Author Note: More McKirk! This has been an idea I've had since halfway through the 30-Day prompts I just finished. I'm really looking forward to this one, and I hope you enjoy it! This first chapter is just the prequel (it was done for a Father's Day challenge on AO3)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Star Trek, its characters, etc.
WARNINGS: This story involves abuse. If that is something that bothers or is a trigger for you, I don't want to surprise anyone unexpectedly with it.
Prologue
Ohh, I can hear 'em playin',
I can hear the ringin' of a beat up ol' guitar.
Ohh, I can hear 'em singin';
Keep on dreamin; even if it breaks your heart.
Leonard turned his gaze briefly in surprise. He hadn't heard a peep from his Joanna all day, but her quiet voice reached his ears. He'd had the tape playing as they drove, hoping to cheer her a little. Apparently, she was taking baby steps in the right direction; her head was turned away from him, eyes on the dusty expanse outside.
Her father tried several times to mention it - he was happy to listen to her beautiful voice. He was sorry they'd argued in the first place. Anything to ease her troubled little heart. As she finished the final note with the singer, Leonard took a deep breath, and extended his right hand. "Hey, baby girl. Does my heart good to hear you again."
She gave him a soft smile. "Thanks, Daddy."
"Love you, darlin'. I'm...sorry." He kissed the back of her hand, and her smiled brightened a bit.
"I love you, too. I'm sorry I was mad."
Leonard shook his head. "I'm sorry, too. I'm just glad we're almost home."
"Home" was out in the middle of Iowan nowhere. The house was a two-story beauty with oak floors and two bathrooms. The backyard was gigantic, just begging for a row or three of Peach trees. Leonard had left Joanna with her mother just one more week to help the movers get everything settled in. He was tired and in need of a decent bath, and so was Jo.
They'd woken up early in the dingy motel, with his little girl crying from pure stress. She didn't want to get up, didn't want to get dressed, and kicked at any attempts to change that. After a good wallop to the face, Leonard had hauled her from the covers, brought her over his knee, and spanked her twice. Hard enough that she'd stopped, and it'd brought him immediate remorse. He'd still been too mad to say anything, and they'd hopped into the truck in silence.
Now, things would be better. The had to be, if they were going to survive. The divorce had been hard on the three of them, but deciding which parent Joanna would be with was easy. Jocelyn wanted out, and Leonard wanted Joanna. He always had, and always would. Why Iowa, he might not ever know, but it was a fresh start for the both of them.
They reached the house at last around dinner time. It stood tall in the fading sun light, and Leonard felt an enormous weight being lifted from his shoulders. He parked in the drive, and stepped out to grab the few things he'd brought from the back. Joanna slung her bag over her shoulder, running up the front steps with awe on her face. "It's so big!"
"It's all ours, sweet pea," Leonard called happily. The key had been left under the rug, and a welcome note from the movers. The crew had been great during the whole thing, really. Inside, father and daughter wandered around, admiring the handiwork of the men. It was perfect.
They enjoyed their much-needed baths, then a quick meal before Joanna began to nod off. Leonard smiled and walked her into the living room, then lifted her into his arms. "Dance with me, Jo?" He placed their cassette into the radio, and the music began.
"I love you, Daddy," Joanna murmured against his ear.
Leonard waltzed slowly, spinning occasionally. "I love you, too, Jo, baby."
