Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “Open your heart and allow Sarah to enter. I would be pleased to welcome her as a daughter-in-law.”

  Marriage? The elated euphoria within his being disappeared. No-o-o. Momma was rushing things. Alex looked toward the ceiling and then back at his momma, glaring at her. With no intention of commenting, Alex turned his attention to his father.

  “Poppa, is little Mary resting?” he asked.

  “She was sleeping when I checked the children before coming down for milk.”

  “That’s good to know. Goodnight, Momma, Poppa.”

  Alex walked out of the room.

  “You must remain patient,” Adam lectured. “Alex possesses Venderkemp and Donovan characteristics. When dealing with pain in his heart, he is similar to Stewart. I hope he is able to fall in love, but we cannot rush him. Both you and Sarah must give him space to breathe. He’ll rebel if you push him.”

  Having his father's support, Alex smiled and walked up the steps.

  * * *

  The following morning, Stewart walked down the steps and into the dining room. Adam was sitting at the table. Inhaling deeply, the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee reached his nostrils. Adam rose and walked into the kitchen returning in a few minutes with a steaming cup and placed it in front of Stewart. His son-in-law proceeded to tell him about the previous evening’s discussion with Alex. Stewart was still chuckling when Alex entered the room.

  “Your poppa was sharing your conversation from last night. I believe you’ve forgotten something. I do not approve of hiding one’s emotions, but have never encouraged a public display of affection. Your exhibition is quite shocking.”

  Alex’s face turned a few shades of pink and red. Then his grandson chuckled.

  “I disagree with you. I recall reading about a kiss. If my memory serves me correctly, you and Nana Natasha were dancing in celebration of an outstanding grade on an assignment. Your classmates were present and watching.”

  “It appears my son has a good memory. History has repeated itself. It would have been advisable to remove that entry before allowing your family the opportunity to read the notes,” Adam remarked.

  “Yes, that kiss occurred in public, but it did not occur in a room full of strangers. Are you capable of admitting the same?”

  Alex shook his head slightly. “I am not.”

  “Then I suggest you restrict your remarks to your relationship with Sarah,” Stewart ordered.

  Adam looked at his son and chuckled again. Stewart turned his attention back to his grandson.

  “As I recall, your sister wasn’t pleased with the kiss she witnessed with a woman in your past. Is there an improvement while kissing Sarah?”

  Adam’s laughter filled the room. “To this day I admire your ability to be blunt and straightforward. Izabella is correct. You’re becoming worse.”

  “I agree, Poppa. Papa is getting worse.”

  “You haven’t answered,” Stewart reminded his grandson.

  Alex simply winked at him.

  “Correct me if I’m mistaken, but I recall the adjectives ‘unbelievable, incredible, passionate, and the family favourite, wow’ used to describe Sarah,” Adam remarked.

  Alex’s face took on the Donovan glow.

  “Izabella, Rose, and Vicki will be pleased,” Stewart added.

  Alex did not respond, but his eyes sparkled. He walked into the kitchen.

  * * *

  “How humiliating,” Keeghan admitted. “I would have died.”

  “You wouldn’t even let me really kiss you when we danced at our wedding reception.”

  “Not with everyone watching, no. Besides, I didn’t want you to get too excited. I didn’t want to leave yet.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows and then pointed back at the screen.

  * * *

  Adam walked a three year old girl into the lobby, squatted down, and embraced her. After whispering in her ear, he stood and shook hands with her new parents while Hope embraced her. When Adam opened the door, Hope noticed a woman in a light-coloured bonnet, long floral skirt, and off white blouse fastening her horse’s reins to the post. The couple walked to their horse and buggy.

  “Elaine?” Hope questioned.

  “I’m not certain. Alex is reading to the children. I will interrupt and send our son upstairs if it is.”

  Standing on the porch, they watched as the woman turned.

  “Sarah.”

  “Hello Hope. Adam.”

  Hope led Sarah into the study room.

  * * *

  Alex was finishing a story when he saw Sarah standing at the doorway with his momma. He finished the last page, handed the book to a volunteer, and went to the door. Taking Sarah’s hand in his, he walked outside. Alex guided her mare into the fenced area before taking Sarah to the back of the building. Reaching the private location, he remembered an entry in his momma's journal. His parents shared their first kiss in the location where they were standing. How ironic. He giggled.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “Momma requested her first kiss from Poppa at this location.”

  “Requested?”

  “Yes. Poppa was too timid to approach Momma.”

  “Apparently, you didn’t inherit your poppa’s shy demeanour. You possessed nerves of stone when initiating our first kiss.”

  “The devil made me blind to the location and spectators. Without assistance, our kiss wouldn’t have occurred for a few more months.”

  “Months?” Her eyebrows raised as she opened her eyes wider. “Perhaps I should be thankful to the devil.”

  Alex’s beamed. “I didn’t expect to see you today. You were scheduled to work, were you not?”

  “No. I’m working tomorrow. I was scheduled to practice at the conservatory, but they overbooked the time. Questioning my ability to concentrate, I rebooked for tomorrow after work. I was captivated by last night’s kiss.”

  That is pleasing indeed. “May I kiss you right now?”

  “Please.”

  Alex placed his fingers on her cheeks, closed his eyes, and gave her a gentle kiss that quickly developed into a long, deep, sensual kiss. When their lips parted, Sarah’s eyes remained closed. She never uttered a sound.

  “Wow,” he whispered.

  “A word does not exist to describe that.”

  “I should return and get some work done. I hope you plan to remain for a while. The entire day, perhaps.” Alex reached for Sarah’s outstretched hand and together they walked toward the entrance of the building.

  “I’m assuming I have been forgiven for my inappropriate timing?”

  “You have not.”

  He stopped abruptly and stared at her. “Truly?”

  “You kissed me in a room full of strangers.”

  Heat prickled the back of his neck. He bit his bottom lip to lessen the sensation. “How will I earn your forgiveness?”

  “With the minor in psychology you received from a prestigious university, you will find your way into my mind.”

  Glancing at Sarah, Alex gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He would simply enjoy the process of strengthening their relationship. “Desperate for your forgiveness, I will enjoy this challenge.”

  Sarah spent the remainder of the morning reading stories to the young children and playing with the older children. After the mid-day meal, Papa invited her into the parlour to visit and Izabella joined them when she returned from the city.

  She dined with them that evening.

  “Sarah has been asked to preform at another concert,” Alex informed them.

  “If you'd like, I’ll get you guest passes.”

  “That would be wonderful,” Momma responded.

  Once the children were settled in their beds for the evening, Sarah followed Alex down to the second floor.

  “It is a perfect evening to swim. Would you care to join me at the pond?”

  “I’ll watch you swim. I’ll get refreshed dangling my feet in the water.”

  “Join me,” he ple
aded.

  “I can’t. My skirt and blouse will not dry at this hour and I will catch a chill travelling in damp clothing.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows and then shrugged his shoulders. “I won’t complain if you decide to swim as you entered this world.”

  “Alexander Venderkemp! I’m appalled.”

  “I’m thankful you are not aware of my full name.” Alex chuckled when she smiled. “Speak with Momma. She has additional swimwear.” He unlocked the door to the addition and then knocked on the door to his parents’ quarters. “Momma, Sarah needs a swimsuit.”

  “Come in,” Momma responded.

  He opened the door to his parents’ room. “I’ll meet you in the parlour.” Alex continued down the hall.

  Alex sat in the parlour with a towel over his shoulders, looking out the window until Sarah entered the room. She had one of their larger towels wrapped around her shoulders. He led her out of the building and toward the pond.

  “It is obvious I’m unaware of your middle name.”

  “Alexander Stewart Venderkemp,” he boasted. “I was named in honour of both Papas. And yours?”

  “Sarah Johanna. Momma simply liked both names. I enjoyed speaking with your papa today. He spoke briefly of meeting Izabella. His eyes sparkled when I mentioned her name.”

  “They met a short time before Momma began university. They became friends and slowly it grew.”

  “They aren’t married.”

  Alex stopped walking and stared at the ground in front of them. The topic would not have been discussed earlier in the day, not in her presence. “I did not say that.”

  “No, but with that response, it’s obvious my assumption is correct. I appreciate the informalities in your home, but am confident she wouldn’t be introduced in such a fashion if they were married.”

  Imperative that knowledge did not leave the building, Alex froze. Papa and Izabella would be infuriated, as would his parents. Business associates, staff, and volunteers at the orphanage assumed they were man and wife. Alex questioned whether Richard was aware of the truth.

  “The topic is not openly discussed within the walls of our home. Promise me, Sarah. You cannot speak—”

  “My lips will be forever sealed, but why aren’t they married? The love and admiration they share is apparent. Your papa’s eyes began to sparkle when Izabella entered the room while we spoke.”

  “I don’t know.” They continued walking. “That is the one and only topic that isn’t discussed. They are in love, as are my parents.”

  “Very much so.”

  “As I have said before, my family does not hide their emotions within the walls of their home.”

  “Or elsewhere?” she questioned. “Having been kissed in public.”

  “Humiliating,” he mumbled. His face burned.

  “We’re fortunate, Alex. Our families lack wealth, but we weren’t raised with a lack of love.”

  Alex remained silent. There was no need to correct her. If their relationship became more serious, the topic of his momma’s heritage and papa’s business would be discussed. Reaching the pond, Alex placed his towel on the ground and dove in. When he surfaced, Sarah was settling at the water’s edge with her knees tucked up to her chest.

  “You’re planning to join me, aren’t you?”

  “I find the water chilly.”

  Swimming over to the edge, Alex looked up at her. “If you’d jump in, you’d find it refreshing.”

  Sarah placed her toes into the water and slowly lowered them allowing her calves to become submerged.

  “Do you swim?” Alex questioned.

  “Certainly. Andrew and I played in the water in our youth. I’ll work myself in, but plan to keep my hair dry.”

  With a quick tug on her ankles, Sarah’s body slid into his.

  “Al-lex,” she squealed.

  Extending her arms, she wrapped them around his neck.

  “Although I enjoy having you close to me, it’s difficult to swim in this position,” he informed her.

  “It’s c-cold,” she muttered with chattering teeth.

  “May I suggest pulling your hair back on our next excursion to the pond?”

  Alex allowed his body to drop under the surface of the water with Sarah still hanging onto him. She giggled when they resurfaced and swam away from him.

  “You must bring your swimming suit. It can be stored in the guest room. I swim most evenings.”

  “Eventually, clothing won’t be required if we are given privacy at the pond.”

  Swim in the nude. His internal temperature rose. I’m blushing. Sarah swam over to him and placed her arms around his neck. Alex pulled her body tight against his and they exchanged a sensual kiss. Sinking under the surface of the water they resurfaced within seconds, laughing.

  They were wrapped in towels when they returned to the orphanage. Once changed, he led her to the back of the building, placed his arms around her waist, and looked into her sparkling eyes.

  “You said your parents shared their first kiss at this location. They admitted this?”

  Alex smiled, having read both his papa’s notes and momma’s version in the journal.

  “Papa Stewart and Izabella were at the orphanage when my parents walked into the lobby after sharing their first kiss. Papa says the glow on Momma’s face lit the room.”

  “Her first kiss. Your poor momma, the anguish. I cannot imagine.”

  “I beg to differ,” Alex winked. “Our kiss was witnessed.”

  “I don’t require a reminder, you fool.” She looked toward the heavens and then back into his eyes. “My brother witnessed our kiss, but not my parents. I’m thankful your family wasn’t in attendance. Wouldn’t you be embarrassed if they saw us kiss?”

  “No. They’re aware I’ve kissed you.”

  “Al-ex.” Sarah covered her face with her hands and then lowered them. She looked at Alex. “You told them about the kiss at the concert?”

  “Yes. I warned you. We talk about everything.”

  “I assumed aspects of your life remain private.”

  “Only when required. In time, my life is discussed. Does this bother you?”

  “I’m … I’m not accustomed to it. My family is not aware of every event in my life. I was happily married. Some facts are assumed.”

  Sarah took a deep breath and exhaled slowly and then stretched onto her tip-toes. The moment her lips touched Alex’s, he placed his hand behind her head and pulled her body tight against his for a passionate kiss. The second within half an hour.

  Leading her back to the horses, he retrieved her mare, assisted her onto the buggy, and watched her ride off.

  * * *

  Adam was in the office when the telephone rang. A neighbour called to say his momma had been admitted to hospital. Hope walked out of the nursery as Adam dashed up the steps.

  “Momma is ill.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  They were in the automobile ten minutes later. Stewart, Izabella, and Alex arrived within the hour and Rose and Richard shortly afterward.

  “Sarah and I had a visit with Nana Saturday afternoon,” Alex told Hope and Adam as they stood in the lobby. “We enjoyed tea and treats. Seeing her with sniffles, I’m guilt-ridden knowing I did not insist she return to the orphanage to be cared for.”

  “Hope and I visited yesterday. Momma assured us her friends were stopping by regularly. That she would miss their companionship if she came to the orphanage. I attempted to persuade her to dine with the family but she was adamant on remaining in her own home, fearing for the health of the children. Families are not interested in adopting a sick child.”

  “Your momma should have come to live with us after your poppa passed,” Hope remarked. “I will insist. She will be comfortable in one of the guest rooms.”

  Adam returned to the hospital room, sat on the chair, and held his momma’s hand. The hours crept on. Adam and Hope remained at the hospital as her condition worsened.

 
By morning, it was obvious Momma Venderkemp wouldn’t be leaving the hospital.

  Sarah arrived with Alex, and Vicki and Greg. By the third day, Adam’s momma appeared incredibly weak, drifting in and out of sleep. Her breathing grew erratic.

  “The doctor insists your momma is not in pain, but I find that difficult to believe,” Hope admitted to Adam.

  “I know in my heart Momma will not recover,” he sobbed. “I will miss her terribly, but this condition cannot continue.”

  Hope embraced her husband, sobbing.

  * * *

  With Alex, Sarah, Rose, and Richard outside escaping the stuffy hospital building for some much needed fresh air, Stewart sat back on the waiting room chair. A hand touched his shoulder.

  “You appear miles away,” Izabella informed him.

  He turned and looked at her. “Yes. I recall the day you spoke of Charles’ death. Of my envy knowing you were able to speak with him before he passed. I wasn’t given that opportunity with Natasha. As you know, I remained by Momma and Poppa’s side. I felt powerless, awaiting the inevitable. I will miss Mrs. Venderkemp, but my heart aches for Adam and Hope.”

  Izabella held his hand, giving it a tender squeeze.

  Later that afternoon, Stewart and Izabella joined the family in the hospital room. Adam and Hope were sitting on either side of the bed, holding Mrs. Venderkemp’s hands and Rose was chatting when her nana’s arms went limp. Sobbing from Rose, Hope, and Sarah filled the room. Hope rushed to Adam as a stream of tears raced down his cheeks.

  “I’ll go for the doctor,” Stewart informed them.

  Sobs replaced the silence as the blanket covered the body.

  “There is an empty void inside me,” Alex admitted, wiping the streaks from his cheeks. “I’ll miss Nana Venderkemp. Without her and Papa, and his parents before….”

  “I know.” Adam acknowledged. “I share that pride and admiration for the sacrifices my family made.”