The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy #2)

“She can do it. It sounds like both of you’ve been pretty busy yourselves.”

“Gearing up. I give my presentation—with my invaluable assistant—in Boston in three weeks. Cleo’s sending off the final illustrations for her mermaid project in…”

“Next week. It should be next week.”

“Then we’re going to hit the nursery and hit it hard, start planting. Then The Event. But Boston first, and I wanted to ask if you could keep Yoda.”

“Sure. He can go to work with me and Mook for a couple days. We can stay here the night or nights you’re gone.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“No.”

“Do you think Owen would keep Pye?”

He glanced at Cleo. “I don’t see why not. If Owen’s got a weakness, it’s animals.”

“He could stay here, too, if he wants.”

“Worried about me staying here alone?”

“No. Maybe. Yes, a little bit.”

Clover reassured Sonya with the Pretenders and “I’ll Stand by You.”

“It’s true. She will.” Reaching out, Sonya squeezed Trey’s hand. “Thanks in advance.”

“Not that far in advance. The last time you made excuses about showing me the presentation.”

“It wasn’t fully polished. And I just ordered the posters and displays.”

“I bet it’s polished now, and I saw the mock-up for the posters. So how about tonight?”

“As the assistant, I say yes. We both need the practice, Son, if we’re going to crush it. Which we are. Let’s practice with a receptive audience.”

“Fine. You’re right. No yawning if you’re bored.”

“You haven’t bored me yet.”

He was far from bored.

On the second floor of the library, he sat, a pair of dogs at his feet, a cat on his lap. Though the snow had turned to rain, a fire crackled.

As he watched her, listened to her, studied the visuals she presented, he realized this was who she’d been in Boston.

This smooth and professional woman who exuded both confidence and expertise was as much Sonya as the woman who worked at her desk in sweats. As the woman who’d made dinner for his family, the one who loved dogs and accepted hauntings as part of her life.

The woman who’d welcomed him into her life, and her bed, who’d embraced his community as her own.

The woman who walked through the mirror.

And all those parts of her pulled something in him no one ever had.

“This campaign highlights the rich history and traditions of Ryder Sports, and demonstrates that Ryder has always, will always value their loyal customer base while opening its doors to the needs and interests of the next generation.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to present my vision for a business rooted, as I am, in family and community. And you have my very best wishes on your grand opening in Portland.”

She blew out a breath, and her easy, professional smile lit into a grin. “Done! So?”