Blossoms of Love Page 11

  Natalie got to know Ellen, Alice, and Ann better that evening. She liked them all but she really favored Ann. As everyone talked, Natalie noticed every time she looked at Lamont he was looking at her. After a while Lamont took Natalie’s hand, “Excuse us. We’re going for a walk.”

  As they walked down the path toward the stables, they held hands and didn’t talk.. The summer night was perfect. A slight cool breeze, millions of stars twinkled in the sky, and there was a full moon. They stopped at the fence. Lamont lifted her up on the railing. He put his arms around her waist, “Honey I want you to be sure you can be happy here. Life will be completely different. No excitement, no night clubs, not even a house like your parents live in. I doubt if I could ever afford one.” Natalie put her fingers on his lips, “Those are all material things. I don’t really need all of that to be happy. All I need is this beautiful, blond male standing in front of me. I’ll be happy as long as you love me.” He reached up and very gently took her off the fence and gathered her in his arms. Without another word his mouth went down on hers. Then he held her close, “Nat, we’re going to have a good life. We’ll have a few kids to complete our life.” He looked down at her, “You do want kids don’t you?” She answered, “Yes. At least four. Three boys and a girl.” Lamont smiled, “Okay, three boys and a girl. Why three boys?” Natalie said, “I figure it will take three to really help you on the ranch. The girl can help me in the house and keep me company too.” Lamont hugged her to him again, “I wish we could get married now and start our life together.” She brushed his unruly hair from his forehead with her hand, “So do I darling. I have to go back.”

  The next day Lamont and Dave took Natalie to the airport. When her plane arrived Dave said, “Tell everyone at home it’s going to work out for me.” Natalie asked, “Is it really Dave?” He answered, “I think it will.” He kissed his sister, “Bye Nat. Take care of yourself.” He left so Natalie and Lamont could say their good-byes alone. Lamont’s arms tightened around her. She said, “Hold me darling—No more good-byes after this.” He repeated, “No more. There’s already been too many.” They clung to each other for a second then he kissed her.

  As the plane taxied around to the runway, she could see Lamont watching the plane. She’d never seen such loneliness and sadness on his face before. She wanted to yell for them to stop the plane and let her off but she couldn’t. She had to go back to France. She breathed to herself, “Damn that contract.”

  As the plane sped up, she could still see him. She thought, “Oh my beautiful, golden haired lover. Six months before I’ll feel his lips on mine. Six months before I can feel his strong arms around me.” She cried to herself as the plane left the ground. When Lamont got to the car David said, “I wish she could have stayed.” Lamont started the car, “When she gets back, I’ll never let her go again. We’ve said our last good-byes.”

  As the days passed, Lamont buried himself in work. Two weeks later David had his cast removed. He began helping Lamont on the ranch. It was about a month when Lamont got a letter from Natalie.

  My darling,

  How are you? I hope you miss me as much as I miss you. I’m so lonely even though I’m around people all the time. Tell everyone hello. How is Dave? Is he going to be a good cowboy? Monty, I know you don’t write letters, but please write to me. There’s a lot of good looking men around here. You know what they say—the French are great lovers. The only thing is, none of them have your smile. Oh Monty, I love you so very much. I’m counting the months, weeks, and days until I can see you again. I must go now my love.

  Love ya;

  Natalie

  Lamont smiled when he read the letter. Instead of writing to her, he decided to call. She was so surprised when she heard his voice she cried. Lamont said, “Did I call just to hear you cry?” Natalie said, “Monty is it really you?” He chuckled, “All six foot of me.” She said, “I didn’t dream you would call. It costs so much.” He said, “You know I don’t write letters. When I read bout those French men, I decided I better check this out.” She could hear him laughing, “Don’t worry darling, these guys don’t have a thing you don’t have.” Lamont said, “Oh I’m sure they don’t, but I’m here and you’re there. Love me?” She answered, “You bet I do. How is everyone?” Lamont said, “Mom is adjusting well. Dave’s getting to be a real ranch hand. She asked, “And you?” “Horny as hell.” She giggled. The she said, “I tried to break my contract but no luck. Instead, I got a raise. My boss doesn’t believe I’m getting married. She asked me why on earth I want to get married making the money I do? I told her she just didn’t know who I had waiting for me. When I showed her your picture, she said she didn’t blame me.” Lamont said, “Nat, I’m building us a house. Just down the hill from Mom.” Natalie sounded excited, “A house! Oh that’s great.” Lamont said, “It won’t be very large.” Natalie said, “Just so it has a kitchen, bath, and a bedroom. Can I decorate it?” He said, “You sure can. That is your job. I guess I better hang up.” Natalie said, “Yes, I know it’s costing a fortune. It’s wonderful to hear your voice Monty.” Lamont said, “I love you.” Natalie said, “I love you too. Bye.”

  With every spare moment, Lamont and Dave worked on the house. On weekends, Lamont’s brothers would help. September came. The foundation and framing was up. By the last of the month, they had the roof on the house. Lamont said, “Winter is close. I think we got that roof on in a good time. Feel that cold wind? It’s out of the north. We’ll have a snow within twenty-four hours.” Lamont had let his hair, mustache, and beard grow. Dave asked, “Is that why you’re growing all that on your face?” Lamont laughed, “That’s one reason. The wind gets damn cold out on the range.” David asked, “The other reason?” Lamont laughed, “I’m just too damn lazy to cut it off.” David chuckled, “I wish Nat could see you now. She wouldn’t think her golden boy was so handsome.” Lamont teased, “The hell she wouldn’t. Do you think she’ll like the house? It looks awfully small Dave.” David assured him, “She’ll like it. There’s no reason why she wouldn’t. This is a nice house. It’s not so damn small either. You don’t need a house as big as our parents until you start having a lot of kids then you can always build onto it.” Lamont said, “Okay bud you’ve convinced me.” David said, “Monty, I really feel sorry for you. Nat can’t cook. In fact, she can’t do anything.” Lamont grinned, “Hell Dave, your wrong about that. Maybe she can’t cook or clean but she’s terrific in bed. The first twenty-four hours of our married life is gonna be in bed. All we’re going to do is eat, sleep, and make love.” David laughed, “You’ll never make it that long bud. You’re just horn right now.” He looked at Lamont and smiled, “Right?” Lamont rubbed his bearded face, “I’m horny as hell.” David said, “So am I. This is Saturday evening, why don’t we go into town and maybe take care of the problem?” Lamont put his arm around David’s shoulder, “You know David Agar, sometimes you’re a smart man.”

  As they walked to the big, white-framed house, David asked, “Don’t you think we’ll have a better chance getting someone if you shave that mop off?” Lamont laughed, “Oh the things I do for you.”

  They showered and dressed. The second bar they went into they found two girls that struck their fancy. David poked Lamont, “What do you think of those two?” Lamont said, “I’ll take the blond.” David laughed, “Okay with me.”

  In less than an hour Lamont and David took the girls to a hotel. They got rooms next to each other. Before they went into the rooms David whispered to Lamont, “Is this going to be an all night thing?” Lamont said, “Why not? Allen is home this weekend. He’ll be home with Mom. We might as well get our money’s worth.”

  Lamont woke early. He dressed and went downstairs to the coffee shop in the hotel. He left the girls asleep. He’d had three cups of coffee when David sat down beside him, “How’d it go?” Lamont took a swallow of his coffee. The waitress brought David’s coffee. Lamont answered, “It’s better than being horny.” David said, “My girl was ready.
Don’t tell me you got an iceberg?” Lamont smiled, “No, she was ready but it was like opening a door to the Grand Canyon.” David began to laugh, “That bad huh?” Lamont said, “You know Dave, I’m pretty big. Let me tell you buddy, I got lost.” David bent over he laughed so hard. Lamont said, “I think I’ll wait for my bride. I don’t care how horny I get.” Lamont put his coffee cup down, “Let’s go home. Mom will have breakfast by the time we get there.”

  As the weeks passed, winter set in. Lamont and David worked in the house. Lamont got a letter from Natalie about every two weeks. He didn’t answer any of them. Natalie really didn’t expect him to. The last week in October, they finished getting the paneling up. Lamont said, “Well Dave, there’s our little dream house.” David said, “You know Monty, I think we did a damn, good job.” Lamont said, “We did buddy. Now it’s up to Nat to put the finishing touches to it.” David lit a cigarette, “You know Monty, somehow I just can’t picture you married.” Lamont grinned, “Neither can I Dave but I don’t want to live the rest of my life alone. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather live it out with than Nat.” David’s face grew serious, “Sharon has been dead almost five months. I still miss her. I miss her so damn much. Once you’re married, single life isn’t so great anymore. That is, if you’re married to the right one. I was lucky to get the right one. I feel like there is no one else for me. I’ve been thinking, When you and Nat get married, I guess I’ll go back to Alabama.” Lamont asked, “Why Dave? You like it here. You’re damn good on the ranch. I wish you’d stay.”

  As the weeks passed, Lamont grew more restless.

  Thanksgiving. The Ellman boys and their families gathered at the Ellman house. Leon and Ann’s baby was a boy. There were two grandchildren and both were boys. Berry and Alice’s son is a year old. They all missed Mr. Ellman. He always said grace at the table. Dorothy got Johnny to take his place on times when they were together. Of course, when the Ellman brothers get together, they enjoyed themselves. Johnny and Berry were the quiet ones. They would sit back and laugh. Leon was the monkey of the family. He was always telling jokes or doing something to make everyone laugh. Paul was the smart one. Lamont said once when they were younger, “Paul got a part of all the rest of us boys’ brains.” Lamont and Allen had a mixture of being funny and being quiet.

  When late evening came, everyone went home. Allen and David went to town to play pool. Mrs. Ellman said to Lamont, “Monty, sit here with me. Let’s have a cup of coffee.” He put the ledger he was wring in down. “You know Mom, the ranch is really paying off now. Next spring, we can afford to buy a few more mares and a few head of cattle.” Mrs. Ellman poured the coffee, “That’s real good Monty. Your father would be very proud of you. He used to say you were the real rancher of the family, once you got the wildness out of your system.” Lamont went over to the table and sat down, “Dad was right most of the time. I should have listened to him more.” His Mother asked, “Why didn’t you go with Allen and Dave to play pool?” Lamont replied, “I had some book work to catch up on.” Dorothy said, “I just don’t want you staying home on my account.” Lamont sighed, “I just wasn’t in the mood for pool.” His mother asked, “Monty, are you really getting married next month?” Lamont answered, “I hope so.” Mrs. Ellman took a sip of her coffee, “Natalie is a very sweet girl, and pretty too. Monty are you sure she’s right for you? She’s from a different part of the country, her lifestyle is so different. She doesn’t know our ways and we don’t know hers. I understand her family is rich. Just think about it son.” Lamont said, “Mom I’ve thought about all of those things. I’ve known Natalie for seven years. I think I know her pretty well. Did you know for sure Dad was right for you? I think that’s a chance everyone has to take. I love her and she loves me. That’s a good start. You know Mom, I’ve been out with lots of women. Natalie is the only one I ever loved. I want a home, a wife, and some kids before I get too old to enjoy seeing them grow up. I want Natalie to be the mother of my children.” Mrs. Ellman smiled, “All right son. I want you to know you both have my blessing.” Lamont leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek, “Thanks Mom.”

  During the second week of December, Natalie called the Ellman house. Alice answered the phone, “Natalie, how nice.” Natalie asked, “How is everyone?” Alice said, “Just fine. We’re all getting the Christmas spirit.” Natalie asked, “Is Monty there?” Alice said, “No, he and Dave went to cut down a Christmas tree.” Natalie said, “Please tell him to call me. I’m home here in Alabama.” Alice asked, “Will you be here for Christmas?” Natalie answered, “I hope so.” Alice remarked, “We’ll all be glad to see you.”

  Alice had just hung up when she heard Lamont and David. Lamont shook the snow off his coat while David sat the tree down on the back porch. He opened the kitchen door, “Damn, it’s cold out there.” David asked Mrs. Ellman, “Got any more of that coffee?” Mrs. Ellman poured them a cup of coffee when they sat down at the table, “It’s suppose to get colder.” David said, “Monty wasn’t kidding when he told me it got cold here in the winter time.” Alice said, “Monty, I bet you get rid of that beard now.” Lamont grinned, “What’s all this about beards, I shaved one off for my pal here. Now since I’ve grown another one you want me to get rid of it too.” Alice answered, “Your pretty bride called. She is home and said for you to call her.” Lamont drank the rest of his coffee. He looked at Alice, “You’re right, I will get it shaved off.” They all laughed.

  He went upstairs to call Natalie so he could be alone. Della answered the phone, “Hello.” Lamont said, “Hello sweetheart, how are you?” Della chuckled, “Monty, you old so and so.” Lamont asked, “How about getting my girl on the phone?” Della said, “I’ll get her.”

  It was only seconds until he heard her soft, sweet voice, “Hello darling.” Lamont said, “How’s my girl?” She said, “I’ll be alright when I can be with you.” He asked, “When will that be?” She replied, “That’s up to you.” Lamont asked, “What do you mean?” She explained, “We’ve got a little problem.” He asked, “What kind of problem?” Natalie hesitated then said, “Well, Mother and Dad want us to have the wedding here. They want us to be married in the church that Sharon and David were married in. That will take at least three or four weeks to get ready for.” Lamont got angry, “No Natalie.” She asked, “No what?” Lamont said, “I’m not going through all that routine.” She said, “But Monty, Dora and Dave married in the church with all the trimmings.” Lamont said, “No Natalie, absolutely not.” Natalie sighed, “I told them you wouldn’t do it. Monty I want a beautiful wedding, I want to show you off. I want to be able to look back fifty years from our wedding and look at our wedding pictures and . . .” Lamont said, “So it’s really your idea. I won’t do it. I see no reason to go through all that just to get married.” She remarked, “Then you don’t really love me.” He said angrily, “If that’s the way you feel.” She asked, “Where is Dave?” He answered, “Downstairs.” She asked, “Let me speak to him. Monty you call me when you change your mind.” Lamont said, “Don’t hold your breath until I do because I won’t.” Lamont yelled, “Dave pick the phone up down there.” David said, “How are you sis?” Natalie was in tears, “Dave I want a beautiful wedding like you and Dora had. Monty won’t even talk about it. David said, “Nat I can’t help you. That’s something you and Monty have to talk over.” Natalie said, “Oh he’s so stubborn.” David said, “Just let him think about it for a few days.” Natalie begged, “Talk to him Dave. He’ll listen to you.” David said, “No Nat I won’t do it. I’m not gonna interfere. To tell you the truth I didn’t go for that kind of wedding myself.” Natalie cried, “But you loved Sharon enough that you did it anyway. Monty doesn’t love me that much.” David said, “You know damn well he loves you.” Natalie said, “Not enough.” She began to cry more, “Our love has always been one sided. It’s always been me loving more. Bye.” David heard the buzz on the other end. Natalie had hung up. David sighed as he put the receiver in the cradle.


  David went back to the kitchen and poured himself another cup of coffee. Mrs. Ellman asked, “Where is Monty?” David answered, “In his room. I might as well tell you, Natalie won’t be here for Christmas. She and Monty had a fuss. Nat wants a big church wedding and Monty won’t agree to it.” Alice said, “Oh Monty should let her have it. Every girl wants a big wedding. If her parents can afford it, I think she should have it.” Berry came into the room, “Be quiet Alice. This is none of your business.” Berry poured himself a cup of coffee, “Alice you didn’t have a big wedding and we’re just as married as anyone.” Alice said, “I know, but we couldn’t afford it. Natalie’s parents can.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I never interfere with my sons personal lives but Monty is stubborn. I think I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” David said, “Mom Ellman my sister is very stubborn and spoiled rotten. Monty has to put his foot down or she’ll rule both of them.” Mrs. Ellman said, “Oh I don’t mean to tell him what to do. I just want him to think about it.”

  Later when David went upstairs, he saw a light under Lamont’s door.” He tapped lightly then slowly opened the door, “Is it safe to come in?” Lamont looked at David, “Damn it. Dave I just don’t understand your sister.” David closed the door behind him. Lamont was standing by the window. Lamont was still angry, “Look Dave, all I could hear from Nat was getting married. She said just as soon as she got back she wanted us to be married. Now she’s willing to wait three or four more weeks to go through all the damn routine of a big wedding. She knew how I felt about that.” David asked, “Have you blown off enough steam that you can listen to me?” Lamont sat down on the side of the bed, “Hell Dave, if I give in to her now she’ll expect it every time she wants her way.” David put his cigarette out, “I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes we have to give in. I’ve never been sorry I gave in to Sharon. A big wedding means a lot to a woman. Why, I don’t know. In Natalie’s case I don’t think it really means that much to her, it’s Mother. You know how she is. She thinks if her daughter doesn’t have a big wedding it would be terrible. She wouldn’t be able to face her high-class friends. Don’t you think that kind of puts Natalie in the middle? If she insists on the big wedding, she’s taking a chance with you. If she doesn’t have the wedding, Mother would never forgive her. So she’s betting on you Monty. She knows Mother would never let her forget it. She’s hoping you’ll be big enough to go through it. After all bud, it’s not important enough to sacrifice what you two have. You know Nat loves you, in fact she more than loves you Monty, she actually adores you. She puts you on some kind of pedestal like a Greek god. She really worships you.” Lamont sighed, “I don’t want her to worship me. All I want is her love and respect. I want someone who will stand beside me, not against me.” David asked, “Even if you’re wrong?” Lamont answered, “Of course not. If I’m wrong I want her to be big enough to let me know it.” David asked, “Don’t you think Nat is all of those things?” Lamont answered, “I thought she was until now.” David had to find some way to keep them from breaking up, “Oh so now she’s letting you know she thinks you're wrong and you don’t like it.” Lamont looked at his best friend. Suddenly he burst out laughing, “That’s the damn truth.” David began laughing. He thought, “I’ve finally convinced him.” Lamont said, “I guess I needed that talk Dave.” David patted him on the back, “I’m going to bed.”