Natasha's Legacy (16 page)

“No. It would be impossible to forget you. No
one has entered my heart like you have.”

“But you’re still willing to end our
relationship?”

He gripped her hands. “I’m
not
ending it. I’m encouraging you to fulfil your
aspirations. I will cherish every moment we’re able to share.”

“You’re a fool to believe this relationship
will survive my absence. After laying with you, I crave your
physical touch.”

“As I do yours, but—”

She pulled her hands away from his. “No.
You’re not listening.”

“I am listening, but I’ll be happy knowing
you’re happy.”

“You will move on with another woman and I
will live with regret. I love you, Alexander Stewart Venderkemp.
I’m unable to imagine a life without you.”

Alex looked into her watery eyes and wiped
her tears with his thumbs. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead
and then held her. He had never experienced such emotions. Alex
clenched his eyes shut, attempting to stop the tears.

“Your career will soar beyond your
expectations. You will become a member of high society, keeping
company with nobility.” It was a lifestyle Elaine wanted, but he
had no interest in. “Why weren’t you offered this before we met? My
heart would not be breaking. Yours wouldn’t be breaking.”

Alex stared at the floor, unable to stop his
tears that dripped onto his shirt. Tired of arguing, his mind was
swimming. He was exhausted but he had to think. Without looking at
Sarah, he kept his voice lowered.

“If she declines this offer, to continue
building our relationship and regrets her decision, I will never
forgive myself. It’s doubtful she will receive a second contract
with another offer. A life without Sarah? No. I want her in my
life. I want her in my home and especially my bed.”

Her hands gripped his forearms and she pushed
herself away from his embrace.

“Alex?”

I vocalized those words.
No. How could I be so stupid?
After hours of rehearsing the
conversation in his mind, Alex had not anticipated the discussion
would occur during a disagreement.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and
looked into her eyes. “My humble apologies. Those words were not
meant for your ears. Not this evening.”

“I’m not going to pretend I didn’t hear
you.”

“I can’t deny my desire to have you in my
life. In a perfect world, you would be in my arms as I fall asleep,
and I would wake every morning to see your beautiful face, but this
contract—”

“The dream belonged to John. When I met him,
he aspired to be a concert pianist, and sharing a common interest,
we spoke of travelling the world. John cherished every moment on
stage, knowing he had a captive audience and put his heart and soul
into his music. I sat on the stool this evening and closed my eyes.
John was with me. He was present. I attempted to fulfill our goal
of playing together. I love creating music and would have moved
heaven and earth to ensure my husband’s happiness, and to remain
close to him. When John passed away, I considered quitting, but
that would have disappointed him, even in memory. It was imperative
I was able to see you in the audience this evening and also to
sense his strength.”

Alex never uttered a sound when she
paused.

“I’m not shy, but I’m not comfortable
performing with such a large audience present. Us being together,
gave me the strength to play. My nerves became agitated when my
instructor Martin told me I’d be performing to a building filled to
capacity. Andrew’s goal is for me to become a pianist, to live
John’s dream, but it is not mine. Eventually, my brother will
accept my decision and John will smile knowing I’m happy.”

“Sarah! You’re wasting your talent. I’m
unable to imagine the opportunities you would be given.”

“Alex, I heard the words you whispered. I’ve
been hoping you would ask me to become….” Sarah stopped. Her eyes
filled and more tears ran down her cheeks. “You never used the term
marriage or any phrase to suggest I would become your wife.”

It broke his heart to see the pain in her
eyes but nothing had changed. He avoided looking at her. “I wish I
were able to propose marriage.”

“What’s stopping you? I love you. I’m certain
you have developed feelings for me.”

“You know I have.”

“But you won’t marry me?”

He reached for Sarah’s hands, searching for
the words to explain his emotions. The reasons for his
reluctance.

“Sarah, if you were to become my wife, moved
into my home, and cried day and night, you would regret your
decision and grow to despise me. I cannot risk that.”

“It would be impossible to regret that
decision. I love you.”

“You’re not accustomed to living in an
orphanage. I live with my family and a large number of young
children. Volunteers and staff are in the building.”

“Without a commitment, I could find myself
homeless,” she mumbled. “You’re able to leave my possessions
outside the private entrance. It was difficult when John passed. I
cannot experience the same heartache, attempting to restart my life
again. You haven’t had a committed relationship. After your
heartache with Elaine, you had your home and career.”

Alex forgot he was arguing to persuade Sarah
to accept the contract. She needed reassurance. If she was unable
to live in his home, he would ensure she had money in her pocket
and found a home. His family would assist. That wasn’t questioned,
but it never entered his mind to speak of the finances, of the
trust fund, Nana Natasha’s heritage or Papa Stewart’s business.

“Sarah, if you’re not happy in my home, I
will assist you financially until you settle.”

“You
are not
in the
position to make that promise.”

He placed his hands on her cheeks and looked
into her bloodshot eyes.

“Sarah, as God as my witness, you have my
word. If you are not comfortable living at the orphanage, I will
assist in your search for a reasonable apartment. I will not lose
you from my life. I will telephone you every evening and you will
be welcomed to dine with my family.”

“You shared Elaine’s bed, but still avoid
seeing her. You shared a strong bond with Christine, yet have not
attempted to re-establish a friendship. Based on your history, we
would not remain friends or acquaintances. I’m terrified I’m going
to lose you.”

“That scares me too. I pray to God you’re
happy living under my roof.” Alex leaned forward and gave her a
gentle kiss. “I plan to ask you to become my wife once I’m certain
we’re both happy.”

Sarah looked toward the ceiling.

“Dear God. Help me find the words when
speaking with my parents. I can’t fathom this conversation.” A
light smile transformed her face. “I love you, Alexander Stewart
Venderkemp. I hope I can work my way deep into your heart.”

“You’re agreeing? You plan to join me in my
home?”

“I am.”

So ecstatic, Alex wanted to jump for joy, but
he held himself back. “Sarah, you must assure me. If you are not
happy, speak with me.”

“You have my assurance, but I don’t doubt I
will love your home. I love you.”

“If you wake in the morning regretting your
decision and decide to accept the contract and become a
professional pianist, I will support your decision. The fee for the
use of the telephone will be atrocious, but I’ll cherish hearing
your voice and be waiting for your return with open arms.”

“The only regret I’d ever have would be
declining your offer.”

Hearing the conviction in her voice, Alex
kissed her. Seconds later, her body was lowered onto the sofa.

“Alex. There are more comfortable
locations.”

Alex stood and guided Sarah into the next
room.

* * *

Alex and Sarah arrived at the orphanage early
the next morning. Once the children were fed and settled, Alex
drove toward her parents’ home. As suggested, he took her parents’
dog outside and played with their golden lab. Through the open
window, Alex could hear their voices.
I should be
by her side, supporting her. I love her parents as my own.
It seemed to take an eternity, but her parents walked outside with
Sarah with smiles on their faces. Whether those smiles were truly
genuine, Alex couldn't be certain, but they accepted her decision.
Leaving her parents home, Alex steered the car towards Andrew's
residence. Sitting by Sarah's side in their parlour, Andrew was
vocal and adamant in his opinion.

“You are a fool, Sarah. You have practiced
your entire life to be able to perform. Now that that dream is
within your grasp … what you are thinking? You're not
thinking.”

Ingrid didn't utter a sound. Alex stared at
his clasped hands.

“It is my life, Andrew. My decision. Not
yours.”

It was a short visit, but it seemed to last
forever.

Getting into the car, Alex reached over and
gripped Sarah's hand.

“Are you happy?” he questioned. “You can
still change your mind. I’ll support you.”

She squeezed his hand. “I’ve made the only
decisions I can live with.”

Monday morning, Sarah gave notice to her
superintendent before leaving for work. Given the travel time
between the orphanage and the mercantile, she asked her boss for a
decrease in her hours. They agreed upon one day a week.

Two weeks later, Alex and Sarah finished
loading her boxes into the wagon, left her apartment and Alex
guided the horses to her parents’ house. After dinner, they were
enroute to their home. Once at the orphanage, Alex grabbed one
suitcase and reached for her hand. Approaching the building, an
awful clanging sound greeted them.

“You didn’t tell me you own musical
instruments.”

“We do not. I must assume it’s a new toy.
Perhaps something donated by a volunteer or resident from the area.
I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but that is dreadful. I will
personally destroy it.” The noise became louder. “What is the
matter with my family? Their tolerance for that clangy noise is far
stronger than mine.”

Alex opened the door to the private parlour
and saw his poppa sitting at a baby grand piano, clinking away.
He doesn’t possess an ounce of musical
talent.
Poppa looked at them, stopped playing, and then
smiled. It dawned on Alex. His family had given Sarah a gift. The
best gift possible. Music. Alex focused on Sarah as she stared in
awe at the instrument. His grandfather rose from his chair, walked
to them, and kissed Sarah’s hand.

“It was a pleasure hearing you play. This
family would be honoured—privileged to hear you again. It is my
hope this instrument will allow that to happen, on a regular basis.
Welcome to your new home.”

“It’s true. They bought Sarah a piano,” he
mumbled. Alex attempted to swallow, but the lump in his throat made
that task impossible. “Sarah will be able to play daily.” His heart
filled with pride.

“I’m humbled by the offer, but I am unable to
accept this exquisite gift.”

“Sarah, if you are not willing to play, it
will be left to the children … and … well … heaven forbid, my
husband,” Momma remarked. “My nerves will not tolerate such
clanging. Alex did not show an appreciation for lessons in his
youth, but the people in this building would be privileged to hear
the music you are capable of creating.”

Tears raced down Sarah cheeks. Tears of
happiness. Putting his arms around her, Alex held Sarah’s head
against his chest. He looked around the room at his family and
mouthed the words ‘thank-you.’

Once she regained her composure, she wiped
the wet streaks from her cheeks and turned her head while remaining
in Alex’s arms.

“I don’t possess the words. I am unable to
show the extent of my gratitude.”

“I have two requests,” Papa Stewart told her.
“That you will honour us with the angelic sound you are capable of
creating, quite regularly.”

“It would be my pleasure, but you stated two
requests.”

“Keep that smile on my grandson’s face.”

When Papa winked at them, Sarah turned and
looked into his eyes. Beaming with pride and happiness, Alex
smiled.

“I will try.” She turned her attention back
to his papa. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank
you.”

Sarah walked over to each member of his
family and gave them a big hug as Alex grinned.

After settling the children for the evening,
Alex walked down the attic steps. He noticed Sarah in the hospital
ward, reading a story to a five year old boy. Alex sat on the edge
of the bed and listened while Sarah finished. The young boy
struggled to keep his eyes open.

“Don’t fight the sandman, Joseph. Sleep
well.”

Alex touched the boy’s head and then took
Sarah by the hand and led her down the hallway, unlocking the door
to the addition.

“Alex, your family. They are so close.”

“I was conceived, born, and raised in this
section. The addition was designed with the knowledge my parents
would share a home with Papa Stewart and Izabella. I assure you
both have enjoyed … well, it’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“My word. I cannot imagine my parents….” she
mumbled.

“Living in my home, you will witness the love
and admiration both couples share. The look in their eyes and more
than an occasional embrace. It does not occur in front of the
children, but it will occur in our presence.”

“I’ve never seen my parents show affection.
What if they hear …
us
?”

“That’s doubtful, but they will know we’re
happy.” He closed the door to the room they now shared.

The following morning, Alex rolled over and
watched Sarah sleep. It had been an interesting evening. Sarah was
so excited and eager to play the piano, she wasn’t the least bit
tired when they went to bed. She was more than a little
uncomfortable in his home. They snuggled in bed and talked until
they fell asleep. Ready to rise and shine, Alex unfolded himself
from the sheets, dressed and then left their room. Once on the main
level, he went into the parlour to examine the piano. Eventually,
he worked his way back into the dining area and into the
kitchen.