over to you, hugging your legs while you stroked her hair. "You're pretty good with kids. Do you have any?" Tyler asked, eyes flickering towards his daughter before they went back to you.
"No, but I hope to have some one day," you beamed, continuing your movement across the top of Ava's head. "I'm a pediatrician so that probably explains it."
"Well, would you like to walk with us for a bit?"
"Sure," you nodded and the three of you set off, four dogs quick on your heels.
While strolling through the park Tyler picked your brain about your job, desperate to know what he should do for Ava in any given situation. Eventually you slowly turned the conversation away from work and spoke instead about your family and why you moved to Dallas.
When you caught Tyler taking a quick peek at your t-shirt, you felt your face turn a brilliant red and he smirked.
"So you're a fan of the team then, huh?"
"Yeah," you said shyly, "I've loved hockey ever since I was a kid."
Thankfully he was comfortable with you being a die hard hockey fan and so you spoke about his job for the rest of the walk.
When you finally reached the entrance to the park, you clipped Harvey's leash to his collar and gave Ava another hug. Watching as she then whispered something to Tyler, he looked at you before walking towards you.
He thanked you again for your help with Ava and then blushed slightly, rearranging his cap. "Would you maybe like to go out sometime?"
"I would love to," you blushed in return, quickly stretching your hand into your bag to get your phone. After you unlocked it, you handed it over to Tyler who put his number in.
Taking it back, you glanced at what he put as the contact name, 'Hot Park Dad', and you laughed, a smile spreading across your face.
