#single!dad reader

The damage to his truck was pretty extensive. You thought it would just be some sort of quick fix, but here you were, an hour later, and you still kept finding problems.

“What the hell even happened to this thing?” You asked, curious as to what could’ve beaten his truck down so bad. Gator used to take great care of it, always taking it into the shop.

“I just haven’t had much time or money to get it fixed.” Gator said, a bit sheepishly. “Ya’ know, after everything that happened and all.”

You just nodded in understanding. Gator still wouldn’t tell you the exact details of what went down on the ranch last year, but it was clearly still affecting him. Whatever happened had to have been really bad if it meant Gator had completely cut contact with Roy, if he had lent a hand to the FBI in detaining him.

You pushed the thoughts aside as you went back to work. You turned to your right to ask Bonnie for another tool when you saw her attention had been pulled elsewhere, her eyes wide and mouth agape as she watched something across the lawn. You followed her gaze until you spotted a small frog sitting over in the tall grass. God, you really needed to buy a mower.

“Froggy!” Bonnie squealed as she pushed herself to her feet and started running over.

“Don’t run off, sweetie!” You called after her, the frog jumping a bit as she got close.

“Guess ya’ lost your helper.” Gator laughed and you turned to see him watching Bonnie with a fond smile.

“Hand me that.” You pointed at one of the tools on the ground and Gator reached down and handed it to you without a word, eyes flickering back to Bonnie every few seconds as you worked.

“How long ya’ been a mechanic?” Gator asked.

“Since I left.” You shrugged. “I knew a lot from helpin’ my dad.”

Gator hummed in response. “Do ya’ like it?”

“Yeah.” You smiled. “I like workin’ with my hands. Do ya’ like bein’ a cop?”

“Yeah.” Gator said, but it didn’t sound very convincing. “I mean, I guess I used to like the power. Now I like the helpin’ people part.”

“Well, that’s good.” You reached out and nudged his arm, earning a shy smile from him.

Gator had steadily gotten more comfortable showing his emotions around you. Specifically his happiness. And it made you glad to know that he was really starting to change. That he wasn’t stuck in the authoritative mindset of Roy and could actually do some good in this town. That maybe he could make up for the sins of his father.

Gator started to laugh and you followed his gaze back over to Bonnie. She was laughing away to herself across the yard, hopping along right next to the frog every time it jumped. It was adorable. She always loved animals, all kinds.

“She’s a great kid.” Gator smiled and then turned back to you. “Takes after her dad.”

“Yeah, right.” You rolled your eyes with a laugh. “Did ya’ forget the time I snuck into the principal’s office and changed your grades?”

Gator laughed, genuinely, openly. “Thanks for that, by the way. Saved me a lot of trouble.”

“And got me into it.” You huffed. “Had detention for a week. But they never found out what I did.”

“So that’s why my grades stayed good.” Gator mused.

“Well, I couldn’t give ya’ up.” You placed a joking hand on your heart. “Thieves honor.”

“Honor among thieves, ya’ mean.” Gator corrected.

“Same difference.” You shrugged.

Gator continued smiling, but turned smaller, softer, a bit shy. “Hey, um… I was wonderin’ if, ya’ know, I don’t know, if ya’ wanted to get dinner some time?”

“Oh.” You said, your smile fading a bit from shock. Did he mean a dinner, dinner? Or did he just mean dinner? “I don’t know, Gator. I mean, with Bonnie and all. I don’t have a sitter or anything.”

“No, yeah, yeah, right.” Gator stumbled over his words. “I mean, I could, I don’t know, I could ask some guys at the station if they know anybody. A lot of ‘em got kids.” His eyes dropped to your chest, his fingers fiddling with the denim on his thighs. “And, ya’ know, it’s just dinner. If that’s what you want.” He mumbled the last part, as if unsure he should say it.

You looked over at Bonnie, now chasing the frog around, arms outstretched as she tried to grab it. Did you want to go to dinner with Gator? And did you want it to be just dinner, or something more? It sounded like that’s what Gator was hoping for, and you couldn’t say you were totally opposed to the idea. But you really didn’t have anyone to watch Bonnie while you were gone, having just signed her up for pre-school and having to pay more for the summer classes. But Gator did just say he would ask around about a sitter, and you did really need one. Dinner or no dinner.

You opened your mouth, still not sure what your answer was, but you didn’t even get the chance to make a sound before Bonnie came running back over, the frog now held between her little hands, giggling happily to herself.

“Gator! Gator! Look!” Bonnie squealed as she ran over, hands held out as she stopped in front of Gator. “I got the froggy!”

“Well, would ya’ look at that.” Gator mused as he knelt down in front of her. “Ya’ know, I actually have a pet gecko.”

Bonnie’s face lit up even more. “What’s his name?”

“His name’s Danger.” Gator smiled and you almost laughed from the silly name. “I got him when I was eight.”

“Daddy! Daddy!” Bonnie turned to you. “Can we get a pet gecko?”

“I don’t know, sweetie.” You said gently, placing a hand on the back of her head, and she started frowning. “Maybe when you’re older.”

“Okay.” Bonnie said dejectedly, toddling back off with the frog, a small, happy squeal leaving her lips as the frog tried to jump from her hands.

You turned back to Gator who was still kneeling on the ground as he watched Bonnie walk off. He was always so good with her, and she loved him. He helped you out a lot, watching her whenever you had to work on the weekend. He really was a changed man.

“Hey, Gator?” You said quietly.

“Yeah?” Gator said, slowly rising back to his feet.

You smiled at him. “Dinner sounds nice.”

Gator started smiling again, the one that showed off his dimples. And then the two of you were interrupted by a little scream and you both instantly whipped around to see as the frog leaped from Bonnie’s hand and she went chasing back after it again.

Your daughter Bonnie was too young to even realize what happened. Only a little over two years old. She wanted her mom, and she couldn’t understand why that was impossible. So, you packed up your stuff, you took your daughter, and you found some little cozy trailer to move into. It was a bit run down, but nothing terrible. You just hoped a change of scenery and living in a place you knew and was newly free of the Tillmans would make it easier. And, lucky for you, your daughter seemed to be having a great time.

“I want pancakes.” Bonnie said as she crawled into the booth.

You decided to take her to the diner, the one place in town you had always liked and always had good food. It was a small joint, warm and cozy and always filled with different people. The smell of freshly brewing coffee and the sizzling of bacon and eggs filled the Saturday morning air. It was nice, calm. And no more Tillmans to throw punches at the customers.

“Well, lucky for you.” You smiled as you slid into the booth next to Bonnie, grabbing her and sitting her upright. “They got the best pancakes in the whole county.”

Bonnie’s eyes widened as she picked up the menu, not actually reading it, but instead just flipping through the pages happily. You honestly couldn’t believe that she was yours, so bubbly and excited all the time.

“Hello.” The waitress said as she stepped up to the table, smiling kindly as she saw your daughter turn to her. “Well, what do you two want today?”

“Pancakes!” Bonnie almost shrieked from excitement.

“Well, we got lots of pancakes here.” The waitress mused.

“We’ll do chocolate chip.” You answered and Bonnie’s little feet started kicking excitedly against the leather booth. “The smiley face ones.”

“Chocolate chip smiley face.” The waitress repeated as she wrote down the order. “And what can I get you, sir?”

“I’ll do the ham and cheese omelette.” You smiled. “With a side of bacon.”

“All right.” The waitress scribbled in her pad before looking up again. “Can I get ya’ guys anything to drink?”

“I’ll just do coffee.” You answered and then turned to Bonnie. “What do ya’ want to drink, sweetie?”

“Choc milk.” Bonnie said, hands flipping through the menu again.

“A coffee and one chocolate milk.” The waitress smiled. “Anythin’ else?”

“That’s it.” You said. “Thank you.”

The waitress gave Bonnie one last smile and a small wave before walking off to the kitchen. Bonnie seemed to have a lot of energy that morning, standing up and down in the booth, playing with the menu and the napkins, hanging off your arm as she pushed about every item on the table your way. It warmed your heart to see her so happy. You had been so afraid she would hate the change, but she just seemed to love it.

The waitress came by a little later with your food and Bonnie finally calmed down a bit as she started eating, trying to shove the biggest bites possible into her mouth before you stopped her and cut it up smaller. She had more syrup on her hands and face than she did on the plate.

Bonnie grabbed the chocolate milk, both of her tiny little hands wrapped around the cup as she brought it to her lips. She was standing on the seat as she ate, always buzzing with too much energy to sit for that long. When she put the cup down she had a line of chocolate milk all across her upper lip. You grabbed one of the napkins and wiped at her face, managing to get the milk off but also getting caught on all the sticky syrup. You’d just have to use the wet wipes in the car and then maybe a bath when you got home.

You were just reaching for another napkin to try and clean off Bonnie’s hands when the bell above the door dinged. You looked up out of habit and froze for a moment when you saw who entered. It was Gator, all dressed up in his vest, hat, and that stupid gun strapped to his thigh. He didn’t look as angry as the last time you saw him, his scowl still there but not as deep as it once was. And the other customers didn’t freeze or stiffen when he entered. They just continued about their business.

You and Gator had a weird past, had an on again, off again thing during senior year where you’d spend a few days or weeks sneaking around and making out before going silent again. After graduation the two of you had just stopped contacting each other. But a few years later you had run into him again and the whole process started over. Two years of late night drives and makeouts and even a few very vague confessions from him about his dad. But you could never quite get him to open up fully, or to even counter his dad’s control even once. It was too much, and you decided you couldn’t deal with it anymore. So, you broke it off, gave him an inkling of promise that if he did change you could try again. But that didn’t happen, and you found some girl. Some girl who left you all alone with a two year old. But you never blamed Bonnie, she was the light of your life. Your perfect little happy accident.

Gator looked around the place, probably looking for a spot to sit when his eye caught yours. He froze, eyes raking over your face as he tried to figure out if you were real or not. You never told Gator when you left town. It wasn’t like you had spoken to each other in a year. And now you were back, sitting in the diner with your two year old daughter happily making a mess of her breakfast.

Gator glanced around the diner one more time before slowly making his way over, almost approaching you as cautiously as one would approach a spooked horse. He stopped at the side of your table, eyes flickering over to Bonnie for a second before landing back on you.

“Hey.” Gator said, tone a complete one-eighty from the brash cockiness that used to seep from him.

“Hi!” Bonnie turned and waved at Gator, big smile on her face.

“This is Bonnie. My daughter.” You introduced her and she waved again. Gator gave a small wave back as you could practically see the gears turning in his brain.

“Didn’t know ya’ had a kid.” Gator said, getting more uncomfortable by the second.

“You a please-man?” Bonnie asked, mouth full of pancake.

“Yes, he is a police man.” You patted Bonnie on the back of the head.

“You catch da’ bad guys?” Bonnie asked.

“Uh, yeah.” Gator stammered. “Yeah, I catch the bad guys.”

“You can, um…” You gestured towards the open bench on the other side of the booth.

Gator glanced between you, Bonnie, and the open seat for a moment before slowly sitting down, hands resting on the table in front of him as he fiddled with his fingers. It was a nervous habit that you had noticed back in high school. Whenever a particularly unsavory topic came up—mostly his dad—he would start fiddling or tapping his fingers against something.

“Didn’t know ya’ came back.” Gator said. “Thought ya’ were gone for good.”

“Just moved back.” You shrugged.

“Mister cop.” Bonnie announced, pushing herself up from her seat to stand on the bench, food forgotten for the moment as she was much more interested in the cop. “Do you—do you drive da’ car?”

“The car?” Gator asked, looking over at you, completely confused.

“The cruiser.” You explained.

“Oh.” Gator laughed nervously and turned back to Bonnie. “Yeah, I drive the cruiser.”

“How you know my daddy?” Bonnie asked, smile fading a bit as she tried her best to stare Gator down with her big eyes and chubby little cheeks.

“He’s an old friend of daddy’s.” You said, reaching out to grab her middle and make sure she didn’t fall over. “This is Gator.”

Bonnie’s face lit up again. “Like a alley-gator.”

Gator’s own face lit up, even though he tried hard to hide it. He had always hated his name, never even understood how it was a name. But, apparently, hearing your daughter all excited about it seemed to flip a switch in his brain. You had only seen the same thing happen once before when you had complimented his natural hair.

Gator seemed to have changed a lot over the past three years. And you supposed whatever the hell had gone down on the ranch had a major hand in that. And the fact that Roy was locked away in prison and unable to torment him anymore. You liked this new Gator, the one not cursing and scowling at everyone. He actually seemed happy. Well, maybe a bit off due to his dad’s arrest and all the attention that had probably been thrown his way. But he seemed to be making real progress.

Bonnie started reaching across the table. Well, as far as her little arms would allow, which wasn’t very far. “Star.” Her sticky little hands started pointing at the badge on Gator’s chest. “Star.”

“Ya’ like my badge?” Gator smiled, a real, genuine smile that he let freely cross his face.

Gator unclipped the badge from his shirt and held it out to Bonnie. She took it eagerly, making excited noises as she stared wide eyed at the shiny new object. But her hands were also covered in syrup and she was getting it all over the badge.

“Bonnie, ya’ gotta wipe your hands, sweetie.” You said as you grabbed for a clean napkin. “Ya’ don’t wanna ruin Gator’s badge, do ya’?”

“It’s okay.” Gator laughed. “Don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“I’ve got wet wipes in the car.” You said, tone apologetic. “I can clean it up.”

“It’s fine.” Gator laughed again. “Don’t worry.”

It’s fine. Don’t worry. God, this really was a whole new Gator. And even Bonnie seemed to like him, her eyes now trained on him instead of the badge in her hands. She was a very aware little kid, always happy and bubbly around strangers, but she would glare at them when she didn’t like them. And every time that happened the person turned out not to be very nice. So, if Bonnie liked Gator, then he really must’ve changed.

Bonnie put the badge down on the table and sunk down in her seat. And then she sunk lower, sliding off the edge of the bench and down below the table before you could stop her.

“Bonnie.” You chastised. “Come on, sweetie, don’t play under the table. It’s dirty.”

Bonnie didn’t listen, though she rarely did, and her little head appeared on the other side of the table, right next to Gator. You could hear little grunts leaving her lips as she struggled to pull herself up. You were about to reach over and try to help her, stop her from hurting herself, when Gator reached out first, hands grabbing her middle and easily picking her up and setting her down on her feet on the bench beside him.

Bonnie grabbed Gator’s arm, tiny, sticky hands grabbing at his short sleeve shirt and pulling the sleeve up to reveal his tattoo. That stupid tattoo that he got only a week after he turned eighteen. He didn’t say anything about it, and then he just showed up the next day all proud of himself, thinking he was some big, tough hotshot.

“L-O-L.” Bonnie read as she traced over the letters and you and Gator both laughed.

Bonnie then started grabbing for Gator’s Sheriff hat, apparently done with the tattoo. Gator reached up, and you expected him to hold onto it and tell her no, never the one to let others—except for you—touch his hat. But he was just full of sweet surprises today and he slipped the hat off and placed it right on top of Bonnie’s head. The thing was way too big for her, almost covering her entire face, so Gator readjusted it until it was tilted back a bit, and her chubby face beamed at Gator.

“Daddy, daddy, look!” Bonnie squealed as she turned to you.

“Very cool, baby.” You said excitedly, smiling back at how adorable she looked.

Gator reached across the table and snatched up the badge, pinning it to Bonnie’s shirt and she just started smiling harder, buzzing with excitement as she bounced up and down on her chubby little legs and Gator reached a hand out in front of her, making sure she didn’t slip.

“Look, daddy.” Bonnie beamed proudly as she continued bouncing. “Imma cop.”

“Yes, you are, sweetie.” You laughed.

Bonnie then turned to Gator, her face going stern as she put her hands on her hips. “Imma rest you.”

“You’re gonna arrest me?” Gator played along, mock surprise on his features. “What’d I do?”

“Imma cop.” Bonnie said. “So imma rest you.”

“But Gator’s also a cop.” You joined in. “You’re gonna arrest another cop?”

“Gator not a cop.” Bonnie shook her head. “I have his bag. So imma cop.”

“Sorry, Gator.” You mockingly apologized. “Ya’ can’t argue with that.”

“That’s not fair.” Gator joked. “That’s my badge.”

“Not anymore.” You shrugged.

Bonnie dropped her hands from her hips and reached out for her half eaten plate of pancakes. You slid the plate over and she started digging in again, apparently done with playing around. For now, at least.

“How old?” Gator asked as he watched Bonnie eat beside him.

“Turned two a few months ago.” You said, eyes never leaving your daughter with the large hat and badge as she devoured her breakfast.

“She’s cute.” Gator said, looking over at you with a small smile.

“Thanks.” You smiled back. “Been a bit hard since her mom left. Thought it’d be easier to come back. ‘Specially with, you know… him gone.”

“Yeah.” Gator sighed, eyes flickering down to his hands where he started fiddling with his fingers again. “Been a weird year.”

“I’m sure.” You said. “How ya’ holdin’ up?”

“I’m fine.” Gator shrugged you off. “Helped the FBI and shit. ‘S why I’m here and not there.”

“Has he tried to call ya’ at all?” You asked worriedly, afraid that Roy might try to worm his way back into Gator’s head.

“A couple times.” He admitted. “I answered the first two. Now I just hang up.”

“Good.” You said firmly and he looked back up at you. “Ya’ don’t need him.”

“I know.” Gator said, but he didn’t sound convinced.

“Daddy.” Bonnie piped up and you turned to see her making grabby hands at her chocolate milk.

You reached out to push it over to her when Gator grabbed the cup first. Bonnie wrapped her hands around the cup and took a big gulp before setting it back down. You turned back to Gator and saw him still watching her, a soft look in his eyes.

“You know.” Gator said, slowly looking back over at you. “If ya’ ever need help or anything… you know, with her, you could call me.”

“Gator, I don’t know…” You trailed off, unsure if it was a good idea. But Bonnie really liked him, and it would be nice to have some help.

“Ya’ don’t have to.” Gator stammered. “It’s just that… you know, if ya’ just need someone to watch her from time to time. Or somethin’.”

“Can he, daddy?” Bonnie asked, apparently having been listening the entire time.

“We’ll see, baby.” You placated. “Gator’s a very busy man.”

“If ya’ don’t wanna.” Gator whispered, leaning slightly over the table to make sure Bonnie couldn’t hear. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll think about it, all right?” You whispered back. “Just a lotta change right now. Ya’ know?”

“Yeah.” Gator stammered, nodding quickly as he sat back in his seat. “Yeah, yeah, it’s fine. I get it.”

You glanced over at Bonnie, the hat slipping down her head a bit, her hands covered in syrup and her upper lip stained with chocolate milk. You really did have your hands full with her, her energy never wavering even after bedtime. You could use some help. Just a little bit.

“Well.” You said slowly. “I do have an interview on Tuesday. If you’re not workin’, maybe you could watch her. Just for an hour or two.”

“Yeah.” Gator smiled softly. “Yeah, I’m free Tuesday. Just let me know.”

“Would ya’ like that, sweetie?” You asked as you leaned closer to Bonnie. “Would ya’ like Gator to watch you for a bit on Tuesday while I’m gone?”

“Mm-hmm.” Bonnie nodded excitedly, happy babbles muffled by the pancakes in her mouth. Gator was watching her with those soft eyes again, a fond smile pulling at his lips. How could you say no to either of those cute faces?

You had her propped on your hip and dressed in the cutest little overalls you had ever seen. You saw them in the store with her a few weeks back and you just had to get them. And now she refused to take the things off. Not that you minded as it did save the rest of her clothes from getting dirty all the time.

“Whoa, look at that!” You said excitedly, pointing up at the guy dressed as Uncle Sam and standing on stilts.

“Whoa.” Bonnie breathed, head tilting back to get a look at the guy. The Uncle Sam waved down at her and she waved back, still awestruck.

The Uncle Sam walked off after that, greeting the rest of the fair goers as he went. You were waiting on Gator to show up. He was working the fair, the town not having enough cops to give any of them the day off. But they more so just walked around with their eyes peeled for drunks or a fight going on, so they were able to enjoy the night too.

Your eyes scanned the crowd again as you searched for that stupid Sheriff cap. Gator had already been here since the fair started and you texted him when you arrived, which was ten minutes ago. You were starting to wonder if he was breaking up a fight or something when you caught sight of him a few yards away.

“Gator! Gator! Gator!” Bonnie excitedly chanted his name, arms and legs flying out as she bounced in your arms.

Gator had spotted you know too and was laughing at the excited display. Gator was Bonnie’s favorite person now, always yelling and buzzing with excitement when she saw him, and Gator was just as excited every time he saw her. He had never been someone’s favorite person before.

You put Bonnie down on the grass and she immediately bolted towards Gator, running as fast as her little legs could carry her, arms outstretched as she continued to babble his name. He bent down and caught her the moment she ran into his arms, scooping her up and raising her in the air for a moment before setting her on his hip.

It had taken Gator a bit to get comfortable showing his affection so openly in public, still a bit nervous around kids. But the more time you let him spend with Bonnie, the more his softer side began to show and soon he didn’t give two shits about who was watching, always happy to do whatever possible to put a smile on Bonnie’s face.

“Bonnie here says that ya’ haven’t gotten her any ice cream yet.” Gator jokingly chastised as he approached you.

“We were waitin’ for you.” You said, fixing Bonnie a playfully stern look for ratting you out.

“Well, I think we gotta fix that.” Gator looked down at Bonnie.

Bonnie started kicking her legs excitedly as you made your way to the ice cream truck. You got her a small chocolate cone and you and Gator each a small cup. You found out early on that it was better not to get your own cone with Bonnie as she always made a mess and you would need both hands to clean her up. You went to pay for the ice cream when Gator shoved his own cash into the cashier’s hand first, not even allowing you to protest.

As you waited for your ice cream Bonnie was busy looking at the menu on the side of the truck, pointing at each item and saying she wanted that one and that one and that one. But as soon as her chocolate cone was presented to her she forgot all about the extravagant sundaes.

You found a picnic table off to the side and Gator set Bonnie on top of it before you handed her her ice cream, which she immediately started devouring, her little face basically faceplanting into the cold treat and getting chocolate all over both her and her clothes.

“Is it good?” You laughed as you watched the messy display.

“Mm-hmm.” Bonnie nodded, face still smooshed against the cone.

“Thanks.” You said to Gator.

“For what?” He asked, shoving a spoonful of his own ice cream into his mouth.

“For payin’.” You said sheepishly.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it.” Gator waved you off. “It don’t cost much anyway.”

You went back to eating your ice cream in silence, listening as Bonnie babbled happily. By the time she had finished her cone she had chocolate all the way up to her eyes and all over the front of her overalls. You used a wet wipe to clean her face and hands as best you could, but the overalls would have to wait until you got home.

You spent the next hour with Bonnie propped on your hip as the three of you walked around the fair, her too young to really play any of the games but still enjoying all the bright lights and colors.

By the time the fireworks were set to start your arms were getting tired from carrying Bonnie for so long, not really wanting her to walk around even with you holding your hand as the place was really crowded and you were afraid she would break away and get lost. So you kept having to hike her up on your hip as you readjusted her. But you pushed the pain aside as the fireworks started, their loud booming and crackling filling the air and making Bonnie giggle happily as you readjusted her once again.

“I can take her.” Gator said as he leaned in next to you, voice raised to be heard over all the noise.

You turned to him with a grateful smile and held her out to him. Bonnie barely noticed the switch, too focused on the colorful display. And then Gator raised her up and plopped her down on his shoulders. He kept a tight grip on her chunky legs as she rested her hands on his head. The whole thing was adorable, Gator grinning like an idiot even if Bonnie couldn’t see, and Bonnie just in complete awe as she got the best view possible from up there.

A long display of fireworks shot up into the air, gold and blue and red sparkles all exploding across the sky. Bonnie started giggling happily, body buzzing as her excited little arms started happily banging away at Gator’s head. You almost reached out to stop her, make sure she wasn’t being too rough and hurting him when you caught sight of Gator’s face. He was still smiling, laughing along so hard that his dimples were put on display. He didn’t seem to mind the little hits at all, making no move to protest against them, and your heard just melted at the sight.

“Thanks for doin’ this, Gator.” You said, tone apologetic as you gestured him inside. He was only half dressed for work, his vest and gun abandoned, probably sitting out in the cruiser parked in your lawn. “I know I’m probably puttin’ ya’ out.”

“Hey, it’s fine.” Gator waved you off. “I managed to get myself put on the night shift.”

“Oh, God, ya’ didn’t have to do all that.” You chastised, the same way you used to when he would say something dumb. “I coulda’ brought her with me.”

“It’s fine.” Gator said again, his tone and eyes reassuring. “No one wants to work the night shift anyway, so they were happy to make the switch.”

You gave Gator another apologetic look before turning to Bonnie. “Bonnie!” You called out. “Gator’s here.”

Bonnie whipped around instantly, cartoons and dolls forgotten as she unsteadily pushed herself up onto her chunky little legs and rushed over to Gator, stopping right in front of his legs and tilting her head all the way back to look up at him.

“Gator!” She squealed.

“Hi, Bonnie.” Gator smiled back, his nervousness from Saturday returning, still unused to spending any time with kids.

“Bonnie, sweetie.” You said gently as you crouched down in front of her and her attention turned to you. “Daddy’s gotta go out for a few hours, so Gator’s gonna watch ya’ for a bit.”

“Where you going?” Bonnie asked inquisitively.

“Daddy’s gotta get a job.” You explained with a fake frown as Bonnie pouted. “But a job means money.” You mused. “And ya’ know what money means?”

“What?” Bonnie said excitedly, picking up on the change of attitude.

“Money means all your favorite cereal.” You smiled. “And toys. And maybe more trips to the diner for chocolate chip pancakes.”

“Ooh.” Bonnie’s eyes went wide. “You need job.” She nodded seriously before looking up at Gator again. “Daddy’s gonna get job.”

“Yes, he is.” Gator laughed. “And he’s gonna be a…” He trailed off and looked over at you, no clue what your interview was for.

“Daddy’s gonna be a mechanic.” You provided excitedly. “Just like I was before.”

“Daddy’s a good me-can-it.” Bonnie nodded up at Gator and then scrunched her little face. “But he smells.” She tried to whisper, tried to make it sound like some shared secret, but you heard every word.

Gator just laughed, so genuinely and openly that you were taken aback for a second. He had laughed on Saturday during Bonnie’s antics, but not this openly, not this so genuinely happy and free that his dimples were showing.

“Daddy’s gotta go, sweetie.” You said, breaking up the sweet moment as Bonnie turned back to you again. “Now say bye to daddy.”

“Bye, daddy.” Bonnie threw her little arms around your neck as you wrapped her up in your arms, planting a kiss to the top of her head before pushing yourself back to your feet as Bonnie ran back off to the living room.

“No sweets.” You whispered to Gator. “If she gets hungry there’s yogurt and applesauce in the fridge. She’ll probably tire out soon, so just make sure you’re quiet. And don’t worry about all the toys.” You gestured at the living room.

“No sweets.” Gator nodded seriously. “Got it.”

“Did ya’ even hear the rest?” You teased.

“I got it.” Gator reassured. “Go.”

You took one last look at Bonnie, now engrossed in her dolls as the show was on a commercial break. You always hated having to leave her, and you hated it more now that her mom was gone. But you didn’t need her. You were going to get this job, and you were going to do just fine. Probably.

~~~~~

Your interview went amazing, and you were smiling to yourself during the whole ride back. The guy in charge of the shop had remembered your dad from back in the day and said he loved seeing you follow in his footsteps. He offered you the job right there and then, a handshake and all as he told you to start on Monday.

You unlocked the trailer door and slowly creaked it open, not hearing any noise from the other side and afraid of waking Bonnie if she was napping. And she was napping, on the couch and not in her bed where she was supposed to be. She was just adorable like that, face all smooshed against the cushion, hair sticking up and lips parted, a little bit of drool escaping the corner of her mouth. But it was the rest of the house that shocked you. Toys were scattered just about everywhere, the kitchen was a complete mess. And then you saw Gator, looking all frazzled with his hair a mess and a red stain on his shirt that you hoped was just paint. It looked like a tornado had blown through.

“I’m sorry.” Gator whispered quietly as he came over to you. “She’s got a lotta energy.”

“Yeah, I…” You trailed off, eyes raking over the mess again. “What exactly happened?”

“We were just playin’ and I guess I’m not very good with discipline.” Gator rambled. “Or maybe I just couldn’t keep up. Probably both. She ended up wearin’ herself out and crashed on the couch. I was afraid to wake her.”

“Yeah, no, that’s fine.” You stammered. “Just leave her there. It’s about nap time anyway.”

“I’m sorry ‘bout the mess.” Gator apologized. “I was gonna clean it up. I will clean it up.”

“It’s okay, Gator.” You reassured. “You can go, all right?”

“No, no.” Gator shook his head. “That’s not fair. Can’t dump this mess on ya’.” You just stared at him for a second before you started laughing softly. “What?”

“Nothing.” You laughed. “It’s just that you’re definitely not the Gator I remember.”

“Well, what d’ya’ remember?” Gator asked sadly.

“Cockiness.” You answered honestly. “Brashness. Flyin’ fists. Followin’ orders without question. I didn’t even know the word sorry was in your vocabulary.”

“It wasn’t.” Gator said sheepishly. “But a lotta shit happened in the past year and I just… I’m tryin’ to do better. I don’t wanna end up like him.”

“You’re not him.” You reassured, but your heart was breaking at the confession. “And ya’ are doin’ better.”

“Really?” Gator asked quietly, shyly.

You smiled softly at him. “Do ya’ think the old Gator woulda’ ever even given the thought of babysitting the time of day? Let alone suggest it? Ya’ really did change, Gator, and… well, I’m proud of ya’.”

Gator went silent, completely shocked as his eyes started going glassy, and you realized this was probably the first time he had ever heard those words. The first time anyone had ever been proud of him. Your heart broke even more at the realization. You really were proud of him.

“Listen.” You said softly. “I trusted ya’ enough to leave ya’ alone with my daughter. If I had come back just a year earlier I woulda’ never have done the same.”

“She looks exactly like ya’.” Gator said, trying to switch gears and get the soft affection to stop being thrown his way. “Even makes the same face while she sleeps.”

You melted at the compliment and turned back to Bonnie. And then you saw her again, face smooshed, lips parted and drooling. It was cute with a toddler, but with a grown adult?

You turned to Gator with a look. “Seriously?”

“I wasn’t makin’ fun of ya’.” Gator laughed. “You were always cute when ya’ slept.”

“So I’m not cute now?” You teased.

“I didn’t say that.” Gator defended quickly, and his voice was just a little too loud and Bonnie stirred on the couch, eyes blinking open as she turned her body towards you and then she shot up to her feet and came running over.

“Daddy!” Bonnie exclaimed, running towards you with her tiny arms outstretched and you quickly bent down and scooped her up in your arms.

“Did ya’ have fun with Gator?” You asked with a bright smile.

“Yeah.” Bonnie nodded, her entire body buzzing with excitement in your arms. “We played dolls and I did his hair and he… he said that… he said you worked on his truck.” Bonnie started to stumble over her words, her excitement literally taking the breath from her lungs.

“Well, it sounds like you two had quite a fun day.” You kissed her forehead and she giggled, squirming around a little bit. “Daddy had a good day too.”

“You gonna be a me-can-it?” Bonnie asked.

“Yes, I am.” You confirmed happily. “I start work on Monday.”

“But… but…” Bonnie started frowning. “You gonna be gone.”

“I will.” You said sadly. “But you’ll have fun without me.”

“Is Gator gonna play?” Bonnie asked, head turning to Gator.

“No, sweetie.” You shook your head. “Gator has his own job. He’s a police man, remember?”

“You gonna work on his truck?” Bonnie asked, the sadness gone as she looked back at you.

“Maybe.” You said, hiking her up on your hip as you readjusted your grip. “If he lets me, that is.” You turned to Gator, not really displaying any sort of silent message, but he started smiling sheepishly anyway.

“It does have a couple problems.” Gator shrugged.

“Can I help?” Bonnie asked, little legs kicking out at the air, landing a few light hits to your leg.

“If he brings the truck here.” You said, looking at Gator again and sending a silent message that time. Bonnie always loved helping you out when you had to fix your own car.

“Only if it means I don’t gotta pay.” Gator joked.

You rolled your eyes at him before turning your attention back to Bonnie. “Say bye to Gator, sweetie.” You gave him a small wave, gesturing for Bonnie to do the same.

“Bye, Gator.” Bonnie waved enthusiastically.

“Bye?” Gator questioned, brows furrowing as he looked between you and the mess in the kitchen and the mess in the living room. “I ain’t leavin’ just yet. My shift don’t start for a few more hours. Gotta clean up.”

You couldn’t help the smile that crossed your face, especially with Bonnie excitedly squealing in your arms at the news that she’d get to spend a few more hours with Gator. You really didn’t expect him to stay and help clean up, but he left you no room to protest as he immediately turned towards the kitchen and began washing the dirty dishes.