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“It smells terrific, Sonya.”
“It does smell good, and in about half a minute, we’ll find out if it worked. Did I thank you for letting me give Corrine Doyle the pot roast thing?”
“You did, and she sent me a very nice handwritten thank-you.”
“She did? That sounds like her. I’ve only met her once, but it sounds like her. Here goes.”
With the care of a diamond cutter and a rare gem, she ladled thescallops and sauce over the pasta. Added Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley and basil.
“Artistic eye. Presentation was never your problem. You could make a takeout meal look like dinner at a five-star. I want you to know I appreciate you making me dinner.”
At the table, Winter dished up a little salad, then the main. “And I’m going for the scallops first because I have to.”
After forking one in half, then half again, she wound a little angel hair with it. Sampled.
And sat back.
“Sonya, it’s absolutely wonderful.”
“Is it really?” Bypassing the salad, Sonya tried it herself. “Oh, it’s good. I didn’t overcook it. Bree put the fear of God in me on that.”
“Now, who’s Bree?”
“Oh, Trey’s ex—high school ex—and friend. She’s the head chef at the Lobster Cage. A really good restaurant in the village. It’s her recipe.”
“I want it. I’m making this the next time I have friends for dinner. Now tell me the rest. The ghostly rest.”
“It’s the clock—there’s a grandfather clock in the second parlor.”
Sonya told her.
“Sweetie, that’s terrifying. That’s Shirley Jackson territory. She burned your arm. Let me see it.”
“There’s nothing to see.” But to placate, Sonya shoved up the sleeve of her sweater. “I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t scary, or that I haven’t jumped out of my skin more than a few times, but—”
“You’re determined. I know your face.”
“It’s my house, Mom. It should’ve been Dad’s. He should’ve grown up here with his brother.”
“If he had, I might never have met him. We might not have had you.”
With a smile, Sonya shook her head. “Magic,” she reminded Winter. “You had magic. You’d have found each other, and this would still be my house. I’m going to have one more scallop because they’re really good. And I’m going to find those rings. Don’t ask me how, don’t have a clue. But I’m going to find them.”
“I could take a leave of absence, move up here for a few months.”
“You’ll do no such thing. Not because I wouldn’t love to have you, but because you have a life, a home, a career in Boston. I’m not letting some dead witch beat me.”
“Determined face,” Winter murmured. “It’s always a bride, a new wife or mother. You and Trey aren’t thinking about marriage, are you?”
“Mom, we’ve barely started dating.”
“And I know whatdatingmeans for a couple of unattached adults. Maybe he’ll spend the night more often.”
“I have the faithful Yoda and soon the fierce Cleo.”
“Which eases my mind. Some.”
“You’re still taking this better than I thought you might.”
