Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  “Alex.”

  Alex heard Sarah’s voice but couldn’t respond.

  “It is difficult seeing the name on a grave-marker, I recall my emotions seeing John’s name shortly after his death.”

  “No. Reading the stone hasn’t upset me,” he whimpered. He turned and looked at her. “Have you read the inscription for Papa?”

  “Yes, it’s beautiful, as the family discussed.”

  Natasha Alisha Donovan

  Cherished wife of Stewart

  And Momma to Hope

  Freedom at last

  Stewart Alexander Donovan

  Cherished Husband of Natasha

  Poppa to Hope, loved Papa

  Forever in Izabella’s heart

  See you in heaven

  “You’re aware my birth name is Alexander Stewart Venderkemp, but I was not aware until this moment of Papa Stewart’s middle name. I was told I was named in honour of both Papa’s, but never knew Papa Stewart and Papa Venderkemp shared the name Alexander.”

  Sarah put her arms around Alex and held him. “You shared a special bond. The name is appropriate.”

  “My apologies.”

  He twitched at the sound of Poppa’s voice. Then he felt Adam's warm hand touch his shoulder. Sarah released her grip.

  “You should have been told of the name years ago. While engaged, your momma and I both agreed it would be appropriate to incorporate both names if we were fortunate enough to have a son. I knew at times you would need reprimand but I had too much respect for my father-in-law to raise my voice in anger while stating his name. We agreed upon the name Alexander Stewart which pleased your momma’s family and mine. I have never been as pleased as the day Doc announced I had a son and a healthy wife after the anguish of two miscarriages.”

  “Adam. Your poppa was Alex,” Sarah remarked.

  “He was never referred to as Alex, but Alexander,” Adam said, correcting her. “Being formal, he preferred Mr. Venderkemp. Once Hope and I were wed, I could have asked the children to refer to me as Mr. Venderkemp, but Hope, Stewart, and Izabella insisted on informal greetings.”

  “Poppa was so pleased when he heard the name,” Momma informed him. She gave Alex’s shoulder a squeeze. “He was so proud of you. You are truly a mix of Venderkemp and Donovan.”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Hope was sitting up in bed when Adam entered the room.

  “It is late. You should be sleeping.”

  “I’m unable to sleep when there is something on my mind,” she informed him. “I would appreciate your opinion.” Adam sat on the bed beside her. “I have been thinking about my life. Our life together. I miss Poppa. This building is a constant reminder of him and Izabella. We had routines and habits. It’s difficult to move on when everything reminds me of my father. Shortly after we wed, your parents moved from the orphanage allowing us room to spread our wings and manage the orphanage. In my youth, I spent a great deal of time with my Nana and Papa Donovan. I cherish the bond we shared. Alex and Rose bonded with Poppa and your parents came regularly. It would be pleasing to live closer to Rose and Richard and spend more time with our beautiful grandchildren. To watch them grow.”

  “A few years ago, we questioned whether Alex could manage the orphanage, but that is no longer a concern. He has matured into a man I’m proud to call my son.”

  Before going to sleep that night, Hope and Adam had a long discussion. They agreed to begin looking for a new home.

  The next morning, Hope and Adam joined Alex and Sarah for breakfast.

  “Your poppa and I will be away most of the day completing errands. We will be using the automobile.”

  “Will you be home for dinner?”

  “Yes of course.”

  “I will be busy with students today,” Sarah informed them.

  Leaving in the direction of the castle, they enjoyed a visit with Marcus before they began their search for a home of their own. Pleased with the number of options, they found a beautiful two-storey stone building a short distance from Rose and Richard.

  The family sat for their Sunday meal. “Adam and I have done a great deal of thinking. We’ve decided to move. We found a home closer to Rose and Richard. We want to spend more time with our grandchildren.”

  “Momma,” Rose squealed. “I’m so excited I’m without words.”

  The smile on Vicki and Greg’s face showed they were equally happy, but Alex remained quiet.

  Once the family left for the evening, Alex, Sarah, Adam, and Hope sat down for a discussion.

  “Alex, this move is good, it’s positive. We will remain available as your grandparents did. This business is yours now. You don’t need us. We will still get together every Sunday to dine,” Hope reminded him.

  “It will be different.”

  “It’s different already, Alex. You must admit that. The timing is right.”

  “You will be missed.”

  “Alex,” Sarah groaned. “We will continue to see them. Quite regularly.”

  * * *

  Alex missed Papa, terribly, but once his parents moved out, routines changed, making the transition a little easier. The master bedroom at the orphanage was redecorated with a modern décor, and Alex and Sarah moved into the new room. The rooms Papa and Izabella shared were also redecorated making them an appropriate play area for the twins or other visiting family members. The pictures were left on the wall. Sarah was content with her students and Jessica’s beau, Mark, began visiting. Alex and Mark became friends to the delight of Sarah and Jessica.

  Exhausted from a busy day, Alex was laying in their new bed reading when Sarah walked into the room. Allowing her hair to flop onto her shoulders, she changed into her sleeping attire and crawled into the bed beside him, resting her head on the edge of his pillow.

  “Alex, I have done a great deal of thinking.”

  He placed his novel on the night table. “Uh-oh.” He rolled onto his side and looked at her.

  “Alex, my thoughts are of this orphanage.” Her tone was serious.

  “My humble apologies for teasing.”

  “It is doubtful we will have children of our own. It is possible neither of the twins will take an interest in managing the orphanage.”

  She had his full attention.

  “Papa Stewart’s will stated the trust fund was to be administered by the family, but he never assumed a family member would continue living in the building.”

  They had been together long enough for Sarah to know he would never move. He was committed to this business. “Sarah,” Alex blurted. “I do not intend to leave this building. If you are pondering—”

  “Alex,” she interrupted. “We will live in the building as long as you please. My point is this: it is your responsibility to ensure the twins know the history of the orphanage. As they age, they will need to understand your grandmother and grandfather’s legacy. Why the orphanage is so important. They must administer the trust fund, but also ensure the funds are not wasted. It would devastate your family as they watch from heaven if future orphanage children were not cared for. If this building our family built with love fell down in ruins.”

  “Yes. I will give that serious thought. Hmm. Now, if you’re not too tired, there is a topic I’d like to discuss.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I’m aware you finished Nana Natasha’s journal some time ago. I never suggested you read the journal Momma and Papa Stewart wrote, but I feel it is important you do now.” He stretched toward his night table and removed the book. Resting on his back, Sarah settled on her side beside him. “Momma began a new journal when Papa Stewart died. In this book, the original journal, Momma wrote notes regarding their lives as she grew and wrote of her time with Poppa when they became acquainted. Rose read the journal, and I wrote brief notes of my relationship with Christine, and of Elaine. Once you read my entries you will agree my writing style changed since becoming acquainted with you. It is apparent from my entries, I fell in love with you th
e day we met.”

  “Alex, why didn’t you mention the journal earlier? I want to begin reading this evening.”

  Sarah pulled herself up to a sitting position, pushed her pillow up against the headboard, and turned on a lamp. With the book in her hand, she turned the cover and began to read.

  “No-o-o. Not at this hour. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms.”

  “Then I suggest you continue reading your novel. I can’t sleep unless I begin the journal.”

  “May I remind you, the children in this building….”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Present time

  Beep-Screech-Honk!

  Keeghan jolted out of her dream. As she opened her eyes, William was jumping out of bed, curious about the commotion. Dashing to the window in their hotel room he looked toward the road. Keeghan rested her head on her pillow, and put her hand on her pounding heart. They were so accustomed to sleeping with a window open, sound seemed magnified compared to their quiet country home.

  “It’s a tourist bus laying on his horn. A little sports car cut him off. Stupid ass. Did he not see the bus coming? Some people don’t deserve to drive,” he grumbled. Will crawled back into bed.

  “I had another dream.”

  Will rolled onto his side and looked at her.

  “I’m awake.” He reached for the lamp on the night table and turned on the light. The pen and pad were ready for notes. “The saga continues. It’s interesting seeing the school pictures, but they aren’t giving details of their lives. You have my attention.”

  “Where did I leave off?”

  “Alex and Elaine split.”

  “Right.” Keeghan finished detailing her dream.

  “I just thought of something, Will. The story began in the mid 1800’s. It’s possible, technically, Rose’s twins could be alive and well. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Venderkemp Orphanage is still run by ancestors of Stewart, Hope, and Adam?” The very idea excited her. “I feel like I’ve become a part of their lives. I’d love a chance to meet a blood relative. Now that I know there is a possibility an heir could still be alive, I couldn’t be more grateful the Venderkemp Orphanage still exists. We have the opportunity to see the building Stewart designed and lived in with Izabella, his daughter, and her family. Oh, I hope I get more answers. They must have information on the founding family. I wonder if they allow visitors at this hour.”

  Will looked at the clock, shook his head, and yawned. “I have my doubts breakfast starts this early.”

  “You’re probably right. No sign of a sunrise yet.”

  “I need more sleep.” He yawned again.

  Keeghan snuggled into his arms and tried to go back to sleep, but her mind kept travelling around the details of her dream.

  Two hours later, Keeghan was in the shower when the glass door opened and Will stepped in to join her. The back rub and neck message were amazing. “You missed your calling. You could have been a renowned masseuse.”

  Keeghan pulled the hair back from her face, got dressed, and they went to the restaurant for breakfast.

  “Keegh, I’ve been thinking about our conversation. I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, but there is a possibility an heir isn’t running the orphanage. I don’t want to see you disappointed after so much build-up. I need you to keep expectations low and remember how excited you felt to learn the Venderkemp Orphanage is still in existence.”

  Will was such a sweetheart, such a happy-go-lucky guy, she knew he hated to see her upset or disappointed. “I’m going to be fine, Will,” she assured him. “I’m excited, but I appreciate the possibility of meeting a blood relative is slim at best. Still, it would make this entire trip so rewarding. I’m living their lives in a dream and look forward to falling asleep tonight, hoping the saga will continue. I want to know if Alex and Sarah get married, if they have a child. What happens to the twins? Do Rose and Richard have more children, what happens with Stewart’s business, and the list goes on. I haven’t even figured out why I’m dreaming about this family. I need to know.”

  It was a beautiful drive to the orphanage and Keeghan took advantage of being the passenger, savouring the sights, sounds, and smells. Lush green grass and trees lined both sides of the road. The journey captivated Keeghan’s heart.

  “I’m picturing Natasha as she travelled to the orphanage, eager for a new adventure, volunteering at an orphanage. I’m also picturing Hope. Young, falling in love with Adam, and eager for the opportunity to feel the emotions her mother had experienced. Natasha did not have the chance to make a difference personally, but her dream lived on through her daughter. Hope dedicated her life to assisting the underprivileged. A tradition her son carried on, or at least I assume he did.”

  She turned her attention back to the road. “It’s possible Adam and Hope travelled this stretch of road years ago. They would have walked hand in hand from the university most days after school. I hope the building isn’t falling apart. Stewart, his father, and Greg were so dedicated to the addition as well as transforming the older building to something more modern for the era. They took such pride in the project.”

  Will glanced toward her, crossed his fingers, and turned his attention back to the unfamiliar route. As the vehicle turned to follow the bend in the road, the building came into view.

  “Oh. Wow.” Far exceeding her expectations, Keeghan fought her tears. The building was quite impressive, and the grounds were immaculate.

  “Look, Will, there’s a big rock with “The Venderkemp Orphanage” etched on it. This is it. We’re here.”

  “Yup,” he agreed.

  Will turned into the gravel driveway and parked the car. She saw ‘The Venderkemp Orphanage' prominently displayed above the front door.

  “Obviously Stewart knew what he was doing when he designed this building,” Keeghan admitted. She continued glancing around. “Architecturally, this is beautiful, even by today’s standards.”

  “Stewart was a talented man. No wonder his business was so successful. Let’s go in.”

  “I just know I can picture the lobby without setting a foot inside,” she admitted. Will opened the door.

  Inside, the lobby had a cathedral ceiling with a large window over the front door and a number of doors leading to adjoining rooms. Straight ahead, a wide staircase led up to what Keeghan knew was the medical area. Turning, she saw six wooden chairs up against a wall with a small table and magazines.

  “This room hasn’t changed over the years. This is the kitchen, the study room for the children. On our left we have the office and the next door would lead to the hallway where Sarah taught music.”

  “You sound pretty confident.”

  “I can feel it.”

  Closing her eyes, she could hear the music echoing through the walls. The beautiful melody Sarah created.

  “Good morning.” A voice interrupted her. “May I help you?”

  Opening her eyes, a five foot five brunette in her early twenties greeted them. “I hope so. We would like to speak with the administrator or the manager please.”

  “Do you have an appointment, Ma’am?”

  Keeghan hated that terminology. She complained to Will on more than one occasion that she felt old when she heard it.

  “I’m afraid not,” Will responded.

  “Appointments are required for couples interested in adopting a child.”

  “We’re not looking to adopt. We are hoping to speak with someone who knows the history of the orphanage.”

  “I’m just a volunteer. Yvette may be able to help you, but she is busy with clients.”

  “Could we see her when she’s finished?” Keeghan asked.

  “She is booked with appointments today.”

  Damn. Double damn. Keeghan turned her head toward Will, upset with herself for setting unreasonable expectations. It was foolish to arrive, unannounced, expecting to spend quality time with the person in charge.

  “Would it be possible for us to book an appointment to see
Yvette?” Will asked. “We have travelled across the pond … the ocean,” he corrected, “and would really appreciate speaking with someone before returning home.”

  “Let me check her schedule.” The young woman disappeared through a door leaving Keeghan and William in the lobby.

  “I’m sure she can spare a few minutes within the next day or two,” Will assured her. He crossed his fingers.

  While they waited for the volunteer to return, a couple in their early thirties walked in through the entrance, exchanged smiles with Will and Keeghan, and sat in the chairs meant for clients. Within a few minutes, the young volunteer returned to the lobby. “Yvonne has time the day after tomorrow, shortly after lunch.”

  How I hate a vague response. “And what time would that be?” Keeghan asked.

  “Around one o’clock.”

  “Thank you very much. We’ll be back,” she responded.

  Keeghan gripped Will’s hand, turned, and stepped outside, leaving the other couple sitting in the lobby. Walking toward their rental car, Keeghan stopped, turned, and admired the structure. “Before we leave, would you mind if we walk around the property? I know things have changed but I’d like to see it anyway.”

  Will gave her hand a slight squeeze and they began walking, the same walk she knew both Hope and Adam and Alex and Sarah would have taken.

  “It’s exactly the way I imagined it, Will. Lush grass, trees, manicured flower gardens.” Reaching the back of the building, Keeghan stopped. “This is the spot. What a beautiful, private location for a first kiss. I’m envious of Hope and Adam,” she admitted. She looked farther back on the property. “Their private cemetery is back there, and if the pond still exists, it should be to the right. This is so exciting. I want to see them.”

  “Wait a second. This may not be our first kiss, but….”