Blossoms of Love

  When they were ready to go on their four day honeymoon at the ski lodge, Robbie began crying for Lamont. He went upstairs to talk to him. Barbara told Carolyn, “I’m afraid Robbie has Monty right where he wants him. Every time he crooks his finger, Monty’s right there.” Carolyn said, “Give Monty a little time. After all, he’s just had his son a few days.” Barbara laughed, “A child almost two is smarter than you think. Robbie is so much like Monty. He’s so determined and strong willed. He knows just how to get what he wants. I wouldn’t be surprised if Monty didn’t decide to take Robbie on our honeymoon.” Johnny heard them talking, “I’m not so sure Monty would have come through his illness if it hadn’t been for Robbie. No reflection on you Barbara but he knew Robbie needed his name. He knew how rough it is to grow up without a father. His best friend in high school was illegitimate. I remember how mad Monty got when someone called this boy a bastard.” Lamont came downstairs, “Well I think Robbie will be alright. I talked to him. He’s a smart little boy to be not yet two.” Barbara said, “I’m ready to leave when you are.” David said, “I put your bags in the car.” Everyone began kissing them goodbye. When they got to the door, Robbie ran down the steps to Lamont, “Daddy! Mommy! I want to go too!” Barbara said, “You can’t go this time honey. You be a good boy for Grandma.” The little boy begged, “I want to go.” Lamont picked him up in his arms, “You be a real good boy and we will bring you something back. Okay?” Robbie insisted, “I want to go with you.” For a second, Barbara thought Lamont was going to agree for him to go. Lamont looked at Barbara. He could see she didn’t approve so he said, “Not this time son. Go get you some ice cream. See how much fun everyone is having.” Robbie looked at the other children eating ice cream and cake. Mrs. Ellman took Robbie from Lamont, “Come on honey, let’s get some of that good ice cream and cake.” Robbie asked, “Will you bring me a toy?” Lamont smiled, “Yes, it will be a surprise.” That satisfied him so he went with his Grandmother without crying.

  As they ran to the car, the others threw rice. It was beginning to snow.

  As Lamont drove around the curve leading to the Ellman house, Lamont looked back. Barbara knew he hated leaving Robbie but she knew they needed time alone or she would have let him go with them. Barbara scooted closer to Lamont, “Hello husband.” He grinned that beautiful smile, “Hello wife.” She kissed him on the cheek. He said, “You look real pretty today.” Barbara said, “I didn’t think you’d noticed.” He gave her a quick look, “Of course I noticed.” She laughed, “I should look lots better. The girls fussed over me all morning. Carolyn saw that I had everything. You know, something new, something old, something borrowed, and something blue. Ellen made me soak in bubble bath for nearly an hour. Alice packed my bag, Ann fixed my hair, and Cindy polished my nails and laid my clothes out. Of course, they all helped me dress.” Lamont said, “The girls are great. My brothers picked the right ones to marry and Dave and Carolyn are family too.” Barbara said, “Yes and your mother is the dearest person I know. I’ll never forget what she said to me just before you came. She looked at me and kissed me on the cheek and said, “Barbara, I more than welcome you to our family. You’ve been part of us for a long time but this marriage will make it legal. I love you Barbara, we all do and I know you’re the right one for my son. You can give him the love and happiness he so much deserves. You’re strong enough to help him through the rough times ahead.” “Monty, I hope she is right about me.” He glanced at her, “She is. I love you Barb. I’ll love you as long as I live. No matter what’s ahead for us, just remember that.”

  Barbara fell asleep with her head on Lamont’s shoulder. He was glad because that gave him time to think as he drove.

  The lodge wasn’t crowded when they got there. It was just a few days before Thanksgiving. Everyone usually went home. Ben welcomed them and again, Lamont got the key to the bridal suite which was on the top floor. Lamont unlocked the door. Barbara started to go in but Lamont stopped her. He said, “Wait a minute, the groom carries the bride inside.” Barbara laughed as he scooped her up in his arms. He kicked the door shut behind them and, still holding her, kissed her tenderly. When he put her down she looked around, “Oh Monty, this room is just beautiful. I’ve been here several times but I didn’t know this room was here.” Lamont laughed, “There’s no other room on this floor. You had no reason to be here.”

  Lamont took his jacket, tie, and shirt off, “Get comfortable honey. I am.” She took some things out of her bag, “Are we going somewhere to eat?” Lamont said, “No, I’ve already ordered our meal. It will be herein about thirty minutes.” She said, “I think I will go take a shower while we are waiting.”

  Lamont went to the picture window and looked out. It was dark but he could see the jagged mountain tops covered with snow. Then he remembered nearly ten years ago, he had this same room with another bride. He remembered how eager he was. He could hardly wait for Natalie to go to bed with him. He hard a hard time keeping from getting hot until she was ready. He hit his fist against his hand, “Damn! Why can’t I feel this way now?” His thoughts went to those three wonderful days and nights he and Barbara had in California. One of those nights, they conceived a son whom he loved very much. If only their lovemaking could be that sweet and wonderful again. He knew Barbara was expecting that kind of lovemaking again. He wasn’t sure he could give her that kind of love. His thoughts were broken by a knock on the door. Two bell boys wheeled a table into the room with candles and food. One of the boys handed Lamont an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, “Compliments of the lodge Mr. Ellman.” Lamont gave the boys a nice tip and thanked them for the champagne.

  Barbara came into the room when the boys were gone wearing a silk negligee, “Is that our food?” Lamont said, “Yea, and champagne from Ben.” Barbara beamed with happiness, “How wonderful.” She struck a match and lit the candles. Even in the dim light, he could see the darkness around the nipples of her breasts. To his surprise, a rush of desire ran through his body. She looked at him, “What’s wrong darling?” His eyes met her, “You just took my breath away. You look very sexy.” He poured them some champagne. Barbara asked, “Make us a toast darling.” His eyes met hers, “To us my love. May I be the husband you deserve. May I bring you happiness and very few heartaches.” She said, “To us darling, may I be the wife you deserve, may I be a patient, understanding woman. May our love for each other never die.” They clicked their glasses together then drank together.

  As they ate, Barbara beamed, “Oh Monty, everything is so perfect. I’ll never forget tonight. The candlelight, good food, champagne, and most of all you. If I’m dreaming, I don’t ever want to wake up.”

  When they finished eating, she poured them some more champagne and sat down on his lap. She knew why Lamont was unusually quiet. She knew he had doubts about himself and was too proud to let her think anything was worrying him. He certainly didn’t want her to think he doubted himself. She decided she would make it easier for him. She really wanted him. It had been such a long time. She drank some more of the wine. She said, “Drink darling, let’s even get high.” She slipped her hand under his tee-shirt and rested it on his chest. She took the empty glass from him and put it on the table. Then she untied her negligee, slipped the strap to her gown off her shoulder. It fell letting her breast show. She put his hand on her breast. Then she kissed him passionately, “Love me Monty. I haven’t been touched by a man since we were together in California. I want you so much.” He kissed her neck, “You don’t have to beg, I want you just as much.” He touched each breast gently. He had almost forgotten what such beautiful breasts she had. He kissed her again. This kiss was very wild and yet gentle. Barbara moaned, “Monty—Monty I need you.”

  She finished undressing. After he took his pants off, he turned the light out. Barbara knew he didn’t want her to see his scared body. When he laid down beside her, she was completely overcome with desire. She reached for him. She remembered how much he loved for her to touch him, to hold
him. How proud he was because he was so large. When she touched him and felt the hardness, he pushed her hand away. He breathed, “Not that way. Not any more.” She didn’t argue, she wanted him any way he was willing to give to her. He kissed her hungrily, “Baby, baby I love you so damn much.” She clung to him and breathed, “No more than I love you.” As she moved her hands along his back, she felt scars. Deep, long scars. Suddenly, he let her go. He got out of bed, lit a cigarette, and said, “I’m sorry Barb.” When she got over the surprise she said, “The scars don’t bother me, I love you Monty.” Tears came in her eyes. She thought to herself, “Be patient, just be patient. Don’t rush him.” He said, “Let’s drink the rest of the champagne before the ice melts.” He got up from the chair, put on his shorts, and turned the lights on. She was nude and didn’t bother to put on any clothes. She said as he poured the champagne, “You’re not being fair. You’re very sexy and beautiful to me darling.” Lamont handed her a glass half full. He gave a long sigh, “Why Barbara? Why is it so damn important for you to see all of me?” She said, “Because all of you belongs to me. I have no secrets from you.” He looked at her, “It’s no secret. The doctor told you. Believe me, I’m not a pretty sight.” She said, “Alright darling, we will just forget it.” Lamont drank the rest of the champagne, “I’m sorry baby but this is very important to me.” Barbara said, “Alright my love, I promise I won’t put my hands below your stomach. Just love me.” He asked, “Want the rest of the champagne?” She giggled, “Why not? I think I’m already getting drunk.” She fell down across the bed and crooked her finger, “Come here Mr. Ellman—put my fire out.” He put the bottle down, “The fire is practically out.”

  At last he began making her body tingle with fire and joy. In just a few minutes to his surprise he had the same feeling of want and desire to give to her. He even felt like he had a normal climax. He knew now he could make love to his wife and make them both happy and satisfied. She laid her head on his arm, "Oh Monty, it was so beautiful.” He kissed her on the forehead, “Yes it was baby. You don’t know how worried I was. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to satisfy you.” She yawned, “Well you did. You sure did.”

  When Barbara woke the next morning, she had a very bad hangover. Lamont was in the bathroom shaving. He heard her moan. He went to see about her. He was only wearing his briefs. Even the big bulge between his legs didn’t excite her. She tired to sit up in bed holding her head. He leaned over and kissed her. She said, “My head feels like a water bucket.” He said, “I’ll get dressed and go get you something to take for it.”

  As he dressed Barbara asked, “Are you ashamed of me?” He chuckled, “Why? Because you got a little stoned?” He sat down on the bed by her, “Just don’t ever get stoned unless I’m with you. You’re hot as hell, or you were last night.” She mumbled, “That’s a promise.”

  It took her almost two days to get over being drunk. They spent four happy days at the lodge. Lamont taught her how to skate. She already knew how to ski. As they were leaving, Lamont bought Robbie a toy airplane at the gift shop.

  The car had hardly stopped when Robbie ran to meet them. He liked his airplane. Johnny and David grabbed the bags and carried them into the house. Lamont looked at them. He asked, “Hey, what’s this all about?” David said, “Well, you look kind of tired.” Johnny teased, “Yea, he does look peaked.” Lamont began too laugh. He was like he use to be. Barbara said, “Hey! You’re all wrong. I’ve got me a real man.” Lamont said, “Now you heard my wife didn’t you?” Leon said, “He’s got her brain washed.” Berry said, “If you ask me, they both look done in.” Everyone laughed. Allen said, “Tell us your secret big brother.” Lamont said as he chuckled, “Oh no. You fellows have been married a lot longer than me.” David said, “We’ll get the girls to talk to Barbara. They’ll make her tell them his secret.” Lamont laughed, “Not my girl you won’t. She knows I’m the boss.” The girls booed and the men laughed.

  As Barbara helped Mrs. Ellman set the table, the elderly lady said with joy, “It is so good to hear Monty laugh and joke with his brothers. He is his old self again. You’ve made him very happy Barbara.” Barbara smiled, “I hope so Mom. I think he has realized his life isn’t over but just beginning.”

  When the meal was on the table and everyone was called to eat, the girls lined up at the door. Ann said, "We want to talk to Barbara after we eat.” Ellen teased, “We think she needs a few pointers on married life.” Alice said, “Yea, we got to tell her a few things.” Lamont took Barbara’s arm, “She’s just fine girls. You just keep your advice to yourselves.” They all laughed.

  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 su
re?” 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.