Epilogue

SIX MONTHS LATER

The scent of cinnamon from Babi's home-baked biscuits mingled with the sharp scent of spruce that decorated the bookshop. Chatter and laughter surrounded Jana, sitting in the middle of her family and friends. As it was Christmas, Jana had decided to extend the regular book club meeting into a celebration for everyone.

Beside her was Nela, one side of her face scarred from the grenade attack, but she was smiling more that evening than Jana had ever seen her smile before; she had achieved her goal of liberating her country.

Dasha walked over with two glasses of red wine and, handing one to Jana, sat on the other side of her. They clinked glasses and wished each other Merry Christmas. How thankful she was to have Dasha as a friend; it was hard to believe she had, in those terrifying times, doubted her loyalty.

Babi appeared with her plate of Christmas biscuits and handed them around. When she came to Jana, she said, ‘What a wonderful atmosphere you have created here. Your mother would have been so proud of you. '

Warmth spread in Jana's chest and she clutched the locket hanging from her neck, rubbing it between her fingers. Babi smiled at her and moved on with her biscuits.

Opposite Jana sat Ramona, chatting to Lillian. Ramona called across to Jana. ‘I'm just hearing all about your wonderful book club from Lillian. Have you a space for another member?'

Lillian had joined the book club and was an enthusiastic book lover. It had been wonderful to accept her openly into the bookshop without fear of repercussions because of her religion. Delighted that Lillian was encouraging Ramona, Jana said, ‘Of course we have a space for you. We'd love you to join us.' It would do Ramona good to come into Prague once a month and make new friends. Nothing could replace Egon, but perhaps friendships and the sharing of books might ease her loneliness.

Michal bounced into the circle swinging a puppet he had carved and painted himself. Everyone exclaimed their admiration, and Jana saw Papa beaming with pride from the side of the room. Michal had journeyed though various stages of grief, from his restrained distance at first, to nights of sobbing, to tantrums of anger. But in the last weeks, he'd been more settled. Jana had asked him many times if he wished her and Andrej to be his adoptive parents, and his answer had always been yes. Jana still awaited the official adoption papers, but after an initial struggle, the signs looked promising.

Michal then ran off to join Maddie and Yveta at the back of the shop, who were entertaining the younger children. Jana decided to see what the children were up to, and stood up, taking her glass with her and munching on her biscuit. As she walked through the gathering of people, she was aware that one person was missing: Karolina. The distraught girl who had betrayed Jana in a futile attempt to save her husband had left Prague to live with an aunt. When she had packed and was ready to leave, she came to the bookshop to ask Jana for forgiveness. Karolina's face shrouded in shame and grief made Jana weep. She wrapped the fragile girl in her arms. ‘I understand why you did what you did. We were all going through such horrific times. I wish you well Karolina, and yes, I forgive you.' When Karolina left, Jana knew that she would never see her again.

Jana took in the scene at the back of the shop. Yveta was reading aloud to a small group of children, struggling to raise her voice above the shrieks of those running around playing tag. Andrej and Ivan stood in the other corner keeping an eye on the toddlers.

A fair-haired, three-year-old girl with a determined expression heaved a pile of picture books onto the low table. She looked at two small boys and said, ‘These books.' The boys sidled up to take a look. Her authoritative voice reminded Jana of the girl's mother, Lenka. It seemed Alena had inherited Lenka's love of books. Jana hadn't been able to be there for Lenka in the end, but she was determined as godmother to be there for her daughter every step of the way.

As Ivan moved to join his daughter, Jana sauntered up to Andrej and gave him a tender kiss on the lips.

‘You look beautiful this evening,' he said, studying her face.

‘I feel wonderful. This is our first Christmas as a married couple.'

‘I love you.' He slipped an arm around her waist.

‘I love you too, and I have a very special Christmas gift for you.'

‘Do I have to wait till Christmas Eve?'

‘Most definitely.' She would tell him then: Michal would be having a brother or sister, and by next summer, when Prague was in full bloom along the river, and the majestic buildings shimmered in the sun, they would be a family of four.