A/N: Just a little one-shot that I came up with a couple weeks ago that I am just now getting around to finishing. I love torturing Tony, and this is just a cute little pull at the heart strings. Plus, I think Tony will make the most wonderful father.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. The title is the first line from "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw.
Got to Hold on Easy as I Let You Go
He feels her arms wrap around him from the back and she holds on tight, her chin fitting flawlessly in the curve of his shoulder; it's a motion she has perfected over the years. It's moments like these where he almost expects her sing-song voice to ask him for a piggyback ride. They were a signature part of her childhood, always starting off much like this; she was too much of a princess to be expected to walk on her own two feet.
The music in the background and the glitter of candle light, however, shake him back to the harsh reality that she has outgrown her childhood, leaving the title of princess the only one appropriate. Just mere moments ago, he choked back tears and gave his only daughter, his baby, away.
Her arms tighten further around his neck, as if she senses his worries and feels the tension coursing through his body. It's a talent she's had mastered since she was only a few moments old. She is the only person since her mother that can effortlessly melt his mood with one look or one smile; simply holding her puts him at ease. Today is no different, despite the sense of loss that is pulling at his heart.
"Can I have this dance, Daddy?" Her voice echoes in his ears; he has been dreading this moment. Setting his love of attention aside, this part scared him beyond belief. To him this signifies the end; after this she's no longer only his. He knows that the idea is a silly one, his wife has assured him time and time again of that, but he has never been good at letting go.
So he holds on tight to her hand and leads her onto the dance floor. The DJ's voice is muffled in his ears; the announcement of the father-daughter dance is just background noise. The applause of close family and friends fades, and he twirls her around before pulling her close. Her giggle, the one that hasn't changed with age, echoes in his ear. Both father and daughter fall into silence as the notes of the familiar country song start to flow from the speakers. The dark style of his Armani suit contrasts perfectly with the vibrant white of her dress; it cost him a pretty penny but she looked breathtaking. He always knew she'd made a beautiful bride; she is the picture perfect, carbon copy of her mother.
Those green eyes that are staring up at him, however, are of a more familiar nature. They are the same shade he has been staring back at for sixty-five years. Those steely, emerald orbs are the only thing aside from his wicked grin that she inherited from him. And they are the only thing that can break him with a simple look.
And the look she gives him now, while she's safely cocooned in his arms, is melting his heart into one enormous pool of love.
And as she mouths the words, "I love you, Daddy. Always and forever," all the fears disappear and he finally knows what perfect contentment feels like.