Blossoms of Love (30 page)

Barbara already liked the Ellman family. They were down to earth, warm, loving, honesty people. It was a while before supper so Lamont took Barbara over the hill to his house to show her. When the topped the hill and she saw the huge house, her mouth came open she was so surprised. She looked at him, then at the house, “You mean this is yours?” Lamont grinned, “Yep. Every piece of it.” She said, “Monty, it’s a mansion not a house.” He took her hand, “Come on, I’ll show you inside.” Barbara said, “I’ll have to say Natalie certainly had good taste.” Lamont said, ‘Yes she had that alright. I saved this room until last. This is my study. I decorated it myself.” He opened the door. The first thing she saw was his gun case, built in the wall. Then she looked all around, “This room is you Monty. I like it.” Lamont said, “Natalie didn’t. She said it didn’t go with the rest of the house.” Barbara said, “It doesn’t need to. This is your room. Monty, what will you do with the house if you go in the Navy?” Lamont said, “Well, Mom lives over the hill south of me and Dave lives over the hill west of me. They will look after it for me.”

As they walked through the snow back to the Ellman house Barbara said, “I bet this is good hunting country.” He looked at her, “Yes it is. What do you know about hunting?” She smiled, “There’s nothing more fun or relaxing than hunting or fishing.” He asked, “How do you know that?” Barbara laughed, “Don’t you laugh but Dad taught me how to hunt and fish. When Dad got a rare weekend or a few days off, we would camp out and either hunt or fish. All I ever hunted or was quail or squirrel. Dad wouldn’t let me hunt big game. I always wanted to hunt for deer.” Lamont said, “I can’t believe what I just heard.” Barbara chucked, “You see, Dad always wanted a son. When he learned Mother couldn’t have any more children, he made a tomboy out of me. Of course, that wasn’t hard to do, I never was the frilly type lady.” Lamont pointed to the left of them, “See that peak that shoots straight up?” She nodded. He said, “All through there is deer country.” She asked, “How far is it?” He said, “Oh about twenty or twenty-five miles. Dave and I are going up there if the weather lets up before Christmas day. Would you like to go with us?” Her eyes brightened, “Yes—if you’ll let me borrow one of your guns. I stored all of Dad’s. I know how to take care of a gun.” Lamont smiled, “Okay. Let’s hope the weather lets up.”

When they got back to the Ellman house, everyone was waiting on them to eat. While Barbara helped the other women clean up the kitchen after they ate, Lamont said to David, “Walk down to the stables with me. I want to talk to you.” They got their jackets and went outside.

David said, “Barbara is a fine person Monty. She fits right in with all of us.” Lamont looked at David, “Yea, Barb is a fine girl but don’t get any ideas. We’re just friends—that’s all.” David said, “Not from her side. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. Her eyes say she’s in love with you. I know she isn’t pretty but man she has something Natalie could never have. Barbara loves people and she knows the important things in life.” Lamont said, “Look bud, you don’t have to try to sell me about Barbara. Remember, I knew her a long time ago. She’s not what I asked you to come out here for.” David said, “You’re fixing to go back in aren’t you?” Lamont chuckled, “You are the damnedest guy I ever knew. How did you know?” David said, “I know you bud.” Lamont said, “You sure as hell do.” David said, “To tell you the truth, I’ve been thinking about it myself.” Lamont said, “You should wait until you think you might be drafted. You have Carolyn and Jeannie to think about.” David said, “That’s true—but that’s the whole bit isn’t it? To fight so our families can be safe and free. So who has the families? Married men. So why shouldn’t they go too?” Lamont said, “They will. I’m afraid this is gonna be a long war. We, the US, wasn’t prepared.” David said, “I agree.” Lamont said, “I’m going in after New Years. Don’t say anything about this. It would ruin Mom’s Christmas. This spring, you get Johnny and Berry to help you get the horses out of the canyon. Then I want you to sell them for me.” David repeated, “Sell them? No, let them stay where they are. I’ll take care of them until I have to go.” Lamont argued, “That’s too much.” David said, “Let’s put it this way, if and when I have to go in service I’ll sell them.” Lamont said, “Okay, but I still say it will be too much on you.” David tapped him on the shoulder, “Let me worry about that.”

By morning the blizzard hit. At breakfast Lamont said to Barbara, “There goes our hunting trip for a few days.” Allen said, “I haven’t hunted in so long, I bet I couldn’t hit the side of a barn.” Cindy said, “All he does is practice football.” Allen said, “That’s our living honey.”

Paul called and said he would be home by night. He was going to drive. He said the roads would be clear by this afternoon. That afternoon, David and Lamont went to the woods to get a tree. Barbara helped Ann and Ellen get the tree decorations out while Alice helped Mrs. Ellman with supper. Cindy set the dining table and Carolyn got all the children together giving them baths before they ate. Barbara said, “This family is remarkable.” Ann asked, “What do you mean?” Barbara said, “The way everyone works together.” Ellen said, “Everyone wants to help. The Ellmans are a very close-knit family. Somehow it rubs off on the in-laws too.” Ann said, “You know what they all believe? They believe the most important things in life are free, such as honor, being honest, being truthful, and most of all of course, is love.” Barbara said, “That was my Dad’s policy too. It really is true.” Lamont came down the basement steps, “Hey, you girls gonna stay here all night?” Ann said, “We just got busy talking.” Lamont said laughing, “Yea that’s women for you.” Barbara said, “Since you’re here, you can help carry the decorations upstairs.” Ellen asked, “Did you get a big tree?” Lamont answered, “Just like the one we had last year. You know me and Dave walked quite a ways this time getting a tree to suit you women.” Ann leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, “Well bless your hearts.” She picked up two boxes of decorations and followed Ellen upstairs. Barbara handed Lamont two boxes and got one. He asked, “How come I rate two boxes?” Barbara laughed, “Because you are a big, strong man.”

They ate supper. David made a stand for the tree. While they were waiting for Paul to get there Johnny suggested, “While we’re waiting to decorate the tree, why don’t we have a glass of Christmas cheer?” They all agreed. Barbara punched Lamont, “What is this Christmas cheer?” Lamont said, “It’s eggnog with a bit of whiskey in it.” Barbara noticed the children got some too. She asked, “Do you all let the children have some too?” Lamont said, “Sure, there’s not enough in there to hurt them. Mom just puts enough in it to flavor it.”

When the eggnog was almost drank Alice said, “Here comes Paul.” Mrs. Ellman drew a deep breath of relief. She had felt uneasy about Paul driving in this bad weather. Barbara got her first glimpse of Paul as he hugged and kissed his mother. Barbara thought, “He looks like Johnny and Leon, only very distinguished. He looked like you’d think a doctor should look.” Then Barbara was introduced to Paul.

As everyone took a hand in decorating the tree, it seemed the Christmas spirit had touched everyone. Mrs. Ellman was radiant, she was so happy because all her sons were together again.

When the tree was finished and the lights were turned on, the women made coffee and Mrs. Ellman put out some of her goodies to eat. Then Mrs. Ellman said, “I want to say something before we leave the table.” Everyone got quiet. She stood up, “I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am tonight. Tomorrow is going to be extra special to me. I realize what is ahead for us. I know before this time comes again, my sons will be separated in different parts of the world. You know as well as I do that you will all have to go to war. I want us to be extra happy. I’m proud of every one of my sons. I’m also proud of their wives who will have to carry on when they’re gone. This includes Dave and Carolyn. They are my children too. I will not be a selfish mother. I will not beg them to stay out of service if they can because they are honorable and love their country.” Her voice broke for a second, “It is very hard to see a son go off to war but, with God’s help, I will be able to let them go. I’m saying this tonight because I want all of you to know I realize what is ahead and you don’t have to spare my feelings. I’m prepared. I talk to God every night and I know he will give me the strength and courage I need.” She smiled, “Now girls, let’s get the children in bed. Santa will be coming soon.”

If she had looked close, she would have seen tears in every eye. Her talk touched every heart. Barbara looked at Lamont as they got up from the table, “Monty she is wonderful.” Lamont said, “Yes I know. Mom has always been a great lady.”

The tree was all trimmed except for putting the star on top of the tree. Every year one of the grand children had that honor. This time it was Jeannie’s turn. David held her up high and with happiness all over her face, she placed the star on top. Then Ellen clapped her hands, “Okay—bedtime. Santa comes tonight.”

There was some oohs and ahhs but they didn’t give any more trouble. Barbara asked, “Do they all stay here?” Lamont answered, “Yes on Christmas Eve we all spend the night together. Now you see why Mom would never let this big house go.” Each mother and father took their children upstairs to tuck them in bed. That left Paul, Lamont, Barbara, and Mrs. Ellman downstairs. Paul looked at Barbara, “What do you think of the Ellman family?” Lamont said, “That isn’t fair Paul. You know she wouldn’t say she didn’t like us.” Barbara said, “I think you are an ideal American family. Everyone is so close, so loving. The wives blend in perfect. You’re an example of what all families would like to be.” Lamont said, “We’re just an average family.” Barbara disagreed, “No Monty. This family is way above average. With a Mother like you have, it couldn’t be any other way.”

Ellen said as she and Johnny came downstairs, “Well, our four are tucked in for the night. I hope.” Soon everyone was back downstairs and all the children in bed. Berry said, “While we’re waiting for the kids to get to sleep, does anyone have any news?” No one said anything. Leon laughed, “What? No body is gonna have a baby?” David said, “Well, we weren’t gonna say anything until we knew for sure. I’ll say this, we’ve been trying for that son.” Carolyn said, “I think we’re safe in saying I’m pregnant.” Everyone began clapping their hands. Lamont said, “If it isn’t a boy, we’ll string Dave up by the toes and thrash him.” Mrs. Ellman said, “It has got to be. I’ve only got two grandsons.” Johnny teased, “That shows you Mom, which one of your sons are the real men.” Everyone laughed, then all the men booed.

When they were sure the children were asleep, they began placing the boys and presents under the tree. When they were finished, the boys and presents extended far out under the tree. Barbara laughed, “That looks like a department store.” Alice said, “I know. Every year the family has increased at least one.”

Mrs. Ellman went to bed leaving the others enjoying Christmas carols and drinking eggnog. It was a very pretty picture. Johnny sitting in the big, over-stuffed chair with Ellen cuddled on his lap. Berry stretched out on the floor, Alice lying beside him with his arm around her. Leon on the couch with Ann beside him holding his hand. Paul was also on the couch with his shoes off. Lamont sitting on the floor leaning against the fireplace with Barbara beside him holding his hand and Allen sitting in another chair with Cindy on his lap. David and Carolyn were sitting on the love seat with his arm around her. They talked about everything except the war. Everyone was determined to keep the war out of this Christmas.

Lamont and Barbara were the last ones to go upstairs to go to bed. When they got to the door of the bedroom she was using, she put her arms around Lamont’s neck, “I’m so glad I let you talk me into coming here. I’ve never felt –shall I say—so welcomed. I even feel like I belong here.” Lamont said, “At Christmas, most everybody is happy. We’re not a perfect family. It may look that way but we have our ups and downs. We disagree with each other, we argue and sometimes get angry, but we all love each other and we know it.” Barbara said, “Being here has saved my life. It has kept me from thinking of Dad so much.” He looked at her, “That was the reason I wanted you to come.” He reached out and slowly pulled her into his arms, “I’m glad you came.” Then his face came closer and she felt his lips on hers. The kiss was a hunger for the need of a woman. He looked at her, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you like that. Goodnight honey.”

As Barbara undressed for bed, she felt disturbed. Lamont had stirred the passion within her. She slipped on her robe over her nude body and stood at the window. It was so quiet. She could almost hear the snowflakes hit the window pane. She thought of how much fun the children would have tomorrow on their new sleds and ice skates. Tears came to her eyes when she thought of the war. So many families would be broken. Then she thought of Lamont, going off to war soon. She looked up in the sky, “Oh God, why does there have to be war? Why do men have to leave their wives and families to maybe not return to them and if they do, be broken and have the scars of war? I know we aren’t suppose to question your motives and I’m sorry that I do. Forgive me.”

She took her robe off and got into bed. The sheets were cold to her nude body. She pulled the cover up to her neck. She turned the lamp off. Soon she began to doze. She didn’t hear her bedroom door open but she knew someone was in the room with her. She raised up in bed holding the cover over her breast. Lamont sat down beside her. He said, “It’s only me. I couldn’t sleep.” She asked, “What time is it?” He answered, “Two thirty.” She said, “Monty what would your mother think?” He said, “She wouldn’t like it worth a damn. Barb, I need you.” Without a word she let the covers fall letting the light from the snow make her breasts visible to him. She whispered, “Oh Monty I need you too.” He quickly undressed and lay down beside her. Their lovemaking was sweet and fulfilling. She knew he made love to her because he needed a woman, not because he loved her, but she didn’t care.

Afterwards, he dressed, kissed her lightly, and said, “Thanks kitten for being so sweet to me.” Then he went back to his room.