The Lost Bride Trilogy, #3
The Seven Rings
by Nora Roberts
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
Over lunch, Ace proposes converting the old redbrick school into a Poole’s Bay museum, pledging foundation support; Sonya and Cleo commit. Sonya wins Bayside Lotions & Potions as a client after a strategic mockup. Cleo accepts a major YA trilogy illustration job. A convivial double date reinforces museum plans, honors Collin and Andrew with a naming idea, and recruits Bree toward a future manor holiday bash.
Summary
Sonya meets Ace for lunch at a bayfront restaurant; Cleo joins. Ace warms them up with stories, including how an unplugged stereo mysteriously played The Gambler, prompting Collin to fold a bad poker hand—interpreted as Clover’s intervention. Ace then pitches converting the village’s old redbrick school on Gull Lane into a Poole’s Bay museum, with the family foundation pledging substantial funding and legal shepherding through inevitable community squabbles. Sonya and Cleo agree to partner.
Energized by the civic project, Sonya tackles work. Reading a cautious inquiry from Carrie at Bayside Lotions & Potions—likely nudged by Hogan—she creates styled product photos and a cleaner homepage mockup, outlining site rebuild, mobile performance, social media, and branding. After a week of family debate, Carrie signs on for a revamped site, brochures, and business cards.
Meanwhile, Cleo prepares to end her sabbatical and reveals two offers: another children’s book and a YA trilogy by bestseller Jonah T. Long. Despite nerves about drawing creepy imagery, Cleo accepts the trilogy, planning to work in bright daylight.
That evening, Sonya and Cleo dress for a double date with Trey and Owen. Sonya notes small, comforting ghostly signs—like Molly taking a favorite perfume—before they head to a packed restaurant. Over wine and seafood, Trey reports Ace’s progress; Owen commits Poole Shipbuilders’ donation and suggests naming a room for Collin Poole and Andrew MacTavish, which Sonya embraces.
Chef Bree bursts out to celebrate their orders and announces moving in with Manny. Sonya floats recruiting Bree and Manny’s band for a future “Bash in the Ballroom,” adding momentum to the manor’s holiday party plans. The night closes on upbeat community, career, and restoration strides.
Who Appears
- Sonya MacTavishAccepts Ace’s museum plan, secures Bayside Lotions & Potions, celebrates progress, and advances holiday-party plans with Trey and friends.
- Cleo FabaresJoins museum effort; accepts a YA trilogy illustration job; enjoys date night and supports holiday-party planning.
- Ace DoyleProposes converting the old school into a museum, pledges foundation support, and recounts Clover’s poker intervention.
- TreySupports museum logistics and naming idea; shares dinner with Sonya, reinforcing community momentum.
- Owen PooleCommits Poole Shipbuilders’ donation and suggests the Collin Poole and Andrew MacTavish Room.
- Chef BreeAnnounces moving in with Manny; is courted for the manor’s holiday bash; praises their menu choices.
- Carrie (Bayside Lotions & Potions)Cautiously inquires about marketing; hires Sonya for a website revamp and collateral.
- HoganLikely pushes family toward Sonya’s pitch, helping secure the Bayside Lotions & Potions project.
- MollyGhostly housekeeper; accepts Sonya’s gifted perfume, a comforting sign of presence.
- IanServer at the restaurant; shares interview news and serves the group.
- CloverAppears in Ace’s anecdote as the spirit who triggered The Gambler to save Collin’s hand.
- Collin PooleFeatured in Ace’s story; his memory inspires a proposed museum room honoring him and Andrew.
- YodaSonya’s energetic dog; adds lightness before the date night.
- MookiePlays with Yoda on the couples’ arrival, part of the warm domestic scene.
- JonesOne-eyed cat who supervises the dogs, underscoring the home’s lively calm.