Natasha's Diary Read online

  Pushing his chair from the table, Stewart stood, and kissed Vicki’s cheek. “I shall rescue Greg from Hope’s assignment, although assisting with her studies is good practice for a future father.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  On the day of their wedding, Stewart sat proudly in the church pew by Momma’s side.

  “Both Greg and his school chum look handsome in their black tails,” she whispered.

  The music began and Stewart turned to see Hope walking down the aisle. Shy in front of the guests, she tilted her head down and appeared fascinated by her bouquet of flowers. Reaching their position in the aisle, she glanced his way. With her wavy blonde hair arranged in long curls falling over her shoulders, and her stylish blue gown enhancing her eyes, she appeared more mature than nine years of age. Stewart reached out and touched her hand for a moment, giving her encouragement. As the flower girl, Hope took her place beside Greg when she reached the altar. Stewart turned to see his sister’s friend walk down the aisle, and then watched Vicki, proudly escorted by their father. Vicki was glowing in a long white gown with puffy sleeves and a scooped neckline. The adoration on Greg’s face as he took her arm brought a hard lump to Stewart’s chest. His vision blurred with tears. He listened with half an ear as they recited their vows, lost in memories of his own marriage to Natasha. With half the village in attendance, Victoria Elizabeth Donovan and Gregory Carson became man and wife, to the delight of their families. Following the two week honeymoon, Greg moved into Stewart’s home with his bride.

  * * *

  “I love weddings, and Greg seems like a sweetheart. Now if we could just get Stewart to relax and open his heart.”

  “Keegh, a person doesn’t need someone significant in their life to be happy.”

  “I didn’t say they do, but it doesn’t sound like Stewart has a lot of friends. From what we are seeing, he hasn’t kept in touch with school chums. Friends haven’t been discussed. The guy needs more than his work and his daughter. I want him to have a ‘happily ever after.’”

  * * *

  Unable to concentrate, Stewart stood at his office window, daydreaming. Greg stopped his horse and jumped off the buggy. He rushed toward the building.

  “Such exuberance. What could be the cause?”

  Greg ran into his office.

  “I have interesting information,” Greg blurted. “While at the blacksmiths I overheard a conversation. A gentleman by the name of Charles Herrmann purchased the city square with the intent of modernizing the units and expanding the retail section. Mr. Herrmann has stressed the importance of accuracy and speed. He is intending to keep the retail outlets open to the public during the renovation. They said the entrepreneur has money and is willing to compensate handsomely for this expectation.”

  Stewart knew the area well. The current buildings were old, in desperate need of updating. The prospect of this project brought a twinkle to his eye, but he kept his emotions hidden.

  “We must get this rumour verified before we speculate.”

  Stewart assisted Greg to put the supplies into the warehouse and finished his paperwork. Then the two men travelled to the site.

  Stewart’s father was able to confirm the rumours by the end of the day. A telegram requesting a meeting was sent.

  The conference with Mr. Herrmann went well, giving Stewart a clear vision of the entrepreneur’s dream. The buildings would become the focal point of the city.

  Determined to win the contract, Stewart turned over ideas in his mind. The design had to be pleasing to the eye, yet he had to maintain a competitive price. Stewart returned to his office inspired. Changing quickly from his suit into normal work clothing, he sat down at his wooden desk and began making notes.

  * * *

  Three weeks later, with the sketches in his satchel. Greg climbed onto the buggy and wiped his hands on his suit pants.

  “Are you not well?” Stewart asked.

  “I hate to admit, but I’m nervous.”

  Greg was normally self-assured, but this contact was different. They had been awarded profitable contracts in the past, but this huge job would firmly establish Donovan Contracting and Engineering. Confident Greg was prepared, Stewart smiled.

  “My company is in capable hands.” He clapped his brother-in-law on the back. “Off you go.”

  It was a long afternoon at the office. Patience wasn’t a virtue Stewart possessed, not when he wanted something. Greg wasn’t home when they sat for their evening meal. Leaving Vicki to tidy the kitchen, Stewart retreated to the parlour.

  Woof.

  Turning on the sofa, Stewart looked out the window. Greg’s horse was trotting up the driveway. Eager for information, Stewart went out to the barn to greet him.

  “Well?”

  Without uttering a word, Greg simply shrugged his shoulders. Stewart reached for the horse to unharness the animal.

  “I wish I could say I’m optimistic, but I cannot,” Greg confessed, honestly.

  Stewart nodded, but he needed details. He wouldn’t be able to sleep without knowing what transpired. “I do not plan to make a habit of this, but if you’re not too tired, I’d like to discuss the meeting. Over a glass of wine to help you settle before eating.”

  “Wine sounds delightful.”

  After feeding the horses, they went in the house, and sat on the sofa.

  “When I entered the building, I was shown to a waiting area to join our competitors and waited for the opportunity to show our plans. The tension in the room was palpable, Stewart. I found myself having to remind myself to breathe. I passed time reviewing the notes we discussed.”

  “I’m not surprised you were nervous. The profit margin is astronomical for Donovan Contracting in comparison to previous projects. Did you change your mind and avoid speaking of personal discounts for Momma, Hope, and Vicki while shopping at the retail outlets?”

  “Surprisingly, I did not. That was included in the price I quoted.”

  “Go on.”

  “Both competing bidders left without revealing any indication of their success or failure. Finally, I was ushered into the room where Mr. Herrmann sat at a long mahogany table. Advisors were on his left and right. Mr. Herrmann’s piercing dark brown eyes intimidated me, but I extended my hand and greeted him with confidence.”

  Stewart gave a slight smile. He was proud of Greg. His brother-in-law was representing the company as professionally as he had expected.

  “The advisors asked detailed oriented questions. Mr. Herrmann asked a few questions to clarify details, thanked me for my time, and his associates showed me to the door.”

  “Enough said. I’ll sleep knowing they are considering my drawings. Vicki has a dinner plate warming for you. I plan to retire to my room to read. I’ll inform Vicki you would appreciate her company.”

  * * *

  An exceptional student, Hope spent hours in the privacy of her bedroom, reading. Her studies took top priority, and Stewart reviewed her assignments every night. Entertainment in the home did not take place unless her poppa was satisfied with her efforts. Stewart enjoyed his time with his daughter, feeling Natasha’s warmth during his evening visits. Nanny, Joshua, and Marcus often spoke of their pride in Hope’s academic accomplishments. Nanny shared the fact that Anna felt Hope was becoming too opinionated and independent. She feared Hope would become as rebellious as her mother. Nonsense. Hope is a Donovan. Stewart listened, but had no intention of making changes regarding her upbringing. The topic was never discussed with Joshua or Marcus, but Stewart presumed they had more important matters to deal with.

  * * *

  Weeks went by without a word from Mr. Herrmann or his associates. Eager to start work on the structure, the wait frustrated him to no end. Stewart attempted to convince himself it wasn’t meant to be. They had lost the contract. He told Greg to aggressively seek out and bid on other jobs.

  Stewart and his father were chatting in the office when Greg walked into the room. He placed a sealed letter with the He
rrmann emblem in the left hand corner, on the desk.

  Stewart glanced at Greg. “The seal isn’t broken. You haven’t read this?”

  “No. You can do the honours.”

  Greg clasped his hands together and placed them under his chin. Excitement warred with the fear of rejection. Stewart’s accelerated heart rate made him lightheaded. “I’m suddenly reminded of the day I received the acceptance from Picton. That, and the day I received notice that Hope would remain in my life,” he admitted.

  “Stewart,” Greg begged. “Open it.”

  He removed the seal and began reading. Keeping his emotions to himself, he handed the letter to his father. He couldn’t contain himself. A smile lit his face. “We’re going to be busy,” he blurted with excitement.

  Greg extended his arms and embraced him. His father embraced and congratulated him.

  * * *

  Once the shovels broke the soil, Charles arrived weekly for updates on the project. Although Stewart normally detested seeing his ‘bosses’ on a regular basis, Charles Herrmann was the exception to the rule. They quickly developed a strong appreciation of each other’s talent and engaged in lengthy conversations. Stewart introduced Charles to his father, and the three men found themselves preoccupied in their discussions. Two weeks into the project, Greg and the second crew joined them. The building quickly took form.

  Donovan Engineering and Contracting completed the contract within a year, and praise circulated throughout the city.

  * * *

  “Just watching this, I’m so proud of Stewart,” Keeghan informed Will and Alexander. “A successful business and standing firm with his beliefs. Anna doesn’t deserve an opinion when it comes to Hope. She messed up with her own daughter. Sorry, no second chances for that woman.”

  Alexander’s eyes smiled. He directed their attention back to the screen.

  Chapter Fourteen

  They were eating their evening meal, chuckling at a comment Greg made.

  “Poppa, why do you not smile and laugh like Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg?”

  Stewart’s attention shifted to his daughter, and then to the plate in front of him. He excelled at ignoring Vicki when she raised the topic of his social life, but he couldn’t dismiss his daughter’s comment. Although he had not spoken of his feelings, Stewart was open to the prospect of a potential mate. Unfortunately, he was yet to find someone who interested him. Being honest with himself, he lacked the inclination to actively seek a female companion. He was content to focus on his career and his family. If a relationship were meant to be, it would happen. Just as he and Natasha had been meant to be. I must answer her.

  “I smile when in the company of my beautiful daughter,” he boasted, hoping to end the conversation.

  “Your eyes don’t sparkle as Aunt Vicki’s, or Papa’s when he looks at Nana.”

  “I recall seeing a twinkle in your poppa’s eyes when he looked at your momma,” Vicki informed her.

  Stewart could almost see inside Hope’s mind at work, considering her aunt’s comment.

  “You must begin to court,” Hope blurted out boldly. “Isn’t there someone in the area you could be interested in?”

  Where did that come from? Stewart required time to consider an acceptable response. With a piece of meat on his fork, he put it into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

  “The sparkle doesn’t appear upon an acquaintance. It appears when strong emotions develop.”

  “You must court first, and then fall in love and marry,” she informed him, her tone surprisingly reassuring.

  “Indeed. If I’m to fall in love, you’ll be the first to know. I must remind you, I’m still in love with your momma.” He winked at her.

  “Pop-pa,” Hope groaned, emphasizing her disappointment. “You must begin courting to fall in love.”

  Swallowing a mouthful of water, Stewart stifled his surprise at her persistence. The teenage years will be interesting. “When did you become so intelligent?”

  “I shall find a woman for you to court.”

  His eyes bulged. He stared at his plate No. Hope sounded far too determined. Not appreciating his sister’s interference in his personal life, Stewart did not intend to allow Hope to become involved as well. “Have you finished your assignment?” he questioned, changing the subject.

  “No,” she grumbled.

  “Very well then. If you’re finished your meal, you’re excused.”

  Hope squished her lips to one side, the gesture Natasha performed when she was thinking. Hope pushed her chair from the table and walked out of the room. It was quiet when she left. Too quiet.

  “I beg of you. Listen to your daughter,” Vicki pleaded. “It has been years since Natasha passed. You must begin courting.”

  “I do not care to hear your opinion regarding my personal affairs.” He stood to walk out of the room. From the corner of his eye he was able to see Greg reach for Vicki’s hand.

  “Don’t interfere,” Greg warned. “It’s not your place.”

  “I disagree.”

  Stewart retreated to his room.

  * * *

  Later that night, Stewart stepped out of his room and noticed his daughter in her dressing gown, sitting on the first step with her arm around Brodie. Able to hear singing from the main floor, he sat by her side, placed his arm around her shoulder, and guided her head toward his shoulder. He could hear his sister humming.

  “I presume Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg are dancing,” he whispered.

  Hope grinned. “It’s such a beautiful song, I’m certain I hear the angels singing in my head.”

  Stewart rested his head against Hope’s and closed his eyes in agreement. He had memories of holding Natasha in his arms as they danced to this very tune.

  “This was your momma’s favourite piece. She would ask me to sing it, and we would dance. If you weren’t sleeping soundly, you’d wake and cry. I’d come and get you, and we would continue dancing until you fell asleep.”

  “My memories are faint, but I recall listening as you whispered to each other. I’m afraid I will forget Momma.”

  “You won’t, Hope. I’ll assist keeping Momma’s memory alive for you.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  With Donovan Contracting completing a small project close to Hope’s school, Hope walked to the site when her day was complete. Speaking to the crew when she arrived, Stewart winked at her and continued talking. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Brodie run to her with a stick in her mouth.

  The moment the men returned to work, Hope dashed toward him, excited, almost exhilarated.

  “I thought you were playing with Brodie.”

  “That woman has been watching you,” she informed him.

  Stewart looked over, inadvertently making eye contact. Her jet-black hair was tied back, and her small frame was fashionably attired. Compelled, he exchanged a slight smile with the woman. Uncomfortable, and more than a bit nervous, he turned his attention back to his notes, hoping the woman would lose interest and leave.

  “Poppa,” Hope whispered insistently. “You must approach her. Invite her to dine.”

  Stewart’s eyes bulged, astonished by Hope’s suggestion. The very notion of approaching a stranger terrified him. His heart pounded. Sweat developed on his brow. It had been years since he was in the company of a woman. He lacked the bravado of his youth. “I cannot,” he whispered both to himself and to Hope, keeping his attention on his notes.

  “Poppa, please. You must attempt to converse. She has such a handsome face.”

  Her words froze him with self-consciousness and uncertainty. What would I possibly say? It was so easy with Natasha.

  “Poppa, you’re a handsome man. It’s been years since Momma passed. To my knowledge, you haven’t courted. Momma would want you to be happy. Go,” she demanded.

  His attention shifted to her face. “Mind your manners,” he growled, not appreciating her tone or attitude. “You’re my daughter. Not my parent or sister. I believe you’re
forgetting that.”

  “Poppa,” she pleaded, blue eyes wide with innocence. “It’s my wish to see you happy. A wish I share with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Vicki.”

  To their mutual astonishment, the woman began walking toward them. Stewart froze. Hope grinned and then whistled for the dog. She walked over to join her grandfather.

  “Hope,” he whispered in vain, wishing with every ounce of his being she would remain by his side.

  His daughter ignored him and continued walking away. Stewart stared blindly at the paper in front of him and beseeched Natasha. I beg of you, help me. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to a woman. I find myself nervous with the prospect.

  Hope reached her papa’s side. Now they are both watching me. I should be grateful Hope is speaking with Poppa, not Momma or Vicki. They would approach and invite this woman to dine with the family on Sunday.

  “Hello.”

  The woman’s voice startled him out of his private thoughts. “Good afternoon.”

  “I live at the neighbouring home and have watched the transformation of this building. It’s quite remarkable. Oh, my manners. My name is Jane.”

  Is it possible for my heart to pound harder? “Stewart. Stewart Donovan.”

  “Donovan? That is the name on the sign. You are the owner of this business?”

  “Indeed I am.”

  “I’m intruding on your valuable time. My apologies.”

  The woman was pleasant, personable, and she was attractive. Perhaps it was time to take that major step. “There is no need to apologize. Would you care to join me for dinner tomorrow night?” He glanced toward her home and back into her eyes. “I could be to your home by five-thirty in the evening.”