Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “Alex? We’re in the parlour. What’s the matter?” Momma questioned.

  Entering the room, Momma and Rose were sitting on the sofa, looking at albums with photographs. “Nothing. Grace arrived to spend the day with the children. Papa Stewart suggested I take a day off.”

  “Where is Sarah?”

  “She is speaking with a neighbour of Rose’s. I believe Sarah is about to have another student.”

  “Join us, Alex. We have been discussing our heritage. Momma, Alex was named in honour of both papa’s but I was not named in honour of either Nana Natasha or Nana Venderkemp?” Rose questioned. She rested the book upon her enlarged stomach.

  “No. I chose not to use the name Natasha, and although I loved Nana Venderkemp, I did not want to use her name. Alex chose the name Rose.”

  “Alex?”

  Alex grinned. He and his papa had discussed the day Rose was named many times over the years.

  “Baby Rose.”

  “You have recollections of the day?” his momma asked.

  “Papa Stewart and I speak regularly of the past,” Alex admitted. “To this day, I chuckle during conversations of your youth and of our youth.”

  “What of Alisha, Momma,” Rose questioned.

  “My momma. Natasha Alisha Donovan. Your lips must remain sealed on this topic. Deciding against using Nana Venderkemp’s name, I did not tell either your poppa or your papa of the reason for choosing Alisha. I didn’t expect you to become the mirror image of my momma. In my heart, I’m pleased you carry a piece of her heritage in your name.”

  “It’s possible Poppa is not aware of Nana Natasha’s legal name, but surely Papa Stew—”

  “He is not. Momma told Poppa she was christened Natasha Strathroy and it was never questioned. During conversations with Nanny and Anna I learned Momma’s full name.”

  A few minutes later, the door opened. All three looked up as Sarah walked into the room.

  “Rose and Alex are reminiscing with family photographs,” Momma told her.

  Alex stood, allowing Sarah to take his place beside Rose.

  The following day, Sarah followed Izabella out of the kitchen and placed the dish of potatoes on the table. She took her place beside Alex.

  “A new volunteer began today.”

  “Yes,” Alex agreed. “Jessica, I believe. Tom introduced her to me.”

  “She resembles a cousin of mine,” Sarah admitted. “Five-foot-five brunette with green eyes and freckles. If her hair was longer, and she gained fifteen pounds, she could be Anne’s twin. We enjoyed getting to know one another.”

  Sarah went on to describe how her new friend was a university graduate with a degree in business law. From Sarah’s enthusiasm, Alex expected the two would become friends.

  Chapter Eleven

  Alex walked down the main staircase as Sarah grabbed the skirt of her pink dress and began rushing up.

  “You’re upset. What’s wrong?”

  “I just received a phone call from Momma. Poppa has been hurt.” Sarah choked back sobs. “I need to pack a small bag and leave for the hospital.”

  “I will telephone Poppa and request his assistance here. I’m coming to the hospital with you.”

  Alex took a seat beside Ingrid and waited patiently for Sarah, Andrew, and her momma to speak with the doctor. It took forever before Andrew entered the sitting room. He stood in front of them.

  “Poppa fell from a three-storey roof. The medical staff is still assessing the damage to his legs.”

  An hour later, a red, puffy eyed Mrs. Tymlin joined them in the waiting room. Her attention shifted between Andrew and Sarah.

  “The doctor says your father has lost the use of both legs. He will never walk again.”

  Sarah and Ingrid began to whimper. Sarah parents lived in a two-storey home with the bedrooms on the second floor. It would be impossible for Mr. Tymlin to manoeuvre around his own home independently.

  Alex returned home that evening, settled the children, and went to his papa’s quarters for a visit. He returned to his room, changed, and crawled into bed. He held Sarah in his arms.

  “With your parents’ permission, Papa will renovate their home, making larger doorways and put a bedroom on the main floor.”

  “Momma and Poppa will not accept charity.”

  “I know. They are not hiring Papa Stewart’s company. They will be given the invoices and are expected to pay for supplies. Of course, these will be discounted prices. As for the labour, I will ask Matthew, Richard, and Tessa’s husband Jacob to assist. We will work every Saturday. Papa warned this project will not be completed quickly given our lack of expertise. Your parents can stay with us until the house is ready. I spoke to Poppa as well. A bed will be brought into the parlour. It will become their room.”

  “Oh my gosh.” She blinked back tears. “We’ll speak with Andrew and then with Momma and Poppa.”

  Alex sat beside the hospital bed and convinced Mr. and Mrs. Tymlin to allow Papa Stewart to redesign their home and then invited them to reside at the orphanage until the renovation was complete.

  “We appreciate the offer Alex, but the orphanage may be too hectic given the commotion of the children and Sarah’s teaching.”

  “Then you will stay with Andrew and me,” Ingrid announced. “There is plenty of room.”

  Her momma looked at her poppa and both nodded.

  Alex and Sarah left the hospital and met Papa at the Tymlin home. After a thorough tour which included measurements and notes, Sarah returned to the hospital.

  * * *

  Saturday morning, Matthew arrived at the orphanage with Greg and Jacob, and a trailer filled with supplies. After enjoying the hearty breakfast Sarah had prepared, they followed Alex, Richard, and Andrew to the Tymlin’s home. Prepared for physical labour and the opportunity to work under his uncle, Matthew rolled up his sleeves. He joined the men while Stewart and Greg supervised. Sarah and Ingrid arrived two hours later with fresh coffee and muffins. At noon, they arrived with a picnic lunch for the men. The day progressed incredibly well considering the younger men's lack of experience.

  Leaving the home eight hours later, Alex and Stewart fought to keep their eyes open during their evening meal. They were in bed before the sun set.

  * * *

  Izabella noticed a difference in Sarah almost immediately. “Sarah appears more content. Even happier if that was possible,” she informed Stewart while pulling down the sheets on their bed. “It’s so pleasing to see.”

  “I must speak with Alex.”

  “That shouldn’t be necessary, but I admit Alex is so tired when he returns home, I’m surprised he’s able to keep his eyes open while he eats. I have questioned their relationship, but now I’m confident they will remain together.”

  Stewart cherished his time with the men. The rooms were filled with conversation and laughter as the house took form. Sarah and Ingrid arrived a few times every Saturday, providing snacks and meals. The men would take a short break and relax, and Stewart took the opportunity to get to know Ingrid and Andrew.

  Greg and Stewart were discussing the entrance ramp that would replace the front steps when the women arrived in the buggy. Taking advantage of the fresh air, the men sat on the picnic table to enjoy coffee and freshly baked muffins and scones.

  “Richard, Andrew, Jacob. If you tire of your desk jobs, I know of a firm that would be pleased to hire you. I must commend you on your work ethic,” Stewart remarked.

  “Am I not an adequate worker, Papa?” Alex wiped the sweat from his brow. “I’m aware you hire the best, but I thought I was doing a good job, an adequate job. I’m waking Sunday mornings to discover sore muscles that I didn’t know existed in my body.”

  Stewart winked at Greg and then turned his attention to his grandson.

  “You are also to be commended, Alex, as your efforts here are outstanding. However, it would be impossible to replace you in your current job. I am unable to fathom another man willing to accept a positi
on that requires twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for what basically amounts to ‘room and board.’ A man who takes pride in the position.”

  Sarah stood behind Alex, her hands on his shoulders.

  “It is the Venderkemp blood in my veins, Papa.” His smile lit his face.

  “Yes, and it’s admirable.”

  Adam and Hope were in the parlour of their daughter’s home when Richard walked down the steps, preparing to leave. “Rose is awake. I must depart for work.”

  Hope poured a glass of milk for her daughter and wandered up the steps with Adam behind her.

  They were sitting by the window in the master bedroom talking when Rose jolted. Her hand grasped her enlarged stomach, spilling the milk on her sheets.

  “Oh, sweet mother of God.”

  Not expecting the child for another six weeks, Hope turned and looked at Adam. No words were spoken, but both had vivid memories of her pregnancies and the horrible miscarriages. Hope placed her coffee on the night table, leaned over, and kissed her daughter’s forehead.

  “She is not fevered, but I want Doc’s opinion.”

  “I’ll contact Doc and then Richard. Stay with our daughter.” Adam walked out of the room.

  Hope and Rose were talking when Adam returned.

  “I also spoke with Alex. I suggested they stay at the orphanage. Richard is on his way.”

  Their family doctor arrived just after Richard. The difficult, awful wait began. Time progressed slowly, too slowly for Hope’s liking. The men paced and stared out the windows.

  “This is dreadful,” Hope admitted, standing and placing her hands on her hips. “I want to know what’s happening.”

  “I’ve experienced this four times, Hope. Hoping and praying you were well.”

  Hope stared at the ceiling. “Heavenly Father. Look after my daughter and the baby inside her.” With her patience wearing thin, Hope walked up the steps, listening for sounds from the bedroom. With the door slightly ajar, she returned to the parlour. “Doc is talking to Rose, keeping her calm and reassured.”

  Ten hours after Rose’s first contraction, the wail of a newborn broke the silence. Hope dashed up the steps.

  “That is music to my ears,” she heard Adam tell Richard. The men appeared at the base of the staircase.

  Listening at the door, Hope heard voices but couldn’t decipher words. Curious, she opened the door and saw the nurse holding the infant, her grandchild.

  “A boy,” Rose announced with pride, making eye contact with her momma. Rose grasped her stomach. “A-agh.”

  No-o-o. Please don’t allow Rose to experience complications now that she has given birth. The door closed. Rose is in agony after the birth of the baby. That never happened to me. She looked down at Adam and Richard.

  “A boy, but Rose isn’t well. We must pray for our daughter.”

  Richard slumped onto the floor. With his back against the wall, he removed his loosened tie and threw it onto the floor. He tilted his head up and stared at the ceiling.

  “I beg of you God. Assist my wife. Keep her with us.” He turned his attention to Hope. “Rose was so excited to discover she was carrying a child.” Richard turned and looked at Adam as he stood beside him. “You experienced this agony four times with Hope. I cannot imagine.”

  “It wasn’t pleasing to hear Hope was expecting Alex or Rose, but I thank God daily for my children.”

  “I will be eternally grateful for one child and a healthy wife.”

  Hope’s mind drifted as she waited to hear Doc’s voice or Rose’s voice. Minutes seemed like an eternity. It was too quiet in that bedroom. Doc was such a soft spoken man, his voice didn’t travel.

  What’s happening in there? Is Rose unwell?

  “A-agh.”

  Hope jumped at the sound of her daughter’s voice. My grandson is in that room. Doc and his nurse must focus on Rose. “Doc. Allow me to take the child,” Hope called through the closed door.

  The door opened and the nurse placed the beautiful babe in her arms. Perfect in every way. Looking down the steps, she saw Adam and Richard standing. She began walking down the steps with the child wrapped in a white blanket.

  “Rose has given birth to a daughter,” Doc announced from behind the closed door.

  Hope stopped and looked up the steps.

  “A daughter?” Hope questioned. She looked at the child in her arms, tempted to remove the blanket bundling the babe. “Earlier, Rose stated a son,” she reminded Adam and Richard.

  “Is the sex of this child … questionable?” Adam asked.

  Hope shrugged her shoulders and began walking up the steps. The door to the master-bedroom opened and the doctor stepped out.

  “Rose has given birth to two normal beautiful babes,” he informed them. “A boy and a girl. All three are well.”

  Hearing the thud, Hope looked down the steps. Richard had slumped on the floor with his back against the wall.

  “Richard?” Hope remarked. “Adam, is he unwell? Did he faint?”

  “Richard?” Rose called.

  “No. Yes. I’m fine. We were … oh my … we are prepared for one baby, not two.”

  Adam squatted and touched his son-in-law’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Do not be concerned. This family is accustomed to babies. You will be given all the support you need.”

  Holding her grandson in her arms, Hope looked into the room. Rose was on the bed, holding her own daughter, smiling. Looking up at her mother, her eyes were a sleepy shade of blue.

  “Richard is spooked by the revelation, but he is well and proud,” Hope told her.

  “Doc assured me there was only one heartbeat. Richard shall be pleased. He wanted two children. He is now a poppa to a boy and girl. We must tell Papa Stewart and Alex.”

  “Your poppa and I will telephone the orphanage.”

  Richard stood and darted up the steps taking them two at a time to see Rose and their babies.

  * * *

  After a long anxious day waiting to hear news, Stewart was standing at the door in the lobby, staring out the window when the telephone rang. He turned and walked into the office. Alex ran down the steps from the medical area, prepared to take the call if it concerned the business. Picking up the telephone, Hope’s voice almost deafened him. He pulled the earpiece from his ear.

  “Twins?” he questioned.

  “Yes, twins,” she confirmed. “A boy and a girl. A perfect family. Rose needs rest. Come tomorrow.”

  A short conversation continued.

  “Send along our love.”

  They ended the call.

  “Rose has given birth to twins,” Stewart announced. “All three are well,” he continued, relaying the information.

  “Twins?” Alex questioned. “Rose never mentioned this.”

  “Rose and Richard are surprised, but thrilled. This explains her size. Rose is tired, but well. She requires rest, but looks forward to seeing us. Hope is suggesting we go tomorrow.”

  After breakfast, Stewart opened the rear door of the automobile for Izabella and looked to see Sarah settling in the seat behind Alex. He took his seat beside his grandson.

  Adam greeted them at the door to Rose and Richard’s home. “Hope is upstairs, helping Rose to feed the twins.”

  “Adam. Rose is ready for company,” Hope called out.

  Alex led the way up the steps. Rose was resting in bed with pillows supporting her back and head. One child was in her arms. Richard sat on the edge of the bed, holding the other child. Stewart leaned over the bed, kissed Rose’s forehead and sat on the reading chair beside the window. Once settled, Richard placed the child in his arms.

  “Your great-grandson.”

  “Would you burp your niece?” Rose asked Alex.

  Alex’s face brightened as he took the baby from his sister.

  “Have you chosen names?” Alex asked.

  Richard took his place beside his wife and kissed the top of her head.

  “No,” Rose admi
tted. “I was afraid we’d bring bad luck to my pregnancy. We will discuss names later.”

  * * *

  It took over nine months to complete the renovation to the Tymlin home, but Stewart was pleased with their effort. From the exterior, the only visible change to the stately home was a ramp leading to the entrance. Entering the building, a number of walls had been demolished, creating larger rooms and allowing a wheel chair to manoeuvre freely. Indoor plumbing was added to the home, counters were lowered, and a lift had been constructed to allow Sarah’s father as much independence as possible for getting in and out of bed.

  On the day of the tour, Alex took Sarah’s hand and followed Mrs. Tymlin and Ingrid as Andrew pushed the wheelchair into the home. Mrs. Tymlin could not offer enough praise as she took Papa Stewart’s hand in hers and thanked him. When Papa Stewart returned an embrace, she cried in his arms.

  That evening, Alex entered his room for their chat.

  “In all my years of business and all the projects I worked on, that was my second favourite project preceded only by this building,” Stewart informed him. “Seeing the extended family work together in such harmony warmed this ageing heart.”

  * * *

  “Ah-h, what a touching moment. That would have been pretty special. The entire family, both sides working on a project. I can’t imagine the pride in Sarah’s heart,” Keeghan admitted. “I appreciate this story being told by you, Hope, and Stewart, but I’d like to get some insight into Izabella, Rose, and Sarah’s minds. That’s my only complaint. Don’t stop it. Keep the story going.”

  Alex smiled and then pointed at the screen.

  * * *

  Adam and Alex were finishing breakfast when someone knocked on the door.

  “Come in.”