The Mirror - Page 203

“I came a little early to help, whether you need it or not.” Scanning the foyer, Winter laughed. “Are you sure you got enough flowers?”

“Mom,” Sonya said again, and threw her arms around her mother. “You’re by yourself? I thought—”

“I convoyed with your grandparents, and they headed straight to the hotel. They wanted to unpack, settle in a bit.”

She wheeled her weekender aside. “Summer and Martin are driving with your other set. They’re all coming. Now put me to work.”

“I absolutely will, but let’s get your bag upstairs first. Cleo took flowers to the apartment; her parents and grandmother are staying there tonight and tomorrow night before they head back on their road trip.”

She started to pick up Winter’s suitcase, was brushed aside, so grabbed more flowers.

“I can’t believe they’re driving all the way from Louisiana and back.”

“Melly, Cleo’s mom, told me. They wanted to see some sights.”

“And according to the texts and photos they’ve sent to Cleo, they’re having a hell of a good time.”

“That’s the word,” Winter agreed. “Everything looks fabulous, Sonya. The tree in full bloom out front, that enormous rhododendron, they’re just spectacular.”

As they passed the library, Sonya’s tablet played Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World.”

Winter sent a look back over her shoulder. “I guess you’ve gotten used to that.”

“Not just used to. I love it. You have to see the view from your room with the gardens blooming.”

When they went in, Winter walked to the window. “Talk about spectacular. You and Cleo did this?”

“A lot—most, really—was already done. The perennials. But we did the pots, planters, the annuals. I loved that, too. Who knew?”

“You’ve made a home, baby. I knew it when I was here before, but if I had any lingering doubts, they’re gone. And the squatter on the third floor?”

“That’s a good one.Squatter. We’re not going to worry about her. Why don’t I help you unpack, then we’ll go down and fix you a snack?”

“I’m here to help, not be waited on. I’ll unpack, and when I’m done, I’ll help you with that ocean of flowers.”

“All right. I’m nearly done up here. When you’re unpacked, we can start on the main level.”

When Winter came down, Sonya handed her a vase. “Casual dining table. I’m putting these three low ones on the formal dining table. Cleo should be back in by now, so we’ll start there.”

“Give me one of those. Now we’ve each got two. Something smells amazing.”

“Flowers, and we hope the ham Cleo’s doing.”

“Wonders really do never cease. Oh.”

Winter stopped at the music room. “Your father’s work again.”

“Yes. Johanna, Clover, Lisbeth, and Agatha.”

“It’s stunning and it’s all so strange. And yet, I can see him, I can see Drew standing there in front of the canvas with his palette, his brushes.”

“Still the One” played on Sonya’s phone.

“Yes,” Winter murmured. “He is.”

As they walked into the kitchen, Cleo was opening the oven to check on her ham.

“What! Nobody tells me! Put those flowers down and give me my hug. We’ve got a gallon of iced tea if you want,” Cleo said as she got and gave the hug. “Or we can get you some wine.”