Riptide and all related characters are the property of Stephen J. 
Cannell and Frank Lupo. No copyright infringement is 
intended.

This story and all original characters are the property of the 
author.

Warnings:  1) A main characters is dead in this story. 2) I 
wrote this one about two years ago, and it shows. Fair warning 
okay?
________

For As Long As We Both Shall Live



Cody Allen checked his reflection, straightened his tie and ran 
a hand through his hair for at least the tenth time in as many 
minutes.

"Would you stop fidgeting?" Murray Bozinsky complained 
exasperated. "You're making *me* nervous."

"I am not fidgeting," Cody objected half-heartedly.

"Yes you are," Murray pointed out. "Unless you at like this 
everyday, which I know for a fact you don't." He shook his 
head and grinned at his old friend. "What's the matter? Cold 
feet?"

"Of course not!" Cody turned to glower at Murray, pausing 
when he saw the knowing grin on the other man's face. "All 
right, maybe a little," he admitted grudgingly. "Not about this 
though. It's just..."

"A big step? Tell me about it. Remember how bad I was?" 

"Yeah, but Gena thought it was cute that you were tripping 
over your own feet." Cody remembered the day with a fond 
grin. "You were so nervous Nick and I practically had to drag 
you down the aisle."

"Tell me I'm not going to have to return the favor," Murray 
pleaded. "I don't think I could drag you by myself."

"You wouldn't have to," Cody assured him. "Monica's brothers 
would be more than happy to handle it for you." Cody caught 
himself fussing with his tie again and lowered his hands to his 
sides, moving away from the mirror. He stood in front of the 
window and watched the cars speed by outside. "What time is 
it?"

"Ten minutes," Murray replied. "If you can keep from jumping 
out of your skin for that much longer than this waiting will all 
be over."

Cody shook his head. "Have I mentioned yet that I'm glad 
you're here?"

Murray was silent for a long moment, until Cody started to get 
worried. He turned to Murray, surprised by the pensive look 
on his face. Murray said nothing, just watched him, his mind 
working through whatever it was he was worrying on. Cody 
held his peace, knowing Murray would speak when he was 
ready.

"I wish it wasn't me," Murray admitted softly. "I'd be here for 
you no matter what, Cody, but I really wish Nick were here. 
That he was the one standing up for you today."

"He is here, Murray." Cody felt the same tightness in his chest 
that he had felt that day two years ago. For a time he'd 
wondered if he would ever stop feeling that way. Now he 
wondered if Nick's name would always bring it back. "If there's 
anything in this world I'm sure of, it's this. Nick wouldn't miss 
it for the world." The smile that crossed his face was 
unsummoned, but genuine. "He's probably waiting for the 
reception. Gonna push me into the cake or something."

The teasing comment caught Murray by surprised and he 
laughed. "He wouldn't do that to you on your wedding day," 
Murray objected. "He'll just steal the rings."

"Hit on the maid of honor," Cody suggested. "She'd buy it, 
too."

"Nah," Murray waved the idea away. "You invited Karen, 
right? She'll keep him in line."

"Someone has to," Cody sighed. "I know *we* never could."

"No," Murray disagreed. "We never wanted to." He glanced at 
his watch. "Come on. Let's get out there. They'll be starting 
any minute now. And, Cody?"

"Yeah?"

The other man regarded him steadily, and with a seriousness 
which was not often present in their relationship. "I meant it, 
Cody. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Cody wrapped an arm around his friend's shoulders and led him 
out of the room. "I wouldn't miss having you here, buddy."

****

The music started just a few minutes after they took their place 
at the front of the church. Cody watched the doors at the back 
of the church open and the two young flower girls, both 
Monica's nieces, begin the walk down the aisle. It was a small 
procession, they had both agreed on a small ceremony. The 
music swelled suddenly, and Monica appeared in the doorway, 
holding her father's arm. God, she was every bit as beautiful as 
the day he'd met her. More.

Cody felt the warmth the spread throughout him, and the joy 
that seemed liable to burst free of him, and thought that there 
was only one thing that could make this day even more perfect.

Even that, though, was taken care of, as Monica joined him, 
and they turned to face the priest, and Cody saw the smiling 
face of the man standing beside Murray, a man who couldn't 
possibly have been there, whom even Murray didn't see. Cody 
smiled all the wider.

There were some bonds death couldn't break. 


End