Alex woke on the morning of his birthday. Sarah continued sleeping soundly. He dressed, walked down the steps, and into the dining area. Greeted with regular morning salutations, Alex thought his family had forgotten his special day.
Shortly after the children were fed, Jessica approached him.
“Would you mind going to the city? I’m ashamed to admit, I’m behind in my paperwork.”
“Of course.” Alex took the list from her and looked at it. “My word. I’m surprised the children have been fed.” He left in search of Sarah, finding her in the music room. “Sarah, I’m doing errands in the city. Would you join me?”
“I would but I have six students today. Three in the morning and another three before dinner.”
“Six?” He scrunched his nose and went to his room to change.
Papa met him in the hallway and offered to accompany him.
“Let's take the horses and buggy. They could use an outing and we can appreciate the beautiful day.”
Alex tapped the reins and Papa began chatting.
* * *
Once Alex and Stewart left, Adam took a prepared sign and nailed it by the entrance. The orphanage would be closed to visitors for the day. Rose and Richard left the twins with Vicki and Greg and arrived within the hour. The piano was moved from the teaching area into the study room, the eating area was rearranged, and decorations hung.
“I’m so pleased,” Sarah said. “This is just as I imagined.”
Vicki and Greg arrived with Matt and Carolyn and the twins an hour before the guests were expected. All the children were in awe of the colours when Hope opened the door to the eating area to display the balloons, streamers, and ‘happy birthday’ signs.
“This looks wonderful,” Vicki commended.
Tom and Grace arrived with their family and then Sarah’s parents, brother, and a pregnant Ingrid.
* * *
Stewart treated his grandson to lunch and they enjoyed their time together. The day progressed according to plan until Alex saw a university school chum outside the mercantile. Stewart climbed onto the buggy, looking forward to the leisurely ride home. The conversation between the young men continued with neither Alex nor his chum in a rush to depart. Concerned, Stewart pulled out his pocket watch.
“Alex, it pains me to interrupt, but we must return home.”
“We can finish our conversation later,” the friend announced.
Hearing the comment, it was obvious the young man had been invited with plans to attend the evening celebration. Stewart glared at the friend.
“Don’t be a stranger to the city, Alex. Next time, perhaps we can go out for a coffee, or even lunch.”
“I’d like that. I better get going.”
Alex climbed onto the buggy, took the reins into his hands, and led the horses away.
When the team approached the orphanage, Stewart did not see any carriages, buggies or automobiles that would cause Alex to become suspicious. Alex stopped the horses and Stewart stepped down and walked toward the main entrance. Alex led the horses to the barn.
Entering the lobby, the entire family was in the room. “My apologies for being tardy.” He took his place beside Izabella and waited for what seemed like a lifetime for Alex. Adam was looking out the window, watching for the guest of honour to approach.
“He’s coming.”
* * *
Alex enjoyed his day away although it would have been perfect if Sarah had been able to join them. It was a wonderful break from work. When they arrived home, his papa said he was tired and left Alex to tend to the horses. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the day. He walked toward the orphanage and opened the door. Then it happened. There was a room full of people bellowing, “Happy Birthday.”
He froze. I’m the centre of attention. No-o-o. He scanned the crowd for Sarah and saw her big beautiful smile, but there were too many people in his home. I can’t. He put his hands over his eyes and then turned around to face the door.
“Happy birthday, Alex,” Sarah whispered and then kissed his cheek.
“There are a lot of people in my home,” he winced, lowering his hands.
“Your family, my family, and Tom and Grace. I know you consider them family.”
“Our family. I’m accustomed to seeing them sit around a table for a meal or scattered around my home, not congested in the lobby.”
“Our family has gone to a great deal of effort to arrange this get together.”
He looked at Sarah and then took a deep breath and turned around. Alisha squirmed in Rose’s arms. Alex extended his arms to her. Holding his niece, he looked over and saw her quiet twin content in Richard’s arms. Then Alex heard the music.
“That isn’t coming from the gramophone.”
“My students will be arriving to perform different pieces. Your favourites. They have been practicing.”
Appreciating the time and effort it took to arrange a special day, he gave Sarah a loving smile. “It’s perfect.”
When the group scattered, Alex relaxed and enjoyed himself. His parents danced with the orphanage children. Rose and Richard minded their twins. Sarah’s last student left shortly before the meal was served and the gramophone was turned on for soft background melodies.
After completing the main course, Sarah and Rose walked into the room with the cake.
Every child had bulging eyes when they saw the flicker of light coming from the coloured candles.
“There are far too many candles for me to blow out. I require assistance.” Alex looked at the children. “Do I have any volunteers?”
Seeing the hands rise, he smiled. Alisha squirmed in Richard’s arms, determined to get closer to the bright, sparkling object. Looking toward Alisha’s twin, he was still content in Rose’s arms, alert and watching. Nothing escaped that child’s attention. His nephew truly had Venderkemp blood running through his veins whereas his niece was all Donovan.
Alex called the names of the two children who had spent the longest time at the orphanage. The candles were blown out and the cake devoured.
“Alex, I must warn you. More people are due to arrive,” Sarah mentioned as the plates were cleared.
“More?”
When she nodded, he forced a smile.
Jessica, Sarah, and his parents settled the children for the evening, and then the adults scattered into different rooms to change into more suitable attire. Alex walked into the bedroom and found his suit, freshly pressed.
He was in the dining area, socializing with his cousins and uncles when he noticed Matthew look toward the stairs. Turning, Sarah descended in a beautiful, shimmering, forest-green gown.
“Wow.”
“It was at Valentine’s. Izabella had the gown set aside and Rose brought it when they arrived this morning.”
“I’ve said this on many occasions, but it remains true. You are stunning.”
“And you look very handsome in your suit.”
Music from the gramophone filled the rooms and bottles of wine were set on the table. Guests began arriving and his parents, grandfather, and Izabella began socializing. Sarah became occupied with associates from the conservatory.
Alex was looking for Sarah when he noticed his father walk into the room. The man that accompanied him had a familiar face. Where do I know him from, university perhaps? No. Oh my gosh. It’s my orphanage friend. It’s Johnny. Shocked, but delighted, he walked over to greet his friend.
“Alex,” his poppa called, “you remember Johnny. John.”
“Of course. Come join me. You must tell me about your life since leaving this building.”
“I was fortunate. I was adopted by loving parents and I became a doctor. I’m married with two little girls. My wife is pregnant with our third child or she would be with me. You look great.” Their conversation continued. They were joined by Rose and then Richard and Sarah.
It was just after midnight when the first guests announced they were leaving. Closing the door after the last couple left, Alex turned his attention to Sarah. He put his arms around her waist and gazed into her eyes.
“This was one of the best nights of my life. Rose told me this celebration was your idea. Thank you. The memories will last in the children’s minds for many years to come, and I enjoyed seeing former friends. I am confident every man in this building was envious when you stood by my side.”
Leaning toward Sarah, he allowed his lips to touch hers.
“Alex!” Rose lectured. “There are guests in the next room who would like to speak with the birthday boy.”
The remaining guests were family members. Alex wasn’t the least bit concerned. “How is it possible you still possess miserable timing?”
“How is it possible a shy man insists upon a public display of affection?”
“I’m simply displaying my appreciation,” he boasted with pride.
“Everyone in the next room would be pleased to accept an invitation to an event where a husband is expected to kiss his bride.”
Sarah’s attention shifted to the floor.
“Although we refer to Sarah as Auntie Sarah to my children, she isn’t,” Rose continued.
Alex stared at the floor. Hs cheeks burned. Prickly heat went down his neck into his back. His life with Sarah was not his sister’s concern.
“Alex,” Rose continued. “Please tell me you’ve told Sarah you love her.”
How humiliating. Even Rose is aware of that misunderstanding.
Sarah nodded.
“But you haven’t proposed yet?” Rose lectured.
Richard opened the adjoining door and entered the room.
“For the love of God, ask Sarah to be your wife,” Rose pleaded.
“Rose,” Richard called out. “Hush. Their relationship is not your concern. We need to check on our children.” Richard reached for Rose’s hand and pulled her toward the main staircase. “I’m hoping our little angels are sleeping.”
With his sister working her way up to the second floor, Alex turned to Sarah, placing his hands on her cheek. It had been a perfect day followed by a wonderful evening together. In his mind, the timing was perfect. “I love you, Sarah.”
“Members of your family are in the next room,” she reminded him. “It would appear rude if the guest of honour did not visit before they retire for the evening.”
Sarah reached for his hand and together they walked into the adjoining room.
A half hour later, Vicki and Greg left, followed by Marcus and his family. Papa Stewart and Izabella were yawning when they announced they were retiring for the evening. It was entering into the early hours of the morning when Alex walked Matthew, Tessa, and their spouses to the door. Returning to the eating area, his favourite piece was playing. He turned up the gramophone and looked at Sarah. Smiling, she met him on the dance floor. Richard and Rose followed their lead as did his parents. Holding Sarah in his arms, Alex tilted his head toward her and caressed her lips with tender kisses.
“Alex,” Sarah whispered. “Your parents and sister are in the room.”
“Uh huh,” he mumbled in agreement. He attempted to continue.
“They are witnessing….”
“Uh hum,” he mumbled again. “I love you.” He caressed the side of her neck with kisses.
“Your brother shocks me.” Alex heard Richard say to Rose. “He is the shyest man I know, yet look at him. I admire him. In his mind, they are alone in the world.”
“Kiss me,” Rose pleaded.
“Here?”
From the corner of Alex’s eye he saw his sister stretch up and give her husband a tender kiss on his lips. Richard did not attempt to avoid it.
“It is pleasing to see both Alex and Rose happy,” he heard his momma say to his poppa.
“Raised in a home filled with love, I expected nothing less.”
“I expected Alex to marry Sarah,” his momma admitted.
He shifted their position slightly so he could see his parents. His poppa had raised his eyebrows, his way of warning Momma to hush.
“Hope, your lips must remain sealed on the topic.”
“I love you, Adam.” She reached up and kissed him.
“You were concerned my family would witness our kiss, yet, look.” He pointed toward his family.
“Unbelievable,” Sarah murmured. “The Venderkemp blood.”
“You are mistaken, Sarah. It is the Donovan blood. Have you not reached the section in the diary when Papa Stewart kissed Nana Natasha while in the presence of university classmates?”
“I have, but I must dedicate more time to the diary. Recently, my time has been consumed preparing for a party.”
“I love you, Sarah.” Placing his hands on her cheeks, he looked into her eyes and then opened his mouth and gave her a passionate kiss, a kiss that normally occurred in the privacy of their room.
“Alex,” Rose protested.
Sarah pulled away from the embrace.
“Alex,” his momma lectured. “You have witnessed innocent kisses between your poppa and me, yet our intimate kisses occur in private.”
Sarah’s face turned scarlet red as did his poppa’s. Both covered their faces with their hands.
“Ho-ope,” Adam groaned.
“Rose and Hope are outspoken and blunt. It is apparent Alex, like his Papa Stewart, has forgotten intimacy is to occur in private,” Izabella told Sarah and then winked at her.
“My grandson did not learn a lesson after the first kiss he shared with you.”
“Apparently not,” Sarah agreed.
Alex’s attention shifted between Sarah, his father and grandfather. “I have no regrets. I enjoy kissing Sarah and always have.” The gramophone was turned off and the three couples retreated to the second floor.
Once in the privacy of their room, Alex watched Sarah brush her hair.
“I thought my family had forgotten my birthday. It was difficult walking into the building to be greeted by so many people, but I enjoyed the evening. I’m still … well … rejuvenated. Are you tired?”
“I should be, but no.”
“Good. I plan to thank you for my birthday celebration.” He crawled out of bed, and took her into his arms. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look this evening?”
The evening had been perfect. The celebration with family and friends and then quality time with Sarah. The timing was perfect to propose marriage. She had stopped him earlier in the evening, but now, they would not be interrupted. There were many times he wanted to propose, but something always marred it. Something always made the timing inappropriate.
When Rose announced her pregnancy, he was thrilled for Rose and Richard but wanted his sister involved in the wedding. Then Mr. Tymlin had his accident. Renovating Sarah’s parents’ home took far more time than he expected. Papa had warned it would not be completed quickly, but months?
He placed his hand on Sarah’s head as it rested on his chest. “I love you, Sarah. Years ago, I said I needed to ensure you were happy living here. Are you happy?”
“Very happy.”
“Perhaps the time has come to make our relationship official.”
“Uh huh.”
“Sarah Venderkemp.”
“It sounds beautiful when coming from your voice.”
A warm sensation filled Alex’s heart. His family would be thrilled when they announced their engagement in the morning. His poppa had stated the difficulty in proposing to Momma, yet he accomplished that with ease. With assistance from family, Sarah would plan their wedding. He would place a ring on her finger when they exchanged vows.
“We shall inform my family during breakfast,” he boasted.
“That would not be wise.”
Alex chuckled. Sarah wants to hear a formal proposal. I will grant you that. “I’m in love with you, Sarah. Will you do me the honour of becoming my—”
Her finger went over his lips. She stopped me, actually stopped me from proposing marriage.
“Perhaps, someday,” she responded very casually.
Stunned by her response, Alex stared at her. Izabella had stopped his papa in the same fashion. A finger over his lips.
All these years together and they never married. Both his momma and Rose wanted him and Sarah married. He wanted to marry her. “Are you declining—”
“No,” she reassured him, “but I am not accepting at this time.”
Placing his finger under her chin, he tilted her head to see a slight smile on her face. “At this time? You are not pleased with the proposal?”
“You are correct. I am not. I have displayed patience, waiting for this moment. I love you, Alex. Months ago I would have been ecstatic to hear you propose, having fallen asleep with tears in my eyes on many occasions. I know you love me. Everything changed after Poppa’s accident. I felt and experienced your family’s love. I’m content being in your life.”
A warm sensation consumed his body. He wiped the tear from her cheek. “I want to marry you. I know you want to be married. What would please you?”
Sarah rolled onto her back and looked at the crackling flame from the wood stove by the foot of the bed.
“A romantic setting.”
“Romantic? “You are laying in our bed with the glow of the fire. The setting is very romantic.”
Sarah did not move her head but shifted her eyes toward him.
“You’re serious! A romantic setting,” he repeated in confirmation. “Do you have other requests?”
“I’d like the proposal to be unique.”
Why did I procrastinate? I should have trusted my heart. I should have asked Sarah to be my bride instead of requesting she join me in my home. “Sarah.”
“I am a patient woman, Alex.”
“If I had proposed the day I asked you to join me in my home—”
“I would have accepted before you completed the statement. I wanted to be your wife.” Sarah rolled onto her side and looked at him. “I’m content sharing your life. My intention is not to jeopardize our relationship, but I’d like to be romanced. I want to recall the day for the remainder of my life. Something to talk about.”
Alex regretted his lack of confidence on the evening of her concert. He should have been more persistent the day they played with the children.
“Do you recall playing tug-of-war with the children? The teams were not evenly matched and I attempted to have you on my team.”
“The girls were ecstatic with their win over the boys, especially with you playing.” Her smile grew.
“I had intended to propose that day. With my arms around you, I had planned to whisper in your ear.”
“Alex. That was shortly after I moved here.”
“Uh huh.”
“You wanted to speak with me, but the children asked us to join them.”
“I originally intended to lead you to the back of the orphanage and propose, but my plan changed because of the game. With distractions and dilemmas, the proposal was not meant to occur that day.”
“Ugh,” she groaned. “If I was aware of your intention, I would have spoken with the girls and we would have celebrated our engagement. Poppa would have walked me down the aisle.”
Alex’s heart sank. It had taken so long to gain confidence in their relationship. So much had happened in their lives making the timing inappropriate, delaying him.
“My apologies, Sarah.”
“The proposal would have been unique,” she admitted. “I would be speaking of it to this day.”
“Is it possible you will agree if I repeat the question?”
“No. I refuse to lie about the proposal. In the same breath, I refuse to tell Momma, Poppa, and Ingrid, or anybody else you proposed in bed.”
“God is not kind to me.” Alex inhaled. “To continue reminiscing, do you remember dining the week before you were offered the travel contact with the conservatory?”
“My apologies, but no. I recall practicing a great deal. My nerves have never bothered me as they did that week.”
“You were exhausted, more than I realized. I had sat in my room every evening, practicing a speech. After dining, we returned to your apartment and during our ‘quality talk’ I told you I loved you. I asked you to join me in my home with an assurance a proposal would occur once I was certain of your happiness.”
“You said you loved me? I don’t remember that.”
“Yes. I took my time to open the discussion, attempting to settle my nerves. Once the words were out of my mouth, I waited for your response only to discover you were sleeping. In our time together, I do not believe there was another evening we did not talk and become intimate again.”
“Unable to open my eyes I assumed I was dreaming. You didn’t discuss your plans the following day or the following week.”
“The following weekend, my heart was shattered with the idea of losing you. I was convinced once you had considered the offer, you would accept the contract and become a professional musician. To this day, I’m amazed you remained with me.”
“I have never questioned my decision to decline the offer. There were nights I regretted moving into this home. I cried myself to sleep many nights,” she admitted.
“My body, heart, and soul belong to you.” Alex thought of the evening of their first kiss, the inappropriate moment. “I must ask. Have I been forgiven for our first kiss?”
“Perhaps.”
“Perhaps? That is not acceptable. I pray we are able to celebrate the joyous event while I am still relatively young and able, if the day comes you forgive me,” he added. “You have me thinking it will never happen.”
Sarah leaned over and kissed him.
Exhausted when they parted, Sarah rolled onto her side and Alex snuggled in beside her. She kissed his hand and drifted off to sleep. Unable to settle, Alex’s mind was on their conversation.
A week after the celebration, Adam and Hope went to Rose and Richard’s to care for the twins allowing the young parents an evening out. After dining, Papa Stewart and Izabella returned to their room allowing the two couples time to visit. Richard began speaking to Sarah about the piano. He followed her to the music room to be taught a basic song.
Keeping his voice lowered, Alex spoke with Rose of his attempted proposal and Sarah’s response.
“Richard would not be in my life and the father of my children if he attempted such a proposal.”
“You are not helping my grieving heart. I’m not looking for a lecture. I require assistance. I spend my days associating with children, or speaking about children.”
Rose shifted her body closer to his and placed her arm around his shoulder. The sofa became confining.
“Sarah loves you, Alex. Sarah is hoping for a proposal from your heart. I will speak with Momma and Izabella. We’ll collaborate and think of something special. Our family will be so pleased, her family too.”
“Only if she accepts. This will be my third attempt. There will not be another.”
Rose was smiling as she walked out of the room in search of her husband.
Falling asleep with his arm around Sarah that night, Alex dreamed he proposed. The ambiance was romantic, perfect in his mind. Rising the next morning, with his dream fresh in his mind, he wanted his mother’s and Rose’s opinions.
“I must do a quick errand. I will return soon,” he whispered to Sarah.
Sarah made a vocal sound but never opened her eyes. He walked out of their room.
* * *
Hope was in a light sleep when a tap on the door just after dawn woke her.
“Momma, are you awake?”
“I am now.”
Rose opened the door, bubbling with excitement.
“I couldn’t sleep last night. I had the most delightful conversation with Alex. He plans to propose to Sarah.”
Having given up on a marriage between Alex and Sarah, Hope thought she misunderstood her daughter’s words. She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Adam pulled the covers over his shoulders.
“It’s true, Momma. He plans to ask Sarah to be his wife but requires help and suggestions for a romantic proposal.”
“That is wonderful news, Rose,” Adam remarked. “We will discuss this once we are downstairs.”
Rose closed the door and within a few minutes, Adam’s breathing indicated he was sleeping. Far too excited, Hope couldn’t sleep. Alex would propose to Sarah. They would be married. She wanted to speak with Alex and congratulate him. Exhausted from playing with their grandchildren, Adam never stirred as she crawled out of bed. A half hour later, Adam shuffled down the steps and walked into the parlour. Hope poured him a cup of coffee.
“Where is Rose?”
She is tending to the twins.”
The telephone rang.
“Momma. Would you answer that?”
Hope rushed into the kitchen. “Alex is coming for a visit,” she announced to anyone listening.
Their son arrived within a half hour. With both his niece and nephew on his lap, Alex sat at the dining table and spoke of his plan.