Blossoms of Love (23 page)

As they were eating, David knocked on the door. Lamont yelled, “Come on in.” Natalie asked, “When did you get back?” David got a cup and poured himself some coffee, “Just a few minutes ago. I caught a ride home.” He sat down at the table with Natalie and Lamont. Natalie asked, “How is everyone at home?” David answered, “Just fine. Nothing has changed.” Lamont said, “We’ll spend Christmas there next year.” David said, “Della and Porter sure would like to see you both. Of course, everyone would.” Natalie said, “Mother is still sulking because I got married here.” David looked at Natalie, then Lamont, “Hey, you two look like the cat that swallowed the canary.” Lamont winked at Natalie, “Sorry bud. Can’t tell you. I will say this, your baby sister finally showed me that she has what it takes in bed.” Natalie blushed, “Monty!” David asked, “You just now finding out?” Lamont said, “I’m afraid so.” Natalie said, “Dave, stop looking so silly. Let’s change the subject.” David asked, “Why don’t you two join me and Carolyn tonight? We’re going out to eat, dance for a while, and maybe have a few drinks.” Before Lamont could answer Natalie said, “Nope.” Lamont looked at her. Again she surprised him, she was always wanting to go somewhere. She said, “I want to stay home tonight. Just me and my husband.” David scratched his head, “I don’t know what’s going on around here but whatever it is, it sure agrees with both of you.” Lamont said, “We’ll take a rain check on that invitation.” David said, “Sure anytime. You two look like you’re move in love now than you were a year ago.”

When David left Lamont said, “Dave may be right.” Natalie sat down on his lap, “About what darling?” He replied, “About us. You know I think you and I have just fallen in love.” She ruffled his hair, “Maybe you have but I’ve loved you for a long time.” He said, “Maybe you have just now bloomed as a wife.” She ran her hand along his naked shoulder, “We were born for each other. I really believe that.” He ran his hand inside her robe, “God must have had me in mind when he made you because he developed you just right.” His hand possessed her breast. She kissed him on the cheek. She said, “Everything would be perfect if we could have a baby.” He ran his hand along her thigh, “We’ll have a baby one of these days.”

As the weeks passed, Natalie and Lamont couldn’t be happier. Each month Natalie was sure she would be pregnant but then, she would find out she wasn’t. Lamont and David went hunting almost every day. Natalie didn’t really want him to but she didn’t nag him about it.

In April she went over her monthly period. She was sure this time. When she thought enough time had passed, she ran to Lamont one evening as he came from the stables, “Monty I’m sure I’m pregnant.” Lamont asked, “Have you seen a doctor?” She said, “No, but I’m going to make an appointment to see one.”

The phone rang. It was Alice, “Nat, could you and Monty go with us to the ice show tonight? We already have the tickets. After the show we’ll go dancing.” Natalie asked Lamont and he agreed they could go. The ice show was great. After the show was over, they went to a club to dance. Lamont had never seen Natalie as happy as she was tonight. After a few drinks, he began to relax and enjoy the evening. Lamont didn’t like to dance. Alice said with a gleam in her eyes, “Berry and I are going to get our little boy tomorrow. The adoption finally came through.” Natalie asked, “How old is he?” Berry answered, “Four months.

As Lamont and Natalie were dancing Natalie said, “Let’s go back to the table.” Lamont asked, “What’s wrong?” She said, “I’ll tell you when we get back to the table.”

When they were seated at the table alone, Alice and Berry were still dancing, Lamont asked, “What is it?” She answered, “Monty I don’t know what to do. The elastic has broken in my panties. They’re to my knees now.” Lamont broke into hard laughter. She said, “Will you shut up and help me?” Still laughing he said, “Baby what can I do?” Alice and Berry came back to the table. Berry asked, “What’s so funny?” Lamont said, still laughing, “Nat—has a—problem.” Alice asked, “What kind of problem?” Natalie was very disturbed, “Why do these things happen to me?” Alice asked, “Will somebody please tell us what’s so funny?” Lamont said, “The elastic broke in her panties. She almost lost them on the dance floor.” Berry began laughing like lamont did. Alice asked, “Oh Nat, where are they now?” She answered, “To my knees.” Lamont said, “Honey I knew we didn’t have much money but I think we could have bought you a few panties.” Natalie said, “Will you stop clowning and help me.” He said, “Okay, get the past your knees and let them fall to the floor. I’ll put them in my pocket.” Alice really felt sorry for Natalie. She was so embarrassed. Natalie wiggled back and forth looking around to see if anyone noticed her. The club was a very nice place, a lot of important people went there. Lamont said, “No one is noticing. Don’t look so embarrassed babe.” She said, “Stop laughing at me.” He said laughing, “I can’t help it.” Finally she got them to the floor. Lamont reached down and put them in his pocket. Lamont chuckled, “The battle has been won.” Berry suggested, “Let’s have another round of drinks and we’ll go home.”

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 wrong 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.