Natasha's Legacy Read online

  “I will continue to make them proud, carrying on the family tradition of running the orphanage,” Alex vowed.

  As requested, the priest performed a private ceremony at the orphanage. Attired in black, Sarah, Alex, Rose, and Richard stood at the back of the room with Hope and Adam, Stewart and Izabella, listening to the priest speak. One by one, the children approached the casket and placed a wildflower in the box, each able to mourn the woman who visited them on a weekly basis.

  “I am grateful for the opportunity to have become acquainted with your nana,” Sarah whispered to Alex. “She possessed many attributes, and was unable to see a negative side to life. I admire that ability.”

  “Nana Venderkemp believed she was blessed to become acquainted with every child that entered this building. Everyone experienced her love and compassion. Without a manager to assist with the daily operations, my grandparents were unable to leave the premises as a couple. They had difficult days, but endured. God has saved a special place in heaven for Nana and Papa Venderkemp.”

  A warm sensation consumed Stewart’s heart. He and Izabella were privileged to have known Adam’s parents. Now they would both be missed during their Sunday meals.

  “In time, we will remember Momma and Poppa without tears,” Adam added. “Together, they are in a happy place.”

  * * *

  A month after Nana Venderkemp passed, the extended family rode off after their Sunday meal. Alex took Sarah by the hand and led her to a private area under a tree. Sitting on the ground, he placed his fingertips on Sarah’s cheek, and leaned over to kiss her.

  “Alex. We lack privacy.”

  “I beg to differ. This is private.”

  Sarah relaxed, allowing Alex to lower her upper body onto the grass. Neither one of them heard or saw Rose and Richard approach.

  “Alexander Stewart Venderkemp.”

  Alex jolted, his nose smashing into Sarah’s. Richard and Rose laughed, drowning out the beating of his pounding heart. He glanced back at Sarah as she covered her face with her hands. Sore nose or embarrassed? Perhaps both.

  “Rose,” Alex scolded. “We do not appreciate being startled.”

  “I’m disappointed in you. I would have expected you to prefer privacy. You ought to be considerate and cover yourself with a blanket.”

  Sarah’s face turned beet red. Alex glared at his sister. “A blanket is not required.”

  “If we hadn’t arrived, you may have required more than one blanket. That, my dear brother, was a kiss. I recall witnessing a kiss between you and Elaine that resembled Momma and Poppa wishing sweet dreams at bedtime.”

  Heat penetrated his face and sent prickles into chest. How dare you embarrass me, speaking of something so personal in Sarah’s presence? “Ro—”

  “It’s obvious it’s Elaine who was lacking,” Sarah responded. “As you’ve witnessed, your brother’s kiss takes my breath away.”

  His entire body burned, but Richard laughed. I’m over reacting. Alex took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. “Heaven help me. I’m unable to decide who is worse.” Alex turned his attention to his sister.

  “It’s pleasing to see your eyes sparkling, Alex,” Rose announced. “They don’t stop while you’re with Sarah.”

  “Your eyes twinkled the day we met,” Sarah admitted. “Isn’t it normal?”

  Richard placed his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “You will know when a member of this family is happy.” He turned and looked at his wife. “Rose’s eyes sparkle and her face glows. Her eyes could have lit the midnight sky when I proposed and were equally brilliant on our wedding day.”

  “Wedding!” Rose repeated. “I would be pleased to offer assistance when planning your wedding.”

  Sarah’s focus shifted to the ground. Alex closed his eyes, wishing for the ability to disappear into ground.

  “Rose!” Richard lectured.

  “Wha-at?” Rose returned Richard’s glare. “I will enjoy assisting Sarah while she plans the event.”

  “You must seal your lips on the topic,” Richard ordered.

  Alex raised his hand and waved goodbye to his sister. “Enough. Go. It’s time you departed, Rose.”

  “Yes,” Richard agreed. “That is the reason we’re here. We’re preparing to leave.”

  “You must bring Sarah to dine,” Rose demanded. “Saturday evening.”

  Alex looked toward Sarah to see her nodding.

  “It’s getting late. Do you need a ride home, Sarah?” Richard asked. "We go by your door."

  That would be convenient, saving me the trip to her apartment, but no-o-o, it's too soon. I won’t see Sarah for another week.

  “That would be much appreciated,” she responded.

  He assisted Sarah to her feet and followed Richard and Rose to their automobile.

  “I will telephone you tomorrow,” he whispered. He turned to his family. “Goodnight Richard, Rose.”

  Chapter Five

  Alex and Sarah arrived at his sister’s home mid-afternoon on Saturday. With the meal over, Alex retreated to the sofa. Richard walked down the hallway toward their bedroom. Able to hear voices from the kitchen, Alex listened to the women’s conversation.

  “It is pleasing to see Alex smile,” Rose admitted. “I know you’re the cause.”

  “I didn’t believe it was possible to fall in love again, but I have. When he looks into my eyes, my heart melts.”

  “Richard adores my eyes. Momma says they are hereditary. Has Alex spoken of marriage?”

  “No. We haven’t admitted or discussed our emotions. The day he says he loves me will be one of the best days of my life. I’ll know he’ll mean it from the depth of his heart.”

  Alex regretted eavesdropping. Sarah wanted something he wasn’t prepared to give. He enjoyed her company and looked forward to kissing her again, but was he in love?

  Richard re-entered the room and then the women joined them once they finished. After chatting, Alex stood and reached for Sarah’s hand.

  “It’s getting late. We should depart.”

  Sarah turned on the light when they entered her apartment and then walked into the kitchen. Alex placed a log on the fire. Sarah walked into the room, handed him a glass of wine and joined him on the sofa, snuggling into him.

  “I enjoyed our evening. Rose and Richard are so comfortable in each other’s company.”

  Alex placed his arm around her shoulder. “I’m envious of their relationship. My sister is outspoken, but so is her husband.”

  “Alex, you must be comfortable when speaking with me. I enjoy listening to you. I value your opinion.”

  “I’m far more confident than when we first met, but like my poppa, I don’t speak simply to hear my own voice.”

  “I adore the sound of your voice, and your kiss,” she whispered. Her lips touched his.

  The gentle kiss had his heart fluttering. Then her fingers unfastened the buttons on his shirt. Within seconds, her fingers touched his bare chest. Standing, she extended her hand and led Alex to the adjoining room. Tonight. It shall happen tonight.

  The foreplay began but neither had the desire or inclination to wait. The experience ended as quickly as it began, but it was memorable and incredible. Rolling onto his back, he held Sarah in his arms as she rested her head on his chest.

  “I love you, Alexander Venderkemp.”

  Those words were music to his ears, but he didn’t respond. Looking down into those beautiful eyes, he was happier than he’d ever been. The room was quiet, but that didn’t bother him. He closed his eyes.

  “I’d like to talk.”

  He reopened his eyes. “Here? Now?” he questioned.

  “Yes. Now. I want to know Alexander Venderkemp. The boy who grew and has become a man.”

  “Have you gone mad? I told you about my life. I attended school, received my degree at university. I courted Christine, you had the misfortune to be introduced to Elaine. There is nothing more to say.”

  “I’m aware you’
re a shy, intelligent man, but I’d like to know more. I want to know every aspect of Alexander Venderkemp. I want to encourage you to discuss your thoughts. It’s natural to be afraid of getting hurt, but I hope to earn your trust.”

  After ending his relationship with Elaine, he swore he wouldn’t say ‘I love you’ without sincerity. Unable to trust his head or heart, he questioned his emotions. “I’m unable to say the words you want to hear.”

  “I’m a patient woman. Allow me the time and opportunity to work my way into your heart.”

  “You’re entering my heart, but I don’t trust my judgment.”

  “John and I became best friends. The intimacy and passion soon followed. Each time we were together, I would lie in his arms and we would talk. After he passed, I missed the sensation of having his body next to mine, but I also missed the sound of his voice and his laughter. I hope to be your present and your future, Alex. Talk to me. Tell me about your day. Open your mind and your heart.”

  Placing the palms of her hands on his chest, she rested her chin on her hands and looked up at him.

  “I will never expect miracles.” She smiled. “Allow me to begin by telling you about my week.”

  Ten minutes later, she kissed his chest. “What are you feeling?”

  Alex was envious of the relationship she’d shared with her husband, but communication outside his immediate family was never one of his strengths. He took a deep breath, considering his choice of words.

  “I find myself confused by my emotions. I enjoy being with you, and I pray you will suggest it on another occasion, but I’m not capable of replacing your husband on the level you spoke of.”

  “I don’t expect that. I’ll be elated the day you say you love me. I said earlier, I’m patient.” Sarah stretched up and gave him a gentle kiss. “Are you capable of intimacy again?”

  What followed was the most amazing experience of his life. Even writing about it the following day brought a smile to his face. Sarah gave her body, heart, and soul and he returned a passion he wasn’t aware existed inside him.

  In the early hours of the morning, Alex rolled onto his back and attempted to breathe. He was exhausted but happy. Sarah never opened her eyes, but rested her head on his chest. With their hearts pounding, he placed his arms around her.

  “I never believed I would experience passion with another man. You may not be comfortable expressing your emotions with words, but your kiss and the experience we shared spoke to me.”

  “I’d like to hear you have forgiven me for the inappropriate kiss.”

  “I have not.”

  Alex opened his eyes. Her facial expression remained serious. “Hmm. I may require assistance,” he whispered and then yawned. “I expected to have your forgiveness once we shared a bed.”

  “No,” she mumbled.

  “I’m too exhausted to think. I must return home.”

  “Stay with me. Hold me,” she begged.

  Too exhausted to argue, Alex repositioned his arms around her.

  “Ahhh,” she sighed.

  They both fell into a deep, sound sleep.

  Alex woke when the sun began to rise. Opening his eyes, memories of the previous night filled his mind. Dinner with Rose and Richard followed by passion. With responsibilities at the orphanage, he lifted his arm off Sarah’s waist and crawled out of bed. Adjusting his eyes to the minimal light, he located his trousers and shirt and began to dress. Sarah moaned, rolling from her side onto her back.

  “Alex?”

  Guilt-ridden having woken her at such an early hour, he cringed. “Shh. Sleep my darling. I must get back to the orphanage.”

  “You were planning to leave without speaking to me?”

  Looking toward Sarah, he saw a tear run down her cheek. “It’s early Sarah, but I have to return home. If you’d like, I’ll come by and pick you up after church. You can spend the afternoon at the orphanage.”

  She nodded ever so slightly. Alex leaned over and kissed her cheek before turning and walking out of the room.

  * * *

  Stewart took his morning coffee outside, sat on the porch, and enjoyed the dimly lit sky. He was sipping the hot liquid when their automobile approached the building and Alex stepped out.

  “Good morning. I trust you slept well,” Stewart greeted.

  Alex’s attention quickly shifted to the ground before he began walking toward him.

  “I did,” Alex admitted. A slight smile broke free.

  “Sit down.”

  Alex sat to Stewart’s left and stared ahead. He avoided eye contact.

  “It’s doubtful you returned to your sister’s home after taking Sarah to her apartment.”

  “I didn’t.” Alex turned his head and looked at him. “I don’t regret sharing Sarah’s bed, but question whether emotionally our relationship has progressed too quickly. As I say that, physically, I’m very pleased. In a perfect world, on a quiet afternoon, I’d ask Sarah to accompany me upstairs, but it would be impossible to keep my intentions discreet. I cannot imagine Momma’s reaction. She wouldn’t be pleased. She’ll be hoping I marry Sarah.”

  Stewart nodded. Hope wasn’t pleased by his living arrangement but had grown to accept it. She wanted to see both her children wed.

  “Yes,” he admitted. “This family adores Sarah, but it is your happiness within that relationship that’s important. Your heart is committed to Sarah. Her heart is committed to you. With Donovan blood in your veins, and recalling my own reluctance to rush a relationship, you have my support. I would enjoy seeing Sarah on a more regular basis.”

  “Papa? What are you saying? What are you suggesting?”

  “I’m not suggesting anything. Sarah makes your eyes sparkle. You are well aware of my living arrangement. I wish to see you happy, Alex. Allow your heart to be fulfilled. Trust it.”

  “I trusted my heart in the past. Christine will always hold a special place in my memory, and I enjoyed her company, but I didn’t fall in love with her. Elaine captivated me with her beauty, but I couldn’t live under her regime. I look back and no longer see attractive qualities. I’m mesmerized by Sarah’s eyes, her smile, and her laughter. I recall our first kiss—”

  “I would have expected you to forget the kiss at the hall,” Stewart teased.

  “The kiss that followed at her home. I was not aware a kiss could evoke such passion.” He looked up at the sky. “Last night … well … Nana wrote of her emotions and desire to be in your arms again. Elaine and I would be intimate and I would return home, content to wait for the next occasion.” He looked back at Stewart. “At this moment I find myself missing Sarah. We haven’t been apart an hour.”

  “You’re in love.”

  “How is it possible you were certain at such a young age? I’m afraid a few months from now I will be sitting by your side, speaking of a woman I have met and Sarah will be a distant memory. I will be avoiding Sarah like I attempt to avoid Elaine, or worse, she will meet a man that captivates her heart in a way I’m not capable of doing. I’ll have nothing but memories.”

  “You must trust yourself. Trust Sarah. I never kissed Jane although I found her appearance quite pleasing.”

  “Neither my heart nor my head are trustworthy. Sarah is far more beautiful than Elaine. My heart pounds in her company and that didn’t occur with the others.”

  “Your admission is pleasing to hear, yet that is not the case.”

  Alex’s eyes penetrated him. “You must look at Sarah’s features.”

  The words were magical to Stewart’s ears. Alex’s was falling deeply in love. He was scared, but in time, that would pass. Sarah needed patience, as he had with Izabella.

  “Open your heart and allow Sarah to enter. I refuse to believe the entire family is misreading her character.”

  Alex buried his head in his hands.

  “You must change your attire before you assist with the children.”

  * * *

  Hope sat at the table, attempting to wake up when her
poppa entered with Alex. Restless through the night, she had wandered into the nursery in the early hours of the morning. Looking out the window, the automobile wasn’t in its normal parking place. She placed her coffee cup on the table.

  “You didn’t sleep….” She stopped herself and grinned. “You have grown into a man I’m proud to call my son. I will be pleased watching you walk down the aisle and commit yourself to Sarah. Neither Adam nor Poppa mentioned a discussion regarding money for a ring. Was last evening a celebration of an engagement? Did you place a ring upon her finger?”

  Poppa turned and went to the kitchen without uttering a sound.

  “No, I didn’t,” Alex admitted. “I’m not contemplating marriage at this time. I don’t recall this family being pleased with my previous engagement.” He stood like a statue at the door.

  The admission broke her heart, but so did his rebellious stance. Hope slumped into her chair. “This isn’t comparable. That engagement was not your idea.”

  “I didn’t request her hand in marriage, but I acknowledged the engagement by allowing Elaine to display the ring on her left finger. Until I’m certain of my emotions, I won’t ask Sarah to be my wife.”

  “You were engaged, yet never shared Elaine’s bed for the entire evening.”

  “Nana Natasha was pregnant when she and Papa Stewart married. You and Poppa were together before your wedding night.”

  “Alexander Stewart,” she exclaimed. She sat up straight, but her cheeks burned.

  “Mom-ma,” Alex groaned. “I read the diary and the journal.”

  Unable to deny it, she stared at her coffee mug, placing both hands around it. The door to the adjoining kitchen opened and Adam entered. “We were engaged,” she responded.

  “Until I am confident in my emotions, I won’t be asking Sarah to be my wife. I have invited her to dine with our family this evening,” Alex told her. “She’ll be joining us after church.”

  “There will be a place setting beside yours,” she assured him.