There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank god for all of the joy in my life
After Anna had died he'd go to his daughter's nursery every night the same way Anna did, he leaned over the crib and just watched as his little baby girl. He looked into the crib and saw his precious little girl sound fast asleep, a tear fell from his eye. His daughter looked so much like her mother it killed him to look at her. But he couldn't look away.
Watching her sleep was the most beautiful sight ever. She wore a purple and pink onesie with a light blanket covering her and next to her was a stuffed little rabbit that Anna bought right after she was born. Carefully he brushed the loose brown hair off her forehead and softly smiled. He remembered when Camille did it with Justin and the first few months Anna did it with Jordan. Now he was continuing it.
A soft noise broke him from his thoughts when he had heard a soft whine coming from his little girl. Jordan was stirring as she was crying a bit. Hank carefully picked her up and cradled her small frame to his chest, very carefully bouncing her. He walked over to the rocking chair and sat down and began rocking in the wooden chair.
"Shh, it's alright sweetheart. I'm here. Daddy's here. Daddy's got you. I'll keep you safe. I'll always keep you safe" He murmured.
He softly kissed her forehead and the baby began to settle down in her father's chest, her small fingers grabbed his shirt as she returned back to her peaceful dreams feeling safe and secure in her father's soft protective hold.
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride. I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right. To deserve a hug every morning And butterfly kisses at night.
Jordan was outside of her elementary school waiting to be picked up, in her hands was a flyer for the upcoming father daughter dance she was nervous about telling her father about it. Erin had pulled up a few minutes later and Jordan got in the passenger seat.
"Hey Jo, how was your day". Erin greets her sister.
"It was ok I guess". Jordan replied.
"What's that?" Erin noticed the flyer.
"Oh it's a flyer for the father daughter dance Friday night".
"That sounds like fun".
"But I don't know Erin, what if dad doesn't want to go?"
"Jo of course he'll wanna go, this will be a special moment he wouldn't miss it for the world".
"I've never even seen dad dance though".
"Trust me he knows how to dance".
"Will you help me pick out a dress?"
"Of course I will, we can go now".
The two head to the mall and go into a dress shop, Jordan tries on dress after dress trying to find the perfect dress. Erin was outside a dressing room while Jordan was trying on another dress, after a moment the young girl came out wearing a purple dress that came down a few inches past her knees. On the top half of the dress were little diamonds and they formed a heart design, in the middle had a purple bow. She looked beautiful.
"What do you think Erin?" Jordan asked.
"Jo you look so beautiful". Erin said.
"I do like it".
"I say we get it then".
They got the dress along with some hair clips, the two then headed to the food court for lunch.
"Do you think dad will like the dress?" Jordan asked.
"He will love it so do you guys wanna match or do you want him to wear one of his regular suits?" Erin replied.
"It would be great if we could match".
"Is there something else on your mind?" Erin knew her sister like an open book she could tell something else was wrong.
"I-It's just dad's been so busy we never did anything together lately. Either you or Justin's been watching me not that I don't love you guys I do but it's never been just me and dad".
Erin sighed sadly, she knew that a cop's job was very demanding and would keep Hank at the office a lot more.
"You know he'd be there if he could but he wouldn't miss this dance for the world, if he has to scratch, claw, fight, he will be with you at the dance".
"You're right".
Once the two had lunch Erin drove Jordan home. It was now nearing 6 in the evening, the sky was a pink purplish color, and the girls arrived at Hank's house heading inside.
"Jo is that you?" Hank called.
"Yeah Erin's with me too". Jordan replied.
"I'm gonna take your dress up to your room and you to talk to your dad about the dance". Erin says.
"Ok".
The nine year old went to find her father who was in the kitchen making dinner, she pulled the flyer from her back pocket holding it in her hands. Hank was in the kitchen as he pulled a pan of lasagna from the oven he then put in the garlic bread, he then went over to prepare a small salad.
"Dad you got a minute?" Jordan asked.
Hank looked over to see his youngest daughter. "Yeah sweetheart, what's up?"
She handed over the flyer and began to ramble. "I-It's a father daughter dance at school on Friday so I-I was kinda hoping you would go with me".
"Jo slow down and take a deep breath".
Jordan did and tried again. "There's a father daughter dance at school on Friday at school so I was kinda hoping you would go with me".
"Of course I'd go with you sweetheart".
Jordan smiled and hugged her father. Erin had finally come down from Jordan's room after giving her surrogate father and sister some time together soon after Justin had come home and everyone sat down at the table.
"So Jo did you tell your dad what color your dress is?" Erin asked.
"Dress for what?" Justin asked.
"There's a father daughter dance at school on Friday and my dress is purple. Dad I was also kinda hoping that we could match". Jordan replied.
"Of course honey". Hank says, giving a small smile.
The week had come and soon it was Friday, it was four in the afternoon Hank got off of work early so he could get ready. Jordan had finished getting cleaned up right now Erin was blow drying her long shiny brown hair, she then began to brush it to get the tangles out. Once Jordan's hair was brushed she took the curling iron and began to wrap small sections of her sister's hair after a couple of minutes Jordan's long brown hair was in soft bouncy curls.
Once Jordan's hair was finished Erin got some purple nail polish and began painting Jordan's nails.
"Is it almost time to put on my dress?" Jordan asked.
"Almost". Erin replied.
"Can I wear some of your makeup?"
"Just a little so I'll do it".
Once her nails dried it was time to put on her dress, Jordan finally has her dress on and she is beautiful.
"How do I look, Erin?" Jordan asked.
"You look amazing Jordy". Erin answered.
Erin then pulled her make up kit out and began to put a little purple eyeshadow, a little blush and some lip gloss. "And done Jo you look fantastic".
"I hope dad likes it".
She then put on her silver flats, Jordan then remembered the necklace her father gave her that used to belong to her mother. It was a silver heart locket on a gold chain once she put that on she then reached for her small purple earring studs. "Now I'm perfect". She looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled.
Hank was putting on a dark purple dress shirt with some black slacks, he tucked his shirt into his pants. He then reached for his matching tie and began tying it once that was finished he put his suit jacket on.
"Looking sharp pop". Justin said from the doorway.
"It's worth it for Jo". Hank replied.
He then pulled out a pair of black dress socks along with his dress shoes once he had those on he was ready. The father and son then went downstairs Hank waited patiently at the bottom of the steps then Erin appeared at the top.
"You guys ready?" Erin asked.
The guys nodded and she turned her head back to call for her sister. "Jo come on honey".
A moment later Jordan stood at the top of the stairs looking down at her father and older brother. The father and son looked on with smiles and tears in their eyes. Hank couldn't believe his little girl was growing up before his eyes.
"Jo Jo you look amazing". Justin said to his sister.
"Daddy, what do you think?" Jordan asked her father.
"Jo you are beautiful". Hank said, wiping a tear.
"Dad, don't cry".
"Time for pictures". Erin said.
Jordan stood next to her father for one, for another she stood next to her brother, she then was in front of her father and brother.
"Alright you guys go on".
The father and daughter then left off for the dance. It was a 10 minute drive to the school and once they arrived the front of the school was decorated, balloons were tied to the poles. They went inside to the gym where it was fully decorated, there were pink and purple streamers covering the ceiling and walls. Different colored balloons surrounded the gym.
The gym was swarmed with fathers and daughters, some danced, some were talking. The lights in the gym dimmed as the first song played. Jordan took a hold of her father's hand and dragged him to the dance floor. Once on the dance floor she took a hold of her father's left and just as Hank took a hold of her right hand and the two began dancing to Tim McGraw My Little Girl.
Hank was smiling as he danced with his princess, for once it was the two of them. He hadn't spent a lot of time with his little girl the past couple of weeks due to the cases they had, the most he saw her was in the mornings before they left and at nights when she was going to bed. He didn't have anything to worry about at the moment, no criminals, his bosses, no one shooting at him, any of it, he was going to enjoy the time with his little girl.
Jordan held onto her father as they danced, the nine year old was overjoyed that she was able to have these special moments with her father. When she would spend time with him he would end up getting called away on a case but not tonight it would be just the two of them.
During the dance the two went over to grab a drink they sipped on some punch as they watched the other fathers with their daughters.
"I'm having a lot of fun daddy". Jordan said.
"I am to Jo". Hank says, smiling down at her.
Jordan saw that pictures were being taken so she looked back up at her father. "Dad, could we get our picture taken?"
"Of course sweetheart".
The father and daughter then went over to where the pictures were being taken, once it was their turn Hank stood tall with Jordan by his side. In another one Jordan stood in front of her father holding onto one of his arms. The pictures were then printed and put into an envelope and given to Hank. The dance was almost over when the last song of the night played was Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. All the fathers and daughters were slow dancing to the song.
The dance was now over and everyone was leaving, when Hank and Jordan left the nine year old had a smile on her face the whole time. During the drive home Jordan had fallen asleep, when they arrived home Hank cut the engine and went to get his baby girl from the back. He carried her in bridal style. The front door opened and both Erin and Justin looked to see Hank carrying their sister in.
"How was the dance?" Justin asked.
"It was great". Hank replied.
He then took Jordan up to her room just as she began to stir awake. "Dad?" Her voice filled with sleep.
"Hey Jo, we're home now, why don't you get ready for bed and I'll be back to tuck you in". He says in a soft voice.
She nodded as he put her down, Hank then went downstairs while Jordan began changing out of her dress. He then went to get the envelope from the car and came back in.
"What's that?" Erin asked.
"We got some pictures taken at the dance and here they are". Hank replied, taking the pictures out.
Erin and Justin were looking at the pictures from the dance.
"Oh my gosh these are absolutely adorable". Erin commented.
"These are very good pop, now we just need ones from Jo's prom". Justin said.
"Yeah by then she'll have a boyfriend".
"Not happening". Hank said.
"You can't keep her little forever Hank".
"She can grow up Erin but my baby isn't going to date".
She then chuckled as they continued to look at the pictures. Jordan was out of her dress. She was wearing a gray t-shirt and plaid pajama pants, she went to the bathroom to wash the makeup off and brushed the curls out of her brown hair. Once she was finished she went back to her room and got in her bed, Hank went up to check on his daughter.
The nine year old was almost asleep when the older father came in, he went over to her and she leaped up hugging him tightly. "I had fun tonight daddy, thanks for coming with me".
"You're welcome baby".
He then tucked the blanket around her and kissed her head.
"I love you daddy". Jordan then fell asleep.
He kissed her forehead and brushed her hair back from her forehead. "I love you too honey".
He then went back downstairs and took one of the pictures putting it in the frame. He looked at the picture and gave a soft smile. 'She'll always be my little girl'.
Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
Oh with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
Jordan was now 16, Hank couldn't believe it 16 long years had gone since his little girl was brought into the world. It hurts him deeply. He wishes Anna could be here to watch it all and enjoy the moments, he didn't know if he could raise his daughter without her but he had managed to do it and he knew he was never alone.
When he lost his first daughter, Justin's twin, it crushed him but he recovered. Then when Jordan was born he felt whole again. He had everything he could ever want. He had Anna, Justin, and his little girl. Then tragically he lost Anna and later his son.
The moment he laid eyes on his daughter she was the most beautiful little girl ever, she looked so much like her mother. Hell she still does. She had Anna's long brown silky hair, high cheekbones, and the smile. She had always been the spitting image of her mother. Jordan had Hank's big brown eyes and his fiery attitude and temper.
He was more hurt because in just a matter of a couple of years she would be a full grown adult and she wouldn't need him anymore. She'd be going to college or the Police Academy and she'd be moving out and going off into the world.
He had a glass in his hand as he watched his daughter mingle with Adam and the others from the team, she was smiling, laughing. It brought a smile to Hank's face to see her finally happy. Trudy had gone up beside him.
"You alright Hank?" Trudy asked.
"Hard to believe she's actually 16, it seemed like just yesterday she's this little baby wrapped up being put into my arms and now she's 16. A young woman. I'm losing her Trudy. I'm losing my little girl" Hank replied, drinking a small bit of his drink.
"You're not losing her, you could never lose her. She's growing up. She's not going anywhere"
"She's all I have left"
Before Trudy could speak her goddaughter had come over and jumped wrapping her father into a hug. "Thanks for today dad"
With a smile on his face he wrapped his arms around her. "You're welcome sweetheart"
"You're the best dad ever and I mean it. You've done so much for me that I can never thank you enough for"
"I would do it all over again in a heartbeat because you're my heartbeat"
"Daddy" She had a small tear escaping her eye.
When he pulled apart he wiped it. "I did everything I could to do right by you and I hope I did"
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said
"I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses…
It was finally happening, something Hank never thought would happen. Jordan was engaged. Her and her childhood friend, now fiancee, Theo were head over heels in love with each other and never admitted it until they were 17.
Theo wanted to do the right thing before proposing to Jordan and asking Hank for her hand in marriage. Hank never had anything to worry about with Theo, he trusted the boy. He had no reason not to, the older father knew he wouldn't hurt his daughter.
Hank looked at Theo as he opened a small black box and revealed a silver ring with a small diamond on it.
"I wanted to do this the right way, Mr. Voight. I wanted to let you know I love Jordan, I'd never do anything to hurt her. I'll respect her and treat her right. I've loved her for so long and I wanna spend a lifetime with her, I wanna raise a family with her. I'll always stand right by her side from now till forever"
"You don't do anything to hurt her, otherwise we will have a much different conversation. Understood"
"Yes sir"
"You have my blessing to do so"
He reached his hand out and Theo took it to shake, Hank slightly tightened it. "Don't make me regret this Theo"
"I give you my word, I won't sir"
"Smart man"
Theo had then set something romantic up for Jordan, he planned a night boat ride with dinner and cider, he knew from her past addictions to not bring any kind of alcohol around. Jordan had been happier than she had been in a long time. She had finally found her peace and happiness. Now she had the love of her life who turned out to be her childhood friend. She bit her lip. She had a secret she wanted to tell Theo but she wanted to surprise him. No time like the present.
"Theo"
"Jordan"
The two laughed and Jordan moved her hair out of her face. "You go first"
"Jo, you know I love you I always have and I always will. You were always my best friend, you still are. And you know I'm your best friend. You're my rock, my partner, my soul mate, my everything. I wanna raise a family with you. I don't want 24 or 48 uninterrupted hours with you. I want a lifetime with you, to grow old together" He got down on one knee and pulled out the box, opening it to reveal the ring. "So will you Jordan Lynn Voight do me the greatest honor and make me the happiest man alive, will you marry me?"
"Yes. Yes. Hell yes" She cried.
He slid the ring on her finger and he got up and they kissed. The newly engaged couple then pulled apart from the kiss.
"Now I guess I have no problem with my secret," Jordan chuckled. Reaching into a bag she pulled something out, it was a onesie it read.
You Can Do This Dad
Theo looked at her with a huge smile. "Are you...Are we?"
"We're having a baby" She smiled brightly.
He kissed her again. Soon after their dinner was finished they had gone back to Hank's house, the older man was in the living room when he heard his front door open and saw his daughter walk in with Theo. He smiled seeing the smile on her face.
"Hey, how was dinner?" He already knew that Theo had proposed. He knew all of what Theo had planned that night.
"You're getting a son-in-law" She smiled brightly.
"Congratulations, you two" Hank hugged his daughter and his soon to be son-in-law.
"Well we have something for you too" Theo told him, the smile still on his face.
"And what's that?"
Jordan handed him something that had been folded up, it was another onesie. When Hank undid it, it read.
Best
Grandpa
Ever
The older man smiled. "Jo Jo, are you"
"I'm pregnant dad"
He hugged them both, Jordan sat next to her father as Theo ran out to get some things. She looked at the ring on her finger and then at her stomach before finally looking at her father.
"Daddy, do you think mom and Justin would be happy for me?"
The older father wrapped an arm around his daughter pulling her close. "I know they would be very happy for you. I also know that they would be very proud of you"
"I really wish they were here for this"
"So do I sweetheart. So do I"
Before they knew it was the day of the wedding, it wasn't anything big. Jordan wasn't a fan of big things. Intelligence had gone along with 51 and the few people at Med. Jordan was wearing a long white dress with a veil, her heart raced in her chest. Her palms were sweaty. She was scared, nervous, her emotions were all over the place.
"I'm right here sweetheart" Hank told her softly.
"Daddy, I have one request" She spoke, her voice was shaking a bit from nerves.
"Anything"
"Don't let me fall"
He replied with a simple. "Never"
Taking a deep breath she was ready as they walked her out and down the aisle, she had gripped her father's arms feeling the butterflies and knots in her stomach. She was in love with Theo and she was ready to do this. The walk was slow till they got to the altar.
Jordan turned and looked at her fathers and gently kissed his cheek. "I love you"
"I love you too baby girl" Hank says, his voice starting to choke up.
"Don't cry daddy. I'll always be your little girl" She wiped a tear from his eye.
He had detached his arm from his little girl, so more unwillingly. Hank watched as his little girl was about to have her own family of her own. He cried, the same way he did when she was born. Hank felt a familiar hand squeezing his hand as he looked to see Trudy.
"You did a great job Hank"
"Damn straight I did"