March Stephenson

Chapter 20

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

On Saturday we went to buy the washers, I decided to have them both installed in my tea room, then I can keep a watch on them. A clothesline was rigged up out the back and for winter two dryers were also purchased along with several toys for Mason.

Cars were being booked in from everywhere, so much so he was knocking back work. Dad suggested he expand the workshop but March wasn't interested, he likes it the way it is. Rose started on Tuesday, she laughed because I had sorted the washing and cleaned the kitchen. I offered her coffee but she said it will hold her up so I was politely told to go to work.

When I got there I parked the stroller and placed Mason in his play pool, I then started washing March's overalls. It was a routine I had gotten into, only I can wash his clothes and only I can keep a lookout for any new rips or grease marks, many times I found money stuffed in his pockets, he is so relaxed about it all. The towels will be washed every third day, dried, and folded until the next time, it will all work for me, several times on the weekend I thought I had better count March's underwear just in case some were being sold on the local black market.

Mason had plenty to do at work, he played, slept, and ate his food along with plenty of bottles, so I didn't have to worry too much about him. March as usual came in to play also, dad did his own thing, he stayed out of the way mostly.

"Don't forget the Wagner farm on Thursday Nicky, Faith's expecting you to be with me."

"Do we take Mason?"

"That's a given, whether you go or not." He laughed.

"Better dress him up then."

"No, old suits Nick, he will be touring the barn and the livestock he will get dirty some." More washing for Rose.

I got the email on Wednesday and had no idea what he was trying to do, or how he found out about the money.

He's requested that his money be returned to him and not his mother, he has debts to pay. I think this email confirms he doesn't want to contest the paternity, and so he shouldn't he knows he's not the father.

I called dad in and he sent it off to the lawyers, they have their instructions.

I believe the money has already been transferred from Canada and they are working on it now. Matt will get his money within the week but I won't write to him anymore, and he has been warned not to have any contact with me, ever.

Mason was fully ours and no one would dare take him off us, March's confidence saw me through some dark moments and now I am fully in charge of my emotions.

I have an appointment with my doctor Friday in the city, I haven't taken a pill for two months and I felt great. My arm, although not back to its old self is very manageable and I have loads of strength back, but not a hundred percent. I attribute the healing to May's Tea, I still make up a two-litre bottle every day and sip on it. I noticed March does the same in his workshop. He once told me it was for his well-being and I believed him, so I will continue with it for as long as I can.

He suggested we start going to the river again, Mason would love it there, if it wasn't for the wonderful memories I had of that spot I would have given it a big miss. One night I caught him being reflective, he shook his head and told me he had been thinking of that awful time.

"Give it a few months March, I still want to go there again, but at the moment I have all I want here. I will only go when you want to, not for Mason's sake."

"I was only thinking it was my good place forever."

"It is still our good place just give me some time, please, the weather still isn't very good at the moment, although I suppose we do get some sunny days?" Then I added.

"Mason is too young, he won't know what it means to both of us and it will be too cold for him."

"Maybe a swimming pool then Nicky."

"You're not destroying our backyard March, the tub is enough for now."

"I know, your right Nicky, but I miss those times."

"Me also March," I whispered.

I wasn't going to let Matt spoil everything, especially March's quiet place. I have trained my brain to only think of good things when that awful event comes to mind. I was also very aware that March is trying his hardest to put it all behind him, and I was already looking for a small wet suit for Mason, that will keep the cold out.

He said he will come into the city with me, I had made the earliest appointment I could, because I didn't want to be there any longer than I had to be. March said he had three cars on Friday but dad would cope with them, he can help if we are back early.

At home time, I couldn't wait to go see our house, and it was everything I thought it would be, brand new shiny, and clean. The washing was folded and that's the only chore I had to do was put it away. Rose left a note to let me know we needed more window cleaner and fabric softener, two items I didn't know I had and the mystery was solved why the washing smelt so good.

I was more than happy with her work and immediately got on the phone to let her know how happy I was.

Thursday came around and March Mason and I drove to the Wagner farm, we were met by Jimmy and Hank who took Mase off March for a cuddle, he was a bit wary and kept looking at me, but thank God the lip didn't drop.

The horses were first on the list as March set up to do a service on two cars. Mason's arms and legs went ballistic when one pony shoved his head into his face, he giggled, then full-on laughed as Hank placed him on the horse's back.

"Riding lessons are booked in Nick."

"He's too young."

"Maybe in two years then." He laughed.

"Don't forget to tell mum how lovely she looks Nicky," Jimmy said, I grinned.

"I would never forget to do that Jimmy." I smiled.

The goats and chooks were next and Mason warmed up to Hank beautifully, it was when Faith came looking he lost the bubs and she did look lovely.

I followed her into the house and she placed bubs into a high chair, he was still talking about the horses I think, and she understood his every word by answering him. He was a big fan of the farm and Faith when we left.

I got the peas to shell then the beans, she did the carrots and cauliflower while we talked. She was just checking we had everything and was glad we got a housekeeper, she did have one once but when the girls grew up they took over. I somehow knew she was trying one on with me, I doubt she ever had a housekeeper. Maybe she is trying to make me feel less of a user,

She wasn't talking to me she was playing with bubs and had found a plastic spoon for him to bang on the table.

"Jimmy was telling me that him and Hank are going on a holiday to the city Nicky, did they ask you about it?" "No they haven't said anything."

"I think I heard they were going to go to your dancing club."

"And you are worried there may be trouble, am I right?" She blushed.

"Stop overthinking it, they want to have a night out together away from the farm. They may not even go to the club, but if they do the magic word is 'dance' they will probably dance with each other all night. I know it will be new with Jimmy, but I don't know about Hank. Has he had lovers before?" She looked confused then she said.

"I don't know, that's something I have never asked about. I suppose I didn't ask the daughter in laws either. about their pasts, maybe I had better." I laughed because there is no way she would do that.

"Don't sweat it I will ask, then let you know." I winked.

"Thank you." She had a cheeky slight smile on her rosy lips.

So I guess I am now the in-between person, I will ask Hank, only because I'm curious.

March arrived to check on Mason, and probably me at the same time. He said he was nearly finished they only needed a tune up and oil change for now. The cars belonged to the sons who I haven't met yet but I have seen strange men hanging around the farm.

"I have rung dad and he is nearly done also, so we can take our time, I think Hank wants to take Mase for a horse ride he will love that." I stiffened up a little, and I wasn't agreeing to that.

"He will be fine Nicky, Hank is a champion rider," Faith said, I relaxed again.

"Morning tea will be in fifteen minutes March, why don't you go wash up." She went to take her famous scones out of the oven and I helped place them on a tray along with Hank's ham and cheese. A big coffee pot was made and cups and saucers were collected onto another tray, March went off but before he did he kissed me.

I helped take the lot out to the verandah and the men were almost lined up. Hank was first and March was handed a plate with his scone on it, by me.

Mason was placed on the floor and he didn't roll around he got on his hands and knees and crawled. I was so happy for him, now he is mobile.

"So he's crawling Nicky?" Faith asked.

"First time, it's the fresh air out here probably." I laughed as I took a small video and then placed it on the local page.

"First crawl."

He ended up on March's lap and leaned back, it's time for his nap, crawling takes a lot out of you. I was sitting next to Hank and Jimmy so I leaned in and whispered.

"I have a special request Hank, how many lovers have you had in the past?"

"Tell her two hundred." I nearly dropped my coffee.

"What?" Not even I have had that many.

He whispered.

"She has been trying to find out ever since I arrived, I guess she thinks I'm going to lead Jimmy into a life of decadence." He giggled.

"And the truth is?"

"I used to do the rodeo circuit, my first was a cowboy from Bega, he was so sweet. The second was a man who taught me everything I know, he was my teacher. Then there is Jimmy, no one else."

"So you both haven't had a lot of experience?"

"Not a lot but we learned real fast." He laughed again, very sweet story I think Faith will be pleased.

"Oh, and tell her we may or may not go to a dance club, but if we do I will be dancing with Jimmy all night. Bloody hell Nicky they are not bars with brawlers they are dance clubs." He laughed, another mind reader I think.

Ethan arrived and I was formally introduced to his other three sons who were behind him, Hank suddenly grabbed another scone.

"Get in quick Nicky they would eat a horse if there was one on offer." He winked. I took another one and broke it in half giving it to my husband.

The three men were nice to look at and buffed from all the farm work, one winked at me and the other two shook my hand.

"You have roast beef today boys, so don't be late." They all grinned and March's was the biggest, but I think today he will have some competition.

One son, John, was talking about buying the next farm, he wanted to go it alone and had big plans, and the others were trying to talk him out of it.

I watched Faith's face and it dropped a little, I doubt she is happy about this but she didn't say anything. There was nothing left by the time they finished, so I helped clean the table up and headed for the kitchen.

I helped Faith wash the dishes, she was very quiet but smiled at bubs who had decided he wanted a bigger sleep.

"I take it you are not happy with John's decision?"

"I am, and I'm not Nicky, they will only be on the next farm, and John will make a success out of it, but it's the kiddies I will miss. I love my dining table when the whole family is here, and the kids sit over at the other one. I usually sit with them."

"So you are very close to your grandkids."

"Yes Nicky, I suppose he's right he wants to go it on his own. I doubt his wife is in agreement but it is what it is."

"I think he's going to do it anyway." I hugged her.

"Yes that one will always do what he wants, no matter what we think, but to be honest he hasn't made any bad choices up to date."

"And Ethan?"

"He's helping with the finance."

"And will he make a go at it?"

"He wants to grow hops and run a boutique winery Nicky. I don't think that's a very profitable business."

"It is, I have friends who did that and they live quite comfortably."

She looked at me and then hugged me.

"Thank you."

"I am sure you will get the kids as much as you want, don't stress, and as I said before stop overthinking everything." She nodded and made us a coffee.

"How did you go with Hank?" She asked, I laughed.

"He's had two quick lovers and Jimmy makes three. Nothing as intense as their relationship and he does love him Faith, very much."

"Thank you again."

"I will tell them to go to my club I have friends that go there weekly, they can keep their eye out for them. I know there wont be any trouble."

"I like to keep my family close Nicky, this going off to the big city makes me nervous, maybe I will tag along" I laughed.

Lunch was a riot, poor March had a battle on his hands and the roast wasn't just one it was three big pieces. As fast as Ethan sliced through it, it disappeared. I was so lucky to get what I did and March was also lucky because Faith did us a takeaway each.

I talked to John about the winemaking, he knew a lot about it and was heading that way before they relocated here. He had doubts but a lot of good ideas. I told him about my friends and he was very interested, not in the making process, but in the cash flow.

"I think a five-bedroom house built out of the profits is a giveaway John, and their trips overseas each year, but don't look to me for confirmation. I don't know their financial status they may have inherited money but I doubt it. They built it up from nothing like you will be doing."

He smiled and looked at Faith.

"She will miss the kids mostly, promise her she can have as many play dates as she can cope with and sleepovers. Just don't shut family out they have a lot of knowledge they can pass on." Of course, I said that very quietly.

"I know, and I wouldn't do that anyway, thank you Nicky."

I sure am getting a lot of thank youse for my limited knowledge today.

March was ready to go home, we settled Mason into the car and he threw his tools into the back, I thanked everyone, and short of patting Hank's bum I shook hands with all of them and then I hugged Faith.

March had his takeaway and cheque he was a happy mechanic today. We went straight to the garage and dad was nowhere to be seen, he was found in the cafe talking to mum and May. When they saw us mum took Mase.

"He's asleep." She frowned, and May giggled.

Dad handed March a wad of money and he handed it over to May, she is still doing his banking and I didn't interfere, he handed the cheque over also. We all sat out the front and talked about our day. Mason had a horse sit and played with the chooks, he also crawled around the farmhouse kitchen.

"I am glad he did that, the old place has seen a lot of baby firsts," May said.

"Yes it was amazing, it was like he was waiting to do it there." March sighed.

"The lunch was epic and the roast beef was yummy." He also said.

"Ohhh." May moaned.

He did a first and went over to his car and got one of the take away to give to May. She immediately microwaved it and sat to eat.

"I am guessing you gave her mine?"

"No Nicky, I wouldn't do that, I gave her mine."

I looked him up and down and thought that was a nice thing for him to do.

He can have mine anyway I wasn't hungry and Faith had tucked a few scones into the bag so I can have them.

"How did you go with the cars dad?" He asked him.

"Great, easy cars to work on son, what have we got for tomorrow?"

"One dad, I have to take Nicky to see his doctor in the city."

"Are you staying overnight?" Mum asked.

He looked at me and blushed, I looked at mum and winked.

"I will babysit at your house." May looked at her she has finally caught up and screamed.

"Noooo!!"

"Sorry May but grandma's get priority."

"But I can stay overnight with him." She got hopeful.

"You could, but I got in first didn't I Nicky?"

"You did mum." I blushed, poor May it's not my fault she doesn't listen when she eats.

"So are we staying at your hotel baby?"

"Yes, I thought we may stay through to Sunday maybe go to that fancy club of yours, maybe meet up with Jimmy and Hank."

"I bags Saturday night babysitting then." May almost put her hand up, and mum was about to say something so I got in first.

"No we will be home Saturday morning ladies, I can't leave him for two nights he has already been abandoned once."

March was looking at me and he nodded.

"One night then back home all right?" He smiled.

"Good March, I am looking forward to it."

May was still pissed off when we left, I watched mum roll her eyes several times.

When we got in Mason was placed on the floor and he rolled around a bit, then he wanted to do some crawling. He explored the room and bumped his head a few times, he moaned then decided it was all too hard and laid on his side playing with his little cars.

"So why didn't you want to go to the club?" I heard March say.

"You know me so well husband. I didn't want to go because it is Hank and Jimmy's night and I don't want to run into any old so-called friends."

"So the night you did go, they weren't there?"

"No, and I was with old workmates and sat with them all night. If they were there I didn't see them."

"Okay, we stay Friday night and then come home, but if you ever want to go there again, let me know and I will be ready."

"I know you will baby, I don't want you to confront anyone for me. Let's just live the way we have been doing."

"I like it that way." He kissed me then he slowly started stripping me off.

"Of course March if you ever want to go I will come with you."

"Why would I when I can do this at home." He started licking my body.

Bubs screamed when we got him in the tub, he loves being in the water. March swished him around and then he sat him on his knees while his hand was roaming in my groin area. After an hour I went to shower and to bathe bubs. I fed him some baby food and March had my roast while I ate a couple of scones. Bubs had drifted off on the big sofa, it was time to put him to bed. When it was our turn, we made love on that sofa before we went.

Mum was bright and early, we had showered and May rang to check she had turned up. We had our breakfast and were ready to go into the city.

We left a thousand instructions for mum then kissed our bubs goodbye. Before we left he was practicing his crawling, I wanted to sit and watch him but March wanted to get going.

We took my car because he still has his tools in the back of his, a temptation for any would-be city thief. This doesn't happen in our town, there are too many eyes on it and although March doesn't tempt fate, he had forgotten to unload it.

He drove because I was busy making phone calls to mum, so many instructions I had forgotten to give her. When I finished talking March took my phone and put it in his pocket.

"Now leave her alone, she's quite capable of looking after a small baby."

"I know, but I had to tell her he likes sleeping on his left side."

He started laughing it was good to hear, there has been too many long faces lately and I was the cause of it.

He parked in the surgery car park and I went inside to check-in. My normal doctor wasn't available so I had a new one. When he was ready I almost peed myself because he looked like Hank without the moustache. Doctor Mike was gorgeous and I could tell he hits the gym a lot.

"Good morning Mr. Stephenson, may I call you Nicky?"

"Yes sir, this is my husband March, March doctor Mike."

They sized themselves up and shook hands.

"I believe you own a gym Nicky, somewhere up in the hills?"

"That's correct its only been open six months but I have a long list of members."

"Good, now, how is your arm?"

"It's as good as it's going to get Mike, I get a little numbness occasionally but the movement is almost back to normal."

He asked me to do some exercises and I think he was impressed.

"Well your blood test came back as normal, but I want to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

"Doctor Martin made a note on your record about herbal tea, can you tell me?"

"March's sister makes herbal remedies, one is her tea. I started taking it when I moved to the hills, and after a while I stopped taking the medication and stuck with the tea. I know we have to trust the science but that stuff improved my balance and my arm, my leg came good almost immediately so I could run without dragging it."

"You haven't been taking any medication, just the tea?"

"That's correct, I don't think Doctor Martin believed me when I was telling him, but I firmly believe it took my healing to a new level."

He was thinking about it and I also told him March's sister sells hundreds of packets a month, I had even helped her make it up.

"So where did she learn about herbal remedies?"

"I think she has always had a fascination with it, I'm not sure, March?"

He smiled.

"She bought her shop off an old lady who sold all that kind of stuff, she showed her how to do the different remedies, one was her special tea. Then May started learning everything she could, most of our town is on it for well-being and people travel for miles to get some."

"I thought she learned it at school." I looked at him.

"No Nicky the old lady taught her, May worked for her part-time after school. She has lived in the region all her life and she was shown by her mother. Is there a point to this, if you are going to have a go at my sister's business then I won't be happy." March stood up and straightened himself.

"Calm down March, I am very interested in recommending it to some of my patients that's all. Some are like Nicky and I see no improvements after six months, that's pretty normal, but if I can get them nearer to their goal I have to try. This is off the record March but I would like to send some patients to her, but before I do, I will visit just to meet her first."

"She's never done anything wrong and whether you believe her story or not the town will back her up one hundred percent."

"Then I will take your recommendation, but I still need to talk to her first."

"Good, I will be watching." I started laughing about then. March has May's back he also has mine, and I kind of liked Doctor Mike he was a gentle kind hunk I think.

"We will come for a ride on the weekend Nicky, you can meet my husband." He grinned, I wasn't surprised.

"Now where can I get some good coffee?" He didn't want coffee he was looking for food again.

"The market next door, Gianni's but be aware they have three little ones that will steal your hearts." He didn't say anything else only I had a clean bill of health, he didn't want to see me for another six months, and he will make time to come up and talk to May.

I was dragged into the market, it wasn't busy and when we got to the cafe he took his time choosing a cream cake. I will have a small one, but he picked the biggest. We ordered coffee and sat at a vacant table. A gorgeous man was standing behind the wine counter with a lady who didn't fit her casual look. I found out later she was a wine expert called Iris.

"Here hold this one and I will go get the others." March took a small kid with dark curly hair, he started raining kisses onto him he misses Mason.

The casual but equally gorgeous waiter went into the florist shop and got the other two babies. Triplets and we were to learn they were Gianni's and Antonio's kids.

I grabbed one and March started telling him about Mason, he wished we had bought him along to play. Gianni came to the table, kissed Antonio, then he grabbed a little one.

We introduced ourselves and told them Dr. Mike had recommended the cafe to us. In the next hour, March had told Gianni our life story and I got some story from Antonio.

He laughed when I told him March hadn't met any gay couples, especially city folk ones, and when I looked over at him he was smiling and relaxed.

We had to go because it was nearly lunchtime, we were invited to stay but March had a plan. It was a great morning I could have sat there all day talking to these mad Italians but it is what it is. We promised to call in on our next visit to the big city, we kissed the babies and left with a happy heart, and we were starting to miss Mason a lot.

A phone call to mum from March and valet parking at our hotel were next.

"Don't scratch it." He handed over the keys to a smiling Valet.

The desk clerk welcomed us again and March hurried me up to get to our room which was the same one. I went to the toilet and he threw our bag on the bed.

"Hurry up Nicky I'm hungry."

"You just ate a huge cake."

"I want shanks or roast, even better."

The lift ride was slow, and he kissed me passionately up to the rooftop restaurant, I think he was going for some kind of record.

"Welcome back Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Wilson, your usual table I presume."

"Yes, you presumed right, and he is no longer Mr. Wilson, he is Mr. Stephenson, my husband." March stood proudly and smiled.

"Congratulations sirs, that is wonderful news please follow me." We followed him to the table and I sat but not March, he was at the big windows taking more photos.

I looked at the menu and ordered us both the roast of the day, the waiter will also bring us some drinks. I thought he may get a kick out of a fancy-looking fruit cocktail. I watched him move from window to window and thanked the lucky stars I had met him. In a way, he saved my life and I know he did when I was so sick in the snow. My heart skipped a beat when he looked at me, and after making me wait for his company for what seemed like hours he finally sat, just in time for his meal to arrive, how unusual.

"Wow, awesome!" There's nothing too quiet with March Stephenson, he lets his feeling be known to anyone that's within hearing range.

"What are those?" Two colourful fruit juices arrived with umbrellas and fancy-looking swizzle sticks in them.

"Fruit juice March."

"Well I am blessed today, I have to send a photo to May, she would love these party drinks." He took one and sent it off along with his roast dinner, I could hear her moaning from where I sat.

I was hungry and the roast was superb, he doesn't know I have to order double everything so he gets a decent meal out of it.

Our waiter offered us a free bottle of champagne in our room but he declined, saying we didn't drink or take drugs if he is offering, but we like chocolate. The waiter swished away laughing his head off. I think March brings a certain reality to this hotel, he's pure country beef and as honest as the day is long, and it shows. The Hotel seemed to brighten up wherever he went, and the staff was very attentive, more so to our table than any other.

Poor May she got several photos of our city holiday, one in particular with the three waiters, which will tip her off the cliff, and the babies he had met.

Back in the room, he headed for a bright basket that was on the table, it was full of chocolates and a congratulatory card to both of us, and another photo was sent off.

The spa was filled and so was my body when he got around to it, today was the best day of his life, but he missed Mason. Dinner was the same roast, and we had it in our room, naked dining was a naughty thing to do, and he blushed as he pulled me around to sit next to him. The night was excellent as we walked around the city to see the lights, but the view was better in our room so we only lasted an hour.

"Are you both enjoying yourselves, sirs?"

"Oh yes, I love your hotel very much, everyone is so friendly." March grinned at the desk clerk.

If he only knew that most of the staff we encountered were gay, and all eyes were on him. I did get a few winks myself, I suppose I am the booby prize if they can't get March. But I have to say something they were wonderful, respectful guys, and March does brighten their stodgy days up.

Breakfast was the same, and he ate as much as he could, we checked out with chocolates in hand and he grazed on them all the way home.

He had saved some for mum and May because he didn't do any tourist shopping he wanted to go and see Mason.

May was at the house when we got in, mum was her cheery self and Mason cried because I think he missed us. I held him for ages and smelt his bubbie smells then it was March's turn. May ate her treats and said she had just popped in to see if mum needed a hand, mum said she was fine and dad groaned.

"He wouldn't go to sleep, he missed you both."

"You should have called me," May said.

"What, at one in the morning?" Mum looked at her.

"Of course, he is my nephew you know."

"He is my grandson you also know, and I still get priority." Mum won.

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