Blossoms of Love Read online

  When they got home, she looked at Lamont and he still had a grin on his face. She asked, “Lamont Ellman are you still laughing at me?” He pulled her into his arms, “You’ll have to admit sweetheart, it was funny.” She began giggling, “Yes, it was funny but it was embarrassing too.” He started to undress, “No one noticed.”

  A week went by and on Sunday morning when Natalie got up, she learned she wasn’t pregnant. She had gone to the doctor and he told her she wasn’t pregnant but she didn’t believe him. She cried as she prepared breakfast. As they ate breakfast Natalie said, “Monty I’m not pregnant.” Lamont said, “I know honey, isn’t that what the doctor said?” She sighed, “He said he didn’t think I was.” Lamont looked across the table at his wife. He could see she had been crying. He asked, “Natalie why are you so obsessed about this? That’s all you think of lately.” Natalie put her coffee cup down, “We should start a family Monty. We’ve been married over a year now.” Lamont said, “I agree but I see no rush. We’re getting on our feet now. Another year and we’ll have money ahead. I’ll be able to take you places and we can go back to the lodge you liked so well.” Natalie looked at Lamont, “You don’t really want a baby now, do you?” Lamont sat back in his chair, “To tell you the truth, no. I’d rather wait for another year.” Natalie asked, “Is that why I’m not pregnant? Have you been keeping me from it?” Lamont answered, “No, I’ve not done a thing to prevent it.” Natalie asked, “Then why? Why can’t I get pregnant? Dr. Morris said there was no reason why I shouldn’t.” Lamont got up from the table, “You will honey.” She followed him into the bedroom. He began to dress. She asked, “Monty would you do something for me?” He zipped his pants, “Sure, what is it you want me to do?” She said, “Go to see Dr. Morris. See if it’s you. Some little something could be wrong.” He looked at her, “You’re kidding?” She answered, “No I’m serious.” Lamont sighed, “I can’t believe what I just heard. Look Natalie, there’s nothing wrong with me.” She asked, “How do you know?” He said, “Remember I was in the Navy. You get a real examination.” She asked, “Does that mean you won’t go?” He put his boots on, “Exactly.” Natalie said, “Monty something could have happened since then.” Lamont raised up, “Natalie, when you get started on something you won’t quit. Stop bugging me. I’m not going to a doctor because there’s nothing wrong with me. Are you going with me to Mom’s?” She answered, “No I don’t feel like it.” He started to the door, she followed him.” She said, “Monty don’t go yet, we need to talk.” He looked at her, “There’s nothing to talk about.” As he went out the door she yelled, “Why are you so stubborn?” He said as he started down the path towards his mother’s house, “That’s just the way I am Natalie.”

  David and Carolyn were at his mothers. David asked, “Where’s Nat?” Lamont said, “She decided not to come.” David asked, “What is my sister mad about? I know she’s mad about something or she would have come with you. I love her but she’s spoiled rotten.” Lamont said, “Dave I don’t know what to do. She’s obsessed about having a baby. She blames me because she’s not pregnant.” David said, “Just turn her over your knee and give her a good spanking.” David took Carolyn’s hand and said, “Monty we want you to be the first to know.” Carolyn said, “We’re getting married in September.” Lamont smiled, “Hey that’s great. I was wanting this to happen.” David said, “It won’t be a big wedding. Not even formal. Just family and very close friends.” Lamont said, “You’re showing good sense.” David said, “Our house should be built by August. Then we’ll furnish it and be ready to move in after we’re married.” Carolyn smiled, “Do I look like I’d be a good rancher’s wife?” Lamont laughed, “Well I don’t know what a rancher’s wife is suppose to look like but I say you’ll be okay.” Carolyn said, “Well Natalie is one so I guess I can learn too.” David said, “I’m not gonna let her work long after we’re married. We want a family and I intend to get her pregnant soon.” Lamont said, “I hope you have better luck than me.” David said, “I’m almost thirty. I want children before I get too old to enjoy them.” Lamont said, “Please don’t say that around Nat. She gives me hell about it anyway.”

  They were drinking a coke when Ann and Leon came. Leon said, ‘Hey this is great. We didn’t know you all would be here.” Ann looked around, “Where’s Natalie?” Lamont sighed, “She’s home. She’s mad at me.” David told them about he and Carolyn getting married. Ann said, “Wonderful! We’ve all been wishing you two would get married.” Leon teased, “These women do all this matching but us guys sentence ourselves to hard labor for the rest of our lives.” Lamont said, “Brother you’ve never spoken truer words.” Carolyn teased, “All of you be quiet. You’ll talk Dave out of marrying me. I’ve waited long enough.” Leon said, “Yea Dave, you may as well join all of us poor suckers.” Ann teased, “Leon Ellman, if you don’t shut up I’ll make you live hard all next week.” Leon said, “She will too.”

  Lamont was laughing at them when he saw Natalie coming up the path toward them. When she got to them Lamont looked at her. “Hi babe. Are you still mad at me?” he said. It really made her angry because he acted like he didn’t care if she was still mad at him. Natalie mumbled, “No I’m not mad.”

  When David told his sister about he and Carolyn getting married, she forgot she was angry at Lamont. As always, they sat around laughing and joking. They always had a good time when they got together.

  August came. Cindy and Ellen had their babies the same day. Cindy’s was born at eight twenty in the morning. Ellen’s was born at one fifteen in the afternoon. They were both girls. At the hospital, Natalie spent more time looking at the babies than she did talking with Ellen and Cindy. Every one of Lamont’s brothers had children now even if one was adopted. Of course, Paul wasn’t married. Paul was doing fine in his practice. He had his own office and was getting the name of being a good doctor.

  September came. Lamont and Natalie went to Alabama to be at Carolyn and David’s wedding. Natalie was so happy to be at home. Della cried she was so happy to see Natalie and Lamont. Mrs. Agar wanted a big wedding. David put his foot down. He said, “No Mother. I married once the way you wanted me to.”

  They hadn’t been there but a few hours when Lamont could see a change in Natalie. She was more the carefree, happy girl he’d married.

  The wedding was lovely even though it was quiet, simple, and at the Agar’s house. Only very close friends and relatives were there. The reception was in the Agar’s dining room.

  After Carolyn and David left for their honeymoon, Lamont and Natalie decided to walk down by the beach for a little while. They both loved the quiet of the beach in late evening. As they started towards the door, they were stopped by Dora. She said, “It was a nice wedding I guess. If you ask me, Carolyn just doesn’t fit in the Agar family.” Ralph said, “Hush Dora.” Dora said, “Why should I? This is just family. When someone’s brought up the same way or doesn’t live on the same level, they don’t belong together.” Natalie stopped in the doorway. Dora was talking to her mother and one of their aunts. Natalie said, “Dora why don’t you keep your damn mouth shut?” Dora said, “I wasn’t even talking to you baby sister.” Natalie said, “You were talking about our brother’s wife and a very dear friend of mine. You were also talking about Monty.” Dora looked embarrassed. She forgot Lamont was brought up poor and from a different part of the country. Mrs. Agar said, “Now girls, Dora didn’t really mean what she said.” Natalie said, “I just hope Dave never knows what she said. He loves Carolyn very much. Dora has a dirty mouth.” She looked at Lamont, “Come on darling. Let’s get out of here.”

  As they walked by the water holding hands Lamont said, “You’re glad to be here aren’t you?” Natalie said, “I guess I missed it more than I realized but I’m ready to go back anytime you are.” Lamont said, “We’ll have to go back real soon. With Dave gone, Johnny is having to feed the stock when he gets off from work. I don’t want to impose on him.” Natalie said, “Monty what’s wro
ng with me? I’m not satisfied anymore. We’ve been here three days and I’m ready to leave. When we get home I’ll be the same way.” He put his arm around her, “I think what we both need is another honeymoon.” She asked, “You mean going to the lodge?” He answered, “Yes, just as soon as Dave and Carolyn get home. We’ll take off for a few days and do nothing but make love, sleep, eat, and ski. Maybe a little ice skating if we find the time.” She smiled, “I can hardly wait.”

  The next morning Lamont and Natalie went back home. Mr. Agar drove them to the airport because Porter had to drive Mrs. Agar to a social affair at the club they belonged to. As they waited for the plane to come in Mr. Agar said, “I’m very sorry for what Dora said yesterday. Dora has a wicked mouth sometimes.” Lamont said, “Don’t worry about it.” Natalie said, “Dora needs someone to smack her down a few times and she’d learn to keep her mouth shut. If Ralph had any guts, he’d do it.”

  The plane came in. Natalie kissed her father. Mr. Agar said, “Don’t you two stay away so long this time.” Lamont said, “We’ll be back for Christmas.” Mr. Agar said, “Good. I’ll be counting on that.”

  Lamont was glad to be back home. Carolyn and David got back from their honeymoon a week later. Winter was near. The nights were already cold enough to have a fire in the fireplace. Lamont and Natalie helped David and Carolyn get straightened out. They had a beautiful house. Everything was very modern.

  On their way back home Lamont said, “Next spring we’re building us a bigger house. I think I’ll just build to the one we have.” Natalie said, “I really like our little house. A big house means more housekeeping.” Lamont said, “I want a big house. We are getting in the chips now. You can have someone to come and help you clean up. I told you we would be in better shape. It just takes time and work.” Natalie said, “Money means more to you than it does to me.” He looked at her, “You say that but I’ve seen the disappointment on your face since we’ve been married when we couldn’t go somewhere or when you wanted to buy something and we didn’t have the money. I’ve always been poor. Mom and Dad did the best they could but with six boys and a broken down ranch and no money to start with, well you can’t get no headway. The best thing I ever did was join the Navy. That’s how I got my start.” Natalie said, “I just don’t see how you saved much money the way you and Dave drank and you sent money home to your parents. Besides that you helped Paul and Allen with their college.” Lamont said, “I didn’t help them much. I saved most of the money when I was over seas.”

  Lamont put a log on the fire. He sat down in his favorite chair. He demanded, “Come here babe.” She said, “I was going to take a bath.” He motioned for her to sit on his lap, “You can take a bath later.” She sat down on his lap, “Would my husband by any chance have the hots?” He grinned that beautiful smile, “How’d you guess?”

  They hadn’t made love in a little over a week because of her monthly period. Lamont told her when they first married he wouldn’t make love to her at that time. He knew some men that did. Natalie smiled, “Well, I’ll just have to take care of you.” He began unbuttoning her blouse, “You bet you will.” They undressed, went to the shower, soaped each other, and touched. That made them want each other even more.

  Afterwards when their desires were fulfilled and she lay in his arms, Natalie almost fell asleep when Lamont woke her saying, “How would you like to leave tomorrow?” Natalie raised up on one elbow, “You mean to the lodge?” Lamont said, “Sure. I told you we would go.” Natalie said, “I’m ready now.”

  Lamont got David to watch the ranch. They left the next day.

  The next morning, Lamont had Natalie up bright and early to go skiing. When they got off the cable car, Natalie looked around. All she could see was snow, hills, and fur trees. She looked at her husband with much concern, “How do we get back?” He laughed and pointed to a slope, “See that slope? We start there and ski to the lodge.” She said, “Monty you’re kidding.” She looked around, “Can’t we ride the cable back down?” He laughed more, “Honey we rode the cable so we could ski back.” Natalie looked down where they would go. It wasn’t too steep but to her it looked scary and isolated. Lamont said, “You’ll do fine. Sit down here and let me get your skis on.” As he fastened the skis on she asked, “Monty you won’t go off and leave me will you?” Lamont answered, “Of course not. I’m going to teach you.”

  At first Natalie got really discouraged. She’d fell so many times. Lamont said, “Honey you’ve got extra good balance. You’ll do fine when you get over being afraid.” Natalie grumbled, “How can I help being afraid. Every time I start down the slope, I fall.” Finally after so many tries, by late afternoon she didn’t fall going down the slope. She was really proud of herself. She yelled at Lamont coming toward her, “I made it.” Then she got over balanced just as he got to her and made him fall with her. They looked at each other and began laughing. Lamont said, “Tomorrow you’ll be okay.” She laughed, “Well there’s one thing I do know how to do. I can get up. I’ve done that enough today. How far are we from the lodge?” He answered, “About a half mile.” Natalie said, “The rate we’re going, it will be dark before we get there.” He said, “We’ll catch the cable over there.” She asked, “Where?” She looked in the direction he was pointing. He began to laugh. She put her hands on her hips, “Lamont Ellman. You let me think you couldn’t catch the cable anywhere but the top or bottom.” Lamont laughed, “I didn’t say that.” Natalie teased, “Just for that there will be no lovemaking tonight.” He unzipped her jacket and put his hands inside to her breasts. She said, “Monty here comes two people.” “So what! I’m just warming my hands,” he explained. She said, “They’re looking at us.” He said, “Let them.” She begged, “If you’ll move your hands, I’ll consider tonight.” “Nope. It’s got to be yes,” he said. The couple went by looking very hard at them. Natalie said, “They think we’re lovers.” He remarked, “Aren’t we?” She nodded her head. He explained, “Okay what’s so terrible then. I’ve got a piece of paper that gives me the right to put my hands on you wherever I please.” Another couple was coming towards them. She giggled, “Okay the answer is yes.” He took his hands from her jacket and zipped it up. She was still giggling, “You’re a devil.” He lifted her on the cable car, “You love this devil.” He got on the cable car with her. He continued to say, “Sure you love me. You can’t live without me.” She asked, “Oh my listen to him. What makes you so sure?” He answered, “I’m irresistible. I have an overpowering appeal. I’m a lady’s man, a lover. Mostly a lover. You can’t deny that.” She teased, “Well now if I’d had as much experience with males as you have with females, then I could judge your loving ability. Since I’ve just had one male lover, I hardly—“ He leaned over and kissed her, “Knock it off Mrs. Ellman. I’m your lover and don’t you forget it.”

  That night they went to see a contest of ice skating. Lamont and Natalie didn’t have time to go eat so Lamont went to the popcorn stand and bought six bags of popcorn. Natalie laughed, “We’ll never eat all of this.” Lamont said, “Sure we will if you’re as hungry as I am.”

  Natalie had never seen such excellent skating. Even young boys and girls were very good. Along the end of the show a gorgeous young woman gave a stunning performance. She won the contest. Lamont was spellbound by her gracefulness as she glided over the ice. Lamont said, “She’s great. She’s really great.” Natalie remarked, “She’s very beautiful.” Lamont agree, “You can say that again. That gorgeous beauty will go places. I’ve never seen a better skater.”

  Natalie put her arm through his as they walked back to the lodge, “Hey remember me? Your wife?” Lamont laughed, “Jealous?” She answered, “Yes.” He said, “Come on babe. Let’s go get us a steak.” Natalie asked, “How can you eat a steak after eating five bags of popcorn?”

  They enjoyed their meal. They talked with Ben for a while then went to their room. Their three day vacation did them good.

  When they got back, of course, L
amont and David went hunting. Natalie hated for Lamont to go. Carolyn was still working days at the hospital so she didn’t mind David hunting so much.

  After a few weeks of snow, cold wind, and gloomy days, Natalie began to spend more and more time with Mrs. Ellman. After lunch one day near Thanksgiving as they drank their second cup of coffee, Natalie asked, “How do you do it Mom Ellman? Stay here day in and day out and look at nothing but snow and listen to the wind howl around the corner of the house?” Mrs. Ellman said, “I keep busy dear. There’s always someone coming in through the day. Natalie dear, this is my home. It’s the place my husband and I decided to live. What is there other places? It’s all about the same. Everyone is searching for love and happiness. That’s what I have here. The memories of my husband, the love of my children around here, and the peacefulness around here. What more could I want?” She looked at Natalie’s troubled face. She asked, “What are you searching for Natalie?” Natalie said, “I don’t know. When Monty is with me, I’m content and happy.” Mrs. Ellman put her coffee cup down, “I know you’re lonely. Monty does to the extreme when it comes to hunting, but let me tell you something about him that perhaps you haven’t learned yet. He has always been a restless person. He can’t be closed in. You can’t keep too tight reins on him or you’ll loose him. Monty is a good person basically. He’s honest, he’s a hard worker, and he is in love with you. But like I said, if you start closing in on him, he’ll get out.” Natalie’s eyes widened, “You mean leave me?” Mrs. Ellman answered, “Maybe.” Natalie asked, “Even though he loves me?” Mrs. Ellman explained, “Yes Monty is a loner. He’s always been moody. Even when all the boys were home, sometimes Monty would get on his horse and ride off. Maybe he would be gone a day or two.” Natalie asked, “Didn’t you worry?” Mrs. Ellman smiled, “The first time he did that, he was fourteen. We were all worried. His father and Johnny went looking for him. When they found him, he was cooking a fish he had caught. He told them he just wanted to be alone for a while. I’ll never forget when John told me when he and Johnny came back without Monty. He said we have to respect his privacy. He’ll be alright. He will come home when he’s tired of being alone. He has his gun and bow so he won’t get hungry. He knows where the shelter is.” Natalie asked, “How long was he gone?” Mrs. Ellman said, “Two days.” Natalie asked, “Mom Ellman, why is he this way? The other boys aren’t.” Mrs. Ellman explained, “Well maybe not as much. Paul is a loner. Allen is more moody than a loner. They get this from their father. I had to learn to respect his moods.” Natalie gave a long sigh, “I’m trying but I’m a person that hates to be alone.” Mrs. Ellman suggested, “Why don’t you get a job?” She looked at her mother-in-law, “Yes, that would be the answer. Carolyn is working, maybe she could help me get a job at the hospital. I’ll ask her.” Mrs. Ellman said, ‘I’m going to talk to Monty. I want you and help to be happy. I know you both love each other. It would destroy both of you if you can’t make this marriage work.”