“Let’s see if we can find some answers for you.”
Will pulled his chair toward his computer. They spent the next hour searching for links connected with the royal family but couldn’t find any details about Natasha. There were links to Joshua, stating he was a respected king and documenting his many accomplishments during his reign. The details meant nothing to Keeghan. Discouraged, she pushed herself back from the table.
“I’ll wager money,” Will teased. “Tonight, your dream will switch to King Joshua now that you have solid information about him. Either way, I’m impressed by your memory of a television program. We joked about attending Picton during my first year of university. That school has wicked standards. Tougher than Harvard. Today, if your grade average is below the mid-nineties, don’t bother applying, you’re wasting your time. My guidance counsellor thought it was comical when I informed her I planned to look into their business program, and as you recall, I was an honour student.”
“It doesn’t sound like the school has changed as far as academics are concerned. In my dream, Stewart, Natasha, Hope, and obviously this Adam guy had the grades.”
William scrolled back to the list of previous graduates, impressed by the names that appeared. “Between your dream and this site we’ve been looking at, I must admit, I’m intrigued, Keegh. What do you say we take a little vacation to Kassima? Go to Picton University and go through some old archives from the late eighteen-seventies to the turn of the century. I’ve always wanted to see the school. If the pictures on this site are any indication, the buildings and grounds are awesome. I’m hoping they will have some old pictures of King Joshua in his youth. Maybe that will help jog my memory. I’ll remember what we were watching and be a little more helpful with this mystery.”
Keegan stared at him. It was so out of character for him. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She took another mouthful of his water. “Chase the history channel?”
“Why not? I’ll call the school in the morning and make sure we can get access to the books. Who knows what we’ll find.”
“Since when have you been interested in history? In archives? You aren’t even interested in your own history.”
Will relaxed on his chair and stared into the blue cloudless sky. “My history is incredibly boring. Pay attention so you don’t get confused,” he joked. He turned his attention back to Keeghan. “Great grandparents meet, fall in love, get married, and have a son, Victor. Papa meets Nana. They fall in love, get married, and have a son, Lucas. Dad meets Mom, falls in love, gets married, and they have a son, William. This is when it gets exciting,” Will announced. “William meets Keeghan. Falls passionately in love. Gets married. Still following? I don’t want you to miss a step. Ready to start a family.” He paused.
They hadn’t discussed starting a family since they dated.
“Keeghan wants a big family. Well, two kids but that’s big on my side of the family. We’ll break tradition when we have more than one. Woohoo. What a thrill. Add a new dimension to the family tree. Can you imagine if we have a daughter?” he asked. He smiled. “Oh my gosh. My family won’t know how to react if we have a little girl.”
“You nut.” She giggled. “I love you.”
“It’s a good thing. You’re stuck with me. My warranty expired the moment you said, ‘I do.’” He paused for a mouthful of water. His voice and facial expression turned serious. “Your dream has me intrigued, Keeghan. To find a picture and a crown on our property and then match names to your dream is odd. I want to look into this. I’m heading to Kassima. Are you coming with me?”
“My gorgeous, sexy husband. You are not going overseas without me. I plan to be by your side when all the cute nineteen-year-olds see you approaching the school. Besides, you need me. You’d miss me.”
“You’re right, I would miss you,” William admitted. He winked. “I meant what I said Keegh. I’m ready to become a daddy. One word from you and we won’t be finishing with a raincoat for a while. I’ll have a chat with my boys and tell them it’s time to go swimming.”
She hadn’t thought about having kids for a while, but now that Will mentioned it, she was more than ready. The very thought of starting a family was exciting.
“I’m looking forward to becoming a mommy. We’re done practicing. I’m ready for the main event.” Feeling her stomach rumble, she placed her hands on her tummy. “I’m hungry. Let’s go inside and get a snack. It’s been a busy day. Chores around the property, this discovery. We need to get changed and head to your parents’ place for dinner.”
“I’ll call the university tomorrow when I’m at work. If we can get access to the archives, I’ll call Courtney and book a flight.”
“You know she likes you,” Keeghan informed him. “You’re a flirt.”
“I’m a friendly guy,” he responded proudly. “A little harmless flirting doesn’t do any harm. I don’t know how she does it, but Courtney gets better deals than I can find online with any reputable company.”
“Poor girl probably uses her own discounts to keep you as a loyal client,” Keeghan joked. “I’m sure she’s disappointed when you call instead of going in to see her. She prefers when she gets to see your handsome face as well as hearing your sexy voice.” Will’s face flushed a bit. He grabbed his laptop and walked toward the house. Keeghan reached for her glass of water and followed behind with Constable at her heel.
* * *
Monday morning, the phone at the boutique rang. ‘Will work’ appeared on the display.
“Hi.”
“Our holiday is confirmed,” he informed her. “We are booked on a flight out of Vancouver on Friday afternoon. We have a short layover in Toronto and another at Heathrow before we reach Kassima. We have hotel accommodations with a queen-sized bed when we arrive. We are going to be exhausted by the time we get to Kassima.”
“Maybe I can learn to sleep on a plane.”
“Sorry, love. We aren’t travelling business class. The price was atrocious. I want to be mortgage-free, not take on a second.”
Keeghan smiled, appreciating his wit.
“I’m going to give Mom and Dad a quick call to see if they can look after Constable while we’re gone,” he continued. “If not, we can either check with your parents or with Jim and Sherry. I don’t want to board her if I can avoid it. Is Stephanie working with you today?”
“No, I’m alone. Monday after Mother’s Day. I’m not expecting to be busy today. I may see the odd gift exchange, but I doubt I’ll be run off my feet. I’ll talk to her tomorrow when she comes in and let her know I won’t be in late next week.”
“Friday afternoon, Keegh. You need her working by noon.”
“This Friday? Will, the library won’t be open for visitors on the weekend. Besides, with the high-value client you are trying to win, can you afford to take time off work right now?”
“Even if he signs the forms tomorrow, the money won’t be in for at least a couple weeks, and that’s being really optimistic. The banks will be trying to save the money before they are willing to sign the release. Jim can handle any enquires that come in. If anything major comes up, he can reach me on my cell. We are heading to Kassima.”
“I’ll start making a list of things to do before we can leave.”
* * *
Three days later, William had just crawled into bed when Keeghan entered the bedroom in her robe. Rolling onto his side, he looked up at her.
“I need an early alarm tomorrow. I spoke to that client’s father today. It turns out his portfolio is currently valued at over two million dollars. Optimistically, I’m hoping he transfers half a million.”
“Wow. When you said wealthy, I wasn’t expecting that wealthy. That will be a phenomenal commission cheque.”
Will’s face lit with an ear-to-ear grin. “It will add to our retirement fund. Freedom forty-five.”
“You are dreaming,” Keeghan snickered, “but I love you anyway.”
The day was planned. Their bags were i
n the trunk of the car. William would drive Keeghan to work. The dog would spend the morning in her office. Once Will finished his meeting, he planned to pick them up and drive to his parents’ place. After lunch, she and Will would head to the airport. Keeghan hung her robe in the closet and approached the bed in her boxer shorts and tank top.
“In case we don’t have time in the morning, I will give you your good luck kiss now.”
William pointed at his neatly folded patterned boxers at the foot of the bed and then at the package of condoms.
“I came to bed early hoping for more than a kiss.”
“I’d love to give you more than a kiss, but if you’re ready to start a family, we won’t need that. Those have protected us up till now, but we’ll have more luck getting pregnant without them.”
He pulled Keeghan under the sheets with him. Within ten minutes, Will tossed her shorts and top to the end of the bed.
Keeghan never opened her eyes when they parted. Too exhausted to reach for her clothes, she snuggled in tight against Will’s bare chest and fell asleep.
Chapter Thirty-One
Keeghan’s Dream
Clad in her boxers and top, Keeghan rested her head on Will’s lap. Taking it easy under the olive tree, she closed her eyes, appreciating the shade and soft breeze. Constable’s thumping tail hit her hip. Opening her eyes, Constable was greeting their guest. Keeghan pushed herself upright.
“Alexander,” she squealed with excitement. “I have so many questions for you.”
Alexander rubbed the dog’s back, bowed his head slightly to acknowledge Will, and sat beside Keeghan.
“Hope began university and met a friend,” he reminded them. “Stewart has a successful business, and like his daughter, he has a special friend.”
Before Keeghan had the opportunity to reply, the action on the large screen caught her attention. Hope was entering the school in a long yellow dress, books in her hand. Not wanting to miss any of the events unfolding, Keeghan focused on the scene.
* * *
Hope walked into the lecture room and looked around. She spied Adam all alone in the room, sitting in the back row. He looked so handsome in a clean, pressed white shirt, dark trousers and suspenders. With his attention focused on his notes, he never looked her way. She had considered informing her father and aunt of her new friend, but knew they’d wish to make his acquaintance. Other than his name and fact he had earned a scholarship, she knew very little about him. That had to change.
“Good morning, Adam,” she greeted cheerfully.
“Good morning, Miss” —he paused for a moment— “Hope,” he corrected.
“May I?” she asked, pointing at the chair beside him.
Adam was quick to stand up and pull out the chair next to his. “Do sit down.”
They conversed for a few moments before their fellow classmates began to fill the room. Adam’s tone dropped to a low whisper. He finished his sentence and then became quiet. He’s shy, not reserved like momma but truly shy. It will be a challenge to get better acquainted.
The class was studying a classic Hope was familiar with. Bored by the professor’s lecture, her mind drifted. Gazing toward Adam, she melted, hypnotized by his dazzling green eyes. Adam turned and made eye contact. He shifted uncomfortably. His attention snapped back to the professor. Hope’s gaze dropped to her notes. Her father’s voice rang in her head. ‘Hope, it’s rude to stare.’
The lecture ended. Adam retrieved his books and followed her out of the room. “It was a pleasure seeing you again,” he remarked. He turned and walked off.
Hope finished her second class and went to the cafeteria. After a quick glance, she headed toward her history classmates. Then she noticed Adam sitting with a number of chums. Students she didn’t recognize. Adam is too shy to approach me. I must force myself to do this. She took a deep breath and walked toward him. The young man beside Adam stood to leave. Uncomfortable, it was tempting to join her friends. No. I will not lose this perfect opportunity. I’ll regret it for the remainder of the day. Go! Her heart pounded. She stopped at Adam’s side. He didn’t look up or acknowledge her. Is this a mistake? Momma, give me strength.
“With your permission, I would like to join you,” she blurted out boldly.
Adam turned at her voice. He jumped from his seat and pulled out the chair beside him. He introduced her to his classmates, and then sat beside her. They were quickly immersed in their own private conversation. In the relaxed atmosphere, Hope discovered a personal comfort level she was yet to experience with her other male friends. Adam captivated her attention. Their discussion continued after they excused themselves and left the room. Adam opened the left side of the double-entrance doors which led to the main gates. Stepping outside, everything appeared even more beautiful while in Adam’s company. It was as if it were her first day at the school.
“I have been studying in this building a month, yet I have not walked the entire campus,” she confessed. “I hear the grounds are truly spectacular.”
“Indeed, yes.”
Walking by Adam’s side, Hope could see her mother’s words as they appeared in the diary. Very little had changed. Strolling by the different buildings, she envisioned her father guiding her mother along the identical walkway. In her heart, Hope felt the bond with her mother grow stronger.
In a perfect world, she and Adam would spend the remainder of the day outside, talking, but it wasn’t a perfect world. The time to return to class came far too quickly.
Once her history class ended, Hope left the building and made her way across the grounds toward the library. After searching all the rows between the shelves of books, she left again and continued looking for Adam among the other students. Frustrated at her failure, and wondering where on earth he was, she boarded the train.
The next morning, Hope saw Adam in her English lecture room.
“Good morning, Adam,” she greeted him cheerfully.
He glanced up as she approached, greeted her, and pulled out a chair.
“I didn’t see you after class yesterday, although I looked in the library before I had to catch my train,” she informed him. She settled in the seat. “I had hoped to bid you farewell for the evening.”
Adam stared at the desk. His face turned red. “My apologies. I didn’t realize. Once my studies are complete, I leave in haste for work,” he informed her.
Hope’s jaw dropped. Neither her father nor aunt worked while attending university. It was not suggested of her either. Her focus was to remain on her studies. Adam had excellent grades, and yet he managed to commit to two jobs.
“Another job?” she questioned. “Pray tell, where do you work?”
“My parents own and manage an orphanage,” he admitted, his voice so low she had to strain her ears to hear him. “I assist with the children after school and during weekends. Upon graduation, I plan to take over the business. I will never be wealthy, but I admire my parents and wish to continue their work. The scholarship has permitted me the opportunity to continue my education and fulfil my dream of a university degree.”
Having read the diary, Hope knew her mother cherished her volunteer time at the orphanage. If Momma had been given the opportunity for a normal life, she would have managed an orphanage while Poppa supported them. The admiration in her heart grew. She lowered her voice. “My parents volunteered at an orphanage during their summers away from university. She beamed, confidently. “Momma found the experience gratifying. I know she—” Hope stopped herself abruptly, not wishing to discuss her momma. “Your parents own an orphanage?” she confirmed, changing the subject from her mother.
“My great-grandparents opened the door to their home many years ago, and it has grown,” he responded quietly. “I shall be the fourth-generation owner.”
“May I be so blunt as to ask your major, Adam?”
“Child psychology.”
“Of course. And English Literature?”
“I was offered the opportunity for a m
inor and love the written word.”
Fellow students began entering the classroom. Once again, Adam became quiet, and the conversation ended.
That night, after dinner, Hope excused herself and went to the second floor. Thinking of her conversation with Adam, she entered Poppa’s room, removed the diary from the night stand, and began flipping pages in search of information about the orphanage. A warm sensation consumed her heart. ‘The Venderkemp Orphanage.’ Momma and Poppa worked with Adam’s poppa and grandparents.
After a week of lunches together followed by long walks around the university property, Hope followed Adam outside. He seemed preoccupied and appeared deep in thought.
“We need to talk, Hope.”
“I enjoy our time together, but fear my studies are suffering. I’m struggling to find time to finish my assignments. I find myself fighting to keep my eyes open as I attempt to complete my homework. It pains me to say, I cannot spend my entire lunch break in your company.”
No-o-o. Hope cherished every moment spent in Adam’s company. She didn’t want to lose any of their precious time together. Her parents studied together. Neither of their grades suffered. She smiled, pleased with the idea. “We could become study partners.”
Adam never responded. Is he questioning my contribution, feeling I’ll hinder his efforts? I will not allow that to happen. “If your grades begin to decline, we shall separate and study alone,” she promised. She looked back toward the building at a large oak tree. From the description in the diary, it was the very tree her parents sat under, their favourite study place. “We can work on assignments under that tree if we aren’t in the library. We can meet at the tree once we retrieve our books.”
Natasha's Diary Page 18
