Natasha's Legacy (12 page)

Alex looked toward Sarah to see her
nodding.

“It’s getting late. Do you need a ride home,
Sarah?” Richard asked. "We go by your door."

That would be convenient, saving me the trip
to her apartment, but no-o-o, it's too soon. I won’t see Sarah for
another week.

“That would be much appreciated,” she
responded.

He assisted Sarah to her feet and followed
Richard and Rose to their automobile.

“I will telephone you tomorrow,” he
whispered. He turned to his family. “Goodnight Richard, Rose.”

Alex and Sarah arrived at his sister’s home
mid-afternoon on Saturday. With the meal over, Alex retreated to
the sofa. Richard walked down the hallway toward their bedroom.
Able to hear voices from the kitchen, Alex listened to the women’s
conversation.

“It is pleasing to see Alex smile,” Rose
admitted. “I know you’re the cause.”

“I didn’t believe it was possible to fall in
love again, but I have. When he looks into my eyes, my heart
melts.”

“Richard adores my eyes. Momma says they are
hereditary. Has Alex spoken of marriage?”

“No. We haven’t admitted or discussed our
emotions. The day he says he loves me will be one of the best days
of my life. I’ll know he’ll mean it from the depth of his
heart.”

Alex regretted eavesdropping. Sarah wanted
something he wasn’t prepared to give. He enjoyed her company and
looked forward to kissing her again, but was he in love?

Richard re-entered the room and then the
women joined them once they finished. After chatting, Alex stood
and reached for Sarah’s hand.

“It’s getting late. We should depart.”

Sarah turned on the light when they entered
her apartment and then walked into the kitchen. Alex placed a log
on the fire. Sarah walked into the room, handed him a glass of wine
and joined him on the sofa, snuggling into him.

“I enjoyed our evening. Rose and Richard are
so comfortable in each other’s company.”

Alex placed his arm around her shoulder. “I’m
envious of their relationship. My sister is outspoken, but so is
her husband.”

“Alex, you must be comfortable when speaking
with me. I enjoy listening to you. I value your opinion.”

“I’m far more confident than when we first
met, but like my poppa, I don’t speak simply to hear my own
voice.”

“I adore the sound of your voice, and your
kiss,” she whispered. Her lips touched his.

The gentle kiss had his heart fluttering.
Then her fingers unfastened the buttons on his shirt. Within
seconds, her fingers touched his bare chest. Standing, she extended
her hand and led Alex to the adjoining room.
Tonight. It shall happen tonight.

The foreplay began but neither had the desire
or inclination to wait. The experience ended as quickly as it
began, but it was memorable and incredible. Rolling onto his back,
he held Sarah in his arms as she rested her head on his chest.

“I love you, Alexander Venderkemp.”

Those words were music to his ears, but he
didn’t respond. Looking down into those beautiful eyes, he was
happier than he’d ever been. The room was quiet, but that didn’t
bother him. He closed his eyes.

“I’d like to talk.”

He reopened his eyes. “Here? Now?” he
questioned.

“Yes. Now. I want to know Alexander
Venderkemp. The boy who grew and has become a man.”

“Have you gone mad? I told you about my life.
I attended school, received my degree at university. I courted
Christine, you had the misfortune to be introduced to Elaine. There
is nothing more to say.”

“I’m aware you’re a shy, intelligent man, but
I’d like to know more. I want to know every aspect of Alexander
Venderkemp. I want to encourage you to discuss your thoughts. It’s
natural to be afraid of getting hurt, but I hope to earn your
trust.”

After ending his relationship with Elaine, he
swore he wouldn’t say ‘I love you’ without sincerity. Unable to
trust his head or heart, he questioned his emotions. “I’m unable to
say the words you want to hear.”

“I’m a patient woman. Allow me the time and
opportunity to work my way into your heart.”

“You’re entering my heart, but I don’t trust
my judgment.”

“John and I became best friends. The intimacy
and passion soon followed. Each time we were together, I would lie
in his arms and we would talk. After he passed, I missed the
sensation of having his body next to mine, but I also missed the
sound of his voice and his laughter. I hope to be your present and
your future, Alex. Talk to me. Tell me about your day. Open your
mind and your heart.”

Placing the palms of her hands on his chest,
she rested her chin on her hands and looked up at him.

“I
will
never expect
miracles.” She smiled. “Allow me to begin by telling you about my
week.”

Ten minutes later, she kissed his chest.
“What are you feeling?”

Alex was envious of the relationship she’d
shared with her husband, but communication outside his immediate
family was never one of his strengths. He took a deep breath,
considering his choice of words.

“I find myself confused by my emotions. I
enjoy being with you, and I pray you will suggest it on another
occasion, but I’m not capable of replacing your husband on the
level you spoke of.”

“I don’t expect that. I’ll be elated the day
you say you love me. I said earlier, I’m patient.” Sarah stretched
up and gave him a gentle kiss. “Are you capable of intimacy
again?”

What followed was the most amazing experience
of his life. Even writing about it the following day brought a
smile to his face. Sarah gave her body, heart, and soul and he
returned a passion he wasn’t aware existed inside him.

In the early hours of the morning, Alex
rolled onto his back and attempted to breathe. He was exhausted but
happy. Sarah never opened her eyes, but rested her head on his
chest. With their hearts pounding, he placed his arms around
her.

“I never believed I would experience passion
with another man. You may not be comfortable expressing your
emotions with words, but your kiss and the experience we shared
spoke to me.”

“I’d like to hear you have forgiven me for
the inappropriate kiss.”

“I have not.”

Alex opened his eyes. Her facial expression
remained serious. “Hmm. I may require assistance,” he whispered and
then yawned. “I expected to have your forgiveness once we shared a
bed.”

“No,” she mumbled.

“I’m too exhausted to think. I must return
home.”

“Stay with me. Hold me,” she begged.

Too exhausted to argue, Alex repositioned his
arms around her.

“Ahhh,” she sighed.

They both fell into a deep, sound sleep.

Alex woke when the sun began to rise. Opening
his eyes, memories of the previous night filled his mind. Dinner
with Rose and Richard followed by passion. With responsibilities at
the orphanage, he lifted his arm off Sarah’s waist and crawled out
of bed. Adjusting his eyes to the minimal light, he located his
trousers and shirt and began to dress. Sarah moaned, rolling from
her side onto her back.

“Alex?”

Guilt-ridden having woken her at such an
early hour, he cringed. “Shh. Sleep my darling. I must get back to
the orphanage.”

“You were planning to leave without speaking
to me?”

Looking toward Sarah, he saw a tear run down
her cheek. “It’s early Sarah, but I have to return home. If you’d
like, I’ll come by and pick you up after church. You can spend the
afternoon at the orphanage.”

She nodded ever so slightly. Alex leaned over
and kissed her cheek before turning and walking out of the
room.

* * *

Stewart took his morning coffee outside, sat
on the porch, and enjoyed the dimly lit sky. He was sipping the hot
liquid when their automobile approached the building and Alex
stepped out.

“Good morning. I trust you slept well,”
Stewart greeted.

Alex’s attention quickly shifted to the
ground before he began walking toward him.

“I did,” Alex admitted. A slight smile broke
free.

“Sit down.”

Alex sat to Stewart’s left and stared ahead.
He avoided eye contact.

“It’s doubtful you returned to your sister’s
home after taking Sarah to her apartment.”

“I didn’t.” Alex turned his head and looked
at him. “I don’t regret sharing Sarah’s bed, but question whether
emotionally our relationship has progressed too quickly. As I say
that, physically, I’m very pleased. In a perfect world, on a quiet
afternoon, I’d ask Sarah to accompany me upstairs, but it would be
impossible to keep my intentions discreet. I cannot imagine Momma’s
reaction. She wouldn’t be pleased. She’ll be hoping I marry
Sarah.”

Stewart nodded. Hope wasn’t pleased by his
living arrangement but had grown to accept it. She wanted to see
both her children wed.

“Yes,” he admitted. “This family adores
Sarah, but it is your happiness within that relationship that’s
important. Your heart is committed to Sarah. Her heart is committed
to you. With Donovan blood in your veins, and recalling my own
reluctance to rush a relationship, you have my support. I would
enjoy seeing Sarah on a more regular basis.”

“Papa? What are you saying? What are you
suggesting?”

“I’m not suggesting anything. Sarah makes
your eyes sparkle. You are well aware of my living arrangement. I
wish to see you happy, Alex. Allow your heart to be fulfilled.
Trust it.”

“I trusted my heart in the past. Christine
will always hold a special place in my memory, and I enjoyed her
company, but I didn’t fall in love with her. Elaine captivated me
with her beauty, but I couldn’t live under her regime. I look back
and no longer see attractive qualities. I’m mesmerized by Sarah’s
eyes, her smile, and her laughter. I recall our first kiss—”

“I would have expected you to forget the kiss
at the hall,” Stewart teased.

“The kiss that followed at her home. I was
not aware a kiss could evoke such passion.” He looked up at the
sky. “Last night … well … Nana wrote of her emotions and desire to
be in your arms again. Elaine and I would be intimate and I would
return home, content to wait for the next occasion.” He looked back
at Stewart. “At this moment I find myself missing Sarah. We haven’t
been apart an hour.”

“You’re in love.”

“How is it possible you were certain at such
a young age? I’m afraid a few months from now I will be sitting by
your side, speaking of a woman I have met and Sarah will be a
distant memory. I will be avoiding Sarah like I attempt to avoid
Elaine, or worse, she will meet a man that captivates her heart in
a way I’m not capable of doing. I’ll have nothing but
memories.”

“You must trust yourself. Trust Sarah. I
never kissed Jane although I found her appearance quite
pleasing.”

“Neither my heart nor my head are
trustworthy. Sarah is far more beautiful than Elaine. My heart
pounds in her company and that didn’t occur with the others.”

“Your admission is pleasing to hear, yet that
is not the case.”

Alex’s eyes penetrated him. “You must look at
Sarah’s features.”

The words were magical to Stewart’s ears.
Alex’s was falling deeply in love. He was scared, but in time, that
would pass. Sarah needed patience, as he had with Izabella.

“Open your heart and allow Sarah to enter. I
refuse to believe the entire family is misreading her
character.”

Alex buried his head in his hands.

“You must change your attire before you
assist with the children.”

* * *

Hope sat at the table, attempting to wake up
when her poppa entered with Alex. Restless through the night, she
had wandered into the nursery in the early hours of the morning.
Looking out the window, the automobile wasn’t in its normal parking
place. She placed her coffee cup on the table.

“You didn’t sleep….” She stopped herself and
grinned. “You have grown into a man I’m proud to call my son. I
will be pleased watching you walk down the aisle and commit
yourself to Sarah. Neither Adam nor Poppa mentioned a discussion
regarding money for a ring. Was last evening a celebration of an
engagement? Did you place a ring upon her finger?”

Poppa turned and went to the kitchen without
uttering a sound.

“No, I didn’t,” Alex admitted. “I’m not
contemplating marriage at this time. I don’t recall this family
being pleased with my previous engagement.” He stood like a statue
at the door.

The admission broke her heart, but so did his
rebellious stance. Hope slumped into her chair. “This isn’t
comparable. That engagement was not your idea.”

“I didn’t request her hand in marriage, but I
acknowledged the engagement by allowing Elaine to display the ring
on her left finger. Until I’m certain of my emotions, I won’t ask
Sarah to be my wife.”

“You were engaged, yet never shared Elaine’s
bed for the entire evening.”

“Nana Natasha was pregnant when she and Papa
Stewart married. You and Poppa were together before your wedding
night.”

“Alexander Stewart,” she exclaimed. She sat
up straight, but her cheeks burned.

“Mom-ma,” Alex groaned. “I read the diary and
the journal.”

Unable to deny it, she stared at her coffee
mug, placing both hands around it. The door to the adjoining
kitchen opened and Adam entered. “We were engaged,” she
responded.

“Until I am confident in my emotions, I won’t
be asking Sarah to be my wife. I have invited her to dine with our
family this evening,” Alex told her. “She’ll be joining us after
church.”

“There will be a place setting beside yours,”
she assured him.

Once Alex walked into the kitchen, Hope
turned her attention to her husband.