March Stephenson

Chapter 25

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

I didn't mind if Tom and Pete were having some fun, and if they find the cash it would be a bonus, and I was certainly not worried about March, he is mine forever whether I wanted him or not.

He left to go have a hot tub and I will keep my eye on dad, if he leaves early, I will go with him, just for protection. I walked into the workshop and they were hard at it, the engine looked brand new and sat by itself in the engine bay with no wiring attached, I smiled at March and he blushed, I think he's having a dirty thought.

"I am going across the road to see how May and Jason got on."

"Okay I will see you soon then."

"You got it big boy." I have him my sexiest grin and wink.

Our baby had woken up from his nap and now wanted to play, May and Jason had gone to talk to Ron. I passed Mase to March when he caught up and then made us a coffee and sat with them.

"I have no idea what it's going to cost Nicky."

"And what are you talking about?"

"I am glad you asked finally. I am going to bid for that Ford Capri we worked on and try to buy it for dad."

"That's a good idea March, he loves those cars."

"Well I could make Joel an offer and he would probably take it, but I want him to get what it's worth."

"Great, spread the cash around, just let me know what the final price is."

"I recon around seventy."

"That much?"

"Fully restored original numbers Nicky, yes that much, now we have to think of something for mum."

"I have it in hand baby, I was just talking to Tom, he has contacts, and I asked him to find me a big flashy diamond dinner ring for her."

"He has contacts?"

"He's a clubber, he knows people that can supply stuff like that."

"What if she gets caught with it on, I am assuming it will be hot."

"Probably, he also knows a few jeweller's who can remodel rings, leave it to us baby." He blew his breath out and looked at me.

"No Nicky, I have to draw the line on this one. I couldn't live with myself knowing we gave mum stolen goods." He is right, I should have known better.

"Then we go into town and buy her the brightest biggest ring we can find, okay?"

"Thank you, does he do that sort of stuff for a living?"

"No March, but he knows a lot of people who go to hotels and clubs fencing different stuff." I lied once again.

I pulled out my phone and sent Tom a message to cancel the order, I told March and he relaxed.

Dad is going to love his new car, they are fantastic to look at.

"Did you ask for the blue one?"

"Yes Nicky, if we lose it then I will search for one, maybe dad and I can restore it together."

"Good idea." I smiled.

"March, please don't get too upset when Toms around, you know he's only teasing you. He's trying to up our sex life a bit."

"I know because I talked to him and told him to stop it."

"You did?"

"Yes Nicky. I told him we both know about gay things and his little shows don't bother us."

"What did he say?"

"He told me not to worry that he has his sights set on an older guy."

"Dad."

"He is going home soon Nicky."

"Get Mason let's go and save him."

He giggled and told me to settle down, dad had this.

"How has he "had this"?

"He said he was going home to clean it, not get in it."

He started giggling.

"More coffee?"

"Yes thank you my Nicky." He grinned proudly.

May and Jason came back all smiles, she took Mason and sat so I asked them if they wanted coffee. They both said yes and I went to do just that. March was talking to Jason and he was saying he is going to put up a fence between the garage and their business, it was for security reasons. May smirked and looked at Jason.

"I told you he would." Jason laughed.

"It means your customers will come from the back car park and won't be stomping on my nice lawn."

"Or looking through any holes in the shed wall," May said.

"There are no holes May, and stop it right there."

"I wasn't implying anything brother."

"Yes you were, Nicky loves that shed and we sometimes go there to talk."

"Twice a day I think."

"We have a lot to talk about." Rose appeared and took Mason.

"Mary said you were talking dirty again, I thought I might just listen in."

"How the hell does she hear us from there?" I looked through the window at mum.

"She can lip-read Nicky." Rose burst out laughing.

"How did you go with Brenda?" I looked at May.

"Good Nicky she was expecting our visit, Jason signed a few things, and now it's in the system."

"Good."

"Nicky, do you need anything from the barn?"

"No mum, say hello to the girls from me."

"I'm not going, your dad is."

"I thought he went home to tub it."

"No Nicky he went home to clean it, now I have him going to the barn for some veggies."

"I see is Tom at home?"

"No son, dad said his car wasn't there."

I grabbed Mason and looked at March, he smiled and we headed home. I undressed both of them and we got in the tub.

"Do you have to be at the auction March?"

"No Nicky, but I wouldn't mind going to have a look beforehand"

"Then we take a day off and go."

"There are some awesome cars in there at the moment to be auctioned off."

"You already have a muscle car, it's in the garage." He giggled.

"Just to look at Nicky, I like to look at nice things."

He took Mase off me and bounced him up and down in the water, he giggled then screamed, he loves his daddy dips.

I bathed him and then March fed him while I looked at the local page, then I looked at Shannon's auction room. The Capri's were featured and an awesome mini that had been restored. I nearly fainted at the price it was expected to reach and the auction is at the end of the month.

"Steak and salad tonight is that okay?" I looked at March.

"Can we have veggies, I will help."

"Veggies it is."

I took the doings out of the fridge and started cutting it up, I will roast most of them, he likes it that way. He finished talking to his son and then we let him roam on the floor, so he headed my way. He slapped my leg and I picked him up and kissed him.

March sat with me and he seemed to have something on his mind so I asked him to spill it.

"Will Tom hang around do you think?"

"No, he will be leaving in a day or two."

"I get the feeling he's not here for his good looks Nicky, and I am worried."

"Okay, don't stress, as I said he won't be here that long."

"I don't want you involved in any shonky deals." I stared at him and took a deep breath.

"Ok, he was telling me that Pete his brother isn't in Nepal trekking, he's in jail. Will is in his area, and he told him he has a lot of cash stashed somewhere back in Annie's house. They are trying to find out where it is."

"So they can steal it?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, what time is dinner?" Did I detect a slight smile, revenge is sweet and he doesn't even have to lift a finger.

"Put the barbecue on baby, I'll get the steaks."

We had a wonderful family night Mase had crawled out onto the porch and was heading for the hot tub. I didn't have to say it but March said he will get some chicken wire and block that area off.

"You could get a small lock-up shed to put all your tools in while you are at the hardware shop."

"Good idea." He grinned as he shoved a heap of veggies into his gob.

For some reason March was a happy camper tonight, nothing was off the menu and he let me do all the things he liked to him before we went to sleep. Mason had a good night I have no idea when he stopped talking to himself but March said he dropped off just after I did.

"I bid thee farewell my friends, work to find, people to see. Thank you Mr and Mrs. Wilson it was so nice to catch up with you both. I will be back but I won't haunt you. March your such a hunk I wish I had met you first, look after our Nicky." He hugged March, then Rose then May, he kissed the little one and then he asked me to walk him to his car.

When we got there he tossed the sandwiches onto the passenger seat, mum had given them to him for his trip home.

"Nicky it's been so good to see you again, and I will keep you updated."

"You too Tom, and good luck with finding the money, and don't get caught she has a sting in her tail."

"I know, there's something else Nick."

"What now?"

"Remember I was telling you about the guys on Meet Me in the area yesterday?"

"Yes."

"That's where I went when I left you, to meet up with a couple of guys that were pinging me."

"Were they nice?"

"I think they were the friends of yours you mentioned." My stomach dropped.

"Did one have a big mustache?"

"Yes, he had a nice cock Nicky a great body, and yes a big moustache that would impress anyone. The other was less buff but pretty damn cute."

"Where did you meet them?"

"Just out the road at the river to the left of the bridge." He smiled, then added.

"Nothing to write home about Nicky, I got the impression they were experimenting as a couple, they were extremely nervous like they shouldn't be there. But we had an okay time and I topped the younger ones ass it was hot." He winked.

My stomach was in turmoil and I didn't want to say anything more, poor Ethan and Faith. Deep down inside I wanted to ask him if Hank had fucked him, or did they share Jimmy, details I needed sexy details.

"Well, at least you had a good time while you were here."

"I did." I hugged him and he jumped into the driver's seat.

"Have a safe drive home and we will talk." I waved him goodbye. I won't say anything to anyone about his revelations, They both should know better, maybe it is a one-off thing, maybe they do it all the time. I will not get involved in this one and if anything is said I will play dumb.

I went back and sat with my family, bubs wanted me and I lifted him out of March's lap, I kissed him and made small talk. It was nice to see Tom again, but I didn't miss the city life he is so used to. March and dad went back to work, mum had customers and May and Jason went to have a last look at the room, which left Rose and me to chat.

"It was so nice to meet one of your city friends Nicky."

"Tom, Pete and I have been friends for a long time, I will miss him, Rose."

"Nicky I want to ask you a question if I may?"

"Of course Rose, anything."

"Can you come out with me next Friday, there's something I need to do, and I would much rather a friend to be by my side."

"Of course I will, where are we going?"

"To the cemetery."

"Time to see your boy again?"

"It's time Nicky, I know you know about him, but there is something you didn't know."

"What was that?"

"He was gay, he told me when he was fourteen. It didn't bother me I loved him too much. I also wanted to thank you for your silence and for coming into my life, you couldn't have come here at a better moment. You made me laugh again, and I realized what had been missing all this time, laughter."

"You're welcome Rose, I didn't know what to say so I kept quiet."

"There is nothing quiet about you Nicolas Stephenson and thank you."

"So the cemetery is the last thing you will do?"

"Yes, I am having a headstone installed Wednesday but I wanted a friend to come with me. I have no idea how I will react Nicky, and I apologize in advance."

"No need Rose, just do what you have to do. I feel your pain, but certainly, not as much as you do."

"I know, he was the light in my dull life for a long time, and I was blessed he was in my life for that short moment. I miss him terribly but you have brightened my waking days again and for that I thank you." I blushed.

"What time do you want to go?"

"Pick me up here at two."

"Done."

I felt that I was going to let a tear go so I smiled instead and took her hands and kissed them.

"I am here with you anytime you want Rose."

"I know Nicky, god bless you."

After that emotional talk, I had to get to work and my husband was leaning on the workshop doorway with our son in his arms.

Rose went back to work and I went across the road.

"Did you miss me?"

"Yes Nicky, we both did, is Rose ok?"

"She is now, she wants me to go to the cemetery on Friday to see her son's new headstone, she is having it installed this week sometime."

"Good, you did well Nicky, I am so proud of you."

"I didn't do much March, just cracked a few jokes."

"Your hilarious Nicky when you get going, as I said you are just like her son."

"You knew he was gay?"

"Yes, Nicky the whole town knew."

"Poor kid, poor Rose."

"Don't dwell on it, live for the now, not in the past, we can go and have a swim, everything is finished here and I thought you looked a bit hot?"

"Yes March I am a bit hot, and pretty hungry too, bring your snack pack with you." I smiled and he groaned.

We bundled Mason into his swimming suit and headed for the river. The overalls were dropped and I did my job gleefully, then we waded in. Our son

screamed, then started splashing around and my thoughts were still with Roses's son. How she coped with his death was so courageous, how the town reacted was amazing. I watched March and Mason play and had to erase any thoughts of one of them dying too young. I wouldn't cope as Rose did, and God only knows where I would end up. March noticed and he sat with me, his arm went around my shoulder and I cried a little.

He knows me so well and asked me several times if I really wanted to go to the cemetery. I wasn't so sure now, but I will go with my friend anyway.

The four cars were trailered into March's workshop the next day and he and dad started taking an engine out of one of them, it took them ages to disconnect it and lift it onto a workbench, they will do the next one in the afternoon. Dad started taking bits and pieces off it and his smile was infectious as March laughed alongside of him. I was ordered to keep the coffee coming and I did just that in between my games and perving on the talent in the gym, which was so crotch-worthy today.

I was ordered to the cafe for morning tea and we all walked across the road. March grabbed a salad roll, I looked at him.

"For the diet Nicky."

I laughed so much he had to shut me up with a smacker of a kiss. The never-ending stream of shoppers passing by gave us some pretty loud wolf whistles. Bubs was taken by dad, he wanted to talk to him about fishing, which he and March were going to do on Saturday. My alarm bells went off and the what if's arrived. What if they fell asleep, what if they don't watch him, what if, what if?

March was smiling at me again, and everything I had been thinking went by the wayside, he wouldn't ignore his son at the river, not in a million years.

"Do you want me to make a picnic lunch?" They both stared at me and I blushed, silly thing to say.

I picked up my phone and looked at the local page, there was plenty about Tom's visit and a few sneaky photos, and the comments were all good. Another thing I noticed was an announcement, a Barn dance out at the Wagner farm had been posted. Bring your lady or man, bring a plate, and your stepping-out shoes, and join us at the Wagner farm for a Barn dance Saturday night. The date was in two weeks and the time was six pm. No need for a reply just be there and bring your kids, plenty of animals and nannies supplied for their entertainment. Spot prizes, best cowgirl, best cowboy, dress fancy to impress our judges. It went on but I got the gist of what they were trying to do, bring the town together for a night of fun. I handed my phone over to March and he read it then smiled.

"You thought you had me then didn't you?"

"What do you mean by that statement, Mr Stephenson?"

"You think I can't barn dance don't you?"

"I never thought anything of the kind,"

"Well your face says, how does March get out of this one smirky look."

"Do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Know how to barn dance?"

"Of course I do, I can kick up the dust like most people around here, I love boot scooting too." He grinned.

"I don't," I said quietly.

"What was that?"

"I don't know how to barn dance."

"Louder." He grinned.

"All right, I don't do any country dances, only clubbing stuff." Dad laughed and went to talk to mum, she smiled and they kissed, sure they know how to dance why would I think otherwise. He laughed his head off and now I have to learn, maybe Rose will show me.

"Perhaps I won't go, someone has to look after Mason." I finally said.

"Faith will have all that covered." He smirked.

"I got nothing to wear." I tried.

"Tight Jeans and a nice cowboy shirt." I can do tight jeans.

"I see, I can't get away from this one can I?"

"Nope." He was still grinning, I played along.

I hope he is good at it, there's something sexy about cowboy's line dancing.

When we got home I checked I had a pair of jeans and found three pairs, it has been a while since I have worn any. March found his and a shirt then he tried them on, from somewhere he found a cowboy hat also, and you already know what happened, Mason was placed in his crib and I was square dancing on top of him on the bed.

"Do you want me to teach you a few steps?"

"Maybe." I smiled.

"I do know how to dance Nicky, mum insisted May and I learn."

"Then you will maybe be dancing with May all night, and of course I want you to teach me."

"Don't get sassy with me lad, put your jeans on."

"I have to buy a shirt."

"Jeans will do just fine for now." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"First up, the barn dance, raise your hands from the elbows up and step to the side of me." He found some music that he thought would do and he took me through the steps, this is easy.

"Up two three back two three twirl around and step back two three."

It didn't sound right but we muddled through it. I will ask May if he's doing it right tomorrow, it sounded like he had the steps numbered and stored in his memory.

"I need you to be doing it right Nicky this dance is usually progressive." I slumped and said.

"What's progressive?"

"You start with me then go onto the following couple do a round then move to the next person."

"So I will get to dance with all the men then?"

"Yes Nicky, because I don't know the girl's part."

"I will brain you one day March Stephenson." He laughed then picked Mason up and started dancing with him, now what is for dinner, Chinese?

Mum and dad arrived with the food and he was bragging about teaching me how to dance. Mum looked at me and burst out laughing.

"What's wrong mum?" He asked.

"Oh nothing March, you did well."

We haven't got around to my school days yet, he now knows I ran at school but he doesn't know about the old-time dancing lessons we had to have. I think he was doing it wrong but I will let him go for now, why should I spoil all his fun?

Our meal was as usual tasty and filling, dad and March were talking about the cars and mum was talking to Mason, I watched a few old-time dances on my phone and realized, I had forgotten much of my schooldays and didn't remember some steps. I started laughing and was stared at.

"Nothing to see here everyone, just something tickled my funny bone."

They are used to me randomly laughing so I guess they believed me.

We played dress up again before we went to bed and I had to go and buy a cowboy shirt at some stage.

Mason slept soundly and he surprisingly woke at six thirty, an all time record sleep in for us. March was the first out of bed and when I got to the kitchen he was well and truly in control. Bubs was given some milk and tucked up on the couch, I made the coffee and opened the lap top. The local page was lit up with loads of comments, the folks were all so excited. I have no idea where they will hold it or how many people would be there and my biggest concern was the comment 'bring a plate' now what can I buy to take for the night, oh, and the prizes. I like prizes, the last one I won was a very handsome country mechanic.

We generally did the same things the rest of the week, I had asked Rose if she still wanted to do it and she said yes, so on Friday I picked her up from the cafe. We sat for a few minutes while she took some deep breaths then I drove us to the cemetery.

The grave was tidy and the headstone gave me no hint of what was to come. 'Much loved son of Rose.' was written across the bottom. I placed my family's flowers on it kissed my fingertips and put them on the tombstone. Rose placed her flowers and almost did the same, she whispered.

"A million memories all wrapped up in your short lifetime son, I will never forget you, and never stop loving you."

I had to catch my throat it was about to spasm and make my tears flow, so I swallowed hard. My arm went around Rose's waist and we stood silent for some time, her hand held mine in place maybe she was trying to find strength in me.

"My worst nightmare was walking down the street or going to the supermarket, people were asking me how was I feeling. You have no idea what that does to a person. How was I feeling, they wouldn't even come within an inch of understanding what was going on inside of me. I started by not answering them. I appreciated the concern but I couldn't explain how I was feeling except to say, I felt numb. If I told them what I was feeling I wouldn't have stopped Nicky."

"I understand Rose, I and most locals understood. They left you to grieve on your own and you are still grieving, it will never leave you it will dull, but never leave. I have no experience and no wise words, except live in the moment, and hes not far away from your heart. I feel you know this already, dance with me, Rose."

"What?" I broke the embrace and opened my backpack taking out March's old radio tape deck, he recorded a song that we thought would be appropriate. I pushed play and took her arms and we sidestepped to Gerry and the Pacemakers, You'll never walk alone. She stiffened up but then relaxed as I held her, then her well-overdue tears started raining down her face. When the music stopped we still danced and she still wept, it wasn't your usual weeping it was a deep down hellish moan she unleashed into the still air. I held her tightly as long as she wanted, then I handed her a clean handkerchief to blow her nose, she looked up at me and said.

"Thank you, God I needed that."

"You are most welcome my dear friend."

"I can't find the words to tell you how free I feel at the moment."

"You have March's problem, he can't find the words either." She smiled and then realized what I said was very true, then she started laughing, it was time for her to come back a little.

We left the cemetery after a long farewell for now to her son. I drove her home she hugged me then I drove to mine and sat on the couch staring into space. I didn't cry and I didn't ring March, I just wanted to be alone, like I imagined Rose would be doing right now.

It had been a big day and I eventually fell asleep with my dreams, March kissed me and bubs was unsettled. I took him and was asking him how his day went, he was complaining I had left him in that smelly old garage.

"Did you get it all done?"

"Yes March, she got it all out and I hope we will find a less stressful looking Rose at work tomorrow. Your suggestion paid off and thank you."

"I wanted to be involved." He kissed my lips.

"You were, she couldn't find the words either." I smiled.

When he caught up he laughed and said.

"I missed you but not as much as Mase here."

"Did you miss me bubbie?"

I got a lot of dada's and what sounded like growls.

"He was uneasy when you left, no amount of talking settled him."

"And you?"

"I had a pull."

"In the shed?"

"Yes, but it wasn't as good as being with you."

"See you can find the words when you want to."

We both laughed. He had placed that smile back on my face and my heart was happy once more. I asked him what he wanted for dinner he said mum was cooking a roast, so we got into the spa much to our sons excitement.

"What time are you leaving for the river tomorrow March?'

"Around nine baby, Ethan wants to meet us there."

"Good another set of eyes."

"As long as he doesn't bring Faith with him." He giggled.

"Maybe a good thing he does, babysitting."

"Maybe Nicky but I am his father and I will be doing the baby sitting."

"You got it, want one of my specials now?"

"Yes please its been far too long."

I couldn't stop laughing at his sad face.

Mum's roast lamb was so good, and right up there with Faiths so March told me. I always thought they were about the same. She asked about Rose and I told her everything that had happened, I told her about March's suggestion I take his old tape deck and a special song for just us. She wanted to ring her to find out how she was coping but said she will take more flowers to the cemetery instead tomorrow. I looked at the local page and was blown away by her words.

Rose had posted a thank you to me for being there with her. She also thanked the town folk for allowing her to grieve in her own time. Then she explained what had happened to her, she thanked me for bursting her self made bubble and praised me for making that happen.

"You know when an out of towner settles in a community like ours, it takes months, maybe years for them to feel loved and accepted. The instant I met Nickolas Stephenson I know he was going to be good for all of us, and he is. Nicky, it is not you that won the prize, it is all of us here in our small town. Welcome and enjoy your life with March and now little Mason.

I am lost for words and so grateful. (you know what I mean.) Love you all so much.

Tears started as I read Rose's comments mum handed me a tissue and March hugged me. They all read it and mum smiled at dad.

"We did okay dad."

"Yes, we did mum." They both looked at me and smiled.

Tap tap whinge whine, and I picked up my son who was feeling left out. I kissed him, then started up the neck farts just to listen to his giggles, which also puts a smile in my heart.

We had no May tonight, so March scored a few extras and a lot of take-home meals. He fed bubs potato with a dab of tomato sauce and as usual he loved it. Dad was asking if Tom got back okay, I didn't know because he hadn't messaged me. I will talk to him tomorrow, but for now, I am a bit tired and need my bed.

I helped stack the dishwasher and March took his roasts out to the car, then me and Mason.

I couldn't keep my eyes open so I flopped on the bed, it was so welcoming and March stripped me, he tried but I didn't rise for the occasion, so I went to sleep.

Six in the morning it was me that got up for Mason, I let March sleep in and made up a bottle while my son crawled around the floor. I sat on the couch with him and he drank quite a bit of it, smiled a lot then burped.

I read more comments and was blushing by the time I realized all of the town folk were on Rose's comments. I wanted to say something but now I really couldn't find the words.

There will be no Rose today, she had rung May and said she was doing something important but will be in tomorrow.

I heard when she went to the cemetery Saturday morning the grave was covered in flowers, the town had responded in a wonderful gesture.

Saturday has come too quickly, I was torn between going with them or trusting Mason would be in capable hands. Dad called a little early and although Mason knew something was up I didn't quite get that excited vibe from him.

March was very excited to be going on his first father son fishing trip, his face lit up when it was time to go, Mason's didn't, he kept looking at me. I kissed him goodbye and the lip dropped. he was placed in dads car and I kissed March then he looked at the picnic basket mum had made for them. He had one of his roasts for breakfast and there were two left for our dinners in the fridge. I waved then decided I might take a trip into the next town and buy myself a cowboy shirt. The trip wasn't that long and I pulled up outside the Country saddle and farm wear shop, it was big and had just about everything a cowboy would need.

With that out of the way I headed for Bunnings the big hardware shop and chose a not so big storage shed, it was only small so it won't stick out so much, I grabbed a roll of chicken wire then I left the store.

The shed I bought, March can put together when it's delivered, and the rest I had with me. I cut all the tags off my purchases and was about to try it all on when dads car pulled up out front.

March had Mason in his arms and his face was pink, when he saw me he fell into my arms.

"What's the matter?"

"All I can say is, he has got a good set of lungs on him, enough noise to scare the fish away Nicky."

"Oh so he missed me?"

"Yes." He kissed me and waved as he got back in the car, laughing.

A well deserved slap on my cheek and I almost got a good talking too but his smile was so beautiful.

"Now, want to see dads new outfit?"

"Da da." It went on and on as I placed him on the bed, then I tried my new black chaps, black shirt with red embroidery across the shoulders, and my new cowboy hat teamed with a red belt and red cowboy ankle boots, take that Mr. March Stephenson.

"What do you think bubs?"

"Dah Dah." Then he clapped.

I guess he's approved of it and when I looked in the mirror I looked pretty snazzy also, I turned around and looked in the mirror again, at the back then thought it might be a bit much, but the town expects it of me.

Now it was Mason's turn to try on his little cowboy outfit, he didn't like the hat it kept falling off, but he did look so awesome.

Donations are gratefully welcomed at Nifty