Blossoms of Love (45 page)

It was wonderful to Mrs. Ellman to have her family all together and hearing them laughing and teasing each other. It had been several years since they had been like this. Everything was as it use to be except two were missing. Paul and Mr. Ellman would never be able to laugh with them. She blinked back a few tears for them but then she thought, “God has been so good to me.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Lamont, Barbara, and Robbie moved into the huge house Lamont built years ago. As Lamont took the sheets off the furniture, he looked at Barbara and said, “It’s good to be here again.” Barbara said, “I love it Monty. It’s so big. I hope I can keep it looking nice. I just love the kitchen and the huge fireplace in the den.” Lamont sighed, “The house is really too big for us.” His face grew sad. “When I built on to the house, I planned to fill those bedrooms with kids. I wanted a big family like Mom and Dad had.” She went over to him and put her arms around his neck. He looked down at her, “I wish we could have another child for Robbie. It’s gonna be lonely for him.” Barbara kissed her husband, “We can’t have everything darling. We already have so much.” He hugged her to him, “I know—I am thankful for you and Robbie.”

The next week, Lamont and David bought more stock. After they bought the stock, they went to a cafe to eat lunch. As they ate, Lamont looked over at David and suggested, “Dave, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking the last few days. You and I are getting to the place where we won’t be able to handle the ranches by ourselves. What do you think about us going together, since our spreads join, and build some sleeping and eating quarters for hired help? With the stock we’re going to have, we will need a foreman and several men under him. I can’t do it anymore and neither can you. Besides, soon we’re both gonna be middle aged. We both need to be with our families more.” David said, “I was just talking to Carolyn yesterday about us having to spend so much time on the ranch and we have to spend some time at the club, that doesn’t give us much time with our families. Monty, I think that is a good idea. I’m with you.” David grinned, “You know, you’re right about our age. I ain’t what I use to be. Do you know I’ll be thirty eight my birthday?” Lamont grinned, “Yea I know because I’ll be thirty six.” David asked, “When do you think we should start on the buildings?” Lamont said, “Let’s wait until after the holidays. It would be hard to get someone to start on them now.” David agreed.

Christmas came and it was a joyous one for the Ellmans. Barbara was so happy keeping house and cooking Lamont’s favorite meals, she still felt she was living in a dream. Most of all, she and Lamont had a very content and fulfilling sex life.

On New Years’ Eve at the annual dance, Lamont got drunk and so did David. As Carolyn drove home with both me passed out in the back seat she said to Barbara, “Monty and David relieved their younger days tonight. I think it hasn’t dawned on them that they are in their late thirties. You know like a lot of women, men don’t like getting out of their young years either, although neither of them look as old as they are.” Barbara said, “When they want to, they can really lay one on.” Barbara helped Carolyn get David in the bedroom. Carolyn took a deep breath, “I didn’t realize he was so heavy. I’ll go with you so I can help you get Monty into the house. Dave will be alright. I doubt if he moves all night.” Barbara said, “Monty isn’t out cold like Dave. I think I can get him in the house. He can walk.” Carolyn asked, “Are you sure?” Barbara said, “Yea, I’m sure. If I can’t I’ll call you. I’m sure glad Robbie is staying at Mom Ellman’s tonight.” Carolyn laughed, “I know two men who are gonna feel awful bad tomorrow.” Barbara agreed and went back to the car.

As she drove the short distance, Lamont mumbled all the way. Barbara parked the car under the carport. She opened the door to the back seat, got his arm, “Come on darling.” He looked up at her with those blue, blue eyes, “Where?” She answered, “In the house. We’re home.” He grunted, “Okay. Where’s Dave?” She said, “He is home.” He stumbled out of the car and almost fell, “You don’t have to hold me, I can walk by myself.” She turned him loose. He stumbled and staggered all the way to the house. Barbara held her breath, she just knew he would fall.

In the kitchen, he ran into the table then knocked a lamp off the end table by the couch in the den. He just stood looking at it, “Oh!” Then he went into their bedroom. As he began to undress, he looked at Barbara and asked, “You gonna love me? Tonight?” She knew he would never be able to make love but she said, “Yes darling, I’ll love you tonight.” Twice he tried to take his briefs off and both times he nearly fell. He looked over at her, “Baby, help me get—these damn—shorts off. You know I always sleep naked.” Barbara knew he was really drunk because he hadn’t slept nude since they got married. She hadn’t even seen him nude. When they made love, the lights were always off. She went over to him. He said, “Just hold me up a minute.” She held his arms so he could keep his balance and he kicked his shorts off. It was good the bed was right behind him because he fell backwards. He began laughing, “Hurry up baby, I want to love you.” She said, “I won’t be long.” She hurried to the bathroom.

When she came back, he was lying across the bed snoring. She smiled and said softly, “You big lug.” She got his feet and moved him around so she could cover him. It was then she saw why he didn’t want her to see him nude. He certainly was cut badly. The scars were deep. Tears came in her eyes and she cried, “They really butchered him. Oh darling, how you must have suffered.”

She covered his body with a sheet and a blanket. He began snoring again. She was glad he didn’t wake up. When she was in the bed beside him she thought, “My poor darling. His body scared so badly. Some of his fingers were stiff from being broke and not being set. His back cut in slashes, left scars on his back but this was terrible. He was lucky that he can enjoy sex. Oh Monty, I love you more than ever.” She looked over at him. The moonlight shining on his face showed what a beautiful profile he had. She said almost in a whisper, “I’m just so thankful they didn’t hurt your beautiful face.” She laid her head on his shoulder. He didn’t move. Soon, she fell asleep.

Morning came. Barbara was up early. She cooked breakfast then she went to the bedroom to wake Lamont. She leaned over and kissed him. She said, “Breakfast is ready honey.” He opened one eye at a time. He sat up in bed, “Damn!” Barbara sat down beside him, “Bad hangover?” Lamont moaned, “My damn head feels like it weighs a ton.” Barbara suggested, “Take a cold shower. It will make you feel better.” Lamont said, “Baby I’ve got to feel better before I could die.” She got up, “Hurry before the eggs get cold.” He said as she was going out the door, “I don’t want a damn thing but black coffee.”

He tried twice before he got out of bed. It was then he noticed he was naked, “Damn!” Barbara was buttering toast when he came into the kitchen. He sat down at the small table in the kitchen, “Just coffee honey.” She poured his coffee then sat down across from him to eat her breakfast. Lamont sipped on his coffee, “I really hung one on last night didn’t I?” Barbara answered, “Yes darling, you did that alright. Don’t feel too bad. I bet Dave is feeling just like you about now. Only Dave passed out. You could walk. Carolyn and I had a hard time getting Dave in the house.” Lamont said, “I’m sorry babe. Dave and I are getting too old to do these things. It’s time we quit.”

When she was almost done eating he asked, “Barb, did we make love last night?” She shook her head. He asked, “Then why was I naked this morning?” Barbara said, “You got undressed and wanted to but you passed out before I got undressed.” Lamont said, “Then you saw.” Barbara’s eyes met his, “Yes I saw you. I even love you more.” Lamont said, “Not a pretty sight is it?” Barbara’s heart went out to him. She got up, went over to him, knelt down, and looked up until her eyes were looking into his, “No, I agree. It isn’t a pretty sight but darling, don’t be ashamed of your body to me. Those scars mean you were a brave American. A man that was willing to lay down his life for his country. I’m proud you’re my husband. I feel honored that you wanted me for your wife. Above all, I love you with all my heart and I thank God each day for bringing you back to me. I’m happy darling and I want you to be.” Lamont’s eyes searched her face for a second, “You really mean every word you said didn’t you?” Barbara said, “Yes my darling, every word.” He pulled her up on his lap, “I want you to listen to me and don’t say anything until I’m done.” He cupped her face in his hands, “I know you feel second in my heart. You haven’t said anything but I know. I did love Natalie but it was a storybook love, a fantasy, all fiction. Non of it was real. Barbara I didn’t know what real love was until those three days we spent together in California. I knew then that you were the one for me. When I was a prisoner on that damn island, I would have lost my mind if I hadn’t had those glorious days and nights with you. When those damn apes started on me, I’d just blot them out and think of you. I had found real love and I had to come back.” Tears were rolling down her face. He continued, “We have something baby and this kind of love can only be with you. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.” He dried the tears off her face, “I hope you believe what I have told you. I love you.” He held her so close to him she could hardly breath, “I love you angel baby. I’ll love you till the day I die.” Barbara said, “I’ll be honest with you. I did feel second. I never intended to tell you but I do believe you. You would never say those things if you didn’t mean them. Monty, you’ve made me really feel wonderful.” She ran her hand along his forehead and brushed his hair back, “I don’t know what there is about me that’s made you fall in love with me, but whatever it is, I’m glad I have it.” Robbie came running in the house, “Mommy! Daddy” Lamont said, “We’re in the kitchen son.”

In the spring, Lamont and David had their buildings built. Then David left it up to Lamont to hire the foreman. He knew Lamont knew more about that than he did. Lamont called different places trying to find a good man. Then, by pure luck, Lamont went to town to buy Robbie a saddle for a pony he had bought him and saw Jesse King. He was a man in his middle fifties. Lamont knew he was a good foreman. He had worked on ranches all his life. Jesse was glad to see Lamont. Jesse asked, “How in the world are you Monty?” Lamont answered, “Just fine. I had to come to town on business and I’m looking for a foreman too. You wouldn’t buy any chance be out of work would you?” Jesse grinned, “Why yes I am. My boss sold out last week. My wife and I will have to move soon.” Lamont patted him on the back, “You’re hired.” Jesse said, “I heard you and Dave were getting a lot of stock. Between the both of you, you own a forth of Montana.” Lamont laughed, “Well, not yet but we do have more than we can handle and we need good men. I have a big house. I’d like for you and your wife to just move in with us. My wife could use some help anyway. It won’t cost you a dime to live there. Dave and I will pay good wages.” Jesse said, “That sounds like a gift from heaven.” Lamont said, “Good. As of now you are on our payroll. I’ll leave it up to you to get the men.” Jesse said, “Sara and I will be there tomorrow. All we have to do is pack our clothes.” Lamont said, “You’ve sure taken a load off my mind. See you tomorrow.”

Robbie was happy over his saddle. Lamont spent the afternoon showing his son how to ride. Barbara watched them from the window. She smiled and thought, “Only two years old and Monty is teaching him how to ride.”

At supper as the three of them ate Lamont said, “You’ll have help with this big house tomorrow.” Barbara said, “I don’t need help.” Lamont said, “You stay busy all the time. It’s coming supper. I want the three of us to ride a lot. Maybe camp out a few times. I hired a foreman today. He and his wife will be here tomorrow. They can have the two back rooms and Sara can help you with the cooking and cleaning. Barbara teased, “You wouldn’t be getting tired of my cooking would you?” He grinned, “Not a bit. You’re a pretty good cook.” Barbara asked, “What’s this woman like?” Lamont answered, “You’ll like her. She’s a sweet, lovable person.” Robbie asked, “Do they have any kids?” Lamont said, “No son they don’t.”

The next day when Sara and Jesse were introduced to Barbara, she knew she was going to like them. Sara was a short, chubby lady and Jesse was tall, lanky, and rugged.

Before a month was gone, Barbara already loved them and Robbie called her Momma Sara. During the day, Robbie stayed with Lamont at the stables while he was working there but when he had to be on the range, Lamont wouldn’t let him go. Lamont thought he was too small yet.

One Sunday afternoon, Leon and Ann came over. Leon had bought him a motor cycle. He told Lamont what he paid for it, “Look it over Monty. You know a lot about cycles. Ride it and see if I got a bargain.” Lamont got on the cycle and rode off. Ann said, “Every time this nut saves a little money, it burns his hands and he just has to spend it.” Leon said, “Stop bitching baby. You’ll get just as much fun out of it as I will.” Leon grinned, “Don’t mind us Barb, she growls about my beard too. She really thinks I’m cute with it.” Barbara said, “Listen, we know better than to argue with an Ellman. Their all bullheaded.” Leon said, “Yes, I guess we are but we’re a damn handsome bunch.” Ann teased, “You said that, we didn’t.”

Lamont came riding back. When he stopped he told Leon, “You got a damn good deal here. The guy must have needed money bad.” Leon said, “Actually I bought it from a woman. Her son was going to college. She said she needed money for that.” Leon said, “Get on babe. We better get home.” Ann got on the cycle, “I’ll see you if Leon doesn’t scare me to death.” Leon laughed, “Honey, you know I wouldn’t do that.” Lamont said, “Be careful. Those things can get away from you before you know it.” Leon cranked it up, “Will do brother.” As they rode away, Leon weaved back and forth and Ann was yelling.

Lamont put his arm around Barbara as they walked to the door Lamont said, “That’s my brother Leon. If Ann pretended she liked for him to do that he would stop.”

Later Lamont and Barbara decided to go visit their neighbors. They took Robbie with them. On their way across the hill Robbie asked, “When can I go to school like Freddie?” Barbara said, “It will be four years yet. Freddie is four years older than you.” Robbie frowned. Lamont ruffled his hair with his hand. Lamont said, “Four years isn’t long son.” He looked at his wife, “Why are you so quiet?” Barbara answered, “Oh I was just enjoying our walk.” Lamont said, “You really do like it here, don’t you honey?” Barbara smiled, “Yes. I fell in love with this place the first time I saw it. Everywhere I look I see you.” He teased, “I sure do get around, don’t I?” She punched him in the stomach, “You know what I mean.” Freddie saw them coming and yelled, “Hey Robbie come on! I want to show you my new trailer truck.” Robbie ran ahead.