Blossoms of Love

  Barbara’s heart went out to him. She put her arm around him but he pulled away. David reached out and cuddled the boy in his arms and let him cry. Lamont had never had anything touch him as close as this seven year old boy trying so hard to be brave. Tears came in his eyes and David cried silently with the boy. After a few minutes David said, “Jimmy, this is Mr. and Mrs. Ellman.” Not looking at either of them he said, ‘Momma told me about you. I’m suppose to go live with you.” Lamont said, “Yes Jimmy you are. Later I’ll tell you about your new home.” Jimmy said, “Doesn’t matter.”

  Natalie had prepared him for her death and the new home he would have but that didn’t mean he had to accept it or even want it.

  The Agar house was in a terrible state. The doctor had to give Mrs. Agar a shot to calm her down. Dora cried constantly. Lamont and David kept Jimmy with them all the time since Roy was in the house. They spent most of their time at the funeral home.

  The day of the funeral for Natalie and her father, hell broke loose. David, Barbara, Lamont, and Jimmy came from the funeral home to get ready for the funeral. David told Jimmy to go upstairs and take a shower. He and Lamont went in the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Mrs. Agar came in the kitchen. She said, “What on earth am I going to do with Jimmy? I’m too old to raise another child.” David said, “You can ease you mind Mother. Jimmy is going home with us right after the funeral. Monty is his guardian. That was all arranged while Natalie was living.” Mrs. Agar sat down at the kitchen table, “Him? I won’t have him raising a grandson of mine. He has no right to a child of Natalie’s. Roy is his stepfather.” David said, “There is nothing you can do about it. The papers are all signed.” Mrs. Agar said, “Roy will look into this matter.”

  David was tired and heartbroken. Lamont knew when she said that, David would really get angry. It was the straw that broke the camels back. David said, “There’s not a damn thing your sweet Roy can do about it. Natalie brought the custody papers to Monty two months ago. I’m warning you Mother, keep Roy out of my sigh. I could kill him with my bare hands and enjoy it.”

  Dora came into the kitchen crying. David looked up at her, “Why don’t you cut the tears Dora. You didn’t love her or Dad that much. All of us, including me, will have to live with guilt for the rest of our life. We could have helped Natalie if we’d just taken the time. Nat has been sick for a long time.” Mrs. Agar said, “The doctor said she only developed the heart condition a few months ago.”

  Lamont just sat back and listened quietly for he knew David was fixing to blow his top and that would help him ease the tension and strain he’d been under. Lamont was glad Barbara had gone upstairs to pack Jimmy’s things because they were leaving right after the funeral. David yelled at his mother, “I’m not talking about the damn heart condition with an operation that could have been cured. Nat was sick in the head. If she hadn’t been, she wouldn’t have wanted to die. She needed help. She needed love and that damn bastard she married didn’t help matters. If the truth was known, he drove her to the point of wanting to die. The son-of-a-bitch wouldn’t accept Jimmy and the boy is afraid to trust anyone.” Dora said, “Dave you shouldn’t talk like that.” David said, “I don’t know of any better time. Natalie and Dad can’t hear it and the rest of you need to hear. We’re a very selfish family. I’m sure as hell not proud of it. I never knew what real love and togetherness was until I was with the Ellmans. They weren’t rich and they worked hard but they love each other and they show it. If one of them is in trouble or needs something, they sense it because they love and care for one another.”

  Roy came into the kitchen , “I heard you Dave. I think you should quieten down. This is no time for talk like this.” Before anyone knew it, David hit him with his fist and knocked him to the floor. Dora screamed and Mrs. Agar cried, “Stop it Dave.” Roy got up, “I’m going to break that custody.” Lamont spoke, “No way. He is my son now. I adopted him the minute Natalie took her last breath.” David laughed, “Go ahead and try. That’s one time Nat was smarter than you. The papers are with her lawyer and a copy in Monty’s safe deposit box in the bank in Montana. Nat was very concerned about Jimmy’s future. She knew he didn’t have one her.” David looked at Lamont, “Come on bud, I can’t stand the sight of this damn bastard.”

  As they started out of the kitchen, Roy grabbed David by the arm. David pulled loose. He hit Roy this time so hard he knocked him across the kitchen knocking dishes off the table. Roy rubbed his hand across his mouth. It was bleeding. David said, “Stay out of my sight while I’m here.”

  David and Lamont went upstairs where Barbara was. She had most of Jimmy’s things packed. Ralph kept his arm around Dora, “You know Dave is right. Roy never loved Natalie. We all know why he married her. We all know how mean he was to Jimmy.”

  They had went in the living room after the first time David hit Roy. Dora said, “Be quiet Ralph. They might hear you.” In the kitchen Mrs. Agar said, “Della get a wash cloth for Roy. His mouth is bleeding.”

  When all the things were packed, Lamont, Barbara, and David took Jimmy to town and bought him a suit for the funeral. When they got back from town, they all went upstairs to get ready. Barbara knew she would be glad when they got out of this house. After Mr. Agar died, David talked them into staying here so they gave up their motel room.

  David got dressed and went downstairs. He went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Mrs. Agar was there. She said to David, “Aren’t you going to apologize for acting the way you did this morning?” David said, “Alright Mother. I’m sorry I blew my top but I’m not sorry I hit Roy. I should have broken his damn neck.” Mrs. Agar asked, “Why do you hate him so much? He’s a fine lawyer and well known.” David looked at his mother, “That’s all that matters to you isn’t it? Okay, so he’s a fine lawyer. That doesn’t make him a man. He doesn’t have what it takes to be a man. If he would have kept his bargain with Natalie and gave Jimmy a good home and been a father to him, I’m sure things would have been different.” Mrs. Agar said, “You can’t blame Roy for all that has happened to Natalie. What about Monty? Don’t you blame him?” David sighed with disgust, “Mother, there’s no need to try to explain anything to you.” Mrs. Agar said, “When the funeral is over, I want you to see that Monty and his wife leave right away. You know how I feel about him.” David said, “Don’t worry Mother, we are leaving just as soon as the funeral is over. Our plane is at the airport. Monty flew me here. We will all go back together.” Mrs. Agar said, “I didn’t mean you, you’re welcome here.” David said, “I couldn’t stay around here any more. Every time I’d see Roy, I’d get mad. Besides, I’ve got a brand new daughter I haven’t seen and Carolyn needs me.” Mrs. Agar said, “I’ve been thinking about the adoption. Jimmy will be better off with you around. Why don’t you try to get him instead of letting Monty have him?” David said, “Why worry about it Mother? He’s out of your hair. Natalie made a special trip to see Monty two months ago. She wanted Monty to have him and I think it’s damn good of Barbara and Monty to agree to it.”

  The Agar family was very surprised when they saw Johnny and Berry at the funeral. They got there just a few minutes before it started. David said, “I sure do appreciate you fellows coming.” Johnny said, “Leon and Allen would have come if it had been possible.” David smiled, “Sure, I know that.”

  The funeral was in the chapel connected to the funeral home. Organ music played while the people were being seated. The family sat in the corner isle. The two caskets were in front surrounded with beautiful flowers. By the time the minister began to talk, the big room was full of people. Mrs. Agar cried during the ministers talk and Dora moaned and cried. Roy sat between Mrs. Agar and Dora; Ralph on the other side of Dora. David sat on the other side of his mother. Jimmy sat between David and Lamont. Johnny, Berry, and Barbara sat behind them. David sat with his hands in a fist and his jaw set. Roy pretended to cry. People would have thought he was broken hearted.

  The bodies were taken to a high cemetery. A few
words were spoken at the graves. Then it was over.

  When the family was gone except for David, Barbara stood looking down at the two caskets. She thought as she laid a red rose on Natalie’s casket, “I truly hope you are at peace now. I promise you I will be a good mother to your son.” David stood a long time and looked at the caskets with Jimmy beside him. Then in a low voice he said, “Goodbye sis. Goodbye Dad.” HE turned and walked slowly away as if he was hiding tears. Jimmy knelt down at his mother’s grave, “Why did you have to die Momma? I love you.” Barbara said, “Come on darling, we have to go.”

  As they walked away, Barbara looked back and saw Lamont still standing over the graves. He was very much touched. He just stood looking down and said silently, “Rest dear one. May you have peace with God. May you find the joy and love you searched for here on earth. Your son will be well taken care of and he will have the love and affection you wished for him. The wound in my heart is healed that you put there. In your own way, I know now you did love me. Our life together wasn’t completely wasted. I made as many mistakes as you did in our married life. I learned from them. It makes me a better husband to Barbara. Goodbye dear one. Sweet dreams forever.”

  Barbara didn’t call Lamont. She knew he was saying goodbye to his first love. Barbara put her arm around Jimmy’s shoulder. She was really worried about him. This seven year old boy never once cried at the funeral. It was an awful thing to happen to such a young boy. The only two people who loved him. How alone he must feel.

  The plane David and Lamont came in was large enough for six people so they all went back together. On their way, Jimmy and David sat together. Jimmy was quiet for a long time. Then he said, “Uncle Dave, why didn’t you adopt me?” David said, “Because your mother wanted Barbara and Monty to give you a home. You see son, your mother and Monty were once married. For some reason, they couldn’t get along but they still liked each other. I guess your mother loved Monty more than anyone.”

  Everyone sat quietly as David talked to Jimmy. Jimmy asked, “If they loved each other, why didn’t they stay married?” Lamont said, “There are things besides love that count in a marriage Jimmy. Your mother and I didn’t have those things.” David said, “You’ll like your new home. My ranch joins Monty’s.” Barbara said, “You’ll have a little brother. His name is Robbie. He is three years old.” Berry said, “Yea and your Uncle Dave has a son the same age as you.” David said, “His name is Freddie. He was born the same day you were.” Lamont said, “Give us a chance to know you and for you to know us. Will you do that?” Jimmy said, “It’s so far away from Momma and Grandpa’s grave.” They all knew then why Jimmy didn’t want to come. Lamont said, “Look Jimmy, Uncle Dave, Barbara, or me one will bring you back here once in a while to visit their graves.” His face seemed to brighten, “Okay, I’ll never forget my mother.” Barbara said, “We don’t want you to forget her darling. I don’t ever mean to try to take her place. We just want to love you and take care of you. Monty has given you his name because you are his son now.” David said, “Hey, James Agar Ellman. That sounds pretty good.”

  When they got to Montana, before they went home, Lamont, Barbara, and David went to their lawyer. Johnny and Berry went on home.

  They were all seated when the lawyer said, “I have the original papers, they were sent to me a few days ago.” He looked at Jimmy, “Are you Jimmy?” The young boy answered, “Yes sir. The middle aged lawyer said, “Jimmy, as of now, your name is James Agar Ellman. Lamont and Barbara are your legal parents. You will legally receive thirty thousand dollars from your mother but Barbara and Lamont will hold the money for you until you are twenty-one. The ranch at Barbara and Lamont’s death will be half yours.” The lawyer told Lamont, “There is also twenty-thousand dollars in the bank for you to spend on Jimmy as you see fit.” Barbara and Lamont looked at each other. The lawyer could see that they were both surprised. The lawyer smiled, “It was Natalie’s wish that no one knew this until after her death. That is what her lawyer wrote to me.” The middle aged man looked at Jimmy, “You’re very lucky to have Barbara and Lamont for your parents. Listen to them Jimmy. They won’t guide you wrong. They will give you a good home and they will love you.” Jimmy said, “Yes sir.” Lamont, David, and Barbara shook the lawyer’s hand.

  When they were outside Jimmy looked up at Lamont, “Do I call you Dad now?” Lamont said, “I’d like that very much.”

  On their way to the ranch, Jimmy was very quiet. Then all of a sudden he said, “I think I’ll like calling you Dad. I never had a Dad before.” Lamont said, “I think I’m gonna like having two sons.” Jimmy looked at Barbara, “I can’t call her Mom. My Mom’s dead.” Barbara said, “That’s alright honey, I understand. You can call me Barbara if you like.”

  Jimmy was surprised at the big brick house where he would live. When they got out of the car, Robbie came out of the house and ran to meet them but Mrs. Ellman stood on the porch. Robbie cried out with joy, “Mommy, Daddy.” Lamont scooped him up in his arms and kissed him, “I’m so glad to see you.” Then Barbara kissed him, “Have you been a good boy?” Robbie said, “Sometimes Mommy.” Everyone laughed except Jimmy. David said as he got his bag out of the car, “I better get home.” Lamont said, “I’ll drive you over there.” David said, ‘No, remember I just live over the hill.” He went over to the porch, “Mom Ellman, Carolyn is home, isn’t she?” Mrs. Ellman answered, “Yes. She and that daughter came home yesterday. Ellen is with her.” David waved and started over the hill to his house.

  Lamont got the other bags out of the car and said, “Okay Jimmy, this is Robbie. Robbie, this is Jimmy. You are brothers now.” The boys stood looking at each other. Finally Robbie said, “You are bigger than me.” Jimmy said, “I’m older than you are.” Barbara said, “Come on you two. We need to show Jimmy his room.”

  Jimmy’s room was just across the hall from Robbie’s Jimmy looked around the room. Barbara said, “If you don’t like the way it looks, then we will fix it the way you want it.” Jimmy said, “I like it. Is this just my room?” Lamont said, “Yes. Robbie’s room is across the hall.” Jimmy said, “I never had a room of my own before except when I was at Grandpa’s house.”

  Lamont and Robbie went back downstairs. Barbara unpacked Jimmy’s things. When she was done, she noticed him sitting on the window seat looking out. Barbara sat down on the bed. She said to him softly, “Jimmy, come here please.” He obeyed. Barbara took his hands in hers, “I know how hard it is for you dear. Loosing your mother and moving to a strange house and country. You will like it here in a short time.” Jimmy asked, “Was you and Momma good friends?” Barbara answered, “Yes, I think we were. The last time I saw her, we kissed each other goodbye.” Jimmy was almost in tears, “I miss her.” Barbara took him in her arms, “Of course you do. Go ahead and cry darling. Sometimes crying helps. Even men cry sometimes.” Jimmy did cry. His heart was broken. Barbara cuddled him closer to her, “Jimmy we love you already. You’re the other son Monty and I wanted.” It was then he clung to Barbara.

  That night when the boys were asleep and Barbara was undressing for bed she told Lamont about what happened when she was alone with Jimmy. She said, “Jimmy really needs a lot of affection.” Lamont got into bed, “Yes I know, but we’re gonna have to be very careful for a while and not show him too much affection or more than we do Robbie. It’s gonna be rough on Robbie too. He’s always been use to all of the attention.” Barbara said, “I know but I think in time we will be a very happy family. He reached out and pulled her in his arms, “Come here baby. I haven’t held you in my arms for a long time.”

  As the days passed, Jimmy began to relax in his new home. Robbie followed him around. Jimmy would play with him but there was four years difference in their ages. Jimmy and Freddie became very good pals, even though they were cousins.

  After Jimmy had been there three weeks, Lamont gave him a horse and taught him how to ride. Jimmy was so happy. Last year he wanted a dog but Roy wouldn’t let him have one. La
mont said, “Now you must not ride out on the range. Only around here and over at Dave’s.” So Jimmy, Robbie, and Freddie would ride around the stables.

  Spring came and went. Lamont and Barbara were well pleased with the way Jimmy had adapted to his new home. Jimmy already loved Lamont and he showed he was very fond of Barbara. He loved Sara and Jesse too.

  One hot June afternoon, Carolyn came over to see Barbara. Barbara took the baby, “My you sure are growing.” Carolyn laughed, “She sure is. I think she’s bigger at four months than the others were.”

  Freddie was outside playing with Jimmy and Robbie. Suddenly Robbie came running in the house crying, “Mommy, Mommy.” Barbara asked, “Robbie! What’s happened to you?” Robbie’s knee was bleeding. Robbie cried, “Jimmy pushed me down. He didn’t want me to play with him and Freddie. He said I was too little.” Barbara cleaned the dirt off of his knee and put medicine on it. Robbie wouldn’t go back outside. He went upstairs to the play room. Barbara said to Carolyn, “Jimmy is going to have to be punished. This is the third time this week he has done things like this. Since Monty has to be on the range so much, Jimmy has gotten over bearing.” Carolyn said, “I know it must be a problem. I wouldn’t want your job.”

  Barbara called Jimmy to come in the house. When he came in Barbara asked, “Why did you push Robbie down?” Jimmy answered, “He got in the way. He’s too small to play ball with me and Freddie.” Barbara said, “This makes three times this week. I think you better go to your room and think about this for a while.” Jimmy threw his ball and glove down on the floor, “When Dad gets here I’m gonna tell him.” Barbara said, “You do that. I think he should know.” Robbie was in the play room when Jimmy went by to his room. He stuck his head in the door, “Tattle tale.” Then he went on to his room.