Sincerely,
Liana Winn
Liana sent the e-mail without pausing to analyze it. Her hands were trembling, and she didn’t dare look up at Austin, who had most likely read what she had written, though in her rush to comfort Olya, she had not considered his presence. Finally, she dared raise her eyes to the man that she was beginning to love.
He was smiling as if nothing had happened, though when he spoke his first words came out suspiciously hoarse. “So, you accept?” He stopped to clear his throat, his eyes saying far, far more. “Really?”
Liana nodded. “I guess I am.”
“I’m glad, Liana. For more reasons than one.” He pulled her to her feet and into his embrace.
She understood what he meant. At least she’d committed to something—and who knows where that might lead her.
Christian, she thought. Look at me. I have a boyfriend. And three families who’ve loved me.
Of course they loved you, Banana, she could almost hear him reply. Why wouldn’t they?
Why indeed? As she’d told Olya, the love was inside her heart so deeply that nothing could ever take it away.
Diary of Karyn Olsen Schrader
Sunday, July 27, 1981
My darling Liana will be four in October. Each day she grows more beautiful. I have finally managed to get some fat on her tiny bones, but she will never be as big as her mother. (I confess, I’ve gained a few pounds—all those delicious balls of rasgulla!). Emotionally, she is doing well. We have not had a tantrum in some months now. When she is awake she doesn’t seem to remember the orphanage at all. But sometimes she has bad dreams and calls out that same name. I comfort her and hold her the rest of the night.
Earlier this year I went back to work at Charity Medical. I don’t work often or long but enough to pitch in. The women here need me, and Liana has fun with Mamata, who is like a grandmother to her, as I had hoped. Even so, I don’t like to be away too much, especially not overnight, and because of this I have cut down my flights to the villages. I go only once a month now.
One big thing remains undone. I need to contact my sister. I ran across her letters this week, tucked in among Lara’s baby things. I was going to write last night, but as we watched the sunset on the beach with little Liana between us, Guenter told me that we should visit instead. Maybe for Christmas. It would take all our savings and then some, but after so many years perhaps only a visit will do.
Life is perfect and beautiful, and I am so grateful for every single thing. Strange, but I am even grateful for the trials, because without them I could not possibly understand how precious happiness is. If I died today, I would die content.
About the author
Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four, beginning a lifetime fascination with the written word. She began writing in the seventh grade and is now the author of more than two dozen published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. Her most recent picture book, The Secret of the King, was chosen by the Governor’s Commission on Literacy to be awarded to all Utah grade schools as part of the “Read with a Child for 20 Minutes per Day” program.
Rachel and her husband, TJ, have six children. She loves camping with her family, traveling, meeting new people, and, of course, writing. She writes Monday through Friday in her home office, often with a child on her lap, taking frequent breaks to build Lego towers, practice phonics, or jump on the trampoline with the kids.
Rachel loves hearing from her readers. Write to her at [email protected]. To enjoy her monthly newsletter or sign up to hear about new releases, visit her website, www.RachelAnnNunes.com.
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