Natasha's Legacy Read Free

with
Richard and their friendship quickly grew into a close bond. They
played with the children and Alex joined Rose and Richard for long
walks around the property. Rose continually pointed out attractive
volunteers, but Alex ignored her suggestions. “I’ve made two
mistakes. I will not make a third,” he reminded her during a
walk.
    “Your heart must be yearning for a
companion.”
    “That will stop. I will find fulfilment
dedicating my time and energy to the orphanage.”
    “Augh,” Rose grumbled in a tone louder than
necessary.
    Rose received her acceptance letter and that
fall began her first year at Picton University while Richard
returned for his final year. Alex’s sister enjoyed the social
aspect of school, meeting new friends and spending time with her
beau when they weren’t in class.
    Momma and Poppa were concerned when her
grades slipped, but Rose assured them her professors were pleased
with her efforts.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Shortly before mid-term exams, Rose noticed
Elaine walking out of a classroom. Determined to cause pain to the
woman who hurt her brother, she devised a plan to show Elaine’s
true character. Enlisting Richard’s assistance, she spoke of her
plan while they walked home from school.
    The following day, Rose waited with Richard
outside a classroom. When Elaine walked out, Richard smiled. This
was Rose’s indication to begin.
    “Papa Stewart’s company has been awarded
another large contract. Once again, Stewart Donovan Engineering
will be the talk of the town.”
    “Your papa is a talented man, Rose. My poppa
says the businessmen in the city rave about his company. To this
day they speak of the hotel he constructed.”
    Alex was working in the office when Rose
returned home after school and bounced into the office. Far too
giddy, he had no opportunity to greet her before she began
describing the conversation she and Richard staged. The fact Rose
came up with the elaborate scheme didn’t surprise Alex, but
Richard’s involvement did. Alex listened only half paying
attention, sceptical.
    “You’ve both wasted your time and energy. It
has been over six months since our breakup. Elaine has too much
pride to contact me.”
    “We’ll see,” Rose responded. “I’d wager money
I’m right and you’re wrong.”
    Rose, Richard and Alex were placing the last
of the dinner plates in the cupboard when the ring of the telephone
reached them.
    “I believe that’s a personal telephone call
for you, Alex,” Rose announced.
    “Nay. There has been an accident. A child
will be arriving momentarily.”
    Rose dashed out of the room toward the office
with Richard a few paces behind. Alex placed the last pile of
plates in the cupboard and walked out of the kitchen and into the
lobby. Richard was standing outside the office, waiting for Rose.
Looking into the room, Rose placed the telephone receiver on the
desk. She skipped out of the room with a smug smile on her
face.
    “It’s Elaine. She’s asking to speak to you,
my dearest brother.”
    Alex glared at her, fury building inside him.
The only reason Elaine had for contacting him after all this time
would be to reconcile. A great deal of pain remained in his empty
heart, but he would never let Elaine know. Without an option,
thanks to his sister’s meddling, Alex took a deep breath and
entered the office, closing the door.

     
    * * *
     
     
    “I can hear him.”
    Coming down the main staircase with Adam,
Rose's voice reached Hope’s ears. Taking two more steps, she
noticed Rose with her ear to the office door.
    “She’s eavesdropping on a conversation in the
office,” Hope whispered to Adam. Step away, Rose.
Take Richard to another room.
    “I’m not accustomed to hearing Alex use that
tone,” Rose told Richard. “He’s confirming the Donovan name.”
    “Rose Alisha Venderkemp,” Richard scolded.
“Your brother deserves privacy.”
    Rose put her finger to her lips. “Now he’s
saying neither of us achieved grades to