Natasha's Diary

by Heather Greenis

  * * *

  Three days after Izabella’s departure, he received a telegram stating she had arrived safely at her destination. She would be staying at a local hotel until her business was completed. Thanks to Greg, the days passed quickly, but the evenings remained quiet and lonely. He only wrote a few short lines in his journal before going to bed each night. His bed was large and empty. He missed Izabella more than he expected. Her absence solidified his resolve to marry her.

  To Stewart’s delight, Greg was awarded three new contracts that week. They were small, and not as profitable as past projects, but he appreciated the additional work.

  The following week, while retrieving supplies for a small renovation, Greg heard rumours of a massive project that was being proposed. A personal residence for a wealthy entrepreneur seemed to be in the works. Confident Stewart would be agreeable, Greg tracked down the documents with the client’s expectations and requirements. Stewart spent hours on the design, retiring to his room exhausted every evening.

  Chapter Fifty-Nine

  “Poppa?”

  Stewart jumped from his desk, dropping his pencil on his sketches. Thrilled she’d returned from their honeymoon, he hurried out of his office to greet them. She looked well rested and glowing with happiness in her floral dress. He extended his arms, planning to pick her up and swing her around. She’s married. Hope is no longer my little girl. He embraced her and kissed her cheek before turning to shake Adam’s hand.

  “You appear well rested,” he remarked.

  “We enjoyed the cottage immensely, but words cannot describe the Fitzgerald. You must reserve a room for yourself and Izabella for your wedding night.”

  “I do not believe I can afford to stay at that hotel,” he teased, and then winked at Adam.

  Hope laughed. “Where’s Izabella? I’d like to speak with her.”

  “So would I. She left town shortly after your wedding,” he responded casually, forgetting to consider how Hope would interpret his words. He walked back to his desk.

  “Poppa, no-o-o,” she groaned “I believed you were falling in love with her.”

  “We’re still a couple,” he assured her. He settled onto his chair. “Izabella departed on an official business matter, but will return soon. She sent me a telegram informing me of her arrival, and I expect to hear about her return the same way.”

  “That is pleasing to hear,” she responded with relief. “Adam and I have done a great deal of talking while we were away. Adam’s bedroom is far too small for a double bed, and I’m accustomed to space, so we’re hoping to stay at the house for a short time, until….”

  Thrilled at the prospect of having his daughter remain at home, his heart bubbled with joy. “You are both most welcome.”

  “We’re planning a family of our own, but the private quarters of the orphanage are too cramped. I’d like to use my trust fund to put an addition on the orphanage, if you agree.”

  Stewart’s mind drifted to the days shortly after Natasha’s death. Nanny arriving with the envelopes, and the astronomical amount of the gift his wife left him. How much did Natasha leave our daughter? “I do not know the exact value of your trust fund, so I suggest you speak with Nanny. She will be pleased to assist you. I know an architect and engineer, personally,” he teased. “I’ll mention our relationship to the negotiator of the company and hope he is kind when dealing with you.”

  Hope giggled and hugged him.

  After a short conversation, Hope and Adam left. Too excited to work, he rode to the current worksite to speak with Greg.

  Seeing his brother-in-law watching the men, he approached. “We are progressing on the project. The restoration looks wonderful,” Stewart remarked.

  “Indeed. The transformation is very pleasing,” Greg admitted.

  “With a skeleton staff of three men, could you finish this building within ten to fifteen days?”

  Greg turned and stared at him. “It’s possible, but I expect to be finished by the end of the week with the current number of staff.”

  “And the next contract?” Stewart pressed him.

  “It shouldn’t take more than a week, having seen your notes,” Greg replied. “Stewart, there is no need to worry. I beg of you, don’t release the men from your employment. I’d be devastated to lose them to competitors. Once we are awarded the contract for the mansion our company shall have work for months.”

  With the excitement and anticipation of the expansion of the orphanage, the mansion project had slipped his mind. If awarded the contract, he feared Greg’s time-frame was accurate. The project would take his entire crew. Hope would be forced to wait a year for her new home.

  “Withdraw the bid, Greg, and don’t bid on any others,” Stewart ordered.

  “Stewart? For the past month you have been willing to accept any project that was available. What’s causing this turnaround?”

  Stewart smiled. “Our next contact will involve the Venderkemp Orphanage,” he informed him. “We shall build an addition for Adam and Hope’s personal use. The project has become a priority for this company. The minute you’re finished, I require your assistance.”

  “Hope and Adam shall have a new home,” Greg confirmed, his smile lighting his face.

  “Indeed they shall. Remind the men to be on their toes. With Poppa’s and your assistance, my vision for my daughter will become reality.”

  “I have a passion for this project, and I look forward to working closely with my father-in-law.”

  Stewart returned to his office and began writing ideas for the building.

  That evening, Stewart joined Adam and Hope in the parlour after dinner.

  “I’d like to see the orphanage in its entirety. I must look at the structure and assess the best way to enlarge it.”

  “My poppa will guide you around,” Adam responded. “Hope and I have done a great deal of thinking on another matter. We would like you to design an area for your private use as well, so you will always feel welcome in our home.”

  “You and Izabella, Poppa. Please ask her to be your wife,” she pleaded.

  Stewart remained silent, contemplated Adam’s comment. With Vicki and Greg expecting their first child they would appreciate more room. As a newly married couple, Hope and Adam also required their privacy, but an addition could provide ample room for him and Izabella.

  “This is my home,” he reminded his daughter, not willing to admit he was considering the idea.

  “Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg are preparing for the family they have dreamed of. They would appreciate a home of their own. Give them your house and join us at the orphanage.”

  “Once you move, you will cherish your privacy.”

  “We will have ample privacy,” Hope assured him. “I beg you, Poppa. Please consider this.”

  The more Stewart reflected on the idea, the more pleasing it became. His memories while volunteering at the orphanage with Natasha were some of his best. Residing in the same building would offer an opportunity to spend time with his daughter’s family. The idea was enticing and worth serious consideration.

  “If it’s possible, I’d like to see the building before the sun sets this evening. I plan to start on the sketches without delay,” Stewart informed Adam.

  Stewart had a number of papers on the dining table when Hope and Adam wandered down for breakfast the next morning.

  “May I look?” Adam asked.

  “Certainly. After yesterday, I’d be pleased to hear your thoughts. If I haven’t captured your wishes, I’ll make adjustments.”

  With both Adam and Hope looking over his shoulders, Stewart explained the sketches.

  “I must question whether you received any sleep or spent the entire night at this table. I’m amazed by the detail.”

  “I slept,” he assured Adam. “You must put me out of my misery. Tell me your thoughts.”

  “We are pleased with the drawings, but please be sure there will ample room for both you and your future wife. Izabella is a
lso accustomed to space.”

  Stewart fought his grin. He had no intention of discussing his living arrangements until he had an opportunity to speak with Izabella. “I’m pleased you approve of my sketches.” He rolled the paper into tubes to clear the table in preparation for their breakfast. “With your permission, I’d like to restore the original building so the renovation will not appear as obvious.”

  “I’d be a fool to disagree,” Adam responded, his face taking on a pleased glow. “I trust your judgment, and I will speak with Momma and Poppa. You and your staff will receive our full cooperation.”

  “Knowing the nature of your business, the inconvenience will be kept to a minimum,” Stewart assured him. “Greg, my father, and I will ensure this.”

  Hope walked out of the room, returning a few minutes later with a damp cloth to wipe the table.

  “You must join us at the orphanage for supper this evening, Poppa. It will give you the opportunity to speak with Adam’s parents. Izabella is most welcome, if she arrives today.”

  “I’d be honoured to dine with you.”

  Chapter Sixty

  That evening Hope was sitting up in bed, leaning against her pillow with the blankets up to her waist when Adam walked into their room and closed the door. She placed her novel on her lap.

  “I’ve been looking at the sketches,” he informed her. “I’m still of the belief this is a wonderful dream, and I shall wake to reality.”

  “It’s not a dream. With Poppa’s assistance, we shall have a nice home within the business.”

  “It’s inconceivable, the space and privacy it will offer. My only regret is the need to use your trust fund.”

  “Adam! Momma was not able to watch me grow, but wished to assist with my happiness. This addition will offer the space we need. She is looking down from heaven, smiling, knowing I’m happy.”

  Izabella was given the opportunity to read the diary. If I ask him, Poppa will allow Adam to read it. Hope placed her novel on the nightstand, crawled out of bed, and reached for her shawl at the end of their bed. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she gripped her husband’s hand and walked to her father’s room.

  “Poppa?”

  She opened the door at his response. Her father was sitting on his favourite chair, reading. Adam followed her into the room and moved over to the wall to look at the family pictures.

  “You and your momma were equally beautiful in that gown.”

  “I’m so pleased I wore it,” she admitted. She joined her husband and looked at the photograph. “I was as happy as Momma the day she married Poppa.”

  “The birth of our daughter is the only day comparable,” Stewart remarked.

  “There is a reason for our visit. Poppa, if you’re agreeable, I wish for Adam to read Momma’s diary.”

  “I have been expecting this since Adam proposed.” He placed his novel on the chair and moved to the nightstand. He handed the slightly worn book to her husband.

  “I will return it.”

  “There is no need to rush, Adam, but it is to remain in this house,” Poppa requested.

  “Of course. I don’t have time to read while working at the orphanage.”

  Returning to their room, Adam got comfortable on the chair and opened the diary.

  Chapter Sixty-One

  “Charles is at peace.”

  Izabella’s voice broke his concentration. Glancing up from his drawings, he saw her leaning against the doorframe to his office, in a long dark skirt and white blouse. Pleasure rushed through him. Pushing himself from his desk, he walked toward her.

  “You were missed,” he whispered in her ear. He gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

  “I have missed the ability to have a civil conversation.”

  “Friendship is important,” he remarked, looking into her eyes. “But it’s my hope you’ve missed more than that.” He gave her another kiss.

  She opened her mouth beneath his, and for moment, time stood still.

  “My goodness I missed that. You achieved success on your trip?” he asked once they parted.

  “I’m exhausted, but pleased. I fought the smallest of details. George despises me, but Charles is proud and content.”

  “Until the next contract,” he responded with an intentionally gloomy tone. Having missed Izabella, he already dreaded her next business trip.

  “Nay,” she assured him. “I informed George I will not sign my name to any future documents unless I’m confident Charles would have written the terms with his own hand. I don’t wish to see forms that would not meet with my husband’s approval.”

  Stewart smiled. “Then you accomplished a great deal on your business trip. I’m proud of you.”

  “Have you heard from Hope and Adam?”

  “They returned yesterday. They are well rested and back at work.”

  Stewart led Izabella into his office and closed the door. He motioned her to a seat and moved his chair next to her.

  “The days were busy, but the evenings were dreadful,” she admitted. “I was tired, and I missed you. I couldn’t sleep. I’ve had time to think during my journey home about the boutique and Charles’ business. He never expected to leave this earth at such a young age, but God had other plans for him. As much as I loved him, and understood his business, I have been whispering unkind words under my breath this last month. You are young, as was Charles. With only one heir, I fear you may consider leaving this business to your daughter. Support Hope financially,” she begged, “but don’t expect her to be capable of, or even interested in running your business.”

  Stewart pondered her words. If an accident occurred, Hope knew very little about his business. Making decisions would be nearly impossible. His father and Greg should be left with the decision of whether to continue the enterprise with a new architect and engineer or to retire the business and name.

  “I shall arrange an appointment with my lawyer. Brodie’s loss makes me aware the fatality could have been Greg, Poppa, or me.”

  “You must keep focused with an eye on your surroundings, Stewart Donovan. I cannot lose you.” She reached for his hands and held them.

  “I have missed you. Spend the night with me,” he begged. “In the privacy of my bedroom I wish to welcome you home properly.” He leaned forward, kissed her forehead.

  “Stewart Donovan, you are incorrigible. I’ve missed you so.”

  The timing is perfect. We’re alone. I want you with me, today and always. Stewart released her hands and went to his desk. He removed a small box from his drawer and approached Izabella. He dropped to a knee at her feet and opened the box. The large princess diamond was set on an etched gold band and sparkled in the light from the window. Izabella’s eyes filled with liquid. Tears of happiness, I hope. We will have a wonderful life together, living at the orphanage with Hope and Adam. We’ll plan a wedding. Large and lavish. Small and intimate. It doesn’t matter. Whichever Izabella prefers. Once the orphanage project is finished, we will go on a honeymoon. Hope and Adam raved about the Fitzgerald. Anyplace that would make my bride happy is fine with me.

  “I love you, and would be honoured if—”

  Izabella’s forefinger touched his lips, silencing him. Something’s wrong, terribly wrong. She should be elated, not stopping me. I must be mistaken. Why is she stopping me?

  “Don’t say it,” she pleaded. “Please don’t say those words.”

  Her words set a band of steel around his chest. His vision blurred. I must be mistaken, but, no, she is serious.

  “You’re declining my proposal?” he managed to say. “You don’t wish to become my wife?”

  Izabella shook her head. Pain and disappointment overwhelmed Stewart. The memory of the day he ordered the ring flickered through his thoughts. After being intimate with her, he desperately wished for Izabella to share his life. He loved her and wished for Hope and his family to be happy for him. He recalled the day Natasha declined his first proposal. The worst day of his life. Now, his proposal to I
zabella would also be remembered with heartbreak. He swivelled his wrist and looked at the ring. I’m cursed, devastated and heartbroken. Refusing the impulse to cry, the pain turned to anger. The box snapped closed. Izabella jumped at the unexpected sound. The tears threatened to spill from her shimmering eyes.

  * * *

  The screen disappeared.

  “Alexander! No,” Keeghan begged. “Don’t end it yet. I need to know what happens. Izabella agrees to marry Stewart, right? Tell me I’m right.”

  Alexander stood, looked into the distance, smiled and walked off.

  “Humph,” Keeghan groaned. “That man drives me crazy. I hate these terrible endings.”

  Will put his arm around her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Then she felt a kick on her ankle. Ow! What the…?

  The End

  Natasha’s Dream, Book 1

  Natasha’s Diary, Book 2

  Natasha’s Hope, Book 3

  Natasha’s Legacy, Book 4

  About the Author

  Heather has an uncanny ability to frequently ‘manipulate’ her dreams. As a bonus, she remembers them in extensive detail the following morning. A dream inspired the basic storyline. Then her overactive imagination developed the characters and the detail. In her spare time Heather assists the Healing Cycle, Hospice Palliative Care. She is also actively involved with the local curling club, currently volunteering her time teaching children when she isn’t curling herself. Heather has a passion for travel, photography and gardening. She would like to extend a special thank-you to her niece for reading and re-reading and to her husband for his support, and encouragement, suggesting she “write it down.”