Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  “Where is Alex?” Adam questioned, before locking the door connecting the orphanage.

  Hope remained silent, but pointed toward her father’s quarters.

  “Oh,” he moaned. “They’re not in the habit of leaving the door open when they’re enjoying … hmm … private time,” he finished, raising his eyebrow. “Please tell me they are not in that room.”

  She continued pointing. “I cannot say that with any certainty. Alex assumes they’re napping,” she reminded him. “I didn’t see either yawn or struggle to keep their eyes open when we spoke.”

  “They may enjoy a nap once they finish.” He chuckled.

  Hope glared at Adam. “How is it possible you find this situation comical?” She had seen her father and Izabella kiss and snuggle on many occasions. It had taken some time, but Adam had gained a comfort level kissing her in the company of family, even though they had never seen his parents hold hands. Physical contact in public was unthinkable in his parents’ opinion. It was probable Alex had interrupted intimate time.

  “Adam. I’m embarrassed, yet you laugh.”

  “My apologies, but I cannot help myself,” he admitted, fighting a smile. “I’ve seen the way they look at each other. They’re in love.”

  “Ugh,” she groaned, dreading the next few minutes. Hope walked into her father’s sitting room. “Alex must be informed this is unacceptable,” she warned, lowering her voice even more. “Poppa and Izabella deserve privacy within their own quarters.”

  Still grinning, he reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She stopped outside the entrance to the bedroom.

  “We can’t enter that room. Not while they…,” she stopped herself, unable to vocalize her thoughts. “I’m not naive, but do not want to see this.”

  “I require a moment,” Adam informed her, fighting his chuckle. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Alex,” he called, keeping his voice stern.

  * * *

  “Papa. Bewwa. Hug.”

  Even under the covers, Stewart heard Alex’s voice. Stewart’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled back from his embrace with Izabella. Then he felt movement at the bottom of the bed. He’s in our room! Pulling himself up onto the bed. Stewart pushed himself off Izabella, and rolled onto his back before sitting up. Grabbing the sheets and blankets to ensure he wasn’t exposed, he attempted to breathe. Glancing toward Izabella, she clenched the sheet and blanket tightly up against her chin. He turned his attention back to Alex. His young grandson was quickly crawling up his legs. Fearing he would have a child’s palm or knee thrust against him, he had to protect himself. He released the grip of the blanket and placed his hands over his groin.

  Izabella giggled. “I do not recall sending an invitation.” Izabella continued giggling.

  Alex crawled up his chest, flung his arms around Stewart’s neck for a big bear hug.

  “You were to nap after your snack,” Stewart informed him. He returned the child’s embrace.

  “Hug.”

  Stewart kissed the top of his head. Izabella pushed herself into a sitting position, keeping a grip on the blanket. His cheeks burned with heat penetrating deep into his bones. He chuckled. “You have no idea what you interrupted, young man. I love you, Alex.”

  “Alex.”

  Adam. Stewart looked toward the closed door. Hope and Adam were waiting to take their son to his room.

  “Poppa,” the child replied without concern.

  Although his grandson had climbed onto the bed, he would not risk the possibility of him getting hurt if he fell off the side. He couldn’t risk exposing himself if he attempted to assist Alex. There were no options given their lack of attire. He glanced toward Izabella, raised his eyebrows, and shrugged his shoulders.

  “You may enter,” Stewart informed them, loud enough to ensure he was heard.

  Hope entered the room with Adam a step behind. Izabella clenched the sheets to her chin with one hand while she attempted to cover her flushed face with the other. Her reflection was quite visible from the mirror on the dresser. Adam bit his bottom lip, but it did not hide his grin. Hope lowered her head and stared at the floor.

  “My apologies. Alex ran before I was able to stop him,” Hope admitted.

  “Alex,” Adam began. “You’re to be choosing a book for Poppa to read.”

  “Wannid hug. Papa hug.”

  Keeping a firm grip on the sheet, Izabella turned her attention to Stewart. “We didn’t lock the door. I’m not certain it was closed properly.”

  “I find myself embarrassed,” Hope admitted. “I am so sorry for the intrusion.”

  “You’re embarrassed?” Stewart questioned, raising his eyebrows. “You’re not lying in a bed as God brought you into this world.”

  Adam chuckled.

  How is it possible such a shy man could find the situation comical and not humiliating? Stewart had seen his parents embrace and snuggle, but never saw them in a compromising situation.

  “I would have preferred Alex walking into our bedroom,” Hope informed her husband.

  “I prefer privacy,” Adam replied with a wink. “Our door has always been locked to ensure we’re not interrupted.”

  Hope’s entire face turned beet red. Stewart’s chuckle broke free.

  “Where pray tell is the shy man I married? You spend too much time in Poppa’s company,” Hope informed him.

  Turning his attention to his grandson, the young boy was shifting his attention among his family members. He didn’t understand the conversation or the fact he would be disciplined.

  “I don’t believe he shall be emotionally or physiologically scarred,” Stewart assured them. “Yet I fear he’s too young for an explanation as to the event he interrupted.”

  “I will accept that as an offer to converse on the topic once he’s older,” Adam remarked. He broke into an ear to ear grin. “I fear I will blush more than my son when the time comes.”

  Izabella’s laughter filled the room. The blanket slipped, showing her bare shoulders. Grabbing it, she pulled it back up to her chin, pulled her knees closer to her chest, and hung on tightly. Still chuckling, she glanced toward Stewart. Alex remained contently on his lap.

  “I’ve heard rumours you excel at speaking on the topic,” she remarked, mischievously. “If my recollection is correct, Hope was in her twenties. At the tender age of four, I don’t believe Alex has any preconceived notions on the topic. You’ve been given the opportunity to redeem yourself.”

  Stewart glared at her. Adam chuckled. Hope placed her hand over her mouth but her laughter was evident in the laugh lines around her eyes.

  “That is enough,” Stewart warned, ending the conversation.

  “I fear Alex will have many questions as he attempts to comprehend the subject,” Hope added, obviously enjoying the moment as her father squirmed during the awkward topic.

  “Restrict your remarks to your son,” Stewart ordered, glaring at his daughter, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

  He turned his attention to his grandson. Like his momma in her youth, Alex became grumpy when overtired. He should be drifting off to sleep at this hour. If Adam planned to discipline his son, it needed done in haste.

  “Adam, your son,” Hope reminded her husband, as if reading his mind. “Alexander,” Adam said in a stern voice as he stood at the end of the bed. Alex’s eyes began to water. “Come closer,” Adam ordered.

  Alex slowly crawled off Stewart’s lap. He sat on the edge, staring at the floor.

  “Were you invited to enter the room?” Adam questioned. The young boy shook his head. “Alexander Stewart Venderkemp. You never enter private quarters without an invitation. You are to knock and wait for a response. This rule includes Rose’s room, Momma and Poppa’s, and especially Papa’s. Is that understood?”

  The tears rolled down his small cheeks. Shifting his head slightly, he looked toward his momma, then his papa and Izabella for sympathy. No one spoke or offered comforting words.

  “Is th
at understood?” Adam questioned, keeping his voice firm.

  Alex nodded. Streams of tears soaked his cheeks.

  “Apologize to Papa and Izabella. Then we’ll go to your room and read a book.”

  “Sowwy,” Alex whimpered.

  “I love you, Alex,” Stewart whispered softly.

  “Sweet dreams, Alex.” Izabella blew him a kiss.

  Adam lifted his son and carried him out of the room. The door closed. Stewart waited a few seconds, closed his eyes, leaned his head against the headboard, and looked toward Izabella. Her face was hidden under her arms.

  “Hell of a way to have a nap,” he exclaimed. He broke into laughter.

  Izabella tilted her head and looked at him. Her lips curled into a big grin. “How foolish of me to think we would have privacy in the middle of the day. Hope and Adam standing in the doorway knowing what Alex interrupted. On the next occasion, I shall send formal invitations and remain attired for a young companion. We can play games on the bed and become intimate once we are certain Alex is sleeping.”

  Stewart’s laughter intensified, appreciating her wit after such an uncomfortable experience.

  “I felt compelled to invite Adam and Hope in to retrieve their son. I was not in the position to walk him back to his own room.”

  “You did not wish your grandson or daughter to see you … indisposed?” she teased.

  Stewart closed his eyes at the thought. “Nay,” he responded firmly.

  “I didn’t know you possessed the ability to move as quickly,” she remarked.

  “Nor did I. It wasn’t by choice. I was enjoying the moment before the interruption.” Stewart crawled out of their bed, locked the door to the hallway, and returned to their room, shutting the door before crawling back into their bed. Leaning over, he gave Izabella a gentle kiss. “I’m accustomed to finishing what I start. We will not be entertaining more company.”

  Izabella pushed Stewart onto his back and straddled him. “I love you, Stewart.”

  “Marry me.”

  “That,” she stated, emphasizing the word, “would require leaving this room.”

  Lowering her body onto Stewart’s, she kissed him.

  * * *

  Hope stood at the door and listened as Adam read the story. Alex’s eyes were closed before the fifth page was turned. Adam lowered his voice and Alex was sleeping by the time he turned the next page. Adam covered Alex, kissed his forehead, and followed Hope out of the room.

  “Did they leave their quarters?” Adam asked.

  “Nay, but I heard laughter and the click of the lock.”

  Hope opened the door to the nursery and walked over to the crib. Rose was in a deep sleep. She returned to the hallway and closed the door.

  “Alex was taught a lesson he will not forget. So was Poppa. I’m confident their door will be locked if they do not wish additional companionship.”

  Adam leaned toward Hope and brushed his lips against the side of her neck. Tingles raced down her spine.

  “An afternoon nap has appeal,” he informed her. “Would you care to join me, Mrs. Venderkemp?”

  * * *

  Keeghan covered her face with her hands. “How embarrassing. That is something you never really think about. Sex after kids and not being seen or heard. I don’t remember my parents’ bedroom door being closed.”

  “Our door will get closed,” Will informed her. “Knock and wait for a response. I like that motto.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The bond between Alex and Matthew grew as the boys spent time together. Sunday afternoon, Stewart would turn on the gramophone allowing the children to dance and be silly. Rose inherited the Donovan outgoing personality and loved being the centre of attention whenever possible. She began crawling and speaking before expected, eager to be seen and heard.

  * * *

  Shortly after Alex’s sixth birthday, Stewart sat at the table and displayed tickets. “Adam, it is my hope your parents are willing to house sit while the family attends the theatre.”

  “To house sit and listen for Alex and Rose?”

  “No. I bought tickets for the children as well. Hope was introduced to theatre at a young age.”

  Hope looked over and grinned.

  “I’d be happy to purchase extra tickets if your parents were interested in attending with us, but they declined before Alex’s birth.”

  “My parents would not be comfortable at the theatre. I will ask them to house sit as they have done in the past.”

  On the night of the performance, Adam’s parents arrived to be available for emergencies. The family took their seats in the buggy. Meeting the Carsons, they enjoyed a meal at a nearby restaurant before arriving at the theatre. Taking their orchestra level seats six rows from the stage, Alex sat proudly beside Matthew. Rose snuggled onto Hope’s lap, falling asleep once the gas lamps were dimmed. Hope turned her attention to her son. Alex is as mesmerized as I was. She looked at the stage and enjoyed the production.

  After the intermission, her father held his sleeping granddaughter. Alex struggled to keep his eyes open.

  “Adam,” Hope whispered. She pointed.

  Alex was soon placed on Adam’s lap and was sleeping soundly before the end of the performance. The applause didn’t wake either of the children.

  Returning home, Adam’s parents were relaxing in the parlour. Hope spoke to them and headed for her room to change. She was already in her swimwear when Adam entered their bedroom.

  “Momma and Poppa plan to retire for the night.”

  “We’ll have a good visit tomorrow before they go home.”

  Together, Adam and Hope walked to the pond. Alone, Hope placed her arms around Adam’s neck and kissed him. “Do you recall our first night together?”

  “Vividly, Miss Donovan.”

  “That memory requires an update.”

  “Out here? I fear I may impregnate you again. Doc will not be pleased knowing his effort—”

  “We’ll be careful, but if my records are correct, there is no need to worry.”

  It was late when Adam led Hope into the house and up the steps.

  “I was expecting Poppa to be standing by the door, awaiting our return,” Hope admitted. “I still wonder whether he knew. Poppa never spoke of that night and I didn’t open the discussion.”

  “By the glow on your face that night, I fear he must have suspected something.”

  Hope placed the wet suits in the wash basin before allowing her towel to fall to the floor.

  “That evening, we were intimate twice,” she reminded her husband.

  Adam’s towel fell to the floor beside Hope’s as he lifted her into his arms.

  * * *

  “She’s a frisky little thing, isn’t she,” Keeghan remarked.

  “So are you.”

  “I’ve never heard a complaint,” she informed him, raising her eyebrows. “You’ve never said you aren’t in the mood.”

  “Not possible. I’m in love with you. I’m always in the mood.”

  * * *

  The following month, the family sat down for dinner.

  “Alex. Your poppa and I plan to enroll you into the local school.”

  “No. I’ll learn here.”

  “Alex. It’s an opportunity to socialize. To meet new friends.”

  “I have friends here.”

  “Yes, but you’ll meet different friends. Matthew and Tessa go to school.”

  “I want to learn here. With my orphanage friends.”

  Hope shook her head. Alex’s bottom lip went out into a pout as he slumped into his chair.

  The night before school, Adam joined Hope in Alex’s room at bedtime. Together they attempted to settle him. The young boy fell asleep with tears in his eyes, just as his momma had done years earlier.

  Leaving Rose with Stewart and Izabella, Adam grabbed Alex’s school supplies and he and Hope held their son’s hands and walked their teary eyed son to the one-room school house.

  After intr
oducing themselves to the teacher, a young boy walked over to Alex. The two boys were giggling when Hope and Adam left the building.

  That afternoon, Alex left the schoolhouse, ran to his momma, and began telling her about his day while they walked home.

  The following morning, Rose sat on the bottom step in the lobby, teary eyed as her mother and grandfather walked her excited brother to the door.

  “I learn.”

  Adam stood at the office door and grinned. “Nothing could possibly be as dreadful as staying home with Momma and Poppa,” he teased. Adam walked over to her and gave a gentle tug on her dark brown ponytail. Her blue eyes sparkled.

  “Poppa.” She giggled.

  “We’ll have a special day,” he promised. He lifted her into his arms and carried her up the steps.

  Hope chuckled when Adam related the story on her return home.

  * * *

  Two weeks later, after school, Alex sat on the floor, playing a game with one of his young chums. Adam ushered a new boy into the playroom. As was tradition, the children stopped what they were doing to greet the newcomer. With Johnny only months older than their son, Adam took the boy over to Alex. With the boys contently playing together, Hope walked out of the room.

  Alex and Johnny became inseparable, missing each other when Alex was at school. It broke Hope’s heart knowing Alex’s heart would be broken if Johnny were adopted. Hope walked into the office where Adam was reviewing volunteer applications. She sat on a chair meant for clients.

  “I’ve been thinking,” she informed him.

  Adam placed his pen on the table.