Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  “Yes,” Adam agreed.

  Hope and Adam were each handed a key.

  “My parents will be so proud,” Adam informed the group enthusiastically, his face glowing. “I don’t have the words to convey my gratitude. Hope will have the space I know she craves, and I trust she will be content living here.”

  Walking through the medical section of the orphanage, they retreated down the staircase to the lobby. Matthew began to whimper. The baby needed a feeding and a sleep. Greg and Vicki departed for home, leaving Stewart and Izabella with Adam and Hope.

  “Poppa, we have not spoken on this topic for some time, but it would be pleasing to know you have designed an area for your own use.”

  Stewart looked at Izabella but she didn’t utter a sound, confirming nothing had changed. He had procrastinated on the topic hoping Izabella would inform him she could marry him. That hadn’t happened. Now, he no longer expected the woman he loved to become his wife. During the past months, their relationship had strengthened. Izabella arrived at the orphanage daily to observe the progress, and after closing her boutique for the day, joined the family for their evening meal. Once Hope and Adam retired for the evening, he took Izabella home. The nights he stayed with her were wonderful. He would leave for home shortly before the sun rose, before Adam and Hope rose to begin preparing for their day at work. Only Greg and Vicki knew the truth.

  The time had come for the dreaded conversation. He would have to inform Hope and Adam of their future plans. Wanting privacy to speak, Stewart knocked on the office door and then entered the room with the others following. With the door closed, he leaned against the large desk.

  “Do sit down,” he suggested.

  Hope and Adam sat on the chairs meant for clients. Izabella remained by his side. “I would be thrilled to accept your invitation to move into this building,” he informed them. “The single door on the south side of the hallway leads to a private living area for Izabella and me to share.”

  Jumping to her feet, Hope embraced him. “I’m so pleased. You have set a date for your wedding.” She stepped back.

  Izabella gripped his hand and gave it a squeeze, silencing him. “We have not,” she whispered solemnly. “There will not be a wedding. I do not wish for you to ever question my love for your poppa, but we will not be married.”

  “But Poppa just said the rooms are for you to share.”

  “Indeed, that is his intent, but we will not be sharing that space as man and wife. Within these walls, it shall be assumed we are married. In my heart, we have been for some time.”

  “I don’t understand,” Hope whispered, her eyes clouding with tears.

  Seeing the tears broke Stewart’s heart, but this wasn’t his wish, it was Izabella’s. Hope reached for Izabella’s left hand and looked at the diamond.

  “You are wearing Poppa’s engagement ring.”

  “Indeed I am, with pride. We are engaged for a lifetime commitment to each other. I’m honoured to wear this ring and hope to spend the remainder of my life with your poppa, but I cannot marry him.”

  Hope released Izabella’s hand and slumped onto the chair beside Adam. She stared at the floor. Stewart could only pray she would accept the arrangement. Izabella would not move in without his daughter’s approval. The orphanage was a large building, but far too small if there was animosity.

  “Is it possible you shall be married later?” Hope questioned optimistically. “Once you adjust to your new home?”

  “Nay,” Izabella responded sadly.

  Watching Hope struggle, Stewart questioned whether his personal gratification was worth Hope’s torment. He and Izabella could continue as they had for the past months. As Stewart was about to speak, Adam shifted from his chair, squatted in front of his wife, and held her hands. Wanting to give Adam a moment to speak in private, Stewart and Izabella moved to the far corner of the room. He looked at Izabella and then stared at the ceiling. I beg of you, Natasha. Give Adam the words. Allow Hope to open her heart to the idea. I love Izabella and wish to fall asleep with her in my arms, as I did with you. He turned his attention back to Hope and Adam.

  “Hope, sweetheart.” Adam’s works were whispered, but in the small room, Stewart could hear him. “I’m certain you wish for your poppa to be happy. Do you believe he would be happier without Izabella?”

  “No.” She sniffed and wiped her nose.

  “Now that we’re together, I’m unable to imagine my life alone. I cannot fathom your father’s pain spending over ten years mourning a loss. Your momma and God brought Izabella into his life. The love they share is apparent. I beg of you. Don’t force them to separate.”

  Hope turned her attention from Adam and looked at her father.

  “Have you spoken of this to Papa, or Nana, or Aunt Vicki?”

  “Nay,” Stewart responded. “Although I value their opinion, it will not influence our decision. Yours will. This is your home, and Izabella will not agree to join me without your approval. We have discussed this. I wish Izabella felt differently, but I understand the reason for her decision.”

  “I do not,” Hope responded.

  “They deserve an explanation,” Izabella informed him. “The time has come for Hope and Adam to know the truth regarding my past.”

  Izabella spoke of her husband, his company, her position, and why it was important she remain Mrs. Charles Herrmann. Hope knew few women attended university. Less entered the world of business. Most educated women became school teachers or nurses. Stewart thought she looked impressed with Izabella’s accomplishments.

  “Hope, although it pains me to admit this, we as a family will be keeping a secret,” Stewart informed her. “Deceiving those around us, but my personal life is of no concern to the staff and volunteers of the orphanage. I see no need for our relationship to be discussed. I see no need for anyone at the orphanage to know my surname or Izabella’s. The fact that my business and the Herrmann business are profitable could be detrimental to the orphanage, a business that relies on donations and adoptions.”

  “That hadn’t crossed my mind, Stewart,” Adam admitted. “The Venderkemp Orphanage must remain self-sufficient.”

  “Indeed it must. So you understand the need for privacy and secrecy, regardless of whether Izabella moves into the orphanage?”

  “Yes. We must return to the original conversation.” Adam turned his attention back to Hope. “Sweetheart, it’s your poppa’s life and happiness. It’s his decision, not yours. You will not find contentment if your poppa is grieved by a decision you have made. Swallow your pride, Hope. Your poppa lost your momma due to decisions that were out of his control. Do not cause him more grief and suffering. His happiness should be your utmost concern.”

  “It is,” she insisted, keeping her voice lowered.

  “Then I don’t understand your reluctance to agree when this is your poppa’s wish.”

  “It’s unorthodox.”

  Uh! Stewart gave his head a wee shake. Little in my adult life has been ‘orthodox’.

  “Unorthodox?” Adam repeated. Keeping his voice lowered, he continued. “Perhaps. Yet a strange concern from a woman who suggested we become intimate before our wedding.”

  Stewart’s eyes almost bulged out of his head. It was obvious Adam didn’t realize he and Izabella could hear them from the other side of the room.

  “You found it acceptable the evening at the pond,” Adam reminded her.

  “Stewart.” Izabella’s voice was so low he barely heard her. “This should be a private discussion.”

  “I expected your support,” Hope lectured.

  “I’m sure you did, and you received it. To be truthful, the idea is not pleasing, but I believe we can keep his secret. No one will know. Even while the crew worked on the building, the staff and volunteers did not know your father owned the business. I hope I’m not being naive, but I do not see the need for concern. We are married. That is all that matters.”

  “Adam.”

  “Your wish
is for your poppa to wed, but that is not Izabella’s wish. Apparently, your happiness is more important than hers.”

  “That is not true.”

  “Is it not? You’re pouting like a child. Izabella has a reason for her decision. Preparing myself to be the owner of the orphanage, I will do anything and everything in my power to ensure the orphanage remains in existence. To ensure the children are cared for. Izabella feels the same passion for her deceased husband’s business affairs. I will do what it takes to ensure the secret of their relationship is not disclosed.”

  Surprised but proud, Stewart realized his son-in-law had more backbone than he originally gave him credit for.

  * * *

  Less than pleased with the conversation, Hope stared at the floor and sighed. Unable to recall a time in her life when she did not wish for her father to wed, disappointment filled her being. She looked toward her father as he stood in the corner with Izabella. He was staring at the ceiling.

  “Poppa,” she called, getting his attention. “I know marriage is meaningful in your heart. You were hurt when Momma declined your proposal.”

  “Indeed, I was, but this situation is different. It was vital my children were raised as Donovans and not Strathroys. You were growing in your momma’s womb. You, my daughter would be raised a Donovan. Izabella and I are happy, but we are not planning a family of our own. Hope, I love her.”

  Adam raised Hope’s hands toward his face and kissed them. “You must allow them their happiness,” he begged. “Please, Hope. I cannot live in this building he built for us and know you are the cause of his unhappiness. I expect you to welcome Izabella to her new home.”

  Although difficult for her, Hope had to admit that Adam was right. I can’t live with myself if Poppa isn’t happy. She nodded. Adam kissed her cheek and released her hands. Hope stood and embraced Izabella.

  “Welcome to the family and to your new home,” Hope announced.

  “Are you certain?” Izabella questioned, looking deep into her eyes.

  With a huge smile, Hope nodded. “Indeed, I’m positive. I wish to see Poppa happy.”

  “As do I, Hope. As do I.”

  Stewart gripped both their hands.

  Chapter Three

  That night, before Adam and Hope returned home to sleep, Stewart and Izabella informed Vicki and Greg of their plans. Pleased, Vicki embraced them. Her best friend and her brother would be happy. The shock came when Stewart handed Vicki and Greg the deed to the house. Greg’s eyes bulged from his head. Vicki’s hand went over her heart.

  “Stewart.”

  “Vicki. You and Greg love this home. It will be perfect for raising your family. For raising Matthew. Please, accept this gift.”

  Vicki embraced him again.

  An appointment was made at the lawyers. Legal documents were prepared and signed making the transition of ownership complete.

  * * *

  Adam assisted Izabella and then Hope into the buggy. Stewart pulled himself up and took the seat beside his son-in-law. They set out toward the city to shop for furniture for their new home.

  Stewart and Izabella purchased a bed and frame, two wardrobes, a large vanity dresser and night tables for their bedroom, and love seats, tables, chairs, and bookshelves for their sitting areas. Hope and Adam looked to furnish the remainder of the addition. Once they found the appropriate pieces, Hope stepped up to negotiate discounts which she did in fine style.

  “Your influence?” Stewart whispered to Izabella. “Yours and Vicki’s?”

  Izabella winked. After signing the forms, Hope turned to her family with a grin.

  “Our home shall have furniture by the end of next week,” she gloated.

  Holding her husband’s hand, she left the store with Stewart and Izabella following behind.

  * * *

  On Monday morning, working on his drawings, a soft tap on Stewart’s office door broke his concentration. He looked up from his desk. His father walked into his office, sat on the opposite side of the desk and looked around the room.

  “I have done a great deal of thinking over these past months. I believe the time has come to retire my contractor’s hat. I enjoyed working on Hope’s home more than any other and am pleased to retire after my favourite project.”

  Stewart dropped his pencil onto the desk. His father had not spoken of his intention to leave and never mentioned a desire to retire. Stewart never envisioned working without his father by his side.

  “Poppa, I’m shocked. I shall miss you. The crew will miss you. I cannot imagine what Momma will say when you inform her.”

  “Stewart Donovan,” his father exclaimed, glaring at him. “Your momma is aware of my decision. We have spoken about this on many occasions since we began renovating the orphanage. I will miss the crew, but I expect to see my entire family every Sunday to dine.”

  Stewart stood, walked around the desk, and embraced his father. “I have appreciated your support over the years, Poppa. You will be difficult, almost impossible, to replace.”

  “Greg is a capable, talented man and the men admire his ability. He will be pleased to step into my shoes as head foreman. I will remain available for emergencies.”

  * * *

  With the furniture due to arrive, Stewart reminded Greg he would not be at the site in the morning. His father would arrive to assist for the day. Stewart harnessed the horses and hooked up the buggy. He arrived at the orphanage shortly after breakfast. Once Adam joined him in the buggy, they drove toward Izabella’s house.

  “It is a beautiful residence,” Adam acknowledged, admiring the stately, two-storey stone home. “What shall become of it?”

  “I’m not certain,” Stewart admitted, shrugging his shoulders. “You must inquire.”

  “I?” Adam questioned, laughing at his father-in-law’s comment. “You didn’t ask? Were you not curious?”

  “My concern was not her home, but her decision to join me in mine.” Stewart stopped the horses, and Adam jumped down, still chuckling.

  “I’d like to take a quick stroll around the building, if you don’t object.”

  “Take your time, Adam.”

  Stewart approached the entrance, knocked, and opened the door. There were a number of boxes and crates in the lobby. Movement on the second floor confirmed Izabella’s presence. Stewart grabbed a box and walked to the wagon. Izabella descended the stairs when he re-entered. She stepped onto the main level and released the skirt of her yellow dress to the floor. Stewart leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

  “The first day of the rest of our lives,” he reminded her.

  “I admit, I’m nervous. I’ve been living independently for some time and have grown accustomed to my own space.”

  “With your private sitting room, you are able to escape if you feel the need.”

  “Good morning, Adam,” she greeted.

  Stewart turned to see Adam standing at the opened door.

  “I’ve been admiring your home and property. What are your plans?” Adam questioned. “It is a magnificent structure.”

  “I’ve given that some thought,” Izabella replied with a serious tone. “I wish to rent the building, but given the size, it could house more than one family. That requires changes to the interior. I have heard rumours of a respected, talented architect in town who is also an engineer. I have also heard rumours the owner, Stewart Donovan, is quite handsome with remarkable blue eyes. I may send a telegram requesting a quote, hoping for the opportunity to meet with Mr. Donovan. I’m curious to discover whether he is as attractive in appearance as the women in the area suggest. I wonder whether they are exaggerating.”

  Tingles pricked his chest and back. Stewart turned his head. “I believe I’m blushing,” he groaned.

  “Have you heard of the company?” Izabella asked innocently.

  Stewart glanced toward Adam. His son-in-law smiled, obviously appreciating Izabella’s sense of humour.

  “Indeed I have. The orphanage hired his company to
renovate the building. The quality is outstanding, and overall, we are very pleased, but my wife found the owner, Mr. Donovan, a little stubborn, refusing to provide a quote,” he joked. “We have yet to receive an invoice, which is of concern considering the scope of the project.”

  Well aware his company was yet to invoice the orphanage, Hope would not be preparing that document. Attempting to ignore the conversation, he focused on the structure of the entrance. Even with a vision of a new interior entering his mind, he found it challenging to concentrate.

  “I appreciate the insight,” Izabella remarked. “I shall request quotes from all potential contractors before making a decision.”

  Her tone was playful, yet serious. Perhaps a little too serious. Hoping to discourage Izabella from speaking to his competitors, Stewart leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I have heard Mr. Donovan is willing to accept fringe benefits from beautiful clients,” he informed her. Adam’s face became flushed. Stewart chuckled. Adam grabbed a box and walked out the door.

  “Fringe benefits? That is not pleasing to my ears,” Izabella admitted. “You must tell me. Are you in the habit of making this offer to all your clients?”

  “No,” he responded, his tone unmistakably serious. “I have shared my bed with two women. The first was a beautiful, brilliant, stubborn woman who became my wife, and the mother of my child. The second is an equally beautiful, brilliant, and stubborn woman who has declined my offer of marriage. There is no need to speak with my competitors.” Stewart reached for a crate, turned and winked, and walked out the door.

  * * *

  Their first night in their new home was as memorable as their first night together. When Stewart woke the next morning, Izabella continued to sleep soundly beside him. No more secrets. Hope has been in the rooms I share with Izabella. There is only one bed. His heart filled with a warm sensation.