Kate had straightened in the chair, her hand grasping the rounded edge of the back. Her left hand. Lucas watched the diamond engagement ring twinkle under the work lights. “She just wanted to let you know about an interview she set up, is all. You can call her later when you—”

“Who’s it with?” Her tone demanded an answer.

He exhaled deeply. She was like a ravenous dog with his last meaty bone.

“I know it must be big. She wouldn’t have called me today if it wasn’t. And stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you feel sorry for me. Who’s it with?”

Fine, Kate, fine. You win. “Dr. Phil.”

He watched her mouth slacken, watched her blink and swallow, watched her eyes change, deaden. He hated it. Hated he’d had any part in bringing that look to her face.

She was still again, and he hated that too. Maybe it wasn’t too late to chase Bryan down and knock him flat on his face. He should be here picking up the pieces, making things right. But he wasn’t. Lucas was there, and what could he do?

Everything but the groom.

The words flashed in his mind like a lighthouse beacon, teasing him. It’s crazy. And even if it wasn’t, it was self-serving.

You could save Kate’s wedding. Her reputation. Her career. It’s an honorable thing.

But he’d also be getting what he wanted. Was it selfish?

You were willing to let her go, because you thought that was right. Was that selfish? She needs you now. And you’re in a position to help her. God, what would you have me do?

“What am I going to do?” Kate asked

She turned her doe eyes on him, looking at him, needing him. It was heady. He wanted to protect her, to gather her close, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.

“How am I going to face everyone? What am I going to tell the media? My publisher?” For the first time, her lip trembled, and she caught it between her teeth. “They paid for everything; did you know that?”

Should I say it? Should I offer, Jesus? Could you make this work somehow? A peace settled deep inside him, familiar and undeniable. “He could.”

“What?”

He didn’t know he’d said it aloud until he heard Kate’s response. Well, he was in just deep enough, he figured he might as well dive in headfirst. “I have an idea. It’s a little crazy.”

Surprisingly, she breathed a wry chuckle. “My whole life’s a little crazy at the moment.”

He studied her. She was actually looking at him with something like hope in her eyes. “Way I see it, the only thing missing is a groom.”

Her laugh was sharp. “A necessary ingredient, I think you’ll agree.”