Page 114 of The Seven Rings
“It’s also understood you do, you would, even without all of this.” She waved her hand back at the house. “And you’re not wrong I downplay some of it, but I want you to know, to be absolutely secure in knowing, Dobbs isn’t going to win. I’m not going to let her. She has weaknesses, and I’m starting to figure them out. I can use them. I have used them.”
“It’s still so hard for me to comprehend what she is, how she is.”
“And I think that may be one of the reasons why she’s lasted so long.”
Winter glanced at the house. “Who wants to believe in the ghost of an evil witch? Who would unless they had to face her?”
“But I have, and I comprehend fine now, Mom. So does Cleo, so do all of us. I want you to remember a little boy who died so long ago drew us the picture that’s on the fridge.”
“It’s adorable,” Winter murmured.
“It is. Remember that Clover looks out for us, too. And there’s Molly and the rest. I know more are with us than I can name. We’re putting a centuries-old puzzle together, and that takes time. But we’re doing it.”
“You were always good at puzzles.”
“The other thing I need you to know is I’m ridiculously happy here. I know, in my gut, this is my place. This is my house. I’m here for those seven women, for Collin, and for Dad, too. And I’m here for myself. You taught me, you and Dad, to stand up to a bully, for myself and anyone else.”
“We did.” Winter touched Sonya’s cheek. “And did a damn good job.”
“You did, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m standing up to a bully.”
“I’m still going to worry. But maybe I’ll worry a little less.”
“That’s good enough.”
“I should get on the road.” She pulled Sonya in for a tight hug. “And I miss you already.”
“Maybe sometime you could stay a little longer.”
“I’m saving vacation time for the holidays. For your holiday bash, for Christmas to New Year’s Day if my room’s available.”
“Really?” Simply thrilled, Sonya threw her arms around Winter again. “That would be so great.”
“And since I will worry some, I’m inviting myself to Thanksgiving. Whether you have it here or, I suspect, at the Doyles’, I’m coming.”
“You know how much I love that. I love you.”
“I do, and I do. Come on. Let’s get one of the strong and strapping to bring down my suitcase.”
“And you’re taking home some leftovers. No cooking tonight.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
Arm in arm, they started back to the house.
The week started rainy, and stayed that way. Sonya didn’t mind a few days of the gloomy and the wet, and figured the gardens would drink it up. Now and again, the wind rose up to whip the rain against the windows, adding patter and drum sound effects.
She didn’t mind that either.
She missed her walks, but the view through the library windows of lush green grass and stormy seas made up for them.
And she had the gym. After months of using the space and equipment, she’d learned to block out the ringing bell, the occasional banging, even the quick wash of cold air.
Yoda didn’t appear to mind the wet either, as he’d race around outside, roll in the soaked grass while the cat slunk out, did what she had to do, and slunk back in again.
While she worked at her desk, she’d hear the ball bouncing, Yoda’s scrambling. And to her pleasure, she might hear Jack’s voice.
Good catch!
