Blossoms of Love (14 page)

As they walked to the big, white-framed house, David asked, “Don’t you think we’ll have a better chance getting someone if you shave that mop off?” Lamont laughed, “Oh the things I do for you.”

They showered and dressed. The second bar they went into they found two girls that struck their fancy. David poked Lamont, “What do you think of those two?” Lamont said, “I’ll take the blond.” David laughed, “Okay with me.”

In less than an hour Lamont and David took the girls to a hotel. They got rooms next to each other. Before they went into the rooms David whispered to Lamont, “Is this going to be an all night thing?” Lamont said, “Why not? Allen is home this weekend. He’ll be home with Mom. We might as well get our money’s worth.”

Lamont woke early. He dressed and went downstairs to the coffee shop in the hotel. He left the girls asleep. He’d had three cups of coffee when David sat down beside him, “How’d it go?” Lamont took a swallow of his coffee. The waitress brought David’s coffee. Lamont answered, “It’s better than being horny.” David said, “My girl was ready. Don’t tell me you got an iceberg?” Lamont smiled, “No, she was ready but it was like opening a door to the Grand Canyon.” David began to laugh, “That bad huh?” Lamont said, “You know Dave, I’m pretty big. Let me tell you buddy, I got lost.” David bent over he laughed so hard. Lamont said, “I think I’ll wait for my bride. I don’t care how horny I get.” Lamont put his coffee cup down, “Let’s go home. Mom will have breakfast by the time we get there.”

As the weeks passed, winter set in. Lamont and David worked in the house. Lamont got a letter from Natalie about every two weeks. He didn’t answer any of them. Natalie really didn’t expect him to. The last week in October, they finished getting the paneling up. Lamont said, “Well Dave, there’s our little dream house.” David said, “You know Monty, I think we did a damn, good job.” Lamont said, “We did buddy. Now it’s up to Nat to put the finishing touches to it.” David lit a cigarette, “You know Monty, somehow I just can’t picture you married.” Lamont grinned, “Neither can I Dave but I don’t want to live the rest of my life alone. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather live it out with than Nat.” David’s face grew serious, “Sharon has been dead almost five months. I still miss her. I miss her so damn much. Once you’re married, single life isn’t so great anymore. That is, if you’re married to the right one. I was lucky to get the right one. I feel like there is no one else for me. I’ve been thinking, When you and Nat get married, I guess I’ll go back to Alabama.” Lamont asked, “Why Dave? You like it here. You’re damn good on the ranch. I wish you’d stay.”

As the weeks passed, Lamont grew more restless.

Thanksgiving. The Ellman boys and their families gathered at the Ellman house. Leon and Ann’s baby was a boy. There were two grandchildren and both were boys. Berry and Alice’s son is a year old. They all missed Mr. Ellman. He always said grace at the table. Dorothy got Johnny to take his place on times when they were together. Of course, when the Ellman brothers get together, they enjoyed themselves. Johnny and Berry were the quiet ones. They would sit back and laugh. Leon was the monkey of the family. He was always telling jokes or doing something to make everyone laugh. Paul was the smart one. Lamont said once when they were younger, “Paul got a part of all the rest of us boys’ brains.” Lamont and Allen had a mixture of being funny and being quiet.

When late evening came, everyone went home. Allen and David went to town to play pool. Mrs. Ellman said to Lamont, “Monty, sit here with me. Let’s have a cup of coffee.” He put the ledger he was wring in down. “You know Mom, the ranch is really paying off now. Next spring, we can afford to buy a few more mares and a few head of cattle.” Mrs. Ellman poured the coffee, “That’s real good Monty. Your father would be very proud of you. He used to say you were the real rancher of the family, once you got the wildness out of your system.” Lamont went over to the table and sat down, “Dad was right most of the time. I should have listened to him more.” His Mother asked, “Why didn’t you go with Allen and Dave to play pool?” Lamont replied, “I had some book work to catch up on.” Dorothy said, “I just don’t want you staying home on my account.” Lamont sighed, “I just wasn’t in the mood for pool.” His mother asked, “Monty, are you really getting married next month?” Lamont answered, “I hope so.” Mrs. Ellman took a sip of her coffee, “Natalie is a very sweet girl, and pretty too. Monty are you sure she’s right for you? She’s from a different part of the country, her lifestyle is so different. She doesn’t know our ways and we don’t know hers. I understand her family is rich. Just think about it son.” Lamont said, “Mom I’ve thought about all of those things. I’ve known Natalie for seven years. I think I know her pretty well. Did you know for sure Dad was right for you? I think that’s a chance everyone has to take. I love her and she loves me. That’s a good start. You know Mom, I’ve been out with lots of women. Natalie is the only one I ever loved. I want a home, a wife, and some kids before I get too old to enjoy seeing them grow up. I want Natalie to be the mother of my children.” Mrs. Ellman smiled, “All right son. I want you to know you both have my blessing.” Lamont leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek, “Thanks Mom.”

During the second week of December, Natalie called the Ellman house. Alice answered the phone, “Natalie, how nice.” Natalie asked, “How is everyone?” Alice said, “Just fine. We’re all getting the Christmas spirit.” Natalie asked, “Is Monty there?” Alice said, “No, he and Dave went to cut down a Christmas tree.” Natalie said, “Please tell him to call me. I’m home here in Alabama.” Alice asked, “Will you be here for Christmas?” Natalie answered, “I hope so.” Alice remarked, “We’ll all be glad to see you.”

Alice had just hung up when she heard Lamont and David. Lamont shook the snow off his coat while David sat the tree down on the back porch. He opened the kitchen door, “Damn, it’s cold out there.” David asked Mrs. Ellman, “Got any more of that coffee?” Mrs. Ellman poured them a cup of coffee when they sat down at the table, “It’s suppose to get colder.” David said, “Monty wasn’t kidding when he told me it got cold here in the winter time.” Alice said, “Monty, I bet you get rid of that beard now.” Lamont grinned, “What’s all this about beards, I shaved one off for my pal here. Now since I’ve grown another one you want me to get rid of it too.” Alice answered, “Your pretty bride called. She is home and said for you to call her.” Lamont drank the rest of his coffee. He looked at Alice, “You’re right, I will get it shaved off.” They all laughed.

He went upstairs to call Natalie so he could be alone. Della answered the phone, “Hello.” Lamont said, “Hello sweetheart, how are you?” Della chuckled, “Monty, you old so and so.” Lamont asked, “How about getting my girl on the phone?” Della said, “I’ll get her.”

It was only seconds until he heard her soft, sweet voice, “Hello darling.” Lamont said, “How’s my girl?” She said, “I’ll be alright when I can be with you.” He asked, “When will that be?” She replied, “That’s up to you.” Lamont asked, “What do you mean?” She explained, “We’ve got a little problem.” He asked, “What kind of problem?” Natalie hesitated then said, “Well, Mother and Dad want us to have the wedding here. They want us to be married in the church that Sharon and David were married in. That will take at least three or four weeks to get ready for.” Lamont got angry, “No Natalie.” She asked, “No what?” Lamont said, “I’m not going through all that routine.” She said, “But Monty, Dora and Dave married in the church with all the trimmings.” Lamont said, “No Natalie, absolutely not.” Natalie sighed, “I told them you wouldn’t do it. Monty I want a beautiful wedding, I want to show you off. I want to be able to look back fifty years from our wedding and look at our wedding pictures and . . .” Lamont said, “So it’s really your idea. I won’t do it. I see no reason to go through all that just to get married.” She remarked, “Then you don’t really love me.” He said angrily, “If that’s the way you feel.” She asked, “Where is Dave?” He answered, “Downstairs.” She asked, “Let me speak to him. Monty you call me when you change your mind.” Lamont said, “Don’t hold your breath until I do because I won’t.” Lamont yelled, “Dave pick the phone up down there.” David said, “How are you sis?” Natalie was in tears, “Dave I want a beautiful wedding like you and Dora had. Monty won’t even talk about it. David said, “Nat I can’t help you. That’s something you and Monty have to talk over.” Natalie said, “Oh he’s so stubborn.” David said, “Just let him think about it for a few days.” Natalie begged, “Talk to him Dave. He’ll listen to you.” David said, “No Nat I won’t do it. I’m not gonna interfere. To tell you the truth I didn’t go for that kind of wedding myself.” Natalie cried, “But you loved Sharon enough that you did it anyway. Monty doesn’t love me that much.” David said, “You know damn well he loves you.” Natalie said, “Not enough.” She began to cry more, “Our love has always been one sided. It’s always been me loving more. Bye.” David heard the buzz on the other end. Natalie had hung up. David sighed as he put the receiver in the cradle.

David went back to the kitchen and poured himself another cup of coffee. Mrs. Ellman asked, “Where is Monty?” David answered, “In his room. I might as well tell you, Natalie won’t be here for Christmas. She and Monty had a fuss. Nat wants a big church wedding and Monty won’t agree to it.” Alice said, “Oh Monty should let her have it. Every girl wants a big wedding. If her parents can afford it, I think she should have it.” Berry came into the room, “Be quiet Alice. This is none of your business.” Berry poured himself a cup of coffee, “Alice you didn’t have a big wedding and we’re just as married as anyone.” Alice said, “I know, but we couldn’t afford it. Natalie’s parents can.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I never interfere with my sons personal lives but Monty is stubborn. I think I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” David said, “Mom Ellman my sister is very stubborn and spoiled rotten. Monty has to put his foot down or she’ll rule both of them.” Mrs. Ellman said, “Oh I don’t mean to tell him what to do. I just want him to think about it.”

Later when David went upstairs, he saw a light under Lamont’s door.” He tapped lightly then slowly opened the door, “Is it safe to come in?” Lamont looked at David, “Damn it. Dave I just don’t understand your sister.” David closed the door behind him. Lamont was standing by the window. Lamont was still angry, “Look Dave, all I could hear from Nat was getting married. She said just as soon as she got back she wanted us to be married. Now she’s willing to wait three or four more weeks to go through all the damn routine of a big wedding. She knew how I felt about that.” David asked, “Have you blown off enough steam that you can listen to me?” Lamont sat down on the side of the bed, “Hell Dave, if I give in to her now she’ll expect it every time she wants her way.” David put his cigarette out, “I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes we have to give in. I’ve never been sorry I gave in to Sharon. A big wedding means a lot to a woman. Why, I don’t know. In Natalie’s case I don’t think it really means that much to her, it’s Mother. You know how she is. She thinks if her daughter doesn’t have a big wedding it would be terrible. She wouldn’t be able to face her high-class friends. Don’t you think that kind of puts Natalie in the middle? If she insists on the big wedding, she’s taking a chance with you. If she doesn’t have the wedding, Mother would never forgive her. So she’s betting on you Monty. She knows Mother would never let her forget it. She’s hoping you’ll be big enough to go through it. After all bud, it’s not important enough to sacrifice what you two have. You know Nat loves you, in fact she more than loves you Monty, she actually adores you. She puts you on some kind of pedestal like a Greek god. She really worships you.” Lamont sighed, “I don’t want her to worship me. All I want is her love and respect. I want someone who will stand beside me, not against me.” David asked, “Even if you’re wrong?” Lamont answered, “Of course not. If I’m wrong I want her to be big enough to let me know it.” David asked, “Don’t you think Nat is all of those things?” Lamont answered, “I thought she was until now.” David had to find some way to keep them from breaking up, “Oh so now she’s letting you know she thinks you're wrong and you don’t like it.” Lamont looked at his best friend. Suddenly he burst out laughing, “That’s the damn truth.” David began laughing. He thought, “I’ve finally convinced him.” Lamont said, “I guess I needed that talk Dave.” David patted him on the back, “I’m going to bed.”

When David was gone, Lamont thought over what David had said to him. It made a lot of sense. He decided to go to bed and sleep on it.

When he woke the next morning, as he dressed he decided he would go through with the ordeal of a big wedding. He went downstairs. His mother was preparing breakfast. Since Allen was in Seattle playing football and Paul was starting a year of pre-med., Lamont and David were all she had to cook for. He went into the kitchen, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled, “Good morning son. Is Dave up? Breakfast is almost ready?” Lamont poured himself a cup of coffee, “He’s up. I guess he’s taking a shower. Mom, I’ve made a decision. Natalie can have her damn, big wedding, but it’s got to be here. Her family can afford to come here for the wedding. We’ll be married in our church and Rev. James can marry us.” Mrs. Ellman began setting the table, “That sounds fair enough son.” David came into the kitchen, “Good morning. That coffee smells great.” Just like Lamont, he poured himself a cup of coffee. Mrs. Ellman said, “Breakfast is ready just as soon as the bread gets done.” Lamont drank a little of his coffee, “David, I’m gonna have that big wedding but it’s got to be here, in our church. That way all of my family can be at the wedding and so can yours.” David replied, “That’s a good idea. What difference does it make which church you marry in?”

Mrs. Ellman put the food on the table. Then she sat down to eat with them. David salted his eggs, “Are we going into town this morning after materials for the stable? You know we’ve got three mares that will be coming in about three or four weeks.” Lamont answered, “We’ll go as soon as I call Natalie.” David asked, “This early?” Lamont looked at his watch, “It’s nine o’clock there.” David laughed, “You know Nat, she usually sleeps until noon.” Lamont decided he would wait until they got back from town.