March Stephenson

Chapter 19

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

One week later we all stood in Brenda's council chambers. Everyone was dressed up to the nines except March and myself, it was a very unconventional wedding. He had his old ripped overalls on and I had my new ripped shorts and tank on, there was no way in March's mind we would wear suits, and I knew that last week, and anyway this was only a formality, so he says. Faith went all out with her outfit with a matching hand bag and hat, Ethan was very well turned out in his Sunday best. I had several laughs to myself and I was as proud as punch to have March Stephenson standing beside me. We signed the documents and were congratulated and hugged by all. Brenda's smile beamed and lit up the room she was so happy to do this for us, and to post the first wedding photo. We invited her for a pub lunch, but when we walked out the front of the chambers there was a street party going on. Confetti was thrown over us, hands were shaken and kisses were dealt out. March had organised a town reception for us. My baby had disappeared and Brenda smirked at me because she already knew what he had done for us all. A big barbeque and even a band for dancing in the street, which had been blocked off. I kissed him deeply and there were audible moans from some guests. May was the happiest guest as she spent the afternoon between March Jason and Mason.

"I have asked her to babysit tonight Nicky."

"Why?"

"Wedding night, I want the bed to ourselves." He wiggled his eyebrows.

I had many questions about this sleepover, but I suppose May knows what she is doing. Apart from mum, she's the next trusted family member to leave Mason with. We left a little early and when we arrived home the candles were lit, and the scene was set as I sat and watched his excited face. He slowly stripped me of my limited items and I helped him struggle out of his, I almost exploded when I saw it, he had a thick blue lace garter around his upper thigh, one of the sexiest things I had ever seen on a man.

"Something blue Nicky," he opened his legs so I could have a good look.

"Something old?" He pointed to his overalls.

"Something borrowed?"

"Your ass." He laughed and dragged me into the bedroom.

"Awesome." I moaned.

"You have to take it off me Nicky."

"What?"

"The lace garter, its traditional."

"Over my dead body." He giggled.

I continued with my admiration for his awesome body, there is no way he will be taking that garter off anytime soon, and I wished I had thought of doing that.

"You are so good to me Nicky." He kissed every inch while I was doing the same to him.

Our wedding night was awesome and we did go two rounds before we drifted off. That was after he rang May for the fourth time.

In the morning I looked at my wedding band and they were both perfect for us, he did say he will buy a chain and wear it around his neck at work he didn't want to damage or scratch it. I felt loved and warm again, he rang May once more then we had breakfast. The wedding was all over the page, with hundreds of photos and plenty of March and I kissing. The vibe was everyone had a great time and there were many thank you messages for us. Brenda welcomed Mason again and the new Mr. and Mr. Stephenson. I didn't have to be asked about changing my name it was a given I would take his surname, I am a bit old-fashioned like that.

I always thought that being called Mr. Wilson sounded like something out of the Dennis the Menace movie, so I was very happy to be a Stephenson. We did Mason's name change and mine at the council chambers and will be notified by mail when they are active.

My March and I sat in the hot tub the next day and talked more about our future with Mase, he said it was good he has come to us because he can protect him from anyone that thinks they have a claim to him. He has plans and whatever money he has will be tied up so hard that no one will be allowed to access it. If anyone wants to take Mason they will have to fight for him, and he already knew they would lose the case.

I felt a lot better and more confident Mase will be our boy forever, even though at the moment he can sit up and barely form a word except mum mum mum, and a lot of chatter I didn't understand, he loves his dummies and has several stashed around his crib, when he's more mobile he can organise them a bit better. I relaxed more because whenever he heard me or saw me, his little arms went spastic and his legs were practicing his swimming. We started his love for the water by putting him in the hot tub with us, his big blue eyes were so wide open they were like dinner plates, he was so gorgeous. It was March that bonded with him first, and he almost insisted he took him everywhere he went. I pulled the plug on the second day and placed him in the gym with me, the air was cleaner in there, but muggins came and got him again.

"The fumes March, he can't be in there. He is better off being in here with me."

"But I want to watch him."

"He's sleeping, so go do your cars then come back later for lunch."

"But he might wake up and want me."

"Then we go to lunch earlier." By the time he left, we could have had lunch and he could have finished the car he was working on. He has acquired an obsession with Mason, and I don't know where it comes from. He did say he wanted kids, and I do now know he yearned for them more than he told me, I don't want to bring it up but it looks like I will have to. I have fallen in love with him, but I was still really cautious, you could probably describe my feelings as being scared that I will stuff it all up.

One day not long after the wedding we had visitors at home, mum, dad, and the family lawyer arrived. We thankfully were fully dressed and had been playing with Mason on the floor. March had found some small plastic cars and they were pushing them back and forth. I welcomed him and started making coffee. March picked Mase up and sat with him at the table, mum will get a nurse in a minute.

"These two papers are your name changes Nicky, please go to the bank and change your accounts when you are ready, you will need this paperwork. I have already done your investment account." He passed them over to me.

"This is the total of Mason's trust left by his mother and it's being held in Canada, we are having it transferred over here when the boy gets his Australian citizenship, which is right here." He smiled.

"So quick?" I said.

"A formality, but a necessary one. To have his trust fund signed over to you both he needs that document."

"Then we contend with any father that may pop up," March said.

"The father is unknown on the birth certificate, which indicates there is doubt, we can use that if you have any problems, but the will and letter will be sufficient."

I had a stack of paperwork in front of me.

"Now there is a quarter of a million dollars in the trust from Matt Shore's account when we get control of the money we will refund it to him. But you're not obligated to because he gave the mother the cash willingly."

"We have already agreed to pay it back, we want no part of it, and we don't need it anyway," March said.

"Would you like to stay for dinner Martin, Chinese takeaway tonight?" Mum offered.

"I love Chinese, how soon is dinner?."

"We will order it now." March's eager voice said. And that's what happened we ate at six thirty and a second sitting for March at nine after mum and dad left. There's some for breakfast and lunch tomorrow, unfortunately, Mason missed out, but he does love his baby food.

He was in his crib tonight beside the bed, he sure does a lot of talking when he's going to sleep but he finally settled, then it was March's turn to talk.

"You are still cautious aren't you Nicky?"

"Cautious, yes, he is going to turn our world upside down March, I liked it the way it was."

"Well, you turned my world inside out when you came to town. I adapted and accepted it was a good change for me. Now I have everything I ever wanted Nicky, you bought the love with you and now you have bought me a family."

"Yes in your head that's true, but you saved me from that horrible nightmare I was living, you bought laughter and love to me, and you did save me from the cold."

"Nicky he's a little disruption, a cute little thing that needs us. I will always have plenty of time for you, but I don't think you are cautious I think you are maybe terrified."

He kissed me. I thought about it and yes he is right, I am terrified I will do something wrong, scared he won't have the life we want him to have, and unhinged that March will forget all about me.

"Nicky, from what I know every parent is scared they will stuff it up, it's a whole new learning experience. He has already fallen in love with you, he looks for your face when he hears you talking, and you know what Nicky?"

"What?"

"You do the same when he cries or laughs you are the first one to his side."

"I don't know March, I might have a long talk with mum she will know about the feelings I have."

"Or maybe you can drop your guards and let loose with some of that love you keep in reserve." I looked at him.

"Don't think I don't know you are keeping some love aside because you don't want to be hurt again."

"I don't you know, everything I have is put into loving you."

"Good, now that's sorted can you move to your side, your son will get me up early and I need some sleep." He kissed my neck.

"Why would you think I would have reserved love?"

"Just checking Nicky, it always helps to confirm these things every now and then." He giggled, and I rolled my eyes.

Mason had us both up at five, he changed him while I made him a warm milk. March is right, he was watching me from the kitchen table his little arms going haywire again. We both sat on the couch and I got my answer, he stopped drinking and looked up at me, and he smiled. March handed him over and he drank his milk while he hung onto my top. It was about then that I knew I could feel his love, his eyes shut and a calmness came over his face, his teat squealed when he stopped sucking but his hand didn't stop moving, he had grabbed my t-shirt and was using it as a comfort blanket I suppose.

Today March has five cars in, there was no way bubs would be able to help him so he spent time with me in the gym. I gave him a short ride on the walker he loved that, he giggled as his spit flew everywhere. The ladies took over and entertained him on the bouncing balls and when I watched him he was watching me. I knew he loved me when his lip dropped and his face went red, so I grabbed him and put that smile back in his eyes.

"Just a suggestion Nicky, why don't you get a kid's swimming pool and fill it with coloured balls, he would thoroughly enjoy that," Julie said.

"Good thinking Jules, where do I get them from?"

She laughed and started texting on her phone.

"I know people." She grinned.

It was a half hour later when the blowup pool arrived with two big bags of plastic balls.

"Nicky, my babies don't play with this anymore so they are gifting it to you and Mason." A very smiley lady said as she dropped it all on the floor.

"But they might need it." Silly thing to say.

"They are almost in their teens Nicky they don't need it, I was telling Julie the other day I had to start getting rid of their baby toys."

I laughed because I think I have been set up again.

"Tell me, Sally, when does the fear leave you, like when do you stop living in total terror you might do something wrong? Sorry, I'm not explaining myself properly."

"Julie, Lynn we have a live one here, help."

I didn't mean what I said, it sounded a bit harsh.

"Nicky wants to know, when does the fear leave, who wants to go first?"

"Never," Julie said.

"It never left me, I am here trying to find some peace and quiet, but my brain is at home with my mum and baby. I am worried something will go wrong while I'm having fun, all unfounded I can assure you." She smiled.

"Nicky, I'm here for the same reason. I have two small ones at school and a little one at home with her daddy, the fear never leaves me that something will happen to her and I can't help it. The kids at school worry me all day until I see their faces at pick-up time, in my mind the teachers won't do the job I do properly. I live in constant fear." She smiled.

"My three are in school they survived babyhood, and toddler time and now are fast heading to their teens. I am constantly protecting them and also on the blower to mum and anyone else that listens. When I started my family I wanted someone to tell me the quick easy way to cope with it. I have since decided there is no quick way there is the forever way though. I will always be scared for their well-being, their first loves, and their families when they have them, I will never lose that feeling Nicky. But you know what?"

"What? I am terrified now." I tried to make a joke.

"There is also love to counterbalance fear Nick, I bet you a million dollars your love for Mason far outweighs and concerns you have for his life. He has so much to give you, and my kids do the same every day. So when we say we are here to have some time on our own, our hearts are somewhere else, not out of fear but out of love. It hurts to be separated from them, I know they have to go to school but I want their smiling faces around me, so that's when the loneliness arrives. Now you know why we are here, to get fit and to laugh with friends until the kids take over again, to keep our minds distracted in other words."

"My god, am I to expect all of that, for goodness sake? I am going to be a mess. At the moment I have fears and anxiety because he hasn't woken up at the right time or burped properly, what if he falls over or stubs his toes?"

"You cuddle him some more, and that's one cuddle you grab because you will never get that moment back as he grows."

March came in and took one look at us, then he quickly turned and went back to work, with Mason's stroller in hand.

"I tell him it's bad for the baby, he doesn't understand."

"He understands more than you know Nicky, he also has fears, that's why you're both competing for his company."

"What do I do?" I relaxed and sat back.

"You let him be, the baby will choose who he wants to be around and that doesn't mean he doesn't love the other parent more, it just means he prefers your company at that particular time of day."

My dear friends have been a great help and I will have to accept that the way I'm feeling will never leave me, never.

He came back just as I finished cuddling my ladies, bubs was in hand and he said.

"He's not setting he is due for a nap."

"He missed me then?" March blushed and dropped his head.

"Yes." I heard giggling coming from the ladies.

"Come on big boy, take this pool outside and blow it up for me."

He looked at me strangely and said.

"I love you so much, Nicky."

"You won't hear any arguments coming from me my lovely man."

He took it out and blew it up with the air hose, then he helped me fill it with the balls. Mason loved it and loved it more when he went to sleep among all those coloured orbs.

"He's asleep, do you want to grab some lunch?" I asked him.

"We can't leave him."

"We can you know, can you all watch our son while we have lunch?"

A resounding yes, piss off, go eat, came from my crowd.

"We have to do this March."

"I know but I am worried."

"What's the bet May or mum will come over and watch him?"

"Okay, I'm hungry."

"Hungry for dick I think."

"No, just a pie Nicky, oh, I know what you mean can we do that after?"

"Of course, we can, how's my ass looking today?"

"In excellent condition Nicky, just walk a little slower."

I was so muddled up after the girls talked to me, but I sort of understood their reasoning, and I had decided one thing about Mason, he won't ever feel unloved no matter how he turns out.

He ordered his pie with sauce, May left to sit with Mason and I laughed at his face. I got myself a pastie and us both a coffee. He blushed because he was having some dirty thoughts, I lifted my leg to give him a better view.

Dad arrived and ordered lunch, then reminded me I was a married man and to keep myself respectable at all times. March started arguing with him and in the end, he said.

"He's only married, he's not dead dad."

We hit the shed not long after and I couldn't have been any more decadent with my March Stephenson, nothing was off the table, it was a free for all, and the feeding frenzy was awesome.

Bubs was awake and he needed his aunty's cuddles, it reminded me of what the ladies said, it was one cuddle that won't come back. I also thought he is settling in and choosing who cuddles him when he fancies it, he may be playing us off against each other. She took him to the cafe and was going to feed him, March watched her and as she sat outside with his baby food in hand, he nodded to me that everything was okay.

He went back to work and I set about doing some of my own, I opened the IPad and started playing my games again.

Fish and chip night and May and Jason appeared, they said they had nothing better to do, but I think she's taking this aunty thing a bit too far. Mum and dad were very much in the mix, Mason liked to fall asleep on dads shoulder and then he loved mum rubbing his back, he liked me the best when he needed changing but when March was around he got priority. I had decided that he didn't like being in the workshop and that the gym was best for him, less noisy I think, and it was smelly. I also decided that me watching his every waking hour isn't a good sign, so I forced myself to watch March or the boys instead.

Thankfully we are on the same page now, because when he went to get the food Mason wanted to go with him. It wasn't a big deal he took my car with the capsule holder in it, but he took his time because he said Louie at the fish and chip shop wanted his large family to meet the new baby.

Mason was a hit among the town folk, everyone had been introduced to him by his proud father, I did do a little introducing myself when I took him to the veggie barn, the ladies grouped around him and Faith was called, the problem with that was she had to dress for the occasion, so she held me up.

Hank and Jimmy arrived also and had to have a nurse, he liked Hank's moustache it tickled him.

"Your husband is doing some work at the farm next Thursday Nicky, please come for lunch. I have already made up some baby food and frozen it for you to take home."

"Thank you, Faith, it all comes in handy." My freezer was almost full of it and it's going to take me a month of Sundays to get rid of it, but in the grand scheme of things he was and always will be the town's baby like the other kids out there.

My twenty-minute shop turned into an hour of family catch-ups, we had to get back to the garage March will be wanting his lunch, and I know he will be worried about us. The phone rang and I told him we were just leaving, could he order me some soup and a buttered roll? I was told to drive carefully and that he would see me in five minutes.

Bubs was grabbed and he sat on March's knee who was proudly holding his little hand and waving it to the passer-byes who had to stop.

Mum arrived and she took him, she had baby food in hand, and as usual, most of it landed on his bib and then down his jumpsuit. Milk was his preferred bedtime drink and his afternoon nap was looming as his eyelids tried to stay open, but he lost that fight also. We placed him in his capsule and May took him out the back to her place. I will leave him with her for now or March will grab him when he needs another cuddle.

"There isn't much to do at that age Nicky, when he's walking you will have to take extra care," Mum said, I groaned.

"How long before he does that mum?"

"Anytime Nicky, he should be crawling by now and I noticed he is trying to pull himself up. Maybe he will skip crawling and go straight to walking."

"So there's no set rules then?"

"No Nicky, he will do it all in his own time, and then you will get some exercise, they are quick, so be vigilant." She chuckled.

The weather was improving and so much had happened it was making my head spin. Who would ever think that a simple convalesce in my grandmother's cottage would bring me to this point? There didn't seem to be enough hours in the day now, the washing machine was constantly going when we were at home, and the house looked like a bomb had hit it. Toys were everywhere and washing was piled up in a basket ready to be folded and put away. I looked at it when I walked in one day and thought, right this has to stop, I want my nice home back. I spent a half hour folding clothes and throwing toys into a big toy box March had made just for that purpose.

He was trying to entice me to get into the tub but I was a man on a mission. Bubs had gone missing with his other dad, and they both were laughing it up big in the tub.

"What do you want for dinner?"

"I don't know Nicky, come in with us."

"I have to cook I don't have time for your company anymore."

"Then you make time." He said in a stern voice.

I was naked instantly and ready to do my husbandly duties. He sat me next to him and I took Mason who giggled so much his head hit mine.

"Ouch!" I cried.

He giggled louder.

"Nicky, you didn't have to clean everything, I think we will have a pizza delivery tonight is that okay?"

"That's fine March, and the house needs a good clean."

"We can get a housekeeper in."

"And what does that tell the rest of the community, we are lazy, or bad parents?"

"No, it will say we are being practical."

"I don't mind baby, it's got to be done otherwise it will get out of hand. The washing is a constant, his nonstop clothes, your overalls, and the gym's towels. I guess the toys are acceptable where babies are concerned, and I have to change our bedding its been too long."

"Thank you, you are doing a great job. Now please relax a bit." I kissed him and then Mason, pizza sounds nice.

It was delivered just after Mase was put to bed, we sat on the back porch and ate it. I was looking around and decided it needed a culling also, March still had his work tools out from the renovations. I then had a great idea, I swept my hand over the porch and said.

"It needs to be tidied up March, tomorrow will be soon enough."

"I'll get around to it Nicky, don't stress."

"Maybe you should buy a tool shed and place that on the porch."

"I will then."

"Good."

"Don't ever ask me if your ass is too big in your shorts."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because you sound like a wife, not a husband."

I stared at him, then I calmed down, it isn't his fault, he does plenty around the garden and house, I just need to organise myself a bit better.

We had a housekeeper at the old place, and it always looked pristine, I didn't lift a finger to clean. Maybe I will put a call out for someone to do the washing and tidy up a bit.

What are you thinking?"

"We will get a housekeeper." I dropped my head.

"Good and while you are at it we will go buy two heavy-duty washers, one for the gym and one for the workshop."

"No, that's my job."

"Nicky, we have been lucky up to date, Mason needs a sterile environment, especially with his bedding and clothes. We can't be using the same washer my overalls are done in and in reality, you should have one separate for the gym towels, you have room in that tea room you never use."

"I didn't think of that March, and you are right we should have separate ones for work stuff. I was going to install one in the gym but forgot about it."

"Well let's face it, you don't do that much during the day except moon over your members bodies. Throwing towels in the washer once a day will alleviate your work at home. I can do my overalls, or better still May can go back to washing them, or you can do them doesn't matter, our everyday stuff can be washed with Masons."

"I will do your work clothes."

"Why?"

"I like to poke extra holes in them." I grinned.

We did our usual thing then went to bed, he cuddled me then kissed me goodnight and we both went to sleep.

I was awake at five but not bubs, he is having a sleep-in. I crept out of bed and put a load of washing on, I hadn't wanted to get a housekeeper because they might sniff March's underwear or something. When I looked out to the porch the line was full of romper suits and singlets from Mason's collection, very little of our stuff. I have to do the bedding today and two of March's overalls, then I am caught up until I drag another bag of towels home. The truth be known all those toys I picked up March and myself bought out, he doesn't need that many playthings, and he should be concentrating more on his crawling.

When he got up he placed Mase on the table and changed his nappy after I gave him a warm wipe down, then he was fed some baby food, and after he had sucked on his milk I changed his food stained play suit again, another one for the wash.

"Okay, how do I hire a housekeeper, just someone to do the washing folding and putting away, maybe do the floors and tidy up the kitchen? You are correct we will go shopping for a couple of washers when we get the time."

"Umm okay but that's still not much work Nicky, what about the toys and bed changes, bathrooms, and cooking a few meals twice a week?"

"I don't want her to feel like she's a slave."

"I suppose you will tidy up before she arrives."

"Yes some tidying, I do some cleaning after all."

He started laughing and then said.

"You assume we are going to get a woman in, what about a man one that wears skimpy shorts all the time?"

"What?"

"What about you Nicky?"

"I told you last night it was almost too much for me."

"Not if you are home full time, and we have agreed that the work stuff can be done there."

"I can't do that March I have to work."

"Why?"

"Because I have work, that's why."

"The gym runs itself, you don't need to be there until after lunchtime that will give you plenty of time to do something around here, one chore a day will keep you busy."

"Yeah, and you will be in the gym all day perving on my customers."

"No, I wouldn't."

"Believe me, you would." Not owning up that I do it myself.

Mason was rolling around on the floor, March went to find a soft toy and so their migration begins again.

I got on the community page.

'This is a shout-out to all my dear friends, is there anyone you can recommend for part-time housekeeping? Washing, sweeping floors, bathroom, tidying up the kitchen probably twice a week will do.'

"Rose," Julie said.

'Rose, there is no other.'

'Try Rose.' Rose said.

'You are hired, when can you fit us in?'

'Three hours Monday and maybe two on Thursday, I will inbox you my rates.'

'Perfect thank you, Rose.'

'You're welcome.'

That was easy and I doubt whether Rose would be sniffing underwear, or would she. It's a headache I didn't want, March could have said he could help more, but he does enough around here, he's still finishing off the finer details and he does the yard, but he has good ideas too.

I was watching Mason, he finally grabbed the side of the couch and was in the process of hauling himself up onto his feet. He lasted a few seconds then his legs gave way. March clapped and I took photos.

"He's beginning to try and walk I think mum."

"It will be soon Nicky, hes feeling less like a baby and more like a toddler I think."

"What do you think about the housekeeper idea?"

"Excellent, I use Rose once a week shes very good."

"When did you hire her?"

"When May was overseas, she mentioned she did cleaning son, so I hired her."

"I better get onto it soon then, it's the extra baby wear that stuffed up my routine."

"Have you ever thought about buying a heavy-duty washer and installing it in the garage?"

I stared at her, she can read minds I think.

"So you think I should get another washer and do it at work?" She laughed.

"No I think you should get two new washers, one for the gym and one for the garage, let March do his own work wear."

"I couldn't do that mum, I have to do it for him."

"Why?"

"Because he is too busy."

"Okay then you do them at work, get a clothesline installed out the back, after all, Nicky, you don't have that much to do all day."

"I do lots mum."

"Looking at your clients, eating with March, playing games with Mason, busy like that I think." I laughed and will let her off the hook.

"It's okay mum, we already decided to split the washing up, and we will go get some washers for work stuff." I grinned.

I had been sitting in the sun, and May had taken Mason out the back when Rose arrived, mum came out and sat with us.

"Good morning how are you?"

"Good Nicky, I thought I had better come down and see you. Do you know what you want me to do?"

"Well I think I'm sorted out now, it was the washing that was doing my head in. We will separate that, but I still need the floors done, Masons and our items washed and toys to be done also. Any suggestions Rose, please, I'm drowning here?" I almost begged.

"Okay, how about we work it this way, I will come over Tuesday and do a general clean. If you are not happy with that, I will come again Thursday but I think you will only need me for one day Nicky. If you need a bumper day just call me in."

"Okay, Tuesday it is, I will tidy up before you come."

They both laughed.

"I think he has missed the point about having a housekeeper," Mum winked at her.

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