Blossoms of Love Page 15

  That afternoon they went sleigh riding. They both got a big kick out of it. That night as Lamont was taking his shoes off he said laughingly, “I’ll never forget the look on that boy and girls faces when we went by and saw them in that old cabin naked. They didn’t know if they should run or hide.” Natalie said, “I think it embarrassed me as much as it did them.” Lamont laughed bigger, “That guy sure was getting his pants on. His butt shined like a silver dollar in the moonlight.” Natalie said, “I bet they were cold.” Lamont laughed more, “They were hot. The guy was going at it pretty good. They weren’t thinking of the weather.” Natalie was undressed now. Lamont got his other shoe off. He looked over at his bride, “You know something baby, that girl sure didn’t have the boobs you do.” Natalie said, “I’ll tell you a secret Monty, I’ve always wished my breasts were smaller. It’s hard to find clothes with a thirty-eight bust, twenty-three waist, and thirty-six hips.” Lamont said, “I’ll tell you a secret, you’ve got the most beautiful breasts I’ve ever seen.” He laid down on the bed and pulled her down by him, “You’ve got a lovely body and you’re all mine.” He took her hand, kissed it, and suggested, “Let’s make love.”

  Late that night, Natalie was awakened by terrible pain. She called Lamont, “Monty.” He turned facing her. She called him again, “I need the pills real bad.” He went to the bathroom and got her some water. He then noticed she was in a lot of pain. He turned the cover back and looked at her ankle. It was swollen a lot. Lamont said, “Honey, I think we better go back home.” She said, “But Monty, we’re suppose to stay three more days.” He said, “We can always come back. You just lie back and let the pills take effect. I’ll get things packed. She cried as she watched him put the things in the bags. When he was done and he set the bags by the door he asked, “Feeling better?” She answered, “Yes, a lot better. Monty do you know it’s only one-thirty in the morning?” “Yes baby I know,” he said.

  He helped her get dressed. He picked up the phone and told Ben why they had to leave. The bellboys were there in seconds. When they were down in the lobby Natalie said, “Monty I hate to leave here. We’ve found a paradise, a heaven on earth here.” Lamont said, “It isn’t the place sweetheart, it’s us. No matter where we’re at, it will be our private paradise. You’re my paradise.” Ben went out with them to the car. Ben said, “When you two come back, you’ll have free room for three days. Monty wouldn’t take a refund, hell I might even let you have a weeks’ free lodging.”

  Lamont got her to the hospital at three thirty. A nurse called her doctor. He was at the hospital by the time Natalie was admitted and in her room. The doctor examined her ankle. In a few minutes he went to the waiting room where Lamont was. Lamont got up from his chair when he saw the doctor come in. The doctor said, “The swelling is caused by an infection. We had to take the cast off. I won’t put another one on until the infection is gone. I want her to stay here until it’s cleared up. I’m glad you brought her this soon. The infection would have gotten bad.” Lamont went in to see Natalie. She was sitting up in bed. She was crying. Lamont kissed her tenderly. He said softly, “Hey, no tears love. Everything’s’ gonna be alright. I’m going home to get a little shut eye. You get some sleep too. I’ll be back after while.” As he started towards the door, she said trying to smile, “I love you.” He winked at her, “You better, cause I love you.”

  When he was gone, she laid back on her pillow. She was still having some paint but in just a few minutes she fell asleep. When Lamont drove up to the Ellman house, he noticed the Agars were still here. The car they rented was parked in the driveway. He opened the door and quietly went to the kitchen. Since there was only one bedroom downstairs and it was his mothers, he knew he wouldn’t wake anyone except maybe her. He was wishing she would hear him. He needed her to talk to. He made his coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. He was deep in thought when his mother came in the room. She asked, “What’s wrong Monty?” Lamont said, “I had to bring Natalie to the hospital. Her ankle began to swell. Thank God I did. It’s a bad infection.” Mrs. Ellman sat down at the table across from him, “Is it serious?” Lamont sighed, “The doctor said he didn’t think so that the infection was bad but I got her there in good time.” Mrs. Ellman asked, “In time?” “Yes,” he said, “In a few more hours she could have had blood poisoning. If it had been Mom, she stood a chance of loosing her foot. I’m still worried if this medicine doesn’t control the infection she could still loose her foot.” Mrs. Ellman asked, “Is that what the doctor said?” Lamont answered, “No, he said he thought she’d be alright but he could be keeping something from me.” She’d never seen him so worried. She tried to comfort him, “Her doctor is Dr. Morris. He’s one of the best doctors in this country. Now listen to me Monty. He doesn’t keep things from you. He was your father’s doctor. He told me your father wasn’t going to make it this time. I think you can believe him. Don’t borrow trouble, son. Now why don’t you go upstairs and get some sleep?” Lamont looked at his mother, “Thanks Mom for being here. Call me about noon. I want to go back to the hospital.” She smiled, “I will.”

  She was sitting at the table when David came in, “Isn’t that Monty’s car? I heard someone come upstairs and I looked out the window and saw the car. Is anything wrong?” Mrs. Ellman said, “Get you a cup of coffee, I’ll tell you.” David got his coffee and sat down across from her. She said, “Monty had to bring Natalie back to the hospital. Her ankle is swelling and giving her a lot of pain. Dr. Morris said she had an infection. She’s going to be alright. They got to the infection in time.” David said, “That’s a rotten break for Natalie and Monty.” Mrs. Ellman said, “Dr. Morris told Monty if he had been much longer, she would have had blood poisoning and maybe lost a foot.” David said, “That just can’t happen. Natalie couldn’t take that. I know my sister.” Mrs. Ellman patted David on the hand, “Well Dr. Morris says she will be alright, it will just take time. It’s still early. Let’s go back to bed.”

  When Natalie’s parents heard about their daughter, Mrs. Agar insisted that Natalie be moved to another hospital and have a specialist take care of her. Lamont said, “Dr. Morris is a bone specialist. I see no reason to change doctors or hospitals. If she wants it, she can have a private nurse.” Mrs. Agar said, “Monty, you’re tampering with our daughter’s life.” Lamont got very angry, “Natalie is my wife. She will have the best. She’s staying where she is.”

  That afternoon Mrs. Agar insisted on staying in a hotel so they moved to the only one in town. Mr. Agar said before they left, “I’m sorry she has acted this way. I know Monty will take good care of Natalie.” Mrs. Ellman said, “That’s alright. Your wife is just worried.” David carried their bags to the car, “Mother that was all uncalled for. You know Monty will do all that can be done for Nat.” Mrs. Agar said, “He doesn’t have the money. Look at this place. The house is old and needs painting.” David said, “The house will be painted this spring. Monty and I will do it.” Mrs. Agar shot a look at her son, “You mean you’re not going back with us?” David answered, “No I’m not.” His mother said, “I just don’t understand you. You would rather stay in a place like this to live instead of our fine house?” David explained, “Mother I have real friends here. I like this country. I keep busy doing things I like to do. I really enjoy doing ranch work.” Mr. Agar came out of the house and walked beside his son. Mrs. Agar said, “Do you know Dave is not going back with us?” Mr. Agar said, “He’s a grown man.” David said, “There’s a ranch east of this one that I’ve been thinking about buying. It will be up for sale next week. It joins this ranch.” Mr. Agar said, “You can never go wrong buying land son.” David said, “I’ve learned a good bit about ranching. I’ve got a good teacher. Monty is a real good rancher, he knows it all.” David was happy because his father approved of what he was doing.

  Lamont put on a suit and tie because he knew Natalie liked to see him dressed up. He quietly opened the door to her room. She was sitting up in bed looking much better.
He said, “Hello baby.” She looked toward the door, “Wow, aren’t you dressed up.” He grinned, “I’ve got a very heavy date.” She smiled, “Oh?” “Yea, with the sweetest girl I know. She has a figure that will knock your eyeball out. I know because I spent three glorious nights with her in the mountains.” Natalie teased, “What a lucky girl she is.” He leaned over and kissed her, “She’s not half as lucky as I am.” Natalie traced her finger along his mouth, “That is a matter of opinion.” He asked, “Feeling better?” Holding his hand she said, “Yes I am.” He said, “You’re sure looking a lot better.” She said, “It’s because you’re here now.” She scooted over on the bed, “Sit down beside me.” He asked, “Have you seen Dr. Morris today?” She answered, “Yes, he was here just before lunch. He’s well pleased with my foot. The medicine is killing the infection.” She looked at her husband, “You’ve been worried about me haven’t you? You’ve got me now and you’re not gonna loose me.” He grinned, “I won’t mind for the next seventy years.” Natalie said, “Mother and Dad were here. Since I’ve improved so much, they’re leaving tomorrow.” Lamont said, “Dave said to tell you he’ll be here later.” Natalie turned his head with her hand until their eyes met, “Monty, I know about Mother having one of her tantrums. I wish she hadn’t. All of us are use to it but you all aren’t. I just wish she would be a nice person. She can be when she wants to.” Lamont said, “I didn’t tell you because I was afraid it would upset you.” Natalie remarked, “No, it didn’t upset me. Like I said, we are use to her ways. We never know what to expect.” Natalie leaned back on her pillow, “We sure got off to a bad start, didn’t we?” Lamont said, “I was thinking we reached heaven a few times.” Natalie said, “I don’t mean sex. I mean we didn’t get to do the things we planned. You were going to teach me to skate and ski and we were going to dance on the rooftop by soft music. You said the ballroom was on top of the lodge completely surrounded by glass.” Lamont said, “I’ll take you back one of these days.” Natalie said, “I’ll ask Dr. Morris how long I’ll be here. He said if I keep improving the way I am, I could go home in a few days.” He looked at her and winked, “That’s great.” Natalie asked, “When will we move in our house?” He said, “Just as soon as you pick out the furniture.” She said, “Oh Monty, I’m so excited about the house.” She could see it pleased him very much.

  David opened the door just sticking his head in, “Hello there.” Natalie laughed, “come on in you nut.” David looked at his sister, “Well, you sure don’t look sick.” Lamont teased, “Just between you and me Dave, I think she needed a rest. I was too much for her.” Natalie playfully hit Lamont, “You were not! I didn’t ask to be put in here.” David kissed his sister, “Seriously honey, how are you feeling?” Natalie answered, “Lots better. I think I’ll live. Monty’s not gonna be rid of me yet.”

  Before visiting hours were over, all the Ellmans came to see Natalie. Johnny and Ellen brought her flowers, Berry and Alice brought her candy, and Ann and Leon brought her magazines to read. When everyone had left Lamont said, “I better go before they run me off.” He took a small box from his coat, “Here’s something to look at.” She opened the box and saw a small, gold locket with her birthstone. On the back it read, “To my girl of paradise.” Natalie said, “Oh Monty I love it. I’ll cherish it always. Thank you my darling.”

  A nurse came into the room, “I’m sorry Mr. Ellman but visiting hours are over.” He kissed Natalie, “I told you they were going to run me off.” She watched her husband go to the door. He looked back and winked at her. The nurse said, “Time for your shot Mrs. Ellman.” Natalie turned to get the shot, “I can’t get use to being called Mrs. Ellman, but I like it.” The nurse asked, “How long have you been married?” Natalie answered, “Just four days.” The nurse said, “Okay, you can turn over. So you’re a brand new bride.” She straightened Natalie’s cover, “I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but you’ve got a very handsome husband.” Natalie beamed, “I don’t mind. I’m use to women looking at him. I knew him for five years before we were married.”

  The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Agar came to see Natalie. They kissed her goodbye and left. David came to see his sister early so he could feed the stock and let Lamont have longer to stay with Natalie. He was walking down the corridor, turned the corner, and ran into a nurse with a try of pills. The tray went one way and the pills went another. She got angry, “Can’t you see where you’re going?” David tried to apologize, “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.” She said, “You’re darn right it is.” He picked up the tray and handed it to her, “I’ll pick every pill up.” Suddenly she seemed more calm, “Never mind. I couldn’t give them to the patients now.” David said looking at her tag on her uniform, “I’m sorry Miss Grey.” She smiled slightly, “I accept. You look like you mean it.” David liked her looks and she had a voice like Sharon. He said, “I wonder if you could tell me which room my sister is in?” The nurse asked, “What’s her name?” He answered, “Natalie Ellman.” The pretty nurse said, “You have a very bad memory. I think it was yesterday I saw you coming out of her room.” They both began laughing. David said, “I’d like to buy you lunch to show you how sorry I am.” To his surprise she said, “Alright. I get my lunch hour in twenty minutes.” David grinned, “Good, I’ll meet you at the elevator.” When Natalie saw her brother’s face she asked, “What has happened to you? You look extra happy.” David said, “I ran into a very pretty nurse.” Natalie looked at him wide eyed, “Oh really?” David said laughing, “Yes, and I mean I ran into her. I was hurrying to see you and when I turned the corner there she was. The tray went one way and the pills went everywhere.” Natalie laughed, “You didn’t! Which nurse was it?” David answered, “All I know is Miss Grey.” Natalie remarked, “Oh she is real cute. She just got out of training.” David leaned back in the chair, “I’m having lunch with her today.” Natalie said, “You’re kidding.” “No I’m not. In twenty minutes I meet her at the elevator.” he said, “Natalie said, “I’m really glad. It’s time you started going with girls again.” David sighed, “Maybe. I haven’t been interested in going with anyone.” Natalie said, “Look Dave, perhaps you’ll never love another like you did Sharon but you’re young and you need someone. I know what your dreams were—just like mine. Someone to love, a home, and children.” David said, “I almost had all of that once. It hurts too bad to loose it all. I don’t know if I want to try again.” Natalie said, “Well you’ll never know unless you get out and meet people. For the last eight months you’ve lived around the ranch.” David said, “Oh I’ve been out a few times.” Natalie grinned, “Sure, but only to satisfy your need for sex. I’m talking about meeting the right girl. A nice girl.” Natalie leaned back on her pillow, “Dave I want you to be as happy as I am. Ever since I married it seems I’m in a dreamland, all roses and happiness. Monty is so sweet and considerate. I never dreamed he could be so gentle, so understanding, and lovable. I remember what Dad said, that he was rough and wild.” David said, “The guy loves you sis. When a man loves a woman, he wants to protect her, to take care of her. If he couldn’t do that it would damage his ego. Dad was right. Monty is rough and he does have a wild streak, but like I said, he loves you. To Monty, his wife and family will always come first. You know how I feel about Monty. I love him just as you do. I don’t think you could have fallen in love with anyone any better.” Natalie agreed. David looked at his watch, “It’s time for me to go.” He kissed her, “See you tomorrow.”

  He waited at the elevator about five minutes before the pretty nurse met him. She was very pretty. She was short, small, her hair was reddish brown, her eyes dark brown, and her smile was sweet. She asked, “Have you been waiting long?” He said, “No, not long at all.”

  As they rode the elevator to the main floor where the cafeteria was, David said, “You really surprised me when you accepted my asking you to eat lunch.” She said, “I felt a little guilty because I got so angry with you.” In the cafeteria, they got their trays and went
through the line. It was very crowded. They looked around and found a table in the far corner of the room. When they were seated and began to eat David said, “My name is David Agar.” She smiled, “I know. You’re twenty-six, you’re from Mobile, Alabama, but you’re living on a ranch with the Ellmans. You’ve been married but lost your wife over eight months ago.” David was very surprised, “You’ve been talking to my sister. She’s a big talker. Since you know so much about me, I think it would be nice to know about you.” She smiled, “I’m Carolyn Grey. I’m twenty-one. I just finished nurses training, I’m from a small town in Idaho and I’ve never been married.” David said, “Carolyn is a pretty name. It seems to suit you.” Carolyn asked, “Do you like this country?” David answered, “Yes I do. I’m thinking about buying a ranch of my own.” Carolyn smiled, “I’ve never lived on a ranch. My family has always lived in town. My father is the postmaster at our small post office.” David said, “My brother-in-law taught me everything I know about ranching. When my wife was killed, he talked me into coming here and living with them for a while. I’m glad I did.” Carolyn said, “This brother-in-law and you must be real good friends.” David sighed, “We’re much closer than friends. We met in service. We were in the Navy together. I’m sure you’ve seen him here. He’s Natalie’s husband.” Carolyn remarked, “Oh yes I saw him. He’s very good looking.” David said, “If I hadn’t had Monty around to give me a lift, I guess I’d went off the deep end. You see, I didn’t only loose a wife, I lost an unborn baby. Only one more month and it would have been born.” He looked at Carolyn, “I don’t know what got into me. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bore you with my past.” Carolyn said, “You haven’t bored me. I’m a very good listener.”