Natasha's Legacy by Heather Greenis

married couple with a wedding card they had
designed, and the extended family stood for a formal picture with
the bride and groom. Hope, Adam, and Richard’s parents walked the
newlyweds to the buggy. With the bride and groom gone, the guests
slowly departed and Alex disappeared. Even with the door closed,
laughter filled the lobby as he chatted on the telephone.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Papa Stewart, Izabella, and his parents had
made plans to dine with Aunt Vicki and Uncle Greg. With Nana
Venderkemp coming to deal with emergencies, Alex asked Sarah to
join him for dinner. As he dressed for the evening, the knock on
the door made his heart pound. He gripped his chest as Papa entered
his room.
    “Alex!” Papa groaned.
    “This is awful, Papa,” he admitted. “I’m so
nervous, I almost jumped out of my skin when you knocked. I’ve been
able to relax while speaking on the telephone with Sarah, but this
evening we will be face to face. My pounding heart will age me
before my time. I’m looking forward to seeing Sarah, but doubt I’ll
be at ease while in her company.”
    “Breathe and enjoy it, Alex.”
    “Yes. Easier said than done.”
    Alex rode off a few minutes after his aunt
and uncle arrived.
    When Sarah opened the door to her home,
Alex's heart leaped into his throat. He choked back a cough,
fighting to breathe. It took his a second or two to catch his
breath. “My word, that shade of blue accentuates your eyes. You
look beautiful.”
    “Thank you, Alex. Please, come in. Would you
care for a glass of wine? Red or white?”
    Two drinks later, they ate the meal Sarah
prepared.
    “This is delicious, but I had intended to
take you out.” Alex placed his hands on his full stomach.
    “I don’t mind, and I love to cook.”
    They went for a long walk, ending at a local
park to watch the stars twinkling in the sky. It was getting late
when he noticed Sarah place her hand over her mouth, fighting back
a yawn. Pleased with the night, he walked her back to her home.
    With Rose a married woman and moving into a
small apartment Richard had leased, Alex missed seeing his baby
sister.
    Laying in his bed, he looked around his room.
“I'm not moving out of the orphanage. But I've outgrown this room.
It needs renovated. I will speak with Poppa and Papa later today.”
Pleased with the idea he jumped out of bed.
    The following week, they moved his furniture
into a spare room and with guidance from his papa and assistance
from Greg and Matthew, the wall between Alex and Rose’s room was
demolished.
    “I have space,” he gloated as he stood in his
room and extended his hands. “Now, I will ask Sarah to assist me as
I shop for new furniture.”
    The aroma of lunch cooking greeted him when
she opened the door to her home.
    “You’re spoiling me with meals.”
    “I enjoy cooking for someone other than
myself.”
    With their stomachs full, they travelled to
the city in search of a new bed and wardrobe cabinet, two
armchairs, and a small table. Appreciating her suggestions and
opinions on the modern décor, the furniture was ordered.
    That night, he sat in his room writing in his
journal. His friendship with Sarah was deepening, but still lacked
the level of comfort he experienced with Rose or his cousins. “That
won’t change until I kiss her. I can’t fathom initiating anything
intimate.” Grumbling, he put the journal away and went to bed.
    After three weeks of telephone calls and
meals at her apartment, Sarah invited him to join her family for
dinner. Lying in bed the evening before the meal, his eyes refused
to stay shut. Sleep was impossible.
    Alex stood in front of his mirror, ensuring
he looked respectable in his navy blazer, vest, and dark trousers
before walking out of his room.
    Sarah was standing at the door to her complex
when he arrived. The dark flowing skirt of her dress blew freely in
the breeze. His hands trembled as he jumped down and then assisted
Sarah onto the buggy.
    “Breathe, Alex. Once you meet