Growing Up

Chapter Twelve

Dani paced the room. A million check lists raced through her mind as she did so. RSVP's? Check. Catering? Check. DJ? Check. She ran a hand through her hair in frustration, she just knew there was something she was forgetting.

"What is it, kiddo?" Tony walked into the living room to find his frazzled daughter.

"I feel like I'm missing something important." She gestured to the binder on the couch that was open and disheveled. He walked over and flipped through the pages. There were two weeks until the big day and he wished he could alleviate her stress.

"I'm sure it isn't the end of the world." He chuckled. She shot him a desperate and irritated look. "When is Danielle supposed to come in?" He thought changing the subject would help, it isn't good to linger on one problem and it would surely come to her once she stopped over analyzing it.

"Her and mom are coming in sometime tonight. And please don't encourage them telling stories about me, I would like to have some shred of dignity left from the Avengers."

"Oh no, I want all of the juiciest stories. I've missed a lot and that includes getting to embarrass you." Tony crossed the room and stilled his pacing daughter. He gently turned her head to look him in the eye. "I know I've said it a hundred times, but I am so sorry for not being there for you and your mom. I'm grateful that you found me and allowed me into your life." He wrapped his arms around her. Dani returned his embrace, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I know, dad." She sniffled. She could feel him shaking as well. "I've always struggled with whether or not to let you in but I was a young angry teenager. You're my dad and there's nothing either one of us can do about it now." She let out a small laugh. The two stood there for a few minutes to compose themselves.

"Hey Dani? Do you think you can keep an eye on your aunt for me over the next few weeks? I'd hate for her to kill me before the wedding." He let her go.

"You know that no one can tame her, though being in Timbuktu has really calmed her." They sat on the couch, Dani closing and putting away her wedding binder.

"So have you thought of your music for your dances?" Tony leaned back into the soft cushion.

"I have. I think you and mom should have a special dance too." She hesitantly looked at him. She figured he would be okay with the notion but that he would surely think of (Y/n)'s reluctance to do so.

"Have you ran that by your mom?" He raised a brow. Dani sighed.

"No, I don't know how to ask her." Tony ruffled her hair.

"You leave it to me, I'll talk to her about it." He knew already knew the song that they'd dance to, a song they both loved as teenagers and, now after everything that happened, fit so well. Dani smiled at him and hugged him. The words she uttered into his shoulder swelled his heart fit to burst.

"I love you, dad."