Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  “I am so pleased, Poppa. Have you picked a date? We must begin planning a wedding.”

  “Hope,” Adam whispered. “Your poppa has agreed to build the addition. This project will take time away from other projects. It will be difficult to concentrate and organize a lavish wedding with a proper honeymoon.”

  Hope nodded, but displayed a frown, showing her disappointment.

  Stewart’s parents were equally thrilled to see the ring on Sunday during dinner.

  * * *

  The shovels hit the ground. Within two weeks, Greg and his crew joined the remainder of the men. The addition began to rise. Stewart avoided his office, spending every moment of his time ensuring the structure was built according to his precise specifications. Vicki arrived at the site daily and their momma once a week. Both women raved about the transformation.

  Believing the child in Vicki’s womb was a gift, both Stewart and their father insisted Greg spend more time with his wife, assisting with the preparation for the newest member of the family.

  * * *

  Hope stood with Izabella, Vicki, and Nana and watched the men work on the exterior of the old building. Adam walked out and joined them, gazing at the structure.

  “This is quite extraordinary,” her husband admitted. “I find myself humbled at the change in the building where I was born and grew up.” He leaned toward her. “You must settle my curiosity, Hope,” he whispered in her ear. “What is the cost of this transformation?”

  Hope squirmed inwardly with embarrassment. Consumed with the sketches and her dreams for the addition, she hadn’t thought to ask for an estimated cost. Not wanting to admit the truth, she closed her eyes, and then looked at Adam.

  “Poppa has not mentioned a price and I haven’t asked him yet,” she finally confided.

  “Hope Venderkemp. A minor in business from Picton University, graduating with honours, and you have not discussed price? It is my hope we can afford to pay our debt once the project is complete.”

  Humiliated, Hope lowered her head. Adam must think I’m a fool. How could I be so stupid, forgetting something so vital? She glanced at her aunt hoping for some insight. “Aunt Vicki?”

  “I’m not responsible for quoting a price. Greg and Stewart discuss the matter and I accept payment. You must speak with your poppa.”

  “This is terribly embarrassing, Adam. However did I manage to forget to request an estimate?”

  “I gained a beautiful bride and lost my intelligent study partner.” He gave her an affectionate grin. “I shall return to the location of our honeymoon to retrieve her.”

  Hope quickly covered her eyes with her hand. This was no time for his occasional wit to surface. The orphanage ran on a tight budget. Finances had always been their utmost concern. This was her first test, and she was failing horribly.

  That night at the dinner table, Hope turned to face her father.

  “Poppa. Adam and I require an estimated cost for the restoration and addition.”

  Her father’s focus turned to the food on his plate for a few seconds before he looked at her. “Hope Donov….” He stopped. “Hope Venderkemp. My business has never been discussed within the walls of this home. That will not change now.”

  She glared at him. “Poppa, this is personal,” she responded angrily.

  “Absolutely not. I will not discuss this here,” he replied firmly.

  Hope turned and looked to the opposite end of the table. “Uncle Greg,” she pleaded. “I beg of you. I require a quote.”

  Greg looked across the table. Her father, a master of procrastination did not meet his gaze.

  “My humble apologies, Hope. I was not asked to negotiate for your project. I’m not able to assist you.”

  Certain Izabella could persuade him, she looked across the table. “Izabella, I beg of you. I require your assistance.”

  “Nay,” Izabella quickly replied. “I will never interfere with your father’s business. My apologies, Hope, but I’m not willing to become involved.”

  “Vicki,” Stewart began. “I believe you had a visit with Doc.”

  Hope sighed and gave up, temporarily.

  * * *

  The following morning, when her father arrived with the crew, Hope met him on the steps of the orphanage. “Poppa, I still need an estimate.”

  “You have my assurance, Hope. I will not drain your trust fund.”

  “Pop-pa,” she responded angrily. “Please.”

  “I must go in haste. My assistance is required.” He walked off in the direction of her grandfather.

  “Pop-pa,” she called. “Ple-ease.”

  He continued walking as if he hadn’t heard her. Left alone, Hope returned indoors and walked into the office. Adam was sitting behind his desk, reviewing volunteer applicants. He glanced up as she entered.

  “Did you get the quote?” he asked.

  “Nay.” She slumped onto a client chair, discouraged and upset. “He’s stubborn and avoiding my request. He has no idea how insufferable he is. Would you speak with him?”

  Adam didn’t even attempt to muffle his laugh. “I will not! Your father and his crew have been working on this building for over two months. The negotiation of price occurs before the project is begun. If he were to quote an astronomical fee that is beyond our ability to pay, how would I respond? Should I tell him he must quit at this moment and submit his invoice for the work completed to date?”

  Disheartened, Hope’s eyes clouded with tears. She bit her lip in a futile attempt to hold them back. “Do not mock me!”

  Fighting her tears, she stood and turned to leave. Adam jumped from his chair and rushed to her.

  “My apologies,” he whispered. Reaching out, he touched her shoulder, took her in his arms and embraced her. Once her breathing settled, he backed in to his desk, leaning against it, and held both her hands in his.

  “Dealing with your poppa, I’m not concerned about the cost. His price will be reasonable. With any other company, we would approach them together for a resolution. You’re not accustomed to running a business. I accept responsibility for assuming you had discussed a fee. Since the project is financed from your personal resources, I didn’t feel the need to inquire when the idea was first discussed. This orphanage runs on a tight budget. I’m comfortable with this lifestyle, but you’re not. Momma learned, as you will. You will never proceed without all the paperwork in place again, I’ll wager.”

  “I failed,” she replied, furious with her error.

  “Nay,” he assured her. “Your poppa is stubborn, but you have learned a valuable lesson. It is my belief your father has not considered a price. He will not until he sees the actual cost. He is completing this project for you, the pearl of his heart. I’m expecting to be invoiced at his cost.”

  Adam leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. Still struggling to come to terms with her blunder, she turned and walked out.

  * * *

  “I feel so sorry for Hope,” Keeghan admitted to Alexander and William. “She wants to be valuable to the business in Adam’s eyes, but that is a major screw-up. I remember when I told Irene and Lawrence that I was considering buying the boutique from them. Their only advice was to give serious thought before hiring family. Hope just got caught by this one.”

  “Yup. We are both fortunate. You have a great staff and James and I have a great working relationship. The Donovan clan is a bit stubborn and Hope hired her dad.”

  Alexander pointed toward the screen.

  * * *

  Vicki entered the final stages of her pregnancy. Concerned, Stewart suggested their mother come to the house during the day to assist her. Greg had left for work at the orphanage project when Vicki had her first contraction. Eliza telephoned the orphanage and spoke with Adam’s father. Greg left immediately for home with Hope by his side.

  Sixteen hours later, Stewart and Greg were pacing the parlour floor for the umpteenth time. Willard sat on the sofa, with Izabella attempting to keep him calm. The wa
il of a newborn child shattered the tense silence. Within a few minutes, they heard a door open. Hope rushed down the staircase.

  “Uncle Greg,” she called from the second storey hallway. “You have a son. A beautiful, healthy little boy. Both your son and Aunt Vicki are well.”

  Stewart embraced Greg. “Congratulations. You’re a poppa. I have a nephew.”

  His poppa stood from the sofa, walked over to the men, and embraced Greg and then Stewart.

  “I am a papa again,” Willard gloated.

  “Aunt Vicki is ready to greet you,” Hope announced.

  The men rushed up the steps. Filled with emotions, Stewart watched Greg kiss his wife’s forehead and then take his son into his arms for the first time. Stewart fought his own tears when he took the baby, his nephew, into his arms.

  Two days after the birth, Hope took the buggy and made her way to her father’s office. Entering the building, she found him at her aunt’s desk. He was so engrossed in the paperwork all around him, he didn’t notice her. She gave a quick tap on the open door.

  “Aunt Vicki shall be busy with baby Matthew and not able to work for a while,” she remarked. “Who will prepare the payroll?”

  Seeing his scowl, she fought a giggle.

  “I shall,” he grumbled. “This appeared logical when Vicki explained it, but now, it seems complicated.”

  Perfect. The response I hoped for. “To my knowledge, your education did not include a business course.”

  “Do not approach me for a week,” he warned. “I’m such a bear I shall avoid Izabella to ensure our relationship survives.”

  Hope laughed but there was truth to the comment. All the men in her life got grumpy when faced with a chore they didn’t enjoy. What her aunt accomplished in ten minutes, would take her father an hour.

  “I shall rescue you and your employees. I’m able to pay bills, do payroll, and deal with your mail. Your employees expect to be paid—and paid properly. This will be good experience in preparation for dealing with paperwork at the orphanage.”

  Her father pushed himself from the desk, picked up the accounting box from the floor, and placed it on the desk in front of him.

  “Another name on the payroll,” he moaned, then winked at her. “I fear to inquire what your hourly rate is.”

  Hope gathered the scattered papers on the desk and placed it in the box before taking it into her arms. “We’ll negotiate wages later,” she replied, avoiding eye contact with him. Turning, she walked out of the room.

  * * *

  Friday morning, Hope was sitting at her desk, reviewing the accounts payable for Donovan Contracting and Engineering when her father arrived. She moved the papers to the far side of the desk and pulled the cheque book over for him to approve the payroll. Her father sat and glanced at each individual cheque before signing his name.

  “I appreciate as a newlywed and a business owner with a building that is operational twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, that you that you are looking for hobbies to occupy your spare time,” he teased. “I assure you, Mrs. Venderkemp, my company is financially sound and capable of paying for your services.”

  Perfect. Just as I hoped. “We have yet to discuss my wages. Once we agree upon the estimate for the orphanage, we can discuss a reasonable wage.”

  “You will find the file for Carson, Victoria. Her current hourly rate is documented,” he responded. “Although Mrs. Carson has more experience, I’m a fair employer and willing to match her wages for your services, Mrs. Venderkemp.”

  He stood and walked toward the door.

  “Poppa,” she called angrily.

  Her father turned and pinned her with a glare.

  “As an employee of my company,” he warned, “your tone is unacceptable.” Her father spun on his heel and left the office. A few minutes later, Adam arrived in the doorway. She glanced up at him and shook her head. He went to her side and kissed the top of her head.

  “Hope, your role is to assist your father until your aunt is ready to return. He loves you. Trust him to do what’s right. I’m not concerned. I don’t want to discuss this again.”

  * * *

  Standing back, Stewart admired the workmanship of the addition. The old weathered building appeared fresh and loved. As usual, the image in his mind had been replicated. Now they were in need of another large project. Greg approached and handed him an opened envelope addressed to Donovan Contracting and Engineering. He pulled the paper from the manila envelope and quickly scanned it. Within seconds, his lips curled into a smile. An entrepreneur was coming to the area to build a large hotel, a truly magnificent structure judging from the specs in his hand. The letter invited his company to bid.

  “We discussed this hotel when we first heard of it,” Greg reminded him.

  Stewart glanced at Greg, nodding.

  “They’re expecting a unique design and will pay a handsome price if this hotel is worthy of their name and reputation. Does the architect have any inspiration?”

  Already drafting the plans in his mind, Stewart’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. He had gained a reputation for his ability as an architect after working for Charles Herrmann. This project would allow his talent to soar to a much higher level.

  “We shall start to prepare a bid immediately.”

  “I recognize that look in your eye. This will be a truly memorable design,” Greg boasted proudly. “But, for now, I shall join my crew at work.”

  * * *

  Once completed, the orphanage looked magnificent. Stewart was proud and pleased that the addition blended perfectly with the original building. After giving his crew the afternoon off, Stewart walked through his daughter’s new home. He examined the detail, and nodded in approval of the workmanship.

  Opening the door leading to the private quarters he hoped to share with Izabella, he stood glancing at the four walls. He hadn’t spoken to Izabella about their living arrangement in some time. It was still his hope that she and the Herrmann lawyers would find a way, a technicality that would allow Izabella to become his wife. If not, Hope had to agree before they could begin a new life together here. Walking toward the window, he noticed a few children playing in the grass. Leaning against the window frame, he looked up at the heavens.

  “This shall be my new home, Natasha. I know you shall follow me here and will enjoy this room. It is perfect for sitting and reading, but you must promise me. If Izabella joins me here, your spirit must stay outside the bedroom. I love you, but I do not wish to feel your presence while holding Izabella in my arms. If I were watching you from heaven, I would grant you the gift of privacy.”

  Stewart left the room and took the private staircase down into the dining area and parlour. Stepping outside, he worked his way toward the original building. Less than a year earlier it appeared old and weathered. Now, it was vibrant and full of the life it held within its walls. Pleased with the new tall, arched windows, they would allow ample light into the building. As he completed his inspection, Greg arrived in the buggy with Vicki and little Matthew. Holding Matthew, Greg followed Vicki toward Stewart.

  “Adam and Hope will be here momentarily. The tour will begin once Izabella arrives,” he informed them.

  “Oh my gosh,” Hope exclaimed, rushing to her father’s side. “Our new home. Me and Adam, you and your wife.”

  Stewart noticed Vicki look at Greg and shrug. He had yet to speak with Vicki to confirm his desire to join his daughter and her husband. Stewart remained silent. Hearing a horse’s hooves, Stewart turned to see a familiar mare and buggy arrive. He stepped away from his family, walked toward the buggy, and assisted Izabella to the ground. After unhooking the horse and leading the mare into the fenced area, he locked the gate, and escorted Izabella to his family.

  “We should wait for Nana and Papa,” Hope suggested.

  “I’ve been informed they wish to wait to see your home filled with furniture and love.

  “They shall be our first guests to dine,” Hope responded.<
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  “We shall begin. It is with honour that I show you your new home.”

  Stewart opened the door to the private area and stepped inside. The large room had ample natural lighting and a wonderful view of the grounds from the east windows.

  “This is designed as the parlour,” he announced. After allowing a brief time for them to appreciate the room, he carried on with the tour. “The dining area.” Again, the room had a multitude of windows to provide natural lighting for meals. Pointing to the door to his left, Stewart informed them it led to the existing kitchen. Walking toward the staircase, Matthew began to stir in his father’s arms. They walked single file up the staircase to the second floor.

  “To the right, we have small rooms for the future Venderkemp generation, or perhaps storage rooms,” Stewart informed them. He winked at Hope and continued down the hallway. “The master bedroom is located to the right.” He pushed the door open. “I believe it will offer ample space. A corner room allows for windows to the north and east, providing a beautiful view of the back and side of the property. With the trees outside, you should be protected from the morning sun.” He closed the door.

  “Poppa?” Hope indicated the single door on the opposite side of the hall. “What of this door?”

  Stewart winked at Izabella, reminding her it was the doorway to the private quarters he hoped to share with her.

  “I’ll show you this side later,” he informed his daughter. He unlocked and opened the door at the end of the hallway. “The walls and door leading to the medical area of the orphanage are well insulated,” Stewart informed Adam. “I have been assured you will not hear any commotion from the orphanage. Your former bedrooms are now a small rest area and office for the staff. It was my assumption your personal area will be kept locked and off limits to the staff and volunteers.”