Natasha's Legacy Read Free Page B

commotion from outside, he
looked up as Tom looked out the window.
    “You have company.”
    By the expression on Tom’s face, he knew it
was Elaine. The pounding in his heart almost choked him. Placing
his hand on his chest, he couldn’t face her.
    “I hate asking you to lie, but would you tell
her I’m …
    “In the city completing errands? Indeed, I
will.”
    Alex left the office and went up the steps
and into the nursery. Holding a baby in his arms, he wandered
toward the window and looked out.

     
    * * *
     
     
    With free time on his hands, Stewart went to
the medical area. He spoke to a young child in a hospital bed and
walked down the staircase, planning to sit outside and wait for
Izabella to return from the boutique. Reaching the main level, the
door swung open. Elaine burst into the building with a smile on her
face.
    Agh. You are the last person I want to see.
The last person I want Alex spending time with.
    “Good afternoon, Mr. Donovan.” Elaine turned
to close the door.
    Comical, you were never so formal while being
courted by my grandson. Never once did you call me anything but
Papa. If asked, I would have preferred you calling me Stewart. Not
impressed by her presence, he looked at the floor. He heard his
momma's voice in his head. ‘Stewart, you are being rude. You were
raised to be a gentleman.’ To this day, Momma would chastise me if
she were alive and able. He looked up at their guest.
    “Miss McClaire,” he responded, mimicking her
sudden formality.
    “Would you be so kind as to find Alex? I
would like to speak to him.”
    Stewart was about to respond ‘ No, I will not, ’ when Tom stepped out of the
office.
    “Alex is completing errands. I’m not
expecting him to return until I’m preparing to depart for the
day.”
    Speechless, Stewart suppressed a frown. Alex
hadn’t run errands in some time. With few exceptions, Tom went to
the city when it was required, giving him a break from his regular
duties. Stewart remained silent, admiring the assurance Tom’s voice
conveyed. The main door opened again. Izabella stopped abruptly at
the sight of the young woman in the lobby.
    “Mrs. Donovan,” Elaine said.
    Stewart stepped toward the threshold,
extended his hand, and kissed Izabella's cheek. She whispered to
him and then turned to their manager.
    “Good afternoon, Tom. A volunteer is
requesting your assistance with the children.” She waited for Tom
to leave and closed the door. “It’s such a beautiful day, I plan to
take a short walk around the property once I change. Would you care
to join me?”
    “Indeed. That sounds delightful. This young
woman is capable of finding her way to the door.”
    They turned their backs on Elaine and headed
for the stairs, encouraging the uninvited guest to leave. He
hesitated with a smile. Surrendering to his dislike for Elaine, and
the opportunity to rub salt in her proverbial raw wound, Stewart
stole a quick glance ensuring there weren’t any volunteer ears
listening. Stewart raised his voice enough for Elaine to overhear.
“Well, love, are you pleased with the month’s profits at
Valentine’s?” His mother would have boxed his ears for sure had she
been there.
    “Very pleased. It’s my opinion Valentine’s
profits exceeded those of Stewart Donovan Engineering.” Would Izabella’s mother have boxed hers? He’d have to ask her later.
    The door closed. Stewart turned and walked
back to the entrance. Glancing out the window, he spied Elaine
wiping a tear from her eye.
    “I believe we accomplished my mission.”
    “I spoke the truth,” Izabella admitted,
placing a hand on his shoulder. “The store had an exceptional
month.”
    Extending his hand to her, they walked up the
steps to change.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Standing at a window holding a baby to his
chest, Alex watched Izabella arrive and then Elaine rode off. The
tightness in his chest eased. “When will the pain in my heart
cease? Will it ever subside?”
    He swallowed the lump