"It won't be Like This for Long" – Darius Rucker
"Daddy, I don't like it here." Katie whimpered, clinging to Tony's pant leg. Tony sighed and crouched down to look her in the eye. "It's scary, and I don't know anyone. I want to go back home and stay with Papa!" Tony reached up and brushed a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb.
"I know peanut," he told her softly, pulling her against him in a tight hug. He heard older kids exclaiming about his gun and badge as Katie hugged him back. "But you have to go to school. It might be scary now, but it won't be like this for long, little love. I promise."
"'Kay, Daddy," she whispered softly. "Hold my hand though, okay Daddy?"
"Of course," he whispered conspiratorially, a smile lighting his face and making his eyes twinkle. He stood up in one swift movement, and Katie threaded her little fingers through his.
Tony sent McGee a text, letting him know he'd be a little longer than he thought. He got a text back almost instantly, it gets easier, I promise, but that's why I opted out of first day drop offs. After a self-depreciating chuckle, he allowed Katie to drag him to her classroom. Katie squealed when she saw Lorelai sitting at a small round table, and her name on a card right next to her. Tony smiled down at her and gave her a gentle push toward her best friend.
Tony stood beside Abby, and peeked at the sleeping baby in her arms. "Tim said it gets easier," he muttered. Abby turned to him, and he saw a ghost of a smile playing on her lips, and tears sparkling in her eyes.
"It gets easier for them," she whispered, cuddling Larissa close to her chest. Tony offered her a soft smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, watching as their girls hugged and ran off to play together