Blossoms of Love Read online

  After what seemed like an eternity to Natalie, Lamont just sat there looking at her, studying her face. Then he got up, walked over to the door, and looked out, “It’s no use.” Without turning around he said, “This on and off relationship of ours isn’t worth a damn.” She turned to go upstairs when he turned around and said, “I guess we’ll have to keep this relationship of ours on won’t we baby?” Her face brightened as he held out his arms. She ran to him. As his arms circled around her and he held her close she said, “Oh Monty I was so afraid this was the finish for us.” He put his hands on each side of her face, lifting her chin until their eyes met, “I don’t know what our life together will be but I do know I don’t want to live without you.” She said softly, “Our life together will be beautiful.” His face came closer to hers and then he kissed her with the sweetest, most tender, kiss she’d ever had.

  David came down the steps and smiled, “The storm’s over I see. Now will you two get married and stop worrying the hell out of me?” The phone rang. It was Johnny calling Lamont. Mr. Ellman had suffered a severe heart attack. At the airport, Lamont held Natalie in his arms, “When you get back from Europe we’ll get married. Try to cut your stay over there short.” She said, “Yes darling. Six months is a long time.” The PA system called out Lamont’s plane. He kissed her, “I love you Nat.” She clung to him, “I love you.” As he started toward the plane, Natalie yelled, “I’ll write often.” He looked back, “Don’t count on an answer. I just don’t write letters.” Natalie said to David standing beside her, “There goes my heart.” David said, “There goes the best friend I’ve got.”

  Johnny met Lamont at the airport. When they were in the car, Lamont asked, “How’s Dad?” Johnny said, “He’s not gonna make it Monty. It seems he’s just hanging on to see you. He’s seen all of us except for you.”

  When Lamont saw his Father, he knew there was little hope. He was under oxygen, his big, strong body in so much pain. His face wasn’t tan and healthy looking as he was the last time Lamont saw his Father. Lamont stood by the bed, “Dad, it’s me, Monty.” The elderly man opened his eyes. His voice was only a whisper, Lamont had to lean over to hear him, “Monty, I was afraid I couldn’t hold on so I could see you.” Lamont said, “Dad I’ve come back to stay. I’m gonna help you on the ranch. I’m also going to get married later this year. We’ll live here.” The elderly man who’d fathered six sons and worked hard all his life said, “At last—you’ve settled. Now—I can go—peacefully. All of you boys—take care—of your –m-o-t-h-e-r.” He closed his eyes and the last breath left him. Lamont motioned for the nurse to come. She took his pulse, then his blood pressure. She turned to Lamont, “I’m sorry Mr. Ellman.” Lamont looked at his Father. His face seemed to have a smile on his lips. At last he was free from pain and suffering.

  Lamont slowly opened the door. He couldn’t believe his Father was dead. When he got to the waiting room, he saw six young men huddled around their mother. Johnny and Berry’s wives were there. Leon’s wife was expecting their baby any time now, she was at home. They all looked at Lamont when he came into the room. Everyone was afraid to ask him if their Father was gone. Finally, Mrs. Ellman said, “Oh no.” Paul said, “I can’t believe it.” Lamont said, “He died about five minutes ago.” Mrs. Ellman stopped crying, “I know he is better off. He has suffered so much for the last month, but I’m going to miss him so much.” All the boys tried to comfort her.

  When they got home Ellen, Johnny’s wife, made coffee. They all gathered around the table. They were all quiet. Then Lamont said, “I could have helped Dad more. I could have spent more time with him.” Leon said, “We’re all guilty of that Monty.” Allen said, “Monty helped Mom and Dad more than any of us. He sent money every month.” Paul said, “I should have stayed on the ranch instead of going to medical school.” Johnny said, “I should have stayed on the ranch and helped Dad after I married.” Berry sighed, “Yea, me too. The old house is plenty big enough” Mrs. Ellman said, “Hush boys. You have no regrets. You all have your own lives to life. Your Father knew that. I don’t want any of you blaming yourselves. Your Father was sixty eight. He knew he shouldn’t get out and work like he used to but he was happier that way. Everyone feels this way when they’ve lost a loved one. All of you boys have been extra good to us.”

  Mr. Ellman was brought home until the funeral. It was his request. Johnny and Lamont seemed to be hurting the most. Ellen called David. He answered the phone, “Hello.” Ellen said, “you don’t know me, I’m Monty’s sister-in-law, Johnny’s wife. I thought you should know that Mr. Ellman died about two hours ago.” David said, “Yes, I’m certainly glad you let me know. Natalie and I will be there on the first plane coming that way.” Ellen said, “Good, I think Monty would like for you to be here.” David asked, “How is Monty?” She answered, “He’s taking it pretty hard.” David said, “Thanks for letting me know.”

  David was still in his cast but nothing was going to stop him from going. He was going to be by his friends’ side at a time like this, and of course, Natalie wanted to be near Lamont in his time of grief.

  It was late that night when David and Natalie arrived in Montana. Johnny and his wife met them. In the car, everyone was introduced. Then Natalie asked, “”How is Monty?” Johnny said, “He’s pretty low. He blames himself for not being with Dad more often.” Natalie said, “Poor darling.” David said, “He shouldn’t blame himself for anything. I know for a fact Monty sent them money every payday.” Ellen said, “Monty said they needed him more than they needed the money.” Ellen looked at her husband, “Johnny blames himself too, for not helping on the ranch after we married.” David said, “Listen Johnny, we all have regrets, I know. Believe me, I know, but we have to go on rather we like it or not.”

  Natalie looked at the mountains with the jagged tops covering the snow. Lamont had told her about them but she didn’t realize how beautiful they really were. It was so odd for here, for it to be 105 degrees, look up, and see snow covering the mountains. Natalie said, “We have mountains in Alabama but nothing like this. Monty said I would like it here and I already do.” David said, “I like it here too. I fell in love with this place the first time I was here.” Ellen smiled, “We’re proud of it.”

  As they turned the long curve to the house, David said, “There’s the house Nat.” A lot of cars were parked in the front yard. They belong to people who came to sit up all night with the family. People had brought enough food to feed an army. Johnny drove around to the back of the house. Ellen took Natalie and David into the kitchen while Johnny took their luggage upstairs. The kitchen was very large. At one end of the room was a long table with eight chairs. The first one they met was a neighbor who was cutting cake and had made coffee. Paul came into the kitchen. When he saw David he held out his hand, “Dave, glad to see you.” Paul then looked at Natalie. David said, “My sister Natalie, who will soon be your sister-in-law.” Natalie thought, “He doesn’t look a bit like Monty. His hair and eyes are dark brown.” Paul said, “Glad to meet you Natalie.” Natalie smiled, “Thank you.” Berry and his wife, Alice, came in the back door. Berry was carrying a year old child. They were introduced. Natalie thought, “Now Berry has blond hair, but has brow eyes. He was about the same size as Monty.” David asked Paul, “Do you know where Monty is?” Paul answered, “The last time I saw him, he was upstairs taking a shower.” David said, “We’ll find him.” David took Natalie’s hand and led her out of the kitchen. He saw Mrs. Ellman in the den talking to an elderly woman. David said, “There is Mom Ellman. I want you to meet her. She’s my second mother.”

  Natalie saw where Paul and Johnny got their dark hair. Mrs. Ellman was a pretty woman. When Dorothy saw David, she excused herself and met him. David hugged her, “Mom Ellman. I’m so sorry this happened.” With tears in her eyes she said, “Thank you for coming son.” David said, “Mom Ellman, this is my sister Natalie.” Natalie said, “I’m so glad to meet you Mrs. Ellman. Monty and Dave have talked so much about
you.” Dorothy said, “So you’re the girl who finally got Monty to settle down. I always said Monty would pick a pretty one. Glad you came dear.” Someone came over to Dorothy and began talking.

  They went to the living room where Mr. Ellman lay. Leon and his wife Ann were talking to an elderly couple. Ann was a small girl, except for her pregnancy. Natalie caught herself thinking, “Leon would almost pass for Paul’s twin, except he was shorter and heavier than Paul.” Natalie was introduced to Leon and Ann. David said, “We haven’t been able to find Monty.” Ann said, “Here comes Allen, maybe he knows where Monty is.” Natalie looked at Allen. He looked very much like Monty except he was much taller and bigger. His hair was blond like Lamont’s and his eyes were almost as blue. Natalie met the last of the Ellmans. Leon asked, “Do you now where Monty is? Dave and Natalie can’t find him.” Allen said, “He went for a walk. You know Monty, he likes to be alone when he’s thinking or worried.” Ann asked Natalie, “Would you like to freshen up?” Natalie smiled, “Yes I would.” Ann said, “Come with me.”

  Natalie followed Ann up the stairs and walked down the long hall to the bathroom. The bathroom wasn’t very modern but it was nice and clean. Natalie asked, “Does Mrs. Ellman do all the housework in this big house?” Ann answered, “Yes, she’s a very good housekeeper.” Natalie said, “Everything looks so –homey.” Natalie looked in the bedrooms, “The whole house seems to welcome you.” Ann said, “I felt the same way the first time Leon brought me here. You will love Mom Ellman.”

  Ann went into one of the bedrooms, “This is Monty’s room. You can change clothes here.” Natalie began undressing to take a bath. Natalie said, “Mrs. Ellman seems nice.” Ann said, “All of us, the in-laws, love her. We all loved Dad Ellman too. He liked being alone a lot. I guess that’s where Monty gets being a loner.” Natalie laughed, “With six boys, I don’t guess he was alone often.” Ann said, “No, I guess not, but he was a fine man. He loved every one of us.” Natalie was down to her bra and panties. Ann asked, “Do you want me to leave/” Some girls don’t like to undress in front of anyone.” Natalie said, “No don’t leave. It doesn’t bother me. When are you expecting?” Ann answered, “Anytime. In fact, I’m past due now. I just hope I don’t go into labor before the funeral tomorrow.” Natalie put a robe on over her nude body and went to the bathroom for a shower. Ann stayed in the bedroom, sat down on the window seat, and watched the people come and go. She thought of how nice Natalie was and what a gorgeous figure she had. Naturally Monty would pick a woman with a lovely body, and she was pretty too.”

  It wasn’t long until Natalie came back into the bedroom, drying her hair. “I feel lots better now.” Ann watched her put on her panties, then her bra. Ann asked, “How long have you known Monty?” Natalie answered, “About six years. I was a senior in high school. He was in the Navy and came home with Dave one Christmas. I thought he was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen.” Ann laughed, “Monty beautiful? Somehow that doesn’t suit him. He’s too rugged and manly for that but I do say he’s a very handsome man.” Natalie put on a simple blue dress and brushed through her hair, which was naturally curly. Natalie said, “We’re going to live here when we get married. I think I’ll like it.” Ann smiled, “It will be nice to have another sister.” Natalie agreed, “Yes, I think so too.” Natalie looked in the mirror, “Let’s go. I want to find Monty.” Ann replied, Yes we must. We’ve been up here an hour. Leon will wonder about me. He worries anyway since I’ve been pregnant.” Natalie said, “Be glad. That’s one way of showing how much he cares.”

  The house wasn’t as crowded as it had been. Some of the people just brought food by and then left. Allen saw them, “Monty is in the living room.” He looked at Anne, “Leon is looking for you.” Ann looked at Natalie smiling, “See what I mean?”

  When Natalie got to the living room door, she was glad no one else was there. Her heart went out to Lamont. She saw the sadness on his face as he stood over the casket looking at his father’s body. Natalie was almost by his side when he noticed her. Without a word he reached out and pulled her to him. He hugged her close to him, “I’m sorry Monty.” He said quietly, I’ve lost a real friend, Nat. I never realized that until now.” He took a deep breath to hold back the tears. “When we’re young we don’t think about these things.” There wasn’t much for Natalie to say. She looked at Mr. Ellman. Lamont and Allen looked so much like him. Even in his older years, he was a very good looking man. Natalie said, “I wish I could say something of comfort to you.” He looked at her then kissed her on the forehead. He gave her a squeeze, “Just being here is all I need. Thank you baby for coming. I thought you had gone back over seas.” Natalie said, “In a few more hours I would have been on the plane.” Lamont suggested, “Let’s go out on the porch.” She took his hand as they went out on the porch. There were some men at the far end of the porch talking. Lamont led Natalie to the opposite end of the porch to the swing. After they sat down on the swing, he took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. Natalie leaned closer to him and whispered, “I love you Monty.”

  By midnight most of the family had lain down for a nap. Tomorrow was going to be a very sad day.

  At the funeral, as the family stood over the casket before it was lowered to the ground, Mrs. Ellman cried as if her heart were breaking. Lamont and Paul watched her closely while the preacher prayed. After the prayer, everyone began to leave. All the boys except Lamont walked with their mother to the car. Lamont stood looking down at the casket covered with flowers. David looked back and saw Lamont. He said to Natalie, “Go to him. He needs you.” Lamont looked so terribly alone. Natalie put her arm through his, “Come on darling. They’re waiting for us.” For a second she didn’t think he was going to leave, but then he turned and they slowly walked to one of the cars. When she looked at Lamont’s face, she saw tears in his eyes. Oh how that touched Natalie.

  When they got back to the house, the neighbors had coffee brewing and sandwiches made. They began to gather to eat. David noticed Lamont going outside. He followed him. On the front porch, David immediately put his arm around Lamont, “I know you’re hurting real bad. I wish there was some way I could help you.” Lamont choked back the tears, “I’ll be alright. I just need to be alone for a while.” David said, “I understand.”

  Lamont went down the steps and walked toward the stables. David knew he was going there to cry. Natalie came out on the porch. When she saw Lamont she said, “I’ve got to go after him.” David grabbed her arm, “No, he needs to be alone.”

  Everyone had finished eating and the kitchen was all cleaned up when Lamont came back into the house. Natalie asked, “Do you want something to eat?” Lamont answered, “I’m not hungry. I’ll eat later.” He looked at the pretty girl who would be his wife, “How long can you stay?” She said, “I have to leave tomorrow. I don’t want to but I have to.” Lamont asked, “What about Dave?” She replied, “Oh he came to stay. Our doctor is sending his records here as soon as he finds a doctor here. He said a doctor here could take the cast off.” Lamont said, “I was hoping you would be here longer so I could show you around to see if you’ll like it here.” Natalie smiled, “I already like it Monty. I like the scenery and I love the people.” Lamont squeezed her hand, “Good. You see honey, I have to stay on here now. Mom can’t live here alone and she certainly can’t run this ranch alone. Johnny, Berry, and Leon have their own homes. Paul and Allen have to get back to school. That leaves me. Of course, I’d planned to live here anyway but I was going to buy a ranch. I want to talk to Mom and the boys. If they agree, I’ll buy their part of the ranch and Mom and I can be partners. We could build a house a little ways from Mom and still be close enough if she needed us.” Natalie said, “Whatever you decide is alright with me.” He leaned over and kissed her gently.

  That evening as they sat around the living room, Lamont asked his brothers about buying their part of the ranch. They all agreed. Allen said, “I can use the money when I get out of school. I re
ally don’t need it now since I’m on a scholarship but I can put the money in the bank and it will draw interest.” Paul said, “Well I sure can use the money now.” Johnny said, “So can I since we’re building a house.” Leon said, “Yes, we can too since we’re having a baby.” Berry said, “We can use the money for our baby. We’ll put it in the bank for a trust fund.”

  Lamont looked at his Mother, “What about you Mom?” She answered, “That’s fine with me but I just don’t see how you’re gonna run this ranch all by yourself.” Lamont said, “I won’t be. Dave is gonna help me.” They all looked at David. Lamont continued, “Dave is making his home here now. I’ll teach him all I know about ranching.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I’m so glad Dave. You can have any room upstairs you want.” David said, “I know I don’t know the first thing about a ranch, but I can learn.” Johnny said, “Well I think it’s great.” Berry said, “So do I.” Leon said, I’m warming you Dave, Monty is a slave driver. He used to boss me.” Lamont said, “You were just lazy.” They all had a little laugh over that.