Blossoms of Love (32 page)

The two girls went out of the room and Lamont got him stripped down to his shorts. He was asleep by the time Lamont covered him. Lamont came out of the bedroom, “He’ll be alright by morning except for a big head from a hangover.” He got Barbara’s arm, “We’ll walk home Carolyn. You might need your car.” Carolyn thanked them and they left.

Barbara put her arm through his, “Monty Ellman, I’m real proud of you for not getting drunk.” He slipped his arm around her waist, “I promised you didn’t I?” He leaned over as they walked and kissed her, “I saw you watching me.” She laughed, “Was I that noticeable?” He squeezed her to him, “My guardian angel.”

When they got to Lamont’s house he guided her to the door, “Let’s stay for a while, or all night?” Barbara asked, “If we stay all night, what will your mother think?” Lamont said, “She probably thinks we make love anyway. She won’t say anything. Mom is a wise person. If you don’t want to stay all night, we can go back before daybreak.”

The house was real warm. Barbara knew he stayed with his mother most of the time so usually there was only enough heat in the house to keep anything from freezing. Barbara said, “Monty Ellman!” He looked at her, “What is it baby?” She began to laugh, “You planned this.” He teased, “Now how did you figure that out?” She teased back, “You’re awful sure of yourself.” Lamont put the coffee pot on, “No baby. I’m sure of you.” Barbara sat down at the bar, “Oh you are?” Lamont winked, “You’re dependable, you’re my lady. Besides, you’re my friend, my lover, my hunting pal, shall I go on?” He went over and kissed her on the neck. Then his face became very serious, “I never want to hurt you Barb. I don’t know if you know it or not but you’re very special to me.” Barbara turned around facing him. She ran her hand along his beautiful face and then his eyes met hers, “You know how I feel Monty. You know I love you. You know I’ve loved you for a long time. I know you don’t love me. It isn’t your fault, no more than it’s my fault I love you.” Lamont said, “I wish you wouldn’t talk that way.” She said, “I just want you to know I don’t expect you to marry me. I’m not trying to push you into something.” Lamont said, “I know that honey, but you make me feel like a heel.” She made him look at her, holding each hand on each side of his face. She said, “ No, no darling. You’re no heel. All I want from you is to be loved. You’re all I have now Monty.” He reached out and cuddled her to him, “I can give that to you. You ask nothing but love from me, I ask much more from you. It isn’t fair to you.” She whispered, “You let me be the judge, okay?” She put her lips to his, “Love me Monty.”

He turned the coffee pot off, picked her up in his arms, and as he carried her to the master bedroom he said, “I’m gonna love you until you tell me to stop.” She said, “I’ll never tell you to stop loving me.”

He undressed her. She too had beautiful breasts. His eyes told her he liked her body. He took his time loving her. When they had fulfilled their desire for each other, she put her head on his arm, “Monty, are you joining the Navy tomorrow?” He said, “Yes honey. I’d like for you to stay on here.” Barbara said, “I can’t do that. I feel like I’m taking advantage of your mother’s welcome.” Lamont said, “I know Mom would like for you to stay.” She smiled as he kissed her on the cheek. He said, “I’ll send you money.” Barbara sat up, “You will not! That would make me feel like a prostitute. I won’t accept any money from you.” Lamont said, “I didn’t mean it that way. I’d feel much better if you were here with the family.” Barbara said, “I’m going to get a job.” Lamont agreed, “Okay get a job, but stay here with the family. You could stay here in this house if you want to.” She smiled, “Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” She looked at her watch, “It’s four o’clock, we better get back.” He said, “Not until you promise me you won’t go away.” She looked at this beautiful, big-hearted man, “Okay, if your mother really won’t care.”

As they dressed Barbara said, “Monty, you don’t think I’m a whore do you?” Lamont looked surprised, “Hell no! If I did do you think I’d want you around my family?” She smiled, “Well, that makes sense.” They slipped in the house without waking anyone.

The next morning, Lamont went into town early. In less than an hour, Lamont was sworn in the Navy. He knew it wouldn’t be more than two or three days before he would leave.

As Lamont drove back to the ranch, he knew the hardest thing would be telling his mother he had joined the Navy. He knew there would be no easy way to tell her.

Mrs. Ellman was in the kitchen preparing dinner when he went in. He sat down at the table and looked at her. Then he said, “Mom, I’ve got something to tell you.” Mrs. Ellman looked at her son, “What is it son?” He looked at his mother, somehow the look out of her eyes told him she had guess, “Mom, I went to town this morning for a special reason.” She cleared her throat, “I know. You’re going back in the Navy.” He said, “Yes. I’ll be leaving in two days.” She took his hand in hers, “I know you would be the first to go. You are so much like your father. You look like him and you think like he did. I’m proud you are like him. He was a fine man.” Lamont kissed his mother’s hand, “Thanks Mom. For being you.”

She began making the pie crust for the turkey pie so Lamont wouldn’t see the tears in her eyes. He asked Barbara as she came into the kitchen from setting the dining table, “Would you get an old friend a cup of coffee?” Barbara teased, “Since you are an old friend.”

After supper while Barbara and Mrs. Ellman were doing the dishes Mrs. Ellman asked, “Would you like to stay on here? I know you are all alone.” Barbara asked, “Did Monty ask you to do this?” Mrs. Ellman said, “No. I didn’t know he asked you to stay.” Barbara said, “I’d like very much to stay if I can find me a job and you let me help out on the food.” Mrs. Ellman said, “That’s a deal. I’d like for you to call me Mom Ellman like the others do.” Barbara leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

Lamont was busy the next day getting everything in shape for him to leave. His main concern was the horses. He had so many, it would be hard on David to manage his and Lamont’s too. He left it up to David about selling them.

That night as Lamont and Barbara sat in the den Barbara said, “Don’t you worry about anything. I’ll take care of the house for you. I can help Dave too.” He looked at her then he took her hand in his, “Okay angel baby. I won’t worry. Mom told me you were staying on here.” Barbara said, “If I get a job. She asked me to stay. I thought you had asked her to get me to stay but she said you didn’t.” Lamont said, “No I didn’t.” Barbara said, “Johnny sure hates to see you go tomorrow. Dave does too. Everyone does.” Lamont said, “I don’t want to go but I feel it’s my duty. A man has to defend his country.—You know if Dave hadn’t had a child on it’s way he would have joined with me.” Barbara asked, “Will you write?” He looked at her, “You know how I hate to write letters. I’ll write once in a while. Don’t look so sad princess. With me in there, they don’t have a chance. We’re bound to wind.” Barbara turned her head away, “I’m afraid you’re gonna see me cry.” He squeezed her to him, “Hey now, no tears honey. I’ll be back. It would take more than a war to keep me away.” She laid her head on his shoulders, “Promise?” He answered, “I promise. I will come back home to stay.”

When Lamont was ready to leave early the next morning, all of his brothers, Allen and Paul stayed, and their wives, Barbara, and Mrs. Ellman were waiting downstairs when he came down the steps. He looked around and chuckled, “You know, I believe the Ellmans could end this in no time, there’s so many of it.” Lamont was trying to be funny because they all looked so sad. He looked at Johnny’s kids and talked to them for a second, then he hugged Ellen, “Keep Johnny straight while I’m gone.” She nodded her head. He looked at Johnny, “Give Dave a hand on the ranch when you can?” Johnny said, “I will. Don’t worry, your ranch will be taken care of.” Then Johnny put his arms around Lamont and they hugged each other. Alice hugged Lamont and said, “We’re going to miss you.” Lamont said, “You just take care of this boy. He’s two now. I want Berry to pick him out one of my good horses and give it to him. I’ve already given Johnny’s kids one. That goes for you too Leon, and I want Allen to get one for Tina.” Berry stepped forward and hugged Lamont, “Take care brother.” Lamont said, “I will. Don’t worry.” Ann hugged Lamont and kissed him on the cheek. She couldn’t say anything because she started to cry. Leon said as he hugged Lamont, “It won’t be long until I’ll be in there with you.” Lamont said, “You’ve got a wife and little girl. You stay as long as you can. Let us guys who don’t have families take care of the war.” Paul hugged Lamont, “Don’t take any unnecessary chances. Monty, I’ve not paid you back for what you did for me but I will real soon now.” Lamont said, “You don’t owe me anything Paul. Just being the doctor you are is all the payment I wanted.” Cindy hugged Lamont then Allen stepped forward, “Same here Monty. I ain’t paid you back either.” Lamont said, “You don’t owe me anything either.” Lamont chuckled, “Besides, you’re too big for me to argue with.” Allen hugged him, “I don’t know if you ever knew it or not but you’ve always been the man I’d like to be. I love you big brother.” That brought tears to Lamont’s eyes. He tried his best to hide them. Then he saw everyone was more or less crying. Lamont said, “This is a hell of a bunch.” He reached out and gathered his mother in his arms, “You take care Mom. Don’t you worry about your wandering boy, I’ll be back. I always have come back.” He kissed her, “Well Dave you and Barb better get me to town.” He looked around, “Hey, where is Carolyn?” Carolyn yelled as she came in the house, “Right here. Don’t you dare go without telling me goodbye.” She hugged him and he said, “I’m not saying goodbye. That is too final. I’m just saying so long.” Then he kissed Jeannie, “You take care of Mommy.”

As Dave drove away, Lamont waved to them. When they got to town it was full of teenagers waiting to tell Lamont goodbye. Lamont got out of the car and walked over to the center of the young people. “The club will be open for you this spring. My brothers and David will help you. They’ll teach you how to play the games and how to swim. Sorry I can’t be here to help you but I’ve got another big job to help get over so we can have things like this.” A boy of about fifteen said, “We understand Mr. Ellman. You’re going to fight for us. Knock ’em dead.” The whole crowd cheered as he walked to the bus. He waved to them. David hugged Lamont, “I wish I was going with you.” Lamont said, “You’re right where you need to be.” David said, “Take care okay?” Lamont grinned, “Don’t I always.” David walked back to the car so Lamont and Barbara could say goodbye. Barbara said, “This is it.” He looked down at her, “Yea, for a while. Barb, I would like to think you are my girl. I won’t tie you to any strings, after all, I’m still a married man but you’re very special to me.” She clung to him, “I am your girl. I have been for a long, long time.” He said, “When I get back I’ll get a divorce then we’ll go from there.” She touched his lips with her fingertips, “No promises. Just come back, then we’ll have time to love each other.” He said, “I want to fall in love with you. You’re the kind of girl I need. Who knows?” He kissed her and held her tight against him for a long time. Then, without looking back, he got on the bus.

Barbara was crying when she got to the car. Just as she sat down, the bus pulled out on the highway. The young people cheered as the bus went by them. David sat watching the bus getting farther away, “There goes one of the greatest guys on earth. Damn I’m gonna miss him.” Barbara said, “Don’t watch till it’s out of sight, it’s bad luck.” David started the car and headed toward the Ellman ranch.

Barbara got a job in a drug store in town. She drove Lamont’s car back and forth to work. She kept her promise, she went to Lamont’s house every two or three days and dusted and checked the heat so nothing would mildew in the house.

Lamont was gone three weeks before anyone heard from him. Barbara got the mail out of the mailbox. She came running in the house, “Mom Ellman, you got a letter from Monty.” Mrs. Ellman opened the letter and began reading it to Barbara.

Dear Mom,

Before you start bawling me out, let me tell you that they have kept me busy. They sent me back to school to fly these new planes. Things have really changed since I got out. If I hadn’t already had some training, I’d never made it. Next week I complete my training. Since I was a pilot before, all I needed was learning about these new planes. Heaven help these young guys, they really have it rough. Some of them are so damn young, makes me feel like an old man. Some of them call me Dad. How is everyone? Tell all hello and tell Barb I’ll write her next time. I know this isn’t a long letter but I guess it’s more than you expected.

Love you,

Monty

Barbara asked, “Is that all he wrote?” Mrs. Ellman laughed, “He never writes anymore or very often.” Barbara got his address and went upstairs to write him a long letter.

By March, more men were going into the service, most of them being drafted. The was news was bad. Hitler was winning in the European theater and the Japanese were winning in the South Pacific.

Paul volunteered in the Navy. He would be a Navy doctor. So a little over two months from the time Lamont left, the Ellman family said goodbye to another brother. Mrs. Ellman was just as brave as she was when Lamont left.

The United States was rapidly turning factories into defense plants. April came and the snows were just about gone. Leon said it would be an early spring this year.

May came. Barbara had gotten two letters from Lamont. He was on an aircraft carrier somewhere in the Pacific. He didn’t get to come home after his schooling. Paul was also somewhere in the South Pacific. He didn’t come home before he went overseas either. All the men were needed to badly.

Carolyn was in her sixth month of pregnancy. Barbara wanted to get a job in a defense plant but she was needed there. She rode with David out on the range to help bring the pregnant mares in. Mrs. Ellman said to Carolyn one afternoon, “Barbara is a god send. He knew we would need her. That girl can do anything.” Carolyn said, “I know. Dave said she is good on a horse and can shoot a gun better than he can.” Mrs. Ellman said, “She keeps Monty’s house in tiptop shape. On Sunday after church and dinner, she spends most of the day there dusting and vacuuming all the carpet. The girl is loaded with energy.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I wish she had been the girl Monty had married.” Carolyn agreed, “Yes. She would have made him a perfect wife. Mom Ellman, I think she is in love with Monty.” Mrs. Ellman sighed, “Yes, I think she is too. She knows Monty still loves Natalie. Maybe after this war is over he’ll get his life in good shape again.”