Blossoms of Love

  In the kitchen, he ran into the table then knocked a lamp off the end table by the couch in the den. He just stood looking at it, “Oh!” Then he went into their bedroom. As he began to undress, he looked at Barbara and asked, “You gonna love me? Tonight?” She knew he would never be able to make love but she said, “Yes darling, I’ll love you tonight.” Twice he tried to take his briefs off and both times he nearly fell. He looked over at her, “Baby, help me get—these damn—shorts off. You know I always sleep naked.” Barbara knew he was really drunk because he hadn’t slept nude since they got married. She hadn’t even seen him nude. When they made love, the lights were always off. She went over to him. He said, “Just hold me up a minute.” She held his arms so he could keep his balance and he kicked his shorts off. It was good the bed was right behind him because he fell backwards. He began laughing, “Hurry up baby, I want to love you.” She said, “I won’t be long.” She hurried to the bathroom.

  When she came back, he was lying across the bed snoring. She smiled and said softly, “You big lug.” She got his feet and moved him around so she could cover him. It was then she saw why he didn’t want her to see him nude. He certainly was cut badly. The scars were deep. Tears came in her eyes and she cried, “They really butchered him. Oh darling, how you must have suffered.”

  She covered his body with a sheet and a blanket. He began snoring again. She was glad he didn’t wake up. When she was in the bed beside him she thought, “My poor darling. His body scared so badly. Some of his fingers were stiff from being broke and not being set. His back cut in slashes, left scars on his back but this was terrible. He was lucky that he can enjoy sex. Oh Monty, I love you more than ever.” She looked over at him. The moonlight shining on his face showed what a beautiful profile he had. She said almost in a whisper, “I’m just so thankful they didn’t hurt your beautiful face.” She laid her head on his shoulder. He didn’t move. Soon, she fell asleep.

  Morning came. Barbara was up early. She cooked breakfast then she went to the bedroom to wake Lamont. She leaned over and kissed him. She said, “Breakfast is ready honey.” He opened one eye at a time. He sat up in bed, “Damn!” Barbara sat down beside him, “Bad hangover?” Lamont moaned, “My damn head feels like it weighs a ton.” Barbara suggested, “Take a cold shower. It will make you feel better.” Lamont said, “Baby I’ve got to feel better before I could die.” She got up, “Hurry before the eggs get cold.” He said as she was going out the door, “I don’t want a damn thing but black coffee.”

  He tried twice before he got out of bed. It was then he noticed he was naked, “Damn!” Barbara was buttering toast when he came into the kitchen. He sat down at the small table in the kitchen, “Just coffee honey.” She poured his coffee then sat down across from him to eat her breakfast. Lamont sipped on his coffee, “I really hung one on last night didn’t I?” Barbara answered, “Yes darling, you did that alright. Don’t feel too bad. I bet Dave is feeling just like you about now. Only Dave passed out. You could walk. Carolyn and I had a hard time getting Dave in the house.” Lamont said, “I’m sorry babe. Dave and I are getting too old to do these things. It’s time we quit.”

  When she was almost done eating he asked, “Barb, did we make love last night?” She shook her head. He asked, “Then why was I naked this morning?” Barbara said, “You got undressed and wanted to but you passed out before I got undressed.” Lamont said, “Then you saw.” Barbara’s eyes met his, “Yes I saw you. I even love you more.” Lamont said, “Not a pretty sight is it?” Barbara’s heart went out to him. She got up, went over to him, knelt down, and looked up until her eyes were looking into his, “No, I agree. It isn’t a pretty sight but darling, don’t be ashamed of your body to me. Those scars mean you were a brave American. A man that was willing to lay down his life for his country. I’m proud you’re my husband. I feel honored that you wanted me for your wife. Above all, I love you with all my heart and I thank God each day for bringing you back to me. I’m happy darling and I want you to be.” Lamont’s eyes searched her face for a second, “You really mean every word you said didn’t you?” Barbara said, “Yes my darling, every word.” He pulled her up on his lap, “I want you to listen to me and don’t say anything until I’m done.” He cupped her face in his hands, “I know you feel second in my heart. You haven’t said anything but I know. I did love Natalie but it was a storybook love, a fantasy, all fiction. Non of it was real. Barbara I didn’t know what real love was until those three days we spent together in California. I knew then that you were the one for me. When I was a prisoner on that damn island, I would have lost my mind if I hadn’t had those glorious days and nights with you. When those damn apes started on me, I’d just blot them out and think of you. I had found real love and I had to come back.” Tears were rolling down her face. He continued, “We have something baby and this kind of love can only be with you. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.” He dried the tears off her face, “I hope you believe what I have told you. I love you.” He held her so close to him she could hardly breath, “I love you angel baby. I’ll love you till the day I die.” Barbara said, “I’ll be honest with you. I did feel second. I never intended to tell you but I do believe you. You would never say those things if you didn’t mean them. Monty, you’ve made me really feel wonderful.” She ran her hand along his forehead and brushed his hair back, “I don’t know what there is about me that’s made you fall in love with me, but whatever it is, I’m glad I have it.” Robbie came running in the house, “Mommy! Daddy” Lamont said, “We’re in the kitchen son.”

  In the spring, Lamont and David had their buildings built. Then David left it up to Lamont to hire the foreman. He knew Lamont knew more about that than he did. Lamont called different places trying to find a good man. Then, by pure luck, Lamont went to town to buy Robbie a saddle for a pony he had bought him and saw Jesse King. He was a man in his middle fifties. Lamont knew he was a good foreman. He had worked on ranches all his life. Jesse was glad to see Lamont. Jesse asked, “How in the world are you Monty?” Lamont answered, “Just fine. I had to come to town on business and I’m looking for a foreman too. You wouldn’t buy any chance be out of work would you?” Jesse grinned, “Why yes I am. My boss sold out last week. My wife and I will have to move soon.” Lamont patted him on the back, “You’re hired.” Jesse said, “I heard you and Dave were getting a lot of stock. Between the both of you, you own a forth of Montana.” Lamont laughed, “Well, not yet but we do have more than we can handle and we need good men. I have a big house. I’d like for you and your wife to just move in with us. My wife could use some help anyway. It won’t cost you a dime to live there. Dave and I will pay good wages.” Jesse said, “That sounds like a gift from heaven.” Lamont said, “Good. As of now you are on our payroll. I’ll leave it up to you to get the men.” Jesse said, “Sara and I will be there tomorrow. All we have to do is pack our clothes.” Lamont said, “You’ve sure taken a load off my mind. See you tomorrow.”

  Robbie was happy over his saddle. Lamont spent the afternoon showing his son how to ride. Barbara watched them from the window. She smiled and thought, “Only two years old and Monty is teaching him how to ride.”

  At supper as the three of them ate Lamont said, “You’ll have help with this big house tomorrow.” Barbara said, “I don’t need help.” Lamont said, “You stay busy all the time. It’s coming supper. I want the three of us to ride a lot. Maybe camp out a few times. I hired a foreman today. He and his wife will be here tomorrow. They can have the two back rooms and Sara can help you with the cooking and cleaning. Barbara teased, “You wouldn’t be getting tired of my cooking would you?” He grinned, “Not a bit. You’re a pretty good cook.” Barbara asked, “What’s this woman like?” Lamont answered, “You’ll like her. She’s a sweet, lovable person.” Robbie asked, “Do they have any kids?” Lamont said, “No son they don’t.”

  The next day when Sara and Jesse were introduced to Barbara, she knew she was going to like them. Sara was
a short, chubby lady and Jesse was tall, lanky, and rugged.

  Before a month was gone, Barbara already loved them and Robbie called her Momma Sara. During the day, Robbie stayed with Lamont at the stables while he was working there but when he had to be on the range, Lamont wouldn’t let him go. Lamont thought he was too small yet.

  One Sunday afternoon, Leon and Ann came over. Leon had bought him a motor cycle. He told Lamont what he paid for it, “Look it over Monty. You know a lot about cycles. Ride it and see if I got a bargain.” Lamont got on the cycle and rode off. Ann said, “Every time this nut saves a little money, it burns his hands and he just has to spend it.” Leon said, “Stop bitching baby. You’ll get just as much fun out of it as I will.” Leon grinned, “Don’t mind us Barb, she growls about my beard too. She really thinks I’m cute with it.” Barbara said, “Listen, we know better than to argue with an Ellman. Their all bullheaded.” Leon said, “Yes, I guess we are but we’re a damn handsome bunch.” Ann teased, “You said that, we didn’t.”

  Lamont came riding back. When he stopped he told Leon, “You got a damn good deal here. The guy must have needed money bad.” Leon said, “Actually I bought it from a woman. Her son was going to college. She said she needed money for that.” Leon said, “Get on babe. We better get home.” Ann got on the cycle, “I’ll see you if Leon doesn’t scare me to death.” Leon laughed, “Honey, you know I wouldn’t do that.” Lamont said, “Be careful. Those things can get away from you before you know it.” Leon cranked it up, “Will do brother.” As they rode away, Leon weaved back and forth and Ann was yelling.

  Lamont put his arm around Barbara as they walked to the door Lamont said, “That’s my brother Leon. If Ann pretended she liked for him to do that he would stop.”

  Later Lamont and Barbara decided to go visit their neighbors. They took Robbie with them. On their way across the hill Robbie asked, “When can I go to school like Freddie?” Barbara said, “It will be four years yet. Freddie is four years older than you.” Robbie frowned. Lamont ruffled his hair with his hand. Lamont said, “Four years isn’t long son.” He looked at his wife, “Why are you so quiet?” Barbara answered, “Oh I was just enjoying our walk.” Lamont said, “You really do like it here, don’t you honey?” Barbara smiled, “Yes. I fell in love with this place the first time I saw it. Everywhere I look I see you.” He teased, “I sure do get around, don’t I?” She punched him in the stomach, “You know what I mean.” Freddie saw them coming and yelled, “Hey Robbie come on! I want to show you my new trailer truck.” Robbie ran ahead.

  Carolyn came from the rear of the house, “We’re around here.” David looked around, “Hi neighbor.” Lamont grinned, “What is Carolyn looking so smug about?” David said, “This girl of mine is something. She just told me I’m going to be a Daddy again.” Barbara said, “That’s wonderful.” Carolyn said, “I don’t think Dave is so over joyed.” David said, “Well, after two kids you don’t get as excited. One more mouth to feed won’t hurt a thing. There’s only one way to stop having babies. Right Monty?” Lamont grinned, “There’s only one sure way I know of and that’s to keep your pants on when you’re in bed.” Barbara yelled, “Monty!” Carolyn laughed, “When those two get together there’s nothing they won’t say or do.” David said, “This one has to be a boy. Our daughter is eight and she says she doesn’t need a sister. Freddie could enjoy a brother.” Carolyn asked, “Have you seen Berry and Alice?” Lamont said, “No, we’ve been camping.” David said, “They’ve adopted another girl.” Barbara said, “I thought they wanted a boy?” Carolyn said, “They did but they found out Lisa had a sister. They traced it down and found her in a foster home in Idaho so now their adopted daughters are real sisters. She’s the same age as Freddie.” Barbara said, “That makes it nice.” David said, “Berry told me they put an order in for a boy now.”

  That night when Lamont and Barbara were in bed Barbara asked, “Monty, why don’t we adopt a sister or brother for Robbie?” Lamont said, “I’ve thought about it. I decided not to.” Barbara asked, “Why?” He answered, “I don’t think I could love another child like I do Robbie.” Barbara said, “I think I could. Look at Berry and Alice, you’d never know Lisa was adopted.” Lamont said, “That’s different, they didn’t have any of their own.” Barbara said, “They have now. They have a girl of their own which they thought they would never have but you can’t tell the difference in the way they love their children.” Lamont said, “I’m sorry Barb but it wouldn’t be treating the child right if I couldn’t love it just as much as Robbie.”

  The next day, Berry came over with his two adopted daughters. He said, “I want all of you to meet Linda, our new addition to the Ellman family.” The girls looked very much alike except Linda was bigger than Lisa of course since she was older. Lamont said, “Come over here Linda. I’m your Uncle Monty and this is Aunt Barbara.” Linda went over to Lamont, “How many aunts and uncles are there?” Berry laughed, “You have just started to meet them honey.” Linda asked Lamont, “Do you have any children?” Lamont said, “Yes, we have a son named Robbie. He is two years old.” Barbara asked, “Where is Alice?” “She had to take the baby for her three-in-one shots.” Berry replied.

  In August, Early on a Monday morning, Sara came running into the den where Barbara was reading the paper and drinking coffee. Sara said, “Barbara! Jesse and Dave are bringing Monty home.” Barbara jumped up and ran to the door. Lamont was out of his head his fever was so high. David said, “It’s the fever again Barb.” She turned the cover back on their bed and they got him undressed while Barbara called Dr. Morris. Barbara said to Sara, “Get Robbie and take him somewhere. Monty said he never wanted Robbie to see him with the fever.” It took David and Jesse to hold him in the bed. He was yelling, “You damn bastards. I won’t tell you anything.” Then he would groan and frown like someone was hurting him. Barbara kept a wet washcloth on his forehead. After Dr. Morris gave him a shot, he got quiet. When Lamont seemed to be resting, David and Jesse went back out on the range. As Barbara sat by the bed she thought, “It has been a year since he had the last one.”

  David didn’t stay on the range with Jesse and the men. He decided he may be needed. He made coffee for Barbara and himself. He took it to her, “Drink this.” Barbara took the cup of hot coffee, “I was so sure he wouldn’t have any more since he’d gone a year.” David sighed, “So was I. Monty’s been pushing himself too much lately. You know how much time he has been spending on the range. Barbara said, “Yes I know. I fussed at him just the other day about it.” She began to cry, “You know what he said?--If I’m gonna die, let me die doing what I like to d.” David put his cup down, “Yea I know. He told me the same thing.” Barbara asked, “What can we do?” David said, “Not a damn thing. I say let him do the things he loves to do. Just listening to him a few minutes ago made me see what he was trying to say. Let him live the way he wants to. Only God knows the suffering and agony he has had.” David put his arm around Barbara’s shoulder, “Hey now, Monty will be alright in a few days. Dr. Lennon said he would be this way. Snap out of it honey. You’ve got to be strong, remember?” Barbara dried her eyes, “I will be.”

  By that evening, everyone was there to offer their help. Johnny said to David, “I’ve been expecting this. He’s been doing too much the last few weeks.” David said, “He knows that but he told me, what’s the use in living if you can’t enjoy it?” Berry said, “He’s right too you know.” Leon said, “Well, he should slow down for his family’s sake.” Allen said, “I agree with Leon.” Johnny asked, “What about that miracle drug they’re giving him?” David said, “It is just in the experimental stages now. They don’t know if it will help him or not. This is just something Monty will have to live with.” Leon said, “It’s a damn shame.” David said, “Yea. After all the hell he’s been through and now he’s got to live with this.” Allen said, “Have faith and pray that he won’t have another siege.” Barbara wouldn’t leave Lamont’s side. Carolyn brought her something to eat.
Carolyn took Lamont’s temperature. Barbara asked, “Has the fever gone down?” Carolyn said, “No, not yet.” Barbara took Lamont’s hand and put it to her cheek, “We’ve been so happy. He loves me and Robbie so much.”

  Around two a.m. his fever began to drop. Again, Lamont had bought and won but each time seemed to take a little more out of him. It would take him longer to get over it. Barbara went to the window and looked up in the dark sky, “Thank you God. Thank you for letting him live.”

  When the morning sun came up, Lamont’s fever was gone and he was sleeping peacefully. The siege didn’t last long this time but Barbara could see it had set him back a little more.

  Robbie came into the bedroom sleepily rubbing his eyes, “I want to see Daddy.” Barbara said, “Daddy is asleep now. Go eat your breakfast Sara has for you. When Daddy wakes up, you can see him.” Robbie asked, “Is Daddy sick?” Barbara said, “Yes. We must let him rest.” Robbie began to cry, “I don’t want Daddy to be sick.” Sara came in the room, “come on, let’s see what a big breakfast you can eat and Daddy will be proud of you.”

  As Barbara sat beside her husband’s bed she thought, “It just isn’t fair. He was doing so well. He was so happy and content. Their sex life was perfect. He no longer cared for her to see or touch him when he was nude. Why can’t his life be without suffering any more? Oh God, hasn’t he suffered enough?

  Lamont moved his hand, then he opened his eyes. At first he didn’t seem to know where he was. Barbara said, “Good morning my love.” He looked over at her, “How long was it this time?” Barbara answered, “Since yesterday morning. It wasn’t a long siege this time.” She leaned over and kissed him, “I’ve been so afraid.” He squeezed her hand, “Don’t be afraid. I’m gonna be around for a long time yet. I’ve got to stay around to see Robbie grow up.” Barbara said, “Oh Monty I love you. I adore you.” He put her hand to his lips and kissed it, “I love you too.” She looked at her watch, “It’s time for you to take your medicine.” Lamont grunted, “Do you have to spoil such a sweet moment?” She got the pills, “Yes I do.” He took the medicine with a glass of water. He looked at her, “You’re a hard woman Barbara Ellman.”