The rest of the week was a blur. Lisa sat, the day before the wedding, in her living room, phone in hand. She bit her lip and dialed a number. The answering machine picked up.

"Dad, its...its Lisa. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the argument we had...I just...um...I need to leave the nest, you need to trust me. But I'm calling you because I really, really want you to be there at my wedding, walking me down the aisle. It's...important to me. But just, um...give me a call back, okay?"

She hung up and sighed. She had a feeling he wouldn't. Lisa had never really argued a lot with her father. This had been the first time she'd gone for more than a day without speaking to him.

Jackson burst in through the door and began wildly tearing through the bedroom. Lisa lept up and walked in where he was in the closet, rapidly pulling clothes out and shoving them into a duffel bag.

"Jackson?" she asked questioningly.

"Leese," he said quickly, standing up and grabbing the bag. "I have to go. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Jackson, its-" Lisa began desperately. "Jackson, don't go!"

"I have to, Leese!" he called before he left. "I'll be there tomorrow, I promise!"

Lisa sighed. And he leaves again...

Lisa woke up, anticipation bubbling in her chest. She jumped out of bed and quickly dressed, then drove to meet her bridesmaids and female wedding party.

"There she is!" Cynthia screeched as she walked in. Lisa smiled and ran over to them.

"Let's get started," her mother grinned.

A few hours later, Lisa was ready. She looked in the mirror and was delighted by the reflection. Her curly hair was pinned back on the sides with beautiful, delicate silver clips, and her dress fit her perfectly. It was spaghetti strapped and plain on the top, but the bottom flowed out with a full skirt and beautiful train. A tiny butterfly hem ran down on either side.

As Lisa was just putting the finishing touches on her look, the room became hushed. Lisa turned to see what was going on and paused.

"Daddy," she whispered happily and ran over to hug him. He was wearing a new tux and welcomed her with open arms.

"I'm so sorry, Leese," he told her, and she could tell it was heartfelt and sincere.

Finally she was ready and they prepared the procession out. As the bridesmaids began to open the doors, Jeff burst through, panting.

"Lisa," he gasped. "He's not here."

"What?" her heart dropped out and she dropped her bouquet in shock. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, I just got here, and Jackson isn't fucking here," he said loudly. "Where did he go?"

Lisa felt tears brewing at the corner of her eyes. "He said...he had to leave last night. He didn't give details."

"Lisa," her father said, his voice pained. He put a hand on her shoulder. Lisa tried not to cry but leaned against him.

"He left me," she whispered. "He left me at the altar."

She stayed leaning against her father for support for a few moments until she heard a collective gasp from inside the church. Lisa threw open the doors and saw him. Jackson was at the front of the church, his suit rumpled a bit. Lisa couldn't see his face well enough to see his expression as it was too far away. Jeff ran up and spoke worriedly to him for a moment, then shot the thumbs-up sign at the wedding procession in the back.

Joe took her arm and they made their way up to the altar. When Lisa saw Jackson's face she froze.

"Jackson?" she whispered. His eyes were glazed over and his breathing was rapid. She looked down at his chest and saw a patch of blood. "Jackson, are you okay?"

"Lisa," he panted, his eyes fluttering slightly. He swayed. "I-I told you...I'd be here." And then he collapsed.

"Oh my god,"Lisa collapsed to the ground next to him. Several people in the church were screaming and Lisa shouted above the din. "Call a fucking ambulance!"

"Jackson," she began to cry. "Jackson, don't leave me...come on...stay awake, baby..."

"I...I do," he laughed sleepily. "Lisa, I love you, you know..."

"Sh, come on, honey, don't talk..." she sobbed. "It's okay, just stay awake..."

His eyes began to shut and Joe fell to Lisa's side next to her.

"Jackson," he said loudly. "I was just beginning to trust you and then you go and get yourself shot. Now, you listen to me. You are NOT just going to leave this world and my daughter, you hear me? You are going to stay alive, and get married, and make me some grandchildren. Is that perfectly clear, young man?"

Jackson didn't reply. Lisa cried harder. "Jackson, come on..."