She had been a beautiful bride. Sure, people always thought brides were beautiful, but in his eyes, there were none that could surpass her. The reception was in full swing, and he was off by himself, sitting quietly, just watching the activity around him.

A voice brought him from his thoughts. "Hey, Goren. You doing okay?"

He turned his head to look at the man who'd dropped into the chair beside him. Mike Logan wore a very serious expression for a change. He was genuinely concerned. Goren nodded after a minute. "I'm okay."

"You don't look it."

"Oh? How do I look?"

"Like you've lost your best friend."

He turned away. That was exactly how he felt. He never thought he'd see this day, her marrying someone else; he never thought he'd have to share her with anyone. But before Logan could say any more, the bride had approached them. "Hi, boys."

Logan smiled. "Hey, gorgeous."

Goren wouldn't look her in the eye. "Hi, Eames."

"Would you excuse us please, Mike?"

"Sure thing." He nudged Goren's shoulder. "I'll talk to you later."

Goren just nodded at him, and his partner pulled a chair up close to his and sat down. She had changed from her gown into a casual dress. She still looked great. "What, no kiss for the bride?" she teased.

He wasn't in the mood to be teased, not even by her, but he wasn't about to ruin her day, either. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. She frowned. "Bobby, what's wrong?"

Finally he looked at her. "You have to ask?"

She reached out and gently stroked his cheek. "Nothing has changed," she said softly.

"Nothing, and everything."

"Look at me, Goren." She took his face in both her hands. "You're still my partner and my best friend. Nothing will ever change that." He didn't reply, and his face didn't change. "Look, we're taking off now, but I had to talk to you. I know you, and I want you to be ok with this."

"Are you happy?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then I'm okay."

She didn't believe him. "I'll be back in two weeks. What are you going to do?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll keep busy."

"Take care of yourself, you big ape. We'll have dinner when I get back, okay?" He just nodded. Leaning closer, she kissed him softly and touched her forehead to his. "See you in two weeks."

He watched her leave and closed his eyes. Damn. He needed another drink.

Logan and Barek found him about an hour later, sitting alone on a balcony with a drink, watching the night sky. His tie was off, folded neatly on the arm of the chair he was sitting in. His jacket was draped on the back of another chair. They sat on either side of him. Logan looked up at the sky. "What are you looking at?"

"Just the stars."

"Can't see too many of 'em."

Goren just shrugged. Both detectives could tell the drink in his hand was not his first. "You okay?" Logan asked.

"I'm okay," he answered without much conviction.

"You know you go to hell for lying, Bobby," Barek said.

He shook his head. "I'm already there."

Several hours later, Logan took him home.