Blossoms of Love

  She went over to the group of men and women and told them she wouldn’t be ice skating, that she’d met an old friend. One of the girls said, “Yea Barb, I see that old friend. Man is he handsome!” Barbara laughed, “You bet your boots he is.”

  Barbara and Lamont went upstairs to his room. She took her jacket off as he took off his shirt, leaving his tee-shirt. She sat down and said, “Now tell me about yourself. Are you married yet?” She saw a sadness cover his face, “Yes and no.” She laughed, “What kind of answer is that?” He explained, “I’ll soon be married five years but we’re not living together anymore.” Barbara said, “I should be sorry but I’m not. Who is she? She must have rocks in her head to not want to live with you.” Lamont asked, “What about you? Married?” Barbara answered, “No. I almost did a year ago but I decided it wouldn’t work. I just didn’t love him like I should. To be honest, I guess I’ve been searching for someone like you.” Lamont asked, “Where are you living? How is your father?” Barbara said, “I live in Seattle. Mom died two years ago. I knew Dad needed me so I just bum around with him. Of course, Dad is still in the Navy. He’s doing fine. He still talks about you being such a good officer. Where do you live?” Lamont said, “I went back home and bought a ranch. I live about two hundred miles from here. I have a big spread and it’s making me a good living.” He took her hands in his, “It’s great to see you Barb.” She smiled, “You look wonderful to me, except you look lonely.” Lamont said, “I am Barb. I’m lonely as hell.” She asked, “When are you leaving?” He answered, “I was going to leave tomorrow.” Barbara begged, “Stay the rest of the week. I’m not leaving before Sunday. We can have a good time.” He grinned that beautiful smile, “Okay I will. You haven’t changed a big.” She said, “You have. You look too serious and not so cocky. You seem more settled.” Lamont said, “Honey I’m thirty one, don’t you think it’s time I began to settle down?” Barbara laughed, “No, I like your wildness and the way you were always sure of yourself. It goes with your good looks.” She ran her fingers along his face, “Don’t ever change.” He looked at her for a long time, “You’re what I’ve needed all these lonely months.” Barbara asked, “How long have you been separated?” Lamont said, “A little over a year.”

  They went downstairs to the restaurant and ate, talked, and danced. Lamont tried joking and he laughed a lot but Barbara knew it wasn’t real. He was very much disturbed. When they got back to his room Barbara asked, “Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” Lamont looked at her, “I’d like that very much.” She said, “Okay, I’ll get my things.”

  While she was gone, Lamont ordered a bottle of wine. She was back in just a few minutes. He poured them a glass of wine. He said, “This will take the chill out.” He laid down on the floor with a sofa pillow under his head. Barbara sat down on the floor facing him with her legs crossed and a book in her hand. She asked, “Do you read a lot now?” Lamont answered, “No, the book was here. Barbara, I’m not being fair to you.” Barbara replied, “If you mean you’re still in love with your wife—I know that. It’s written all over you. Monty, I’m a very patient woman. I know my score with you. It’s zero. If you want something real bad and you can’t have all of it, you’re satisfied with what you can get, right?” His eyes met hers, “Barb you’re some gal.” She smiled, “No not really. I’m just a dumb broad in love with a married man. I know what I’m getting into.” Lamont said, “I don’t think you do.” Barbara said, “Don’t worry about me. It is true Monty, I’m still very much in love with you. I know I’m walking down heartbreak alley and I know I want you to make love to me. I figure, why not? Grab every bit of happiness that comes your way. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.” Lamont reached out and pulled her to him, “I’m gonna love you like hell.” She whispered, “Just what I want you to do.”

  For the first time in months, Lamont forgot Natalie. Barbara loved him completely. Afterwards as she lay in his arms she said, “I’ve reached heaven with you Monty. I won’t pretend I’m an angel. After you left me in Japan, we came to the states. A month later I searched for someone. I’ve slept with two other men. It only took those two men to let me know that no man could give me the moon and stars like you do.” He squeezed her to him, “You’re real sweet honey.”

  Four two days they skied, went ice skating, danced, played in the snow like kids, and at night they made love. Too soon the morning came for them to leave. When Barbara began to dress, she looked over at him, “Monty, don’t let this be the end for us again. I don’t care if you’re married. I know you still love her but I love you enough for both of us. I’ll never push you, I promise. Just let me see you once in a while.” Lamont said, “We’ll keep in touch.” He raised up on one elbow, “You don’t know how much you’ve helped me. You’ve brought me from a bottomless pit to at least daylight. You’ve made me see I can live without her. I thought I couldn’t.” Barbara said, “She must have been some woman to have you fall so deeply in love with her.” Lamont said, “I’m going home and start a sort of youth club; get kids and teach them sports. I’ve always been good in sports and I’ve got the money. I’m going to build them a place where they can come to and enjoy themselves without getting into trouble. I’ve always loved kids and in our small town, there’s nowhere for them to play tennis, bowl, or box, or even just play records and dance.” Barbara said, “Monty that sounds great. It will take a lot of your time.” Lamont said, “That’s the idea. Time is all I have in the winter. When spring comes, I could get someone to be there.” She smiled at him, “You know, I can already see a difference in you.” He winked at her, “Thanks to you.” She laughed, “Don’t thank me, I’m selfish. I wanted to be with you. I was thinking mostly of myself. I said to myself, Barb old gal, you’ve found him again—love him and let him love you. It’s been beautiful.” He got out of bed, still nude, leaned over, and kissed her tenderly. Barbara sighed, “I better finish dressing. The girls will get tired of waiting for me.”

  When she was ready to leave, she gave Lamont her address and phone number, “This way you can find me when you want me.” He said, “I’ll see you soon.” She asked, “Promise?” He winked, “I promise.” He took her in his arms and kissed her goodbye.

  Lamont got home late that afternoon. He was glad Johnny and Berry were there. He talked to them about the youth center. They both agreed that it was a good thing to have and said they would help. The next week, Lamont bought a piece of ground just at the edge of town and had a building contractor to start the building. It would be a large building. In the basement would be a boxing ring, a shuffle board, and a few lanes of bowling. Upstairs would be four ping pong tables, a few tables to play chess or checkers on, and a place to dance with a built-in record player. The children and teenagers would bring their own records. At the back of the building would be two tennis courts. At the side of the building would be four places to play basketball. Lamont was spending a lot of money but he didn’t care--he was helping kids to have a good time. He also planned to have two baseball teams in the summer.

  The building was up before the first big snow. The people in the surrounding area were interested in the club. All of Lamont’s brothers and David helped.

  On a cold, snowy November day as Lamont, Berry, and Johnny were doing some work at the club, Lamont said, “There’s one very important thing we forgot, a swimming pool.” Johnny asked, “How the hell did we forget that?” Lamont asked, “Why can’t it be put on the other side of the tennis courts?” Johnny, holding his cigar, said, “That’s up to you Monty. After all, you’re the one putting up most of the money.” All of Lamont’s brothers put what money they could on the club and so did David. Lamont said, “I’ll get a contractor on the pool right away. Of course, they can’t start until spring but at least we’ll have our order in first.”

  As the weeks passed, everyone in town and around the community were talking about what a good thing the Ellman brothers were doing for the young people. They were surprised to see how large th
e building was. Mrs. Ellman was so happy Lamont had stopped drinking. She had prayed to God to help him and this was her answer from God, building the club.

  Thanksgiving weekend Lamont decided to go to Seattle. He called Barbara. She was happy he was coming to see her. She said, “Come on Monty. I’m lonely. Dad is out at sea. He won’t be back until December.”

  David, Carolyn, and their daughter went to Alabama for Thanksgiving. That night when everyone was getting ready for bed, Natalie asked David if he would drink a cup of coffee with her. She wanted to talk to him alone. He said goodnight to his daughter and came downstairs to the kitchen where Natalie was waiting for him. She poured the coffee for them and they sat down. David said, “I had to tell Jeannie a bedtime story.” Natalie said, “She’s a darling and very pretty.” David said, “She looks like Carolyn thank goodness.” Natalie asked, “You’re very happy aren’t you?” David answered, “Yes I am. Why shouldn’t I be? I’ve got all a man wants in life. A lovely wife, a beautiful daughter, a nice house, a big ranch, and enough money to be comfortable. There is one more thing I’d like to have and my life will be complete. I want a son when Jeannie gets a little older.” Natalie said, “I’m glad you’re happy Dave. At least one of us Agars’ has found a good life. Dora won’t ever be really happy. She doesn’t really love Ralph but she doesn’t love anyone else either.” David asked, “And you Nat?” Natalie said, “I guess I’m Dora all over again.” David said, “I don’t buy that. Dora’s not capable of loving someone. You are—you did.” Natalie cried, “Oh Dave, I wish I could be happy like you.” David remarked, “It’s your fault you’re not.” Natalie looked at her brother, “How is he?” David answered, “He’s fine now. You almost destroyed him Nat. At least he has found out life is worth living without you.” Natalie said, “You hadn’t mentioned his name, I wondered.” David said, “Why should I? Only one here who would be interested is Dad.” Natalie said, “Don’t be nasty. I’m always interested in Monty.” She put her coffee cup down, “Does he still have the ranch?” David answered, “Yes. You never could understand that the ranch is a part of Monty.” Natalie said, “I’m thinking about coming to visit everyone Christmas.” David said flatly, “No! I don’t even want you there. Don’t come. Nobody wants to see you.” Natalie said, “No one?” David said, “That’s right, no one. I don’t know you any more Nat.” Natalie asked, “What’s that suppose to mean?” David began to get angry, “You know damn well what I mean. If you ever loved Monty at all, you’ll stay out of his life.” Natalie said, “I do love him. I’ll always love him.” David said, “You’ve got a damn funny kind of love. You damn near ruined one of the finest men I’ve ever known. He hit rock bottom. Believe me, none of us thought he would ever pull out of it. Just in the last two months he’s pulled himself together. He finally realized your kind of love isn’t worth living in hell for. He loved you deeply Nat.” Natalie asked, “You sound like he has found someone else. Has he?” David said, “I don’t know. I hope he has.” Natalie asked, “Do you hate me Dave?” He said, “No I don’t hate you. I feel sorry for you. I don’t like the way you’ve hurt Monty. I’m warning you Nat, don’t you come to Montana, ever. There is no place for you there any more. If you come, I’ll see to it you leave on the next plane going back. What do you want to do, keep Monty unhappy? That would please you wouldn’t it?” Natalie explained, “I’m lonely Dave.” David said, “That’s tough sis. You made your bed, now lie in it. You’ve lost Monty this time so give up. I’m going to bed.” Natalie said, “I know Monty still loves me.” David said, “Hell he probably always will. Monty’s kind of love is forever. Even if he does you’re out of his life. Goodnight Nat.”

  After David went upstairs to bed, Natalie sat drinking coffee thinking about Lamont. Had she really lost him for good? Has he found someone else to love?

  When David and his family were nearly ready to go back to Montana, David cornered Natalie off in a room by themselves. He said, “I’m warning you Natalie, if you still have the bright idea bout coming to Montana for Christmas, forget it. I swear I’ll send you back so fast your head will swim.” Natalie had never seen David so angry and she didn’t like the way he was talking to her. She said, “David Agar I am not a child!” He continued, “I mean it! You’re not gonna hurt Monty anymore if I can help it. Go find you a man who wants the glitter and glow life.” Natalie yelled, “I don’t want just any man. I want Monty!” David put his hands on her shoulders and shook her until her head hurt, “He’s not yours anymore. I’m warning you, don’t you show your ass in Montana.” David really scared her.

  As Porter drove them to the airport, Carolyn noticed David was very angry. Carolyn asked, “What’s wrong Dave?” David said, “It’s Natalie. I think she’s lost her marbles. Do you know she is planning to come to Montana for Christmas?” Carolyn was surprised. David sighed, “Can you imagine anyone with that much gall?” Carolyn said, “Surely she won’t.” David said, “I warned her not to come but she knows Monty loved her very much and she thinks he would take her back.” Carolyn said, “I don’t think Monty would. A few months ago I would have said he would take her back, but now I don’t think he would. I’m sure he still loves her but he knows it just won’t work for them. I think Monty is too smart to let himself in for another siege of hell.” David said, “I hope you’re right but love can make a person do a lot of things.”

  The first of December, the news reporter caught Lamont and three of his brothers, Leon, Berry, and Johnny, coming out of the practice shooting range. They went there once every week. All four of them liked hunting and they took pride in their guns and shooting. They believed to be a good hunter you had to keep in practice. The news reporter asked, “Aren’t you the Ellman brothers who are building the youth club at the edge of town?” Berry said as he pointed to Lamont, “He’s the one who has furnished most of the money. We’re helping a little. We plan to teach some of the sports.” Leon said, “Yes, all of the credit should go to Monty, he thought of it and like Berry said, he has a lot of money in it.” Lamont spoke, “That’s not true. I did furnish a lot of the money but they are the ones who have done the work on the tennis courts and the inside of the building.” The reporter asked, “Would you mind if I took your picture?” They all agreed. They all laughed at the picture when it came out in the paper.

  On the sixth of December, which was Saturday, Lamont came in the kitchen where his mother was busy baking cakes for Christmas. Lamont sat down at the table, “Smells good Mom.” She laughed, “That is exactly what you use to say when you were a boy.” He grinned, “I guess men always have a little boy in them no matter how big or how tough they get. Mom, I need you to do me a favor. I guess I should say a big favor.” She looked up at him from frosting a cake, “Of course son, if I can.” Lamont explained, “When I went to the ski lodge in October, I met an old friend. I first met her in Japan six years ago. Her father is in the Navy. He was my commanding officer. I talked to her about an hour ago. She lives in Seattle. She is going to be alone for Christmas. Her mother is dead. Her father called and told her he was in Hawaii and couldn’t get home before the tenth. Would you let her come here for the holidays?” Mrs. Ellman said, “I see nothing wrong if she stays here with me.” Lamont smiled, “Mom you’re the best.” His mother asked, “Does this girl mean much to you?” He said, “If you mean am I in love with her, no. She’s just a real good friend. She helped me through a very depressing time. She knows I’m a married man.” Mrs. Ellman began frosting her cake again, “Monty, why don’t you get a divorce from Natalie?” Lamont’s face saddened. She could see it was still painful for Lamont to talk about Natalie. He said, “That’s up to Natalie. If and when she wants a divorce, she can have it. Doesn’t matter to me. I never intend to marry again.” Mrs. Ellman said, “You don’t really mean that son.” He said, “Oh but I do. Once is enough for me.” She smiled, “You’ll change your mind one of these days. Just like I told Paul, when you meet the right girl you’ll forget all of this.” Lamont sa
id, “I thought I did meet the right girl.”

  Lamont called Barbara and told her to come. Then he said, “Call me when you get ready to leave. I’ll meet you at the airport.”

  Sunday morning Lamont stayed in bed while Mrs. Ellman went to church. He had just showered and shaved when Johnny and his family brought Mrs. Ellman home from church. The children ran to Lamont. They loved him because he would play ball with them and carry them around on his shoulders. Leon and Ann came for dinner too.

  After dinner as they sat around the table drinking second cups of coffee, Johnny’s son came running into the dining room. He was very excited, “Mom, Dad—the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.” Lamont asked, “Where did you hear that?” The boy answered, “On the radio.” Ellen said, “He’s listing to some more of those stories again.” The boy said, “No Mom, it’s true.”

  Lamont got up and went to the living room where the radio was. The others followed him. The news was on. The announcer was saying over and over, “The Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor.” They didn’t know yet how much damage was done. Johnny breathed, “My god!” Ann said, “I can’t believe it.” Leon took Ann’s hand, “I can’t either.” Lamont said, “You know what that means—we’re in war.” Ellen cried out, “Oh no!”

  Mrs. Ellman thought of her six sons. Every one of them would have to go. The phone rang, it was Berry. He had hear the news. Later they learned from the radio that ships had been sunk and hundreds of people were killed. When the president declared war, that was final. The United States was in a world war.

  Late the next evening, Lamont got a phone call from Barbara. When he answered, a muffled voice said, “Monty---.” Lamont asked, “Barbara what’s wrong?” Barbara said, “It’s Dad.” Then it came to him that her father was in Pearl Harbor. Lamont asked, “Are you alright?” She was crying. Finally she got control of her sobbing, “Monty—Dad’s ship was bombed. He’s dead.” Lamont said, “Damn! I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Barbara asked, “Oh would you? I need you.” Lamont said, “I’ll be there on the first plane I can get on.”