Natasha's Legacy (20 page)

“Don’t touch me,” she warned. She turned and
met him with a piercing glare.

Alex released his grip. Shifting his body
ahead of hers, he stood in front of the doorway. With his hands
behind his body, he gripped the doorframe to steady himself. He
looked into her eyes.

“Please,” he begged, his voice cracking.
“Don’t walk out that door before allowing me the opportunity to
speak.”

“Communication is important, but so is trust.
You don’t trust me. Our relationship means nothing to you.”

“That is not true.
Nothing
is more important than your happiness.”

“Please move,” she begged.

“I can’t. I won’t. Not until I talk to
you.”

Shifting his eyes toward the ceiling, Alex
shook his head, furious with himself for the oversight. “I’m a
bloody fool,” he said and then looked into her eyes. “How is it
possible I forgot to discuss such important topics? We have
thoroughly discussed the Venderkemps, but not Momma’s
heritage.”

The tears continued to fall from Sarah’s red,
bloodshot eyes. Alex placed the edge of his thumbs on her cheeks
and wiped the wet streaks. She pulled her head from his touch and
crossed her arms in front of her chest. With both hands back on the
doorframe, his heart pounded.
Please, help me
find the words.
He inhaled deeply.

“I intended to discuss my heritage when you
moved into our home. I’m ashamed to admit, our lives became …
occupied with life and it slipped my mind. You must believe
that.”

He watched for a reaction, but Sarah never
moved. Her arms remained crossed in front of her chest. Hoping she
was listening, he continued.

“Allowing you to enter my life was difficult
after Elaine. I didn’t believe it was possible for a woman to be
willing to spend her life here. But I can’t fathom another life for
myself. We became acquainted but I didn’t trust my heart or my
head. When I met your brother and discovered Andrew’s occupation, I
was … my God … terrified. After listening to the conversation with
my uncle, you are now aware my family … we’re not poor. Once I was
certain your affection was sincere, I allowed my feelings to
develop.” Alex paused and took a deep breath. Sarah did not attempt
to get past him. She was listening.

“Nana Natasha.” He stopped. “How do I
describe a woman I never met, but whose death moulded my family?”
He knew the story, but could he keep the facts straight? Given the
emotions of the evening, it was questionable. His papa would
willingly discuss his life with Nana Natasha.

“Years ago, Momma and Papa Stewart were
approached with an offer to reside at the castle. They declined
that invitation. I admire them for that decision and will until my
last breath. Momma’s uncle has ruled for a number of years, yet
within these walls, he’s family. He is not treated any differently
than Aunt Vicki or Uncle Greg.”

Pausing, Alex used his thumbs to wipe the wet
streaks from Sarah’s face. “Growing up in an orphanage, I never
considered our family wealthy. Our wealth exists in the love we
share. I felt privileged knowing we had a roof over our heads, food
on the table, and that Rose and I were given an education. I’d
entered my teens before I learned of Momma’s heritage.”

Alex stopped. He hoped to see a sign of a
smile on Sarah’s face, but that did not occur.

“With his father’s assistance, my papa
started a business. With their joint talent and expertise, it
became the success you know of today. Papa Stewart and Momma shared
a home with Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg until they moved into this
building. Business wasn’t discussed in their home. That rule
applies to this day. I’m proud of Papa Stewart, but I’m equally
proud of Papa and Nana Venderkemp. This orphanage has a reputation
and I’m proud to bear their name. I will continue to put my heart
and soul into this business, assisting the children to find loving
homes.”

“Alex, I appreciate hearing of your heritage,
but I was humiliated earlier today, in front of Prince Marcus. More
than once.”

Alex closed his eyes. He hated hearing Sarah
refer to his uncle so formally. She should have been using the term
‘uncle’.

“I questioned whether Prince Marcus was
making a donation or wishing to adopt. I didn’t know Papa Stewart,
a man I have grown to love and admire like my own grandfather, was
a respected entrepreneur. I should have enquired. I don’t know why
I didn’t, but you never discussed it. You are so comfortable
discussing every aspect of your life with your family, but in my
company, you struggle. I would never intentionally hurt you. I love
you. Having given you my heart, my soul, and my body, I have
nothing left to give … Money and social status? If I wasn’t so hurt
that would be comical. I am living in this building, teaching
students and putting savings aside, just in case, God forbid, this
family runs into financial difficulty. If those things were
important to me, social status and money….” She put her hands on
her head.

“May I remind you, I declined an offer to
travel the world? An opportunity to meet people of influence and
earn an incredible amount of money! I chose to remain with you.”
Sarah’s sobbing stopped her, but Alex remained silent, encouraging
her to continue.

“I would teach piano every waking hour of the
day to support this business you love. In return, you have
absolutely no faith in my love. In your mind, I’m a common
prostitute, giving you my body on a very regular basis.”

He shook his head. He made so many errors. He
had planned to take Sarah out to dinner and ask her to be his wife,
but had procrastinated. Now, he had so many regrets. This was not
an appropriate time to propose.

“I regret moving into your home,” she
admitted. “I question whether you will ever fall in love with
me.”

That comment stunned him. “Sarah, how could
you question my feelings?”

“I will not discuss this.” She whimpered and
covered her face with her hands.

Alex placed his hands on her wrists and
gently pulled her hands down. “Talk to me. Explain that comment,”
he ordered.

She took a deep breath and calmed her voice
before continuing.

“I vividly recall the first time we were
intimate. After I told you I love you, you responded by stating you
would not say those words unless you were certain of your emotions.
I have never heard you say those words.” Sarah sobbed. Her glassy
eyes continued to shed tears. “Now it’s
impossible
for me to be certain of your feelings.”

“You must be mistaken.”

“I’m
not
mistaken,
having prayed I would hear those words from your lips. I have heard
the statement ‘you know I do’ and ‘the feeling is mutual,’ but you
have yet to say those three words. I’m out of patience. Perhaps you
would be happier with another woman.”

“No-o-o,” he winced, shaking his head.

“Do you recall when you last used the term ‘I
love you’? Were you gazing into Elaine’s eyes? In my heart, I
question whether you’re still in love with her.”

Alex shook his head very slowly from side to
side. “There isn’t an ounce of my being that misses her.”

“I never wanted to have this discussion, but
if you’re not happy, I will pack my bags and leave. I have some
savings from teaching. If I approach Martin at the conservatory, he
will allow me a room to teach.”

With tears streaming down his face, he placed
his hands on her cheeks. “I’ve hurt you and will spend the
remainder of my life apologizing. Don’t leave me. I love you,
Sarah. I’m in love with you,” he whispered.

“Truly?” she asked.

She’s questioning my words
and she’s right to do so, given my timing
. “I love you with
all my heart and soul. I need you. I want you in my life.”

Her sobbing intensified. Alex put his arms
around her and held her tight.

“I love you.” He stepped back from the
embrace, wiped the tears from her cheeks and gave her a gentle
kiss. “I’m not complaining, but if I’m to receive salty kisses, I
want them to be tears of happiness. I love you, Sarah.” He took a
deep breath and exhaled. “Now, I plan to go upstairs. I’d like you
to join me while I visit Papa Stewart.”

“Oh my gosh. Not this evening.” She put her
hands over her face. “I must look dreadful.”

“You’re not capable of looking dreadful. I
don’t want to wait a moment longer. Tonight, Papa Stewart will
speak of his life with Nana Natasha.”

Alex led Sarah up the private steps and
knocked on the slightly opened door.

After a long conversation, Alex followed
Sarah out of the sitting room. She had the diary clenched to her
chest. They crawled into bed and talked and talked.

He intended for the evening to end with a
goodnight kiss. It was late, well past the hour he would normally
be sleeping, but the kiss turned into much more. By the position of
the moon, he’d be lucky to get two or three hours sleep, but they
were both smiling and happy and very content.

* * *

Stewart closed the door to the hallway and
followed Izabella into their bedroom.

“I had assumed Alex spoke of his heritage
some time ago,” he admitted. They pulled down the sheets to their
bed.

“I cannot imagine Sarah’s state of mind.
Sitting with Marcus, a man who might intimidate her, and then to
learn he was related to the man she loves. I’m no longer surprised
Sarah left the property for a few hours. I’m relieved she
returned.”

“As am I. I hope Alex has learned a valuable
lesson about communication with people he loves.”

Stewart, Izabella, Hope, and Adam were
enjoying their morning coffee when Alex entered the room. Dressed
for the day, he wiped the sleep from his eyes, still struggling to
wake up. Stewart was reminded of his young grandson when he woke
from an afternoon nap. Normally Sarah would greet them and continue
to the parlour to play the piano until breakfast was served, but he
didn’t see her.

“Where is Sarah?”

“She didn’t stir when I crawled out of bed.
She’s sleeping.”

Izabella chuckled. It was apparent neither
had received adequate sleep.

“Given the sleepy blue shade of your eyes,
may I suggest an afternoon nap,” Stewart remarked.

“I can only pray it’s a quiet day. That Tom
can manage so I can escape for a few hours.” Alex yawned.

Stewart saw the much anticipated article in
the newsprint the following week. A picture of King Joshua with a
bold headline announcing his death. The article outlined his life
and accomplishments.

“He was an incredible man and leader,”
Izabella remarked.

“Yes. Many will mourn his demise.”

Hope and Rose spoke on the telephone every
day. As her pregnancy progressed, Rose complained that her swelling
stomach made it difficult to stand for hours at a time and
manoeuvre around the boutique. Richard and Hope persuaded her to
quit her job. Accustomed to her independence and freedom, Rose
found their two-storey, three-bedroom home small and confining.

“I am amazed you carried both Alex and me
knowing you’d be confined to bed rest for the duration of the
pregnancy. I’m not pleased with the fatigue I’m experiencing.
Richard and I have spoken. This will be our one and only child,”
she informed them during their Sunday get together.

“You’ll feel differently once you hold your
child in your arms, Rose,” Hope assured her.

“Perhaps, but climbing in and out of bed has
become difficult. One day, I will lay down to rest and be forced to
remain until Richard returns home. Heaven help me if I feel the
need to urinate,” she grumbled.

“Would you like your poppa and me to
come?”

“Please. Richard is concerned about leaving
me each day.”

Bags were packed that evening and Hope and
Adam arrived at their daughter’s home before Richard left for work
the following morning.

* * *

Alex and Papa Stewart were sitting in the
private dining room, enjoying their morning coffee when they heard
a tap on the door. Alex jumped from his seat, surprised to see
Grace standing beside Tom. Her brown eyes were sparkling as she
held a game against her yellow dress. Tom, an avid believer in
volunteering, brought his wife and sons regularly over the years.
Now that their children were grown, Tom and Grace didn’t join them
on weekends as often. It was good to see Grace on a regular work
day.

“Pardon the intrusion. I’ve come to spend the
day volunteering with the children.”

“The children have missed you. I have fond
memories of playing when your entire family arrived for the
day.”

“As do the boys.”

The couple turned, walked through the
kitchen, and into the lobby. Alex returned to his seat.

“Does Sarah have plans today?” Papa asked.
“Students?”

“Surprisingly, no. She had two cancellations
and rescheduled her third student. She has the entire day off.”

“May I suggest you take advantage and relieve
yourself of your duties for the day? If Tom is unavailable,
Izabella, Grace, and I are capable of giving tours and taking
donations.”

Grateful for the opportunity, Alex left the
room to find Sarah. An hour later, Sarah lifted the skirt of her
floral dress as Alex assisted her into the car. After completing a
few errands in the city, and enjoying a picnic lunch, Alex drove to
his sister’s home. He knocked on the door and entered. “Rose,
Momma, Poppa.”

“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?”