Okay this is Ethan's character in Adopt A Highway, which I just saw and I gotta say, definitely one of my favorite movies of his that I've seen. It's so amazing. Definitely recommend.

***

You'd met Russell Millings a few years after he got himself together and met while he was traveling. You immediately fell in love with his quiet way and charm. He eventually told you what happened with him several years ago and you decided to see if there was something you could do to reunite him with Ella, the baby he found.

Some minor swearing and mention of prison time.

***

Russell Millings was a quiet man. You always loved that about him. Well, except for when you wished he'd communicate just a little bit more about how he felt. But you loved him for better or for worse and he was an amazing man.

You'd first met Russ when he was just kinda traveling through your city. At a local café and there was just something so...vulnerable and innocent about him that you couldn't help but feel drawn to the man.

He wasn't much of a conversationalist, however he he didn't seem to mind if you chatted away about whatever. At least he actually listened when you spoke instead of looking annoyed and constantly looking at his phone.

After you'd been seeing each other for a while, Russell finally opened up to you about his past, how he'd served time in prison for possession of narcotics and how he struggled to fit into the world that had so drastically changed since he'd been out.

He also mentioned a baby girl named Ella that he'd found in a dumpster one night where he worked at a fast food restaurant. It broke your heart hearing that and Russ cried when he told you. You'd simply held him, knowing that baby must have meant so much to him.

Time went on and you and Russ had a good life together but you never forgot what he told you about Ella.

***

"Hi, honey." Russell arrived home from his job, working as a custodian at the local elementary school. He was amazing at his job and the kids who often came in contact with him seemed to really like him.

"Hey. How was your day?" You ask, setting the plates on the dinner table.

"Uh, good." You watch Russell. He seems..distracted.

"Everything all right?" You move, gently wrapping your arms around his neck. He smiles, kissing you. You grin, stroking his hair.

"Of course."

"You're thinking about her again, aren't you?"

"How'd you know?" Russell has this little smile on his lips.

"Because you get this look on your face." Russell nods, a sadness settling in his blue eyes. It makes your heart ache for him.

"I wish I could have, y'know, adopted her."

"Me too," you say. "You'd make a fantastic daddy." Russell just nods, heading for the living room.

"Don't get too wrapped in the TV," you add. "Dinner is nearly done."

Russell raises a hand, waving at you. A thought pops into your mind. Hmm..maybe you could look into something.

***

"It's really not standard for this sort of thing," the social worker looks uncomfortable about your request.

"What harm could it do?" You press. "We don't have to tell Ella much. We'd do whatever we'd need to, under supervision."

"It might unsettle Mr. Millings."

"He's been unsettled. Just let the guy see her. For maybe, twenty minutes?"

"I don't know." The social worker shifts uneasily in her seat.

"We could meet at the local park. You come and her foster parents come."

"Does Mr. Millings know you're doing this?"

"It's supposed to be a surprise," you say softly. "He should be able to see Ella. After all, she wouldn't even be alive if it wasn't for him."

"All right, Y/N. I'll talk with the foster parents. But don't get your hopes up."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

***

Two weeks later:

"Russell, come on!" The social worker had somehow managed to convince the foster parents to allow Russ to see Ella, who was now, five years old. You were a nervous wreck but you wanted Russ to know she was all right, growing into a happy, beautiful young girl.

"I'm coming." Russell appears in the doorway and you grab his hand, tugging him out the door. The park was within walking distance and you were anxious to go.

"What's the hurry?" Russell asks, smiling, as he holds your hand.

"I have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surprise?" Russell looks wary and your stomach is cramping from worry. You hope you're doing the right thing.

"You'll see." You reach the park and immediately Russell spots the social worker and stops, his eyes wide, his jaw clenched shut.

You tug him over. And...there's...Ella. She's laughing as she whooshes down the plastic slide. Her hair is strawberry blonde, pulled into two pigtails and she's beautiful, wearing a pink tshirt with a sparkly unicorn on it and some blue jeans.

You glance at Russ, who's become a stone statue, rooted in place, his eyes watching Ella. She runs over, a big smile on her face, looking up at us.

"Russell, you remember Ella," you whisper. He nods slowly, kneeling down in front of Ella.

"Hi, sweetie. What's your name?"

"Ella. What's yours?"

"Russell." Russell's voice is low and he's smiling, but has tears in his eyes. You grip his shoulder and he stands up.

"Wanna play with me?" Ella asks. Russell glances uncertainly over at the social worker and foster parents. They nod.

"What..what would you like to do?" Russell asks.

"Will you push me on the swing?"

"Sure." You watch as Russell follows Ella to the swings and helps her on, gently pushing her.

"Higher, higher!" Ella shouts, giggling. Russell finally grins, pushing her a little higher. You don't miss the tears glistening in his eyes but he looks so happy.

***

"I'm surprised they allowed that." You're lying in bed that night, clinging to Russell, stroking his hair.

"Me too," you admit. "I honestly thought they'd say no."

"She's beautiful. So beautiful," Russell murmurs, burying his face against your neck. He's suddenly crying and you aren't sure if him seeing Ella was a good idea.

"I'm sorry," you whisper.

"For what?"

"The social worker thought it might be too..difficult for you to see Ella, after so long."

"It was...hard," Russell murmurs, wiping away his tears with his hand. "But I loved seeing her again."

You gently kiss him and he chuckles softly as he holds your face in his hands. You smile. You love him so damn much that it hurts.

"I love you for this, Y/N. It was an incredible surprise. Thank you."

"I'm happy you could see her after all this time."

"Me too." You snuggle against Russell's chest, just holding him.

"I'm sorry you couldn't adopt her," you whisper.

"I was disappointed about that myself at first," Russell says. "But now, I realize it was for the best. Besides I have the trust fund set up for her when she turns eighteen. Who knows?" Russell shrugs.

"Maybe she'll come looking for you?" You fill in. Russell nods.

"I hope she will." You kiss him.

"I have a feeling she will."