Daddy's still here.

Parting with a piece of my life

"You ready baby girl?" I ask linking my arms with Maddie's and handing her, her bouquet. She looks at with wide eyes and is taking deep breathes. But a beautiful smile on her face.

"Should I do this daddy?" She looks down at the beautiful diamond ring on her finger, one that suites her like another other ever will.

"Do you love him?" I question giving her my weird glance.

She laughs a little and nods. "More than anything."

"Than don't be scared to embraced what scares you sweetheart. Once you do, you will realize how incredibly happy you are." I lift her chin and kiss her forehead.

She smiles at me and nods.

"Where you this nervous when you married mom?" I nod and laugh.

"I thought I was dying. I couldn't breath, or sleep, or think of anything but her. When I was at the altar waiting I swear I killed four or more flowers pulling them apart looking around to just finally see her again even though it had just been one day I hadn't seen her. She was and is my other half, without her I was lost and confused. She is my light in the dark and if I could I would relive that day in my dreams every night."

Maddie nods with glossy eyes, "Dad have you ever been scared to raise me on your own?" I pull her into a hug, mindful of her make up and hair, not wanting to mess it up.

"I was terrified maddster, I was so scared I wouldn't be able to make you happy like I knew how your mom would have been able to. I was scared I'd lose you in some way, that I wouldn't be good enough, that id mess up the puberty talk and how periods work." We laugh at that and she hugs me tighter.

"But it terrifies me to hand you over to someone else. It watch you leave and life a life that I would never be able to give you..." I lift her chin again and look into those beautiful blue eyes that I looked into the moment I held her for the first time. The same eyes that Abbie had, that stole my heart.

"But I am also so happy and excited for you to live your life and explore things, to fall hard for this man and to make your own family." I wipe away a tear that escapes her eye, "I will always love you my dear. Always. Because I loved you first. But I know that he," I point to Jacob who is nervously standing at the altar fiddling with his fingers, "is a close second."

Maddie smiles looking at Jacob in her nervous reck state and I link arms with her again.

"You ready my beautiful girl?"

She looks at me and smiles," yes."

As if the music was waiting for us, the song comes on and I take the first step. Friends and family fill the seats and I look at the man who will be loving my daughter for the rest of her life.

-----------

"Umm...well..sir I'd like to ask you something."

I look at Jacob as he sits upright in his chair and a bead of sweat forms on his forehead.

"Please tell me you didn't get my daughter pregnant." I look at him and his eyes snap up to me.

"What? No!" He shakes his head quickly.

I let out a big sigh. Few. I'm not ready to be a grandpa yet.

"Ok, go on." I smile. I knew this was coming, if she wasn't pregnant this was my second choice.

" I wanted to know if I could get your blessing to have your daughters hand in marriage." He breathes out quickly closing his eyes.

I laugh a little at his formal words as if his been practicing. But I don't blame him for being nervous, I was in the exact same state when I talked to Abbie's father.

"Will you love her for the rest of your life?"

"Yes."

"You won't hurt her?"

"I'd never hurt Maddie."

"You'll look after her and make sure she is happy?"

"Of course sir."

"How much do you love her?"

"More than anything."

"Dad."

"What?" Jacob looks at me with a very confused face.

"It's not sir to you. It's dad." I give him a smile and he smiles back letting out a big breath.

"Thank you." He smiles brightly and we hug briefly.

------

Jacobs eyes are glued to Maddie's and I feel how happy he makes her. How bright she is when he is around. Jacob wipes away a few stray tears that fall and I know that he is the right man for my baby. I remember watching Abbie come down the aisle. It was like a dream that I never saw coming; a fantastic dream that I never wanted to wake up from.

"Who gives this bride away." The pastor asks. "I do." I say turning to my little girl and kissing her forehead. She hugs me tightly.

"I love you daddy."

" I love you too sweetheart." I put her hand in Jacobs and he nods at me with a serious face as though telling me he will keep his promises. I nod to him and I watch him take her to stand next to him. Everything going in slow motion as I watch them promise themselves to each other for the rest of their life's.

If only Abbie where here to see this.

I know she is watching this, that she will always be with us; but to be here in person would have meant the world to Maddie. Mothers on their daughters wedding day are meant to help them pick a dress, help them get ready, give them advice and to be here when they watch their little girl fall for a man so deeply and completely that they can't imagine themselves with anyone else. That's what it was for my dear Abbie and me. We were complete and while with one another.

Two pieces meant to go together.

"I do." I hear Maddie say and I watch as they kiss each other as though the world finally makes sense.

I stand and clap with the rest of the people with teary eyes.

Maddie smiles at me and I word the words
"I love you." As they walk away into the reception.

I slowly follow after the crowd and listen to the music and laughter that fills the building.

"She's gorgeous." I turn and see Abbie standing there with watery eyes.

"She gets it from her mother." I say teasingly

Abbie laughs and walks to me, wrapping her arms around me. "I love you more than life Jason."

"Oh my dear, I love you more than anyone will ever know." I kiss her head and cherish the feeling of having her in my arms.

"Daddy?" I open my eyes and see Maddie walking to me.

"Yes?"

"Everything ok?" She grabs my hand and I nod.

"Yes. Everything is just fine." I kiss her temple and lead her inside.

Everything will be ok.