It made sense, really, that she'd ended up with Carter. She deserved someone like Carter. His own relationship with her hadn't been good for her, he knew that. She had problems, and so did he. He'd leaned on her as much as she'd leaned on him. The only difference was, when they broke apart, she had someone to fall back on. Carter. Yeah, she needed someone like Carter, someone whose biggest problem was the fancy social functions he was forced to attend.

Did she love Carter? He didn't know - really, it wasn't his place to know. It didn't matter, after all. She needed support, and Carter would always be there for her, secure and stable. Love wasn't enough - he knew that. In the times they lived in, love had almost ceased to be a factor. He loved Abby - she had loved him, he was sure of that, and she might still - but it didn't matter. Carter was comfortable for her, and easy, and he didn't have issues that she had to deal with on top of her own.

He loved her, more than anything else he'd ever known, and there was only one thing left that he could do for her; stay silent. He'd done it before, held back the words that longed to spill out every time he saw her. Now, when she'd finally overcome her own doubts, he would bite back his, and free her to be happy.

The minister's ringing voice echoed through the high rafters in the crowded church, reaching even him, seated in the back -

"If anyone present can show just and legal cause why they may not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace."

And he would.