“Alex. Don’t touch that. The owner may be watching.”
“He is indeed, and the gentleman would be pleased if you would join him for a short tour around the area.”
“It’s yours?” she questioned, her eyes wide as she raised her eyebrows.
“It belongs to the orphanage.”
He assisted Sarah into her seat before walking around the automobile and taking his place behind the steering wheel. Overwhelmed by the experience, she sat very quiet and still, gazing at the interior and the scenery as they rode along.
Returning to her apartment, they enjoyed a meal.
“Could I interest you in another ride?”
“Yes. Please. Of course.”
Alex steered the vehicle to the university.
* * *
On the evening of Sarah’s concert, Alex walked out of his room in his Sunday suit and tapped on Papa’s door. His grandfather and Izabella were sitting on the sofa, playing cards.
“I’ll be sitting in the centre of the third row. Sarah’s parents, Andrew, and Ingrid are looking forward to meeting you.”
“Adam wishes to remain in the building to support little Mary. Hope will not go without your poppa and I’m not comfortable guiding the horses after dark.”
The four year old girl was mourning the loss of her parents. Both Alex and his poppa possessed the ability to build rapport with new children.
“It’s no longer Poppa’s responsibility to care for an orphanage children. It’s my role. I will telephone Sarah and apologize. I will comfort Mary until she is sleeping.”
Stewart slapped his cards onto his lap. “You will do no such thing. Adam is capable of settling the child. Nana Venderkemp will remain as planned and spend the night. We will have a relaxed visit. Enjoy your evening, Alex. Don’t be tardy leaving for Sarah’s home.” Stewart raised his cards and looked at them.
Alex drove to the local florist and returned to his automobile with a package in his hand. He continued onto Sarah’s. She greeted him at the door, dressed for the evening.
“You look beautiful.” He attached the yellow rose and baby’s breath to Sarah’s forest green gown, leaned forward, and kissed her on her cheek. “I’m looking forward to hearing you play. My family attended concerts regularly in my youth, but I haven’t attended since John played.”
“I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
“That is not possible.”
Entering the building and then the actual concert hall, Alex gazed around. It had been renovated. It’s a shame they did not hire Papa’s company. Alex had to admit, he liked the red velvet on the seats. It made the room seem brighter than the traditional blue. They sat with Sarah’s family and listened to the first half of the concert. With a short break in the music, Sarah leaned toward Alex.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby once I perform.” She leaned past Alex. “I’m going. Remain with Alex until I return.”
Andrew rolled his eyes. Alex noticed Ingrid swat his hip.
“Of course, dear,” her momma responded. “Go. Don’t be tardy.”
Sarah stood, worked her way to the end of the aisle and then disappeared behind the curtain.
They listened to a group of musicians. Then, Sarah walked confidently onto the stage. The room became quiet with anticipation. Then a beautiful melody filled the room. Alex sat back and listened in awe. He recalled Elaine saying John McLennon’s wife’s talent was far superior. How true. Listening to Sarah on the piano is comparable to the angels in the heavens.
Once the standing ovation concluded, Alex followed her family into the lobby.
“Sarah is speaking with what I assume is an admirer,” Ingrid told him. “Follow me.”
Her parents congratulated her and then Andrew and Ingrid walked off to speak with friends leaving Alex by Sarah’s side.
“You were magnificent.” Alex handed her a single yellow rose.
“Thank you.”
Sarah raised the flower to her nose and inhaled the perfumed aroma.
“The rose is beautiful….” Her gaze shifted to the side. “Do you recognize that woman? Her face is familiar, but I am struggling to recall her name. I noticed her watching us the moment you stood by my side.”
Alex turned his head, made eye contact, and regretted shifting his attention away from Sarah. Alex prayed Elaine would walk away.
“Alex. It’s a pleasure to see you again,” Elaine remarked.
He looked at Elaine, and then toward Sarah. “Sarah, allow me to introduce you to Elaine McClaire.”
The smile vanished from Sarah’s face. Her attention shifted to the floor. His confident, self-assured friend seemed intimidated in Elaine’s company.
“You performed brilliantly,” Elaine acknowledged.
“Thank you,” she replied without shifting her focus.
Elaine turned her attention to him. Their eyes locked. Pleased, he was confident in her company.
“Alex. I would appreciate a moment of your time. It is imperative we speak in private.”
Appalled by Elaine’s nerve, her audacity, he scowled. “No.” His eyes shifted back to Sarah. She continued to stare at the floor. “I’m Sarah’s guest this evening.”
“Alex, please.”
Turning his attention toward Sarah, her eyes were closed. As if she were on the verge of tears. Disheartened, his heart broke. Do you believe our relationship is threatened by Elaine's presence? It is not. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He reached for Sarah’s hand and then turned and looked into Elaine’s eyes. “There is nothing left to say. I vividly recall your words the evening we broke our engagement. To my knowledge, nothing has changed.”
“My emotions remain unchanged.”
“Cherishing Sarah’s company, I have no desire to speak with you.”
Alex raised Sarah's hand toward his face and kissed her fingers. Sarah continued to look at the floor.
This should be your night. You should be glowing, feeling special, not unhappy. Alex released her hand, placed his forefinger under her chin, and tilted Sarah’s head upward. Relaxed and confident in her company, his attention shifted down to her mouth and those beautiful, perfectly-shaped lips. The world around ceased to exist.
Alex leaned toward Sarah, closed his eyes, and then it happened. He kissed her. It was better than he could have hoped for. After savouring the moment for a few seconds, he pulled back. Keeping his eyes closed, he slid his finger from under her chin, allowing his palm and fingers to rest on her cheek. His lips were back on hers. Alex’s eyes were still closed when Sarah pulled away from his touch.
“Alex. We’re at the concert hall.”
Her words slapped him back to reality.
The concert hall? What have I done? Please, please, allow that kiss to have gone unnoticed. Listening, he didn’t hear a sound. Nothing. The room should have been full of the loud hum of chatter, but it was quiet, uncomfortably silent. Opening his eyes, he took a quick look around. A room full of strangers were staring at them. Closing his eyes, he placed his hands on his burning cheeks. How humiliating. I've embarrassed myself and Sarah. Every ounce of his being wanted to run from the building, but he would never see Sarah again.
Determined to remain and face the consequences, he tilted his head enough to see Sarah’s face. It was difficult to read her emotions, to tell whether she was upset with him.
“My humble, humble apologies.” With a barely audible voice he mumbled. “Please forgive me.”
“I thought you were shy.” Alex strained his ears to listen to her words. “I was mistaken.”
“No. You were not mistaken. I’m terribly shy, especially among strangers.”
Sarah never responded, but looked around the room. What was I thinking? Glancing to his right, Elaine had disappeared, but Andrew and Ingrid were approaching with someone he didn’t know.
* * *
Normally bubbly and chatty, Sarah was quiet in the automobile, staring into the dark night as they travelled. Once inside her apar
tment, Alex closed the door and took her hands in his. “Sarah. Please. Speak to me.”
“Your fiancée is a beautiful woman.”
“She is not my fiancée.”
There was no sign of a smile, no response. I can’t lose you from my life. “She is attractive, but her beauty does not compare to yours.” When Sarah remained silent, he led her to the oval mirror in the sitting room. Standing with her back against his chest, he looked at her reflection.
“Look, Sarah. Your inner beauty is deep within your soul and shines brightly to the surface of your face. It takes my breath away.”
“She would be pleased to welcome you back into her life.” Sarah looked through the mirror at Alex. “You’re able to leave my side and return to her.”
“That will never happen. Elaine is not capable of making me happy or content. Elaine hurt me. I do not regret ending that relationship.”
“I recall seeing Elaine at John’s concert. She did not stop speaking when John walked onto the stage.”
“I recall that dreadful evening like it happened only moments ago. You turned and glared at her. I was mortified, but she continued talking. I was naïve to her arrogance. I will not discuss my past, or my foolish stupidity. You must put me out of my misery. Are you able to forgive me?”
“What possessed you to kiss me at the concert hall?”
Having hoped for Sarah to respond “of course I am!” he wasn’t certain how to respond. His silence brought a tear to Sarah’s eye.
“Alex. Do you regret kissing me?”
Regret wasn’t the word he would have chosen, but he wasn’t able to turn the clock back in time. Ideally, their first kiss would have occurred in private. “Yes.”
Tears raced down Sarah’s cheeks. She stared at the rose Alex had given her earlier in the evening.
“The timing of the kiss was inappropriate.” He looked her reflection in the mirror. With his hands on her shoulder, he turned her around to face him. Reaching for her hands, he brought her fingers toward his face intending to kiss them, but changed his mind, not wanting to initiate another kiss without permission.
“Did you kiss me hoping Elaine would become jealous?”
“No. I did not. I embarrassed you this evening and I humiliated myself. That was not intentional. I regret the public display, but looking into your eyes, I found myself captivated by your beauty. The world around us disappeared and for that brief moment, I wasn’t nervous. I pray, someday, you will allow me the privilege of another kiss. Allow me to assure you, it will occur in private.”
“Do not apologize for kissing me.” A glow transformed her face with her smile. “You’ll be given the opportunity to redeem yourself.”
“I hope so. I cherish our friendship and would be pleased if it were to continue developing.”
“That is my hope.”
Putting her arms around his waist, she clasped her fingers together. Alex allowed his arms to rest on her shoulders.
“I’ve been asked to perform at another concert. I won’t have an opportunity to sit with you, but I’d be pleased to request another guest pass if you are interested in attending.”
“It would be an honour to listen to you play again. It’s getting late. I should return home.”
He leaned forward to kiss her cheek, but Sarah pulled back from his touch.
He cringed. “You’re still upset with me?”
“This evening’s kiss was inappropriate, but I have not forgotten it occurred. I will not accept a kiss on my cheek or hand. Kiss me,” Sarah demanded.
Appreciating her attitude and the determination in her voice, Alex placed his fingertips on her cheeks. Looking into her eyes, the anticipation of another kiss made his heart pound. “I wasn’t this nervous earlier. My pounding heart would have stopped me from considering the kiss. You must be able to hear it.”
Moving her hands to his shoulders, Sarah stretched up, closed her eyes, and brought her lips to his. Ecstasy consumed his being. Alex slid his fingers to the back of Sarah’s head allowing his palms to brush softly against her cheeks. He returned a soft, romantic kiss. Pulling back from the embrace, he looked into her eyes.
“Am I forgiven?” He raised his eyebrows, expecting a positive response.
“For the public kiss? No, but you have permission to kiss me again.”
Sarah closed her eyes. Appreciating the view of her features, he rested his fingers on her cheeks and rubbed his thumb slowly around her mouth. When she parted her lips, his heart pounded with such intensity, it would surely burst from his chest. He closed his eyes and gave her slow, soft, sensual kisses all around her mouth. Then she returned his kiss. Pulling her body tight against his, his heart pounded against her chest. What followed was incredible. The emotions. The utter enjoyment of a long, romantic kiss.
Alex opened his eyes when they parted. Sarah was looking at him.
“Alexander Venderkemp. I did not expect a kiss of such passion or intensity. I find myself burning with desire in your company.”
Pulling her body against his, the kiss continued. His entire being craved her touch. He pulled back from the embrace and looked into her sparkling eyes. “I must depart.”
“I am tempted to ask you to stay.” She glanced toward her bedroom. “But I don’t want two errors in judgment this evening.”
Alex turned and walked toward the lobby. “Do I have your forgiveness for my error in judgment?”
“No, but it is my hope you will contact me tomorrow.”
He smiled and nodded. He gave her a gentle kiss and walked out of her building and toward his automobile. His smile lit his face the entire journey home.
* * *
Momma was sitting in the dining room, holding her shawl over her dressing gown when he entered the room. She placed her cup of warm milk on the table. “You’re home. Did you enjoy the concert?”
After the kiss at Sarah’s apartment, he had almost forgotten the evening began with the concert.
“Yes. Sarah is talented. I have never heard anything as beautiful.”
“It’s pleasing to see your smiling face. You are … you are glowing.”
Poppa walked out of the kitchen with his cup of warm milk in his hand.
“You are glowing,” he confirmed.
Heat rose in Alex’s face. He rested his hands against the chair across the table from them and looked at the floor. “Elaine attended the concert.” He looked back up at his parents.
Poppa adjusted his sleeping gown and sat beside Momma.
“I hope you simply noticed Elaine among the crowd,” his momma responded.
“Elaine spoke with Sarah and me.” He took a deep breath, puffed out his cheeks and exhaled slowly. “She approached and I had to introduce them.”
His parents glanced at each other. Poppa remained silent, but Momma, being a true Donovan, did not.
“You have been courting Sarah for over six months. Have you kissed her?”
“Hope!” Poppa’s eyes bulged. “That’s personal.”
“Yes, but I like Sarah. I must know.”
Alex’s attention shifted from his momma back to the floor. The events of the evening would have been avoided if he and Sarah had shared their first kiss at an earlier date. His confidence level would have been higher and Sarah less intimidated by Elaine’s presence. Unable to reverse time and erase the kiss, he kept still.
“My heart aches for Sarah,” his poppa responded. “Have you spoken of your emotions?”
Alex glared at his father. “How could I possibly vocalize something I’m still confused about? I was emotionally naive and became engaged to a woman who humiliated me. Now you’re asking me to trust myself. I have not spoken of my emotions.” He placed his hands over his face. If they hear about the evening, it's best if they hear it from me. He spread his fingers and peeked through the spaces. “I kissed Sarah this evening. In Elaine’s presence.”
“Ugh!” Momma gasped. She buried her face in her palms. “Please say you kissed her hand.�
�
Lowering his hands from his face, his attention moved between his parents. “I cannot … it’s my judgment that requires improvement, not my aim. A large number of Sarah’s admirers were present and able to see the kiss.”
“Oh my!” His poppa chuckled. “I assume this will be a night you won’t forget.”
Momma raised her index finger and motioned for Alex to come closer. Alex leaned over the table.
“It’s acceptable to show affection by a kiss on the hand, Alex.” She pointed to the top of her own hand; above her knuckles. “Our family is more affectionate than others, but your poppa and I are mindful of the children and volunteers, as are your papa and Izabella. Adam doesn’t recall seeing his parents share a kiss on the cheek or lips.”
“Never in my presence. Their affection was only visible through their eyes. How did Sarah respond?”
Alex took the seat across from his momma, able to picture Sarah’s expression. “She appeared shocked,” he remarked.
“Shocked? Sarah isn’t shy, but I’m certain she was embarrassed, not expecting a public display of affection from you,” his poppa replied.
Alex tilted his head down into his cupped hands.
“We sympathize,” his momma admitted. “Nana Venderkemp witnessed our first kiss. Papa Stewart and Izabella were aware it occurred. You didn’t enter this building overcome with grief. Quite the opposite in fact. Your eyes were sparkling. Were you able to redeem yourself?”
He bit his bottom lip as he smiled and nodded. “Possessing both Venderkemp and Donovan blood in my veins, we talked and then I was given permission to kiss her. Nana Natasha described her kiss with Papa Stewart as wow. The kiss I shared with Sarah was a wow.”
“She returned your kiss?” his momma questioned.
“Uh huh. She did. It was unbelievable, incredible. It was passionate. I do not possess the appropriate adjectives. When Sarah is in my presence, I find it difficult to breathe.”
Natasha's Legacy Page 7