September 1499 PD
Dearest Rora,
As happy as I am to hear from you after so long, I can't even express how much my heart goes out to you. Losing Randy…I've never met him, but from everything you've told me he's come as near and dear to my heart as Wil. I can't even imagine what it's like to have been as close to him as you and lose him. I imagine it feels like losing Mother all over again, but perhaps much worse because you spent more time with him than we were able to with mother.
I wish I could do so much more to help you. Six boys to take care of, a seventh on the way! I wish I could go to you, help you. But I can't leave. Luca, he lost his mother recently, and I can't just leave him like that. It's destroyed him, and I can't imagine doing anything to hurt him more. I'm very lucky Father has given up on trying to marry me off, resigned that I am to become a spinster.
I send my love to you and your boys. A hug and a kiss to Jonny, Matthias, Matthew, Inan, Wade, and Eric each. And several hugs and kisses to you, dear sister. Hug, kisses, and comfort. All that I am able to give. I love you, Rora. You and each of my darling nephews, including the one to come. I may have never met them, but I love them. Take care of them, and of yourself.
With all the hope in my heart,
Lia