The hug surprised him. He froze, but the embrace was not unwelcome and he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Ari.
"Thank you," he murmured, still trying to keep his voice steady even as the rest of his body betrayed him. It was no small miracle that he kept from spilling the champagne all over her or on the floor. "I..." A soft sigh. "I wish there was something we could have done to..." His throat caught. "... to keep her... alive. I know what she did was horrible but..." He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to be like this today." Or at all, but even he knew not all battles could be won.
He struggled for another smile as he pulled back though he was sorry to do so. "I'll be okay."