Natasha's Legacy by Heather Greenis Read Free Book Online Page A

history, tomorrow, your future. If Sarah brings laughter and
enjoyment to your life, you must open your heart and mind to her
friendship.”
    “I’m trying.” Alex bit his bottom lip.
    “I will expect a proper introduction during
her next visit.”
    Alex smiled and nodded.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Leaving Alex, Stewart returned to his own
room. Izabella was sitting up in their bed with her head resting
against her pillow, reading. She placed her novel on the night
table and watched Stewart turn out the light and crawl in beside
her.
    “Did you speak with Alex?”
    “The young woman answers to the name Sarah
and Alex is smitten. Although he fears being hurt, or hurting the
young woman, he has strong feelings for her.”
    “Alex is a young version of his papa.”
    “That is my concern. When it comes to Alex,
the weight of the world is on his chest. He must open his heart to
her. I sympathize with his dilemma. It was difficult to open my
heart after Natasha’s death.”
    “You shared a true union of souls and were
blessed with a beautiful daughter. The pain in your heart increased
tenfold raising a child that is her mother’s image. I do not
believe Alex has experienced the emotions of being in love. I hope
Sarah is a special young woman who is compassionate, but able to
give Alex a slight tug. She must find her way into Alex’s heart as
I found my way into yours.”
    “That is my hope, and that of his
parents.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Alex finished his breakfast and walked into
the office to see two stacks of files on his desk. Sitting on his
chair, he glanced through the papers for volunteer applications. He
only saw information for adopted children and babes born. Breathing
a sigh of relief, he prepared himself to work. As he opened the
first file, a knock on the door interrupted him.
    “Come in.”
    Tom entered. “My apologies. I wasn’t able to
work on the children’s files.”
    “Don’t apologize. Accept my gratitude for
finishing the volunteer applications.”
    “It was pleasing to see Sarah by your side. I
heard the laughter while outside with the children.”
    “We enjoyed our time together.”
    “I hope to see her visiting on a regular
basis. I will leave you to work.”
    Tom closed the door on his way out.
    Two days later, Alex telephoned the
mercantile asking to speak with Sarah. After apologizing for his
tardiness, he asked if she had a telephone at her home. That night,
once the children were settled for the evening, Alex walked into
the office and closed the door. Time stood still as they chatted.
There was a tap and then the door opened slightly and Poppa looked
in.
    “My humble apologies, but I must remind you,
the telephone is intended for the orphanage and emergencies.”
    The door closed. Alex removed his pocket
watch. My word. We’ve been talking more than two
hours. “My apologies, Sarah. I didn’t realize the time.”
    “Nor did I.”
    “May I call again tomorrow night?”
    “Indeed. Yes. Goodnight, Alex.”
    “Sweet dreams.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    It had been a quiet evening. Hope’s poppa and
Izabella had retired for the evening, Rose was in her room reading
and Alex in the office. It was getting late when her husband
entered their room.
    “Please tell me Alex is no longer working,”
Hope pleaded.
    “Alex has spent the last two hours on the
telephone. With the window open, I’m pleased to say there was
laughter.”
    “Two hours with laughter? Is he speaking with
Matthew?”
    Adam shook his head. “I don’t believe
so.”
    “A school chum?”
    “I’m not certain, but I question whether he's
speaking with a young lady.”
    “You must open our door, Adam. I plan to
speak with Alex before he settles in for the evening.”
    Adam changed into his sleeping attire, opened
the door and crawled into bed. They were reading when they heard
movement in the hallway. Watching, Alex walked by their door. After
giving him a few minutes to settle, Hope crawled out of bed