Blossoms of Love (16 page)

They didn’t stop at the house but went on to the stables. Mrs. Ellman sighed with relief, “Something must have happened to one of the horses.” Natalie got her coat and slipped on her boots, “I’m going to the stables.” Mrs. Ellman smiled, “I’ll start supper.”

Natalie took a deep breath when the cold air hit her face. The snow was so deep she couldn’t hurry very fast. One of the stable doors was open. When she got closer she called out, “Monty, Monty.” He looked around and to her he’d never been more handsome. He was so surprised. For a second, he just stood with his mouth open. Then he met her, lifted her up in his arms, and whirled her around and around as he kissed her. He said, “Baby you ain’t never looked so good to me.” She clung to him, “Umm—what a wonderful welcome.” David came up to them, “Wonder if a brother could get just a small kiss.?” She laughed, “I think so.” Lamont asked, “How’d you get here so quick?” She answered, “You just wouldn’t believe how quickly they cleared the runway. I’m so glad I got here.” He hugged her to him, “You’re here. That’s all that really matters.” She looked up and saw love and tenderness in his blue, blue eyes.” David suggested, “You two love birds go to the house. I’ll unsaddle and feed. I just as well because Monty won’t be worth a damn plug nickel now.” The three of them laughed.

Natalie and Lamont walked to the house holding hands. Once he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Natalie asked, “Did something happen to your horse?” “Not mine.” Lamont said, “Dave’s horse stepped in a hole and broke his leg. I had to shoot the horse. At first I thought Dave was hurt.” Natalie looked at Lamont, “Shoot the horse?” Lamont said, “That happens sometimes. He was in terrible pain. There was nothing to do but put him out of his misery.” Natalie shivered, “I don’t see how you can do that.” Lamont said, “It wasn’t easy. I raised him. I fed him with a bottle. His mother died giving birth to him. If there had been something I could have done, believe me, I would have. We were about eight miles away. I gave him to Dave because he was so gentle.”

As they started up the steps, Lamont patted her on the butt. Lamont asked, “How will I ever keep my hands off you until we’re married?” She looked up at Lamont, “Oh Monty, I wish we were married now.” He kissed her on the neck, “So do I baby, so do I.”

Mrs. Ellman had prepared a delicious meal but Natalie was too excited and too happy to eat much. When Lamont finished his apple pie, he asked, “Want to go look at our house?” David said, “You better like it too. Monty and I have a lot of sweat and hard work invested in that building.” Natalie said, “I’m sure I’ll like it.”

Natalie got her coat and asked David and Mrs. Ellman if they wanted to go. She almost burst out laughing when she saw the look Lamont gave her. Of course, David and Mrs. Ellman said no. David said teasingly, “Well I would go, but I know I’m not really wanted.” Lamont said, “You are so right pal.” Lamont took Natalie by the arm hurrying her out the door.

Outside when Lamont shut the door behind him, Natalie began giggling. She asked, “What’s wrong darling?” He mumbled, “You know damn well what’s wrong. If I’d wanted the whole damn family along I’d ask them.” She giggled, “Just what do you have in mind Monty Ellman?”

It was beginning to snow. She ran in front of him, scooped up a handful of snow and threw it at him. He laughed, “So you want to play rough.” He ran after her. As he caught her, they got off balance and both went sliding down the hill. When they got stopped, they looked like two snowballs. He got up, reached for her, and pulled her to him. Then he kissed her with great passion. They didn’t seem to notice the cold wind or the wet snow peppering down. Natalie whispered, “I love you so much darling.” He kissed her ear, “I love you too sweetheart.”

They held hands as they walked over to the house they would start their married life in. It was far from what Natalie had always lived in. He opened the front door and watched her face very closely to see if there was any disappointment at all in her eyes. If she was disappointed, she was very good hiding it. She looked around going in all the rooms. Lamont quietly followed her. When she had seen all of the house, she slipped her arms around his neck, kissed him sweetly, and said “Monty I love it. It’s so cozy. I like the den best because of the big fireplace.” Lamont grinned, “I like the master bedroom the best.” She pinched him on his nose, “Oh you. Sometimes I wonder if I’m marrying an over-sexed man.” “Baby how can you say that when I’ve not been with a woman in more than a month?” Lamont replied. Natalie teased, “Oh so you admit you’ve not been true to me.” Lamont whistled through his teeth, “Ouch. I talk too damn much.” She ruffled his hair with her hand, “Well, I guess I’ll forgive you. If you promise to never go to bed with anyone except me.” Lamont teased back, “I’ll have to think that over.” Natalie yelled, “Monty.” He began to laugh.

She sat down on the carpet since there was no furniture. Lamont built a fire in the huge fireplace. It said, “It’ll be nice and warm in just a few minutes.” He sat down beside her. She looked up at him. She said, “Monty Ellman you haven’t answered my question.” He pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about. He asked, “What question?” She made an ugly face at him, “Monty, don’t put me on.” He laid down on the soft carpet and pulled her down beside him. Trying to look very serious he said, “You’re asking an awful lot honey.” Natalie said, “Well I don’t think so. Husbands and wives are supposed to be faithful.” Lamont was really having fun, “Oh really? Maybe I shouldn’t get married after all. I’m not sure I can just love one woman all my life. I’m thinking about all those lovely females who won’t be able to go to bed with me again. Some of them may even try to kill themselves.” Natalie said, “Of all the conceited human beings!” He began laughing, “Since you want me so much, I’ll have to give up all my worldly pleasures.” She sat up, “Don’t flatter yourself so Mr. Ellman. This girl can live without sleeping with any man.” He pulled her back down beside him, “She could, but she wouldn’t be happy.” She replied, “Says who?” His face came closer to hers, “Says me.” His mouth found hers, this time his kiss was so full of desire and passion they both groaned with a burning sensation. Their eyes met. Lamont said, “I need you like hell baby.” Natalie ran her fingers along his face, tracing his mouth. She said, “You know I’m yours Monty.”

It was dark now. The only light in the house was from the flickering of the fire. They undressed. Lamont ran his hands along her body. When his mouth went on her breast, she moaned with the sensation of wanting him. He touched and kissed her until she begged for him. Their love exploded into a sweet, wonderful fulfillment.

As they dressed, Lamont said, “You know baby, after that I surrender. I’m yours hook, line, and sinker.” He grabbed her to him, “I’m yours my sweet.” She turned her back for him to hook her bras. She said, “Monty don’t you dare tease about our love. It’s real. It’s sacred to me.” He slowly turned her around facing him, “I’m not teasing now. Our love is real, wonderful, and very precious. We’re going to have a beautiful life together.” Natalie clung to him. For a long time they just held each other not saying a word. There was no need for words.

As they finished dressing Natalie asked, “What kind of furniture do we want in this room?” He zipped his pants, “That’s up to you angel. Whatever you like I’ll like too.”

As they walked back to the Ellman house Natalie said, “I wish it would stop snowing. We’re suppose to get married in three more days.” Lamont said, “We’re gonna be married in three days snow or not.”

The next morning Lamont shaved his mustache off. Natalie asked, “Why did you shave it off?” Lamont took two eggs off the platter, “Makes me look too old.” David burst out laughing. Natalie said, “I liked it.” David said, “If you two are going with Mom Ellman to get groceries, I think I’ll stay here and watch that gray mare. It’s about time for her.” Lamont said, “Yea that’s a good idea. I’m not thinking straight.” She giggled.

As they rode into town, Natalie looked at Mrs. Ellman then at Lamont, “I’ve got a confession to make.” Mrs. Ellman and Lamont looked at her. Natalie looked so serious. She said, “I’ve never bought groceries before. Della always did that.” Mrs. Ellman looked very surprised. Lamont remarked, “You're kidding.” She said, “No I’m not. Della always does that. Mother wouldn’t even know what to buy.” Lamont said, “Well young lady, you’re going to learn how to buy groceries today. Mom is the best on buying the most for the least money.” Mrs. Ellman laughed, “I’ve had a lot of experience. With six healthy sons and a hard working husband I had to learn, our income was very small then.” Lamont said, “We always had plenty to eat. Sometimes it was just beans and potatoes but there was plenty of it.”

Natalie watched Mrs. Ellman very closely as she bought the groceries. She learned how to buy vegetables and meats. Lamont surprised Natalie because he knew a lot about buying them too. He showed her how to watch the price stamped, then check the amount you were getting for the price. Lamont pointed at a package of cheese, “This one looks like it’s the best buy, but it isn’t. This one is.” Natalie sighed, “Honest Monty, I didn’t dream grocery buying could be so complicated.” He laughed, “It’s not, you’ll catch on.” Natalie said, “You’ll just have to come with me for a while. If Della has this much trouble buying groceries, she doesn’t get paid enough.” Lamont and Mrs. Ellman laughed. Lamont said, “I doubt if Della has to pinch pennies, she probably has a pretty big allowance for groceries.” Lamont put his arm around Natalie and said, “One of these days we won’t have to be so careful with our pennies.”

They checked their groceries out. Lamont took two baskets to the car. When he and Mrs. Ellman came with the third one, Natalie was sitting in the car. Natalie said, “Would you believe I’m actually exhausted.” Lamont asked, “Too tired to get a blood test and a marriage license?” She answered, “Not too tired to get those important things.” Lamont teased, “Good, for a minute there I thought I was going to marry a weakling.” Natalie stood, “Not me. For some reason the word marriage peps me up.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I’ve got a few other things to buy. I’ll meet you at the car.”

Lamont was really amused at Natalie because she was so nervous getting her blood test. When they had bought their marriage license and started down the steps from the courthouse, they met Alice and Berry. They gave Natalie a warm, friendly greeting. Then Berry said, “We’ve got a little business here. We’ll be over after we get done.” Lamont said, “Good. Maybe you, Dave, and me can play a little poker.” Natalie said, “I brought the dresses. That’s why I got all the sizes you all wear. You can try yours on tonight.” Alice was excited, “What color are they?” Natalie answered, “The bridesmaids will be in pink trimmed with a deep, rose velvet. The maid of honor will be all deep rose. I chose those colors because all of you would look good in them and I like pink. All of the dresses are velvet because it’s winter.” Alice’s eyes widened, “Pink velvet! Wow, I bet they are beautiful.” Natalie said, “I think they are.”

At home as they were eating supper, Alice, Berry, Leon, and Ann came in. They all sat down to drink coffee. Alice said happily, “I called Ann and Ellen about the dresses.” Ann said, “Ellen couldn’t come. Their kids are sick with colds. They were afraid to bring them out in the cold weather.”

The girls helped Mrs. Ellman clean up the kitchen then they went upstairs to try their dresses on. When Natalie took the dresses out of the boxes, Alice and Ann just stared at them. Natalie asked, “Do you like them?” Ann said, “Natalie their beautiful.” Alice said, “More than that their gorgeous.” Natalie said, “Try yours on. I hope I got the measurements all right.”

Ann got hers on first then she looked in the mirror, “It fits perfect.” Natalie said, “It looks real good Ann.” Alice whirled around, “Mine fits too. I’ve never worn such a beautiful dress. Just wait until Ellen sees hers.” Natalie got their pink shoes and veils. Natalie said, “This all belongs to you. The dresses are made so you can cut them off and make semi-forms if you’d like.” Alice said, “Not me. New Years Eve we’re invited to a very elaborate ball. I’ll wear this dress just like it is.” Ann said, “I don’t have anywhere to go yet but when I do I’ll have something pretty to wear.” They both hugged Natalie. Natalie had never seen two girls so happy over a dress.

When the girls came downstairs the men were having a poker game. Mrs. Ellman was knitting. The girls decided to make some coffee. Ann said as Alice made the coffee, “I like your house Natalie.” Alice said, “I bet you’ll feel cramped in that house. David told us what a big house you lived in.” Natalie said, “Yes it is very large. It’s really too big but my mother has to have the best in everything. Dad has spoiled her rotten. I like the house Monty and Dave built. It’s so cozy and homey.” Ann sighed, “I still can’t believe Monty is getting married.” Natalie’s eyes lit up, “I love him so much. I think I fell in love with him the first time I saw him.” Alice grinned, “You know I was on a date with Monty when I met Berry. For some reason Berry and I hit it off from the start. Monty was lots of fun, but I don’t know, somehow I just went for Berry. Of course, I knew Berry wasn’t as good looking as Monty but we fell in love.” Ann said, “Not many men are as handsome as Monty is. I thought he was the best looking man I’d ever seen when Leon brought me to meet his family.” Natalie said, “I think all of the Ellman men are good looking.” Alice agreed, “Yes they are. Four of them have their mother’s good looks and two have Mr. Ellman’s looks.”

The girls talked more about the wedding. When it began to get late, the men stopped playing poker. They said goodnight and left. Natalie washed the coffee cups and straightened up the kitchen until it was clean and neat. She wasn’t aware of Lamont sitting in the dining room by the door watching her. When she looked around and saw him, she almost dropped a cup. She asked, “Why are you watching me?” He smiled, “I was just sizing you up.” She put the cup in the cabinet, put the cloth down, and came over to him. She asked, “I don’t fit too well in a kitchen do I?” He reached out and pulled her down on his lap, “You look pretty damn good to me.” She promised, “I will be a good cook. You’ll just have to be patient for a while.” He pinched her on the butt, “The main reason I’m marrying you is because you’re great in bed.” “Monty Ellman. Is that the only reason?” He made a sound in his throat and said, “Well you do have very nice boobs. They are just big enough.” Natalie laughed, “You do say some of the wildest things sometimes.” He growled, “That’s because you bring out the wild beast in me.” She laughed and he kissed her on the throat.