Meanwhile, in a VIP suite at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Ivey Dennis lay against a mountain of pillows, her ankle propped up and wrapped in a bandage.

"Austin, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her hand clutching his. "I ruined your big day."

Austin smoothed her hair back from her pale forehead. "Don't be silly. You're more important. A piece of paper can be signed anytime."

His driver, Mike Sullivan, stood stiffly by the door, watching his boss and trying not to think about the elegant Miss Bowen, left alone downtown.

Dr. Alan Foster entered with a chart, his expression carefully neutral.

"Doctor, how is she?" Austin asked, jumping to his feet. "Is it serious?"

Dr. Foster glanced at Ivey, who gave him a tiny, pleading look. "Mr. Montgomery, it's a minor sprain. With proper rest, she'll be fine in a week. The X-rays show no fractures."

Minor sprain. The words echoed in Austin's head, and for a split second, he felt a pang of guilt toward Josie.

Then Ivey let out a soft sob. "But it hurts so much... and I was so scared... the car just spun out of control..."

Austin's guilt vanished, replaced by a fierce wave of protectiveness. He sat back down, taking her hand again. "It's okay, I'm here. I'll stay with you."

The doctor sighed, made a note on the chart, and quietly left the room.

Just then, the door swung open and Kit Montgomery sauntered in. He carried an absurdly expensive-looking fruit basket and wore a lazy grin.

"Kit?" Austin frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Kit set the basket down with a flourish. "Wow, VIP suite for a sprained ankle. You're really pulling out all the stops, big brother."

The sarcasm was thick. Austin's jaw tightened.

Ivey shrank back against the pillows, her eyes darting nervously toward Kit.

"Shouldn't you be somewhere else right now?" Kit asked, his eyes wide with mock innocence. "Like, City Hall? I heard today was the big day."

"It's been postponed," Austin said through gritted teeth.

"Oh? Postponed?" Kit dragged the word out. "So, where's Josie? Did you leave her waiting at the altar, so to speak?"

Austin's anger flared. "That's none of your business. I'll handle it."

Kit just smiled and pulled a small, velvet jewelry box from his pocket, tossing it lightly in the air. Austin recognized it. It was a diamond bracelet, one of the wedding gifts he had asked Kit to bring.

"What's that?" Austin demanded.

Kit popped the box open. The diamonds glittered under the harsh hospital lights. "A gift. Since the wedding was 'postponed,' I guess the bride doesn't need it today. Maybe someone else does." He flicked his eyes meaningfully toward Ivey, then back to Austin.

"Kit, don't push it," Austin warned in a low voice. "And don't you dare mention any of this to Josie."

Kit's smile widened into a mocking smirk. He snapped the box shut and slipped it back into his pocket.

"Don't worry, brother. I won't say a word. I'm going to see my girlfriend."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air.

"We have a lunch date."

Austin stared at him. "You have a lunch date? When did you have a girlfriend?" The idea was ludicrous.

Kit winked. "Surprise."

He turned and strolled out of the room, leaving Austin standing in a state of confused, simmering rage. Ivey tugged on his hand, trying to reclaim his attention, but for the first time that day, Austin Montgomery was completely and utterly distracted.