March Stephenson

Chapter 29

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

Faith was sitting at the kitchen table having a coffee, she got up and hugged me then she took Mason.

"The coffees in the pot Nicky help yourself today."

"I believe Jimmy has gone on a discovery trip?"

"Yes, he left a long farewell letter with instructions if Hank turns up we are to keep him here. I will miss my little boy, but he has to take a leap of faith and grow up some I suppose."

"He will I am certain of that, what they did has placed doubt in their heads but they do still love each other, who knows where this is going to end up."

"Thank you Nicky and I will keep you updated if I get any news, scone?"

"No thank you Faith I have my scones and March has had one of his dinners for breakfast." I giggled.

"He is a wonderful man Nick the minute I spoke to him I knew he had a beautiful soul."

"What you want to know is if March and I play around?"

"Yes please." She sipped her drink.

"The answer is no, we respect each other too much. March is a simple man, when all this happened he told me he didn't want to be gay anymore. He just wanted to be with me and Mason, he sees our relationship as a marriage, not a gay thing. We spoke about it when we were first together and decided it wasn't for us." I smiled then went on.

"Once desired never forgotten, if March was wanting or yearning to try it then I would have walked away, but I got lucky it was just something that was said, not desired."

"How very perceptive of you Nicolas Stephenson, I was thinking the same thing just before you came in. I was questioning Ethan's slip up, is he with me as penance or does he love me, I'm not so sure anymore." She looked out the big windows.

"You have doubts and your son has done this to you Faith, and Hank, we can't forget his role in all of this. Ethan loves you any fool can see that, both of you have a strong marriage leave your doubts out of your relationship they will only destroy you personally, not anyone else."

"I know your words are true Nicky, it just rocked my whole family and I feel it is going to break us apart."

"It won't if you don't let it, when is that hot tub arriving?"

"I was only joking I haven't got time to hot tub it." She smiled.

"Everyone needs a special place Faith all you have is this kitchen, get Ethan onto it immediately and I might even bring my husband out to tub it with you, and me of course."

"Now that is a nice thought." She laughed and handed Mason over, she then went to her fridge and found some food for me to take home, I was loaded up with containers when I left. I don't know whether things will ever get back to normal at the farm, but I do know March and his family will still come here. I looked at the sad old tractor and someone had placed some flowery pots on it, garden art indeed, I could have done that at our place.

Back to work and the gym was buzzing I could hear May's voice out the back and when I looked in March was under the car. Our son had gone to sleep so I placed him in his play pool then I asked Sam, one of my guys to watch him. I then went into the workshop and asked March where dad was.

"He had to go into town to pick up a part." So I walked over to his big roller door and put it down. I then got on my knees and opened his overalls, we finally did it and his legs stretched apart as he thoroughly enjoyed his under car suck.

"That was awesome Nicky, thank you. Lunchtime, let's go wheres bub's?"

"Asleep so I have Sam looking out for him."

I was left high and dry as he put the door up and then looked at me.

"I will get back to you after I recover, in the office maybe." He winked, my dick stirred and I then followed him across the road after I checked Mason, he was still fast asleep, I told Sam I would be across the road and he winked at me.

Mum asked a few questions and we answered truthfully, I told them what had happened at the farm and although March was happy he was also still sad for Faith and Ethan.

"I told her I would send you out to hot tub it with her." I smiled.

"Are you sexualising me Nicky?" I cracked up laughing.

"You don't need me for that March Stephenson." He quite didn't grasp what I was talking about, but mum did.

"How long will dad be March?"

"About another hour, it is urgent he gets that part otherwise the car won't be ready until tomorrow."

"So you are going to be all right on your own?"

"Of course I will be. I'm a mechanic I do mechanic things all day and I know things." We both laughed then mum went to grab me a pie and to get March's roast out of the microwave.

"Your account is getting big boys you had better sling May some money when you see her."

"Will do mum, and I think we are up to date?"

"You are."

A hunky man came across the road with a screaming baby in his arms.

"God March he has got a powerful set of lungs on him." He passed Mase to March.

"That's my son, he must be stressed." He giggled.

"Thanks Sam." I smiled.

"No problem boss, Mrs Wilson are you doing roasts now?."

"No Sam, that one is from Faith's kitchen."

"Shame I could go one right about now." He looked at March who put his arms around his plate, he doesn't share.

"Now young one what would you like to eat?"

I broke off some crust and popped it in his hand, it immediately went into his gob.

March had to get back and I thought I would stick around because mum looked like she wanted to talk to me, it was the winking that alerted me.

"He will be more than an hour Nicky he wants to pop in and look at that car that was restored, the Capri I think."

"Oh no please don't tell me he is going to bid for it."

"I think he is Nicky why?"

"Shit, you know how to spoil a surprise. March wants to buy it for dad, he put his bid in when we went to the city."

She laughed at my face and answered.

"Well I had better start discouraging him then. It's an expensive item Nicky."

"He knows that, Joel would have sold it to March if he had of asked, but he wants him to get its full value. He's bid seventy for it so if dad is bidding against him it might rise a bit. And before you get into the too much money talk, March and I want to repay dad and you for all you both have done for us."

"Well we don't expect it son, dad doesn't need the car, but he is lusting over it." She giggled.

"He deserves it mum, now I have to tell March he will get worried." She pulled out her phone and was sending a message to dad presumingly.

"What did you say?"

"I said March has already placed a bid to buy it."

"Will he back off?"

"Yes, he knows March will let him have a drive when he gets it."

Her phone beeped she read his answer.

"He said, good I won't get it then. All fixed Nicky." She smiled.

"My next thing is, I have news."

"What is that woman up to now?"

"The neighbour saw a suspicious man in her garden, she hasn't got cameras Nicky but the neighbour has. Someone was seen going into the house but no face pics just him entering and leaving with a bag in his hand. She is going ballistic trying to find out who it was, and is turning the house upside down to find out what he took."

I started laughing but I must tell Tom to tell Pete to watch out for Matt.

"It probably would be a bag of drugs Matt left there, If she reports it he might get into more trouble." She laughed.

"I guess a visit from his mum is in order then."

"I doubt he would tell her anything." I can read Matt's mind like a book if he tells her it was money, she will hound him until she finds it. He won't say anything but he will be pretty pissed off. I chatted for another few minutes and then I went to find that husband of mine.

"Dads in town to place a bid on the Capri."

"What, he can't do that?"

"It's okay, mum fixed it, she told him that you are bidding for it." I smiled.

"Thank God for that, I will ring the auctioneer and stop him from taking any bids from him."

"Can you do that?"

"Probably not." He smiled.

"Now where do I collect my repayment for that awesome head job I gave you?"

"In the office Nicky." I locked the office door this time, I wanted no interruptions.

Later on I handed May some money for our account and she placed it in her bag, then she took bubs.

"He can stay in here for a while Nicky, my class isn't big today it's just a welcome one."

"All right he will enjoy that, but call me if you need me."

"I will." She winked. I went back to sit and play a game but before I did I wrote to Tom, then I cleared every email off the computer.

At five I bundled up our boy and headed for home March and dad will be another hour and I wanted to have a look through Faith's dinners and see if there is something nice to eat.

I found a tub of pea and ham soup, we will have that with some fresh buttered bread. The next thing I did was get onto the local site and see if there was any gossip around, but I lucked out there. When it's quiet like that it indicates that everything is well with our town.

I heard March's truck pull up and he bounded into the house.

"Come on Nicky hot tub." he picked up Mason while I dropped all my clothes on the floor, I took bub's off him and he did a slow strip just for me. When he got in he took Mase and dipped him up and down again then he kissed me, he had it all back to front tonight.

"Did dad say anything about the car?"

"No Nicky but he looked happy."

"When do you get it?"

"If we get it maybe the end of next week, I will have it picked up and shipped here, I know people."

"Really? I wouldn't have guessed that." I laughed.

"What's for dinner?"

"Pea and ham soup."

"Good I like that." He laid back with Mason resting on his shoulder and sighed.

"I love this life Nicky, you, Mason and me. Who would have thought I would be so happy again it has been an awful time for me."

"Well it is all over now baby, look to the future, but keep in mind you never know what's around the corner."

"I hope it's all good Nicky."

"It will be March, trust me."

"I do." He smiled then kissed Mason's head.

I looked at my baby he is growing fast, all those little suits he came to us with don't even fit him now. I have stored them in the hallway cupboard just in case he has a baby when he is all grown up. I languished in the tub for an hour then went to start our dinners. I buttered some bread and called out to March who had just showered, Mase was crawling around on the floor, he has found out that if he screams after I do, a better result with his father occurs. March was rushing to get to the table his towel fell off and he sat there naked, so I dropped my shorts it looks like we are nude dining tonight.

"This is beautiful Nicky, what else did she give you?"

"A piece of corned beef, some homemade sausages, a big tub of cheese cauliflower, some beans and peas."

"Can I make up a dinner for tomorrow's lunch?"

"Of course we can, I might have one also."

He grinned, he was like a pig in poo again and very happy, once more.

About three days later I was sitting in the gym just looking at nothing really, well I had been looking at Steven Riley's ass he has improved it over the months, it has lifted a bit. Anyway, I heard a noise and a delivery truck stopped outside Mays cafe, and me being the inquiring type, opened the door then I went across the road. The men were unloading a big silver BaeMarie-type counter, this woman was quick. I knew she would be on to it as soon as Sam had said it the other day, but I will let her tell me.

"So when are the roasts arriving?"

"I haven't decided on them yet Nicky, I saw this the other day and purchased it for the shop, but I had curries and stews in mind."

"Wow, awesome so no roasts, you know you have a client list already?"

"Maybe a side of beef once in a while."

"Yeah sure, as if March is going to let you get away with that."

"It is just an idea Nick. I might not do any of that and use it for a warmer or something."

"Have it your way mum." I smirked.

She checked everything out and it worked fine for her little sandwich bar.

She said May didn't mind at all and welcomed the new look mum had given her cafe.

The auction is on the weekend and I tried to talk March into going to it, my way of thinking was to return to the hotel again without his angry self. I want him to get back to as normal as possible and I wanted him to see with clear eyes that the guys weren't hitting on me.

"Where is Mason?"

"Where he always is, in with May."

"But she has clients."

"I know, but she says he plays quietly, I think he is a distraction for her, if I was a client I wouldn't be too happy."

"Me neither." Mum went about her work and I went across the road and around the back. He was playing on a rug and May was doing her wellness thing with a bunch of ladies.

March's fence was annoying because I had to do a circle of the shed to get to her door instead of a few steps. I waited until she had finished and walked in to grab Mase, she tried to stop me but I was too quick and anyway, he was urging me on with his giggling.

"What did mum have delivered Nicky?"

"A warmer March I think she's going to do casseroles and curries."

"I can do curries, is she any good at them?" I rolled my eyes.

"It will be good cash for her to have some real food." He said as he picked Mason up and sat with me.

"Hey don't do it that way you can damage yourself." He passed Mason over and went to help the kid who was trying to do some weights. I watched as he went through all the machines with him, something I did an hour ago but better to be safe than sorry.

"Start small Chris then you won't have any problems."

"But when do I get my muscles Mr. Stephenson?"

"In about a year son."

"Well I hope I get them sooner than that, there is a really nice girl at my school I am wanting to impress."

"You will, but it all takes time."

The kid went back to his weights and I suppose I had better start watching my clients a little closer.

May came in and wanted bubs but March stood fast, it was time to eat again anyway.

"He's not a toy March."

"I know that May, and you know very well he doesn't like being passed around."

"Bull." She almost stomped across the road, he giggled and he has won again.

We were enjoying our pies and I was looking forward to mums new fare when she starts it up. A familiar man came up the street and sat with us.

"Hi Ken, good to see you again." March said.

"Have you met Nicky?"

"A couple of times March, how are you Nick?"

"Very well thank you Ken, how is the pilot training coming along?"

"You wouldn't believe how busy I am, I won a Chinese contract to train junior pilots so I am flat out once more. March I have a check for you, I think it's right but if it's not just let me know."

He handed an envelope over to March who placed it in his pocket.

"Thank you Ken so they pay good money?"

"Yes March top dollar, and I also get money for providing beds for the guys. I don't cook for them, they have their meals at the Chinese restaurant or they eat noodles out of a packet." He laughed. Now I know my men and this man is quite handsome and probably around Rose's age. I wondered if Rose would like to take up flying lessons.

When he left I found out from March he was widowed, he owns two planes and he gets the feeling he is a little lonely sometimes.

"Umm now how do I introduce him to Rose?"

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing March just a thought." I smiled.

When May arrived he handed her the check, I asked if it was enough he said it will be. That is the way he does business I won't interfere.

The weekend auction was a success the car went for sixty-five grand, but March had to pay a buyer's premium which took it to seventy-one. He was so happy he got this for dad, and he was on the phone organising a trailer to pick it up. He said it will be dropped at the garage and dad can drive it home.

"Are we going to put a big bow on it?"

"No Nicky, no fuss just hand him the keys and tell him it's his." I like the way this guy works, simple and genuine.

"And mum?"

"You can do that Nicky, anytime from now would be good."

"I can't wait."

He dug into his pocket and pulled out the box.

"No time like the present Nicky."

We went across the road and I was excited to see mums face.

She had her coffee with us and March was telling her about winning the auction, dad can expect his new car tomorrow. She was so grateful and again said we shouldn't waste our money on them. That is when I pushed the box over to her and said.

"Thank you."

"What's this Nicky?"

"Your thank you present." I grinned.

"You shouldn't have done that. But thank you both."

She kissed March on the cheek and winked at me.

She made a big fuss over the pendant and she absolutely loved it, Rose came out to see it and I placed it around mums neck it sat beautifully.

"That is so lovely, the colour is perfect for you." Rose said then she looked at me and said.

"I like Sapphires." I laughed, and next time we are in town we can look for one for her.

"Rose, how do you feel about having some flying lessons?"

"What?"

"I am thinking about talking up flying and I want a friend to join me."

"Two words Nicky Stephenson, road kill."

"Whoops sorry, do you know how to ride a horse then, I have a free voucher."

She started screaming with laughter then she went back into the shop.

I don't think I even got an answer on that one, but later on March asked if I wanted to learn, he is still willing to teach me.

"As I said I love looking at them March but I doubt I will ever learn to ride."

"Well when you are ready I am waiting." He crossed his arms and I moaned.

"Do I have to?"

"If you want to go riding with me you have to."

"I can do that anytime." I grinned.

"Ok, river time."

The following Monday the car arrived, it had a cover on it and George took it off to show everyone. George is March's friend with the Ford GTHO. He had parked outside the garage and we all went to look at it, it was magnificent and sparkled in the sunlight.

"What's this March your new car?" Dad said.

"No dad, it's your new car, and thank you."

He handed the keys to dad who stared at him then the keys, then he kissed March fully on the lips.

"Thank you son, help me get this beauty off the trailer." It was carefully unloaded and George was smiling from ear to ear, dad was in raptures as he looked it over then him George, mum, and March went for a drive. I missed out again but as you all know I love my Minis.

They were gone some time so I sat talking with my son while I had a coffee. I got a small cake and fed little bits to him now and then he would say.

"More?" This kid's going to be talking before he walks I think.

The car rumbled to a stop outside the cafe and they all got out, dads grin was the biggest as he sat in the driver's seat just taking it all in. March grabbed a pie and mum made the coffee.

"He will sleep in it tonight March, thank you for doing that for him." She said.

Rose arrived and she was disappointed she didn't get a ride so she opened the passenger door and sang out.

"Once around the block thank you Wilson."

I cracked up laughing as she slipped into the seat with a big smile on her face.

Dad didn't have to be asked twice he took off again and Rosie waved out the window.

Mum's necklace sparkled and so did dads car, you did well March Stephenson, very well.

He sat on the couch with Mason watching a cartoon, they had been talking about something or other I didn't understand, so I carried my coffee over to sit with them. Mason wanted a sip but I said no. His lip dropped and he started crying.

"Bloody hell Nicky you know how to spoil a party."

"He won't like it."

I stuck my finger in the cup and then into Mason's mouth, he made a sour face and screamed again. We have to stop feeding him all this extra sweet stuff he is expecting it all the time now. I forgot my coffee and stood up and dropped my shorts.

"Tub time."

That changed the dynamics as my son gave me a big smile.

He was tired, I know this because he spent a few hours in May's room, he didn't get much sleep. At least in the gym he is far away from the clanking sounds and he's used to it.

"March we have to have a word to May, she can't have Mason all the time in her workshop."

"She doesn't mind Nicky."

"But he's not getting enough sleep, at least in the gym he is used to it. He is surrounded by clients doing wellness things and May talking all the time."

"I will talk to her then."

"Be gentle March you know she adores Mase, I want her to settle down on this aunty thing a bit."

"No problem Nicky, go for a swim bubs daddy and I have some business to discuss." He had made a seat for Mason that is anchored to the side of the tub. It was an old high chair he picked up on the side of the road somewhere. It worked well and he had put some restraints on it for good measure. Mason splashed around with his arms and giggled while I was moved onto his lap.

Later on I opened my laptop and there was a message from Tom.

'We got this Nicky, don't stress.' I won't then and I deleted the email.

Dad drove his new car to work the next day, he parked it right up the back of the workshop so he can watch it. He was as happy as March today and they both gave it the mechanics tick of approval, he is yet to drive it but I am sure by the end of the day he will have taken it for a run around the block.

"What's that I smell March?"

"It's your mother's new venture she was up cooking all last night." Dad interrupted.

"Let's go." March smiled.

"But it's only breakfast time." I winged.

"A good time to start my day I think Nicky." He grinned as he dragged me across the road. Curried sausages and mash or beef casserole and mash, the smell made me hungry.

"What will it be boys?" Mum smiled.

"Curry and mash mum."

"Two curry and mash's thank you mum,"

"Coming up."

"It all looks delicious mum, you are going to make us fat."

"Run some more Nicky, this is for this week, and next week I will have something different."

"Roast beef?"

"Maybe." March looked at me and almost dribbled down his new overalls.

She had done well just as I remembered it, I could tell March wanted a second helping but he resisted he has lunch to go yet.

"Did you make plenty mum?" He asked when she came out.

"Yes son, there is a big pot on the cooker to get through yet."

He went inside and almost claimed the big pot for his own.

"Awesome mum, thank you."

"It's not all for you March." I reminded him then he placed a sad look on his face.

"Been a long time Nicky, mums curried sausages were the best."

"I am very sure they were March, I used the same recipe." Mum said.

"How do you know?"

"May gave me her recipe book, there are some very nice dinners in it."

"It does taste similar to mums, thank you."

"It's all my pleasure son."

May came out in her work outfit, she went to grab bub's but March stopped her.

"Not today sis, he is in with us."

"No we have a deal, he comes with his aunty."

"No sorry sis, no contracts were signed, no promises made."

"But I want him in with me."

"No can do sis, he needs to sleep."

"He sleeps."

"Not a lot, he's cranky all the time so he's not getting enough, your business is too loud for him, he doesn't know anyone, and you are talking all the time, so he stays with Nicky."

She pointed at me and said.

"This has got your name all over it, I won't tolerate it any further." She looked at me.

"May, he's not getting any sleep in with you, every time I pick him up he's grumpy." I told her.

"Babies get grumpy."

"So do aunties, he stays with us thank you May. Off to work with you." March waved his hand.

He dismissed her quite boldly, she snorted and went over the road to do some work.

"What did I miss?" Rose said when she came out with her coffee.

"Not a lot Rose, just reclaiming something that has been lost for the past few weeks." March sat back and smiled to himself, I know he's thinking about having thirds.

Dad had finished, he was laughing at the two siblings but I think he missed his car more.

"Come on son, those cars aren't going to service themselves." He passed Mason to me and said.

"I will be watching Nicky."

I laughed and so did my son.

I took him across the road while mum bought Rose up to speed, I kissed and cuddled him then he smiled as he was placed into his familiar pool. I went and put the washing on and warmed up a bottle for him.

He was asleep by the time I got back, apart from some grunting and the clanging of the weights there isn't much noise in the gym, everyone just goes about their business as normal. March did poke his head in the window a few times and just before lunchtime he got his drive and dad was supervising him.

Joel came by before lunch and gave March a blasting for buying the car, he wasn't upset but he did say he would have sold it to him cheaper. March explained his reasoning. Joel had paid him to do the engines and why would he sell it cheap just because they were friends?

"Well, I would have."

"Joel, that car is worth a lot more than what you got, my top bid was seventy, so in a way I got it cheaper."

"If you say so March, then we have a deal."

"Deals already done Joel, want to look at my son?"

"I have three March another one won't bother me." They both laughed and went into the gym.

Joel played with Mase and then he went into the workshop to watch March and dad work.

I had got another email from Tom, he had just been to visit Pete. The shit will hit the fan sometime next week, Annie has a visit booked in.

I wrote back and told him about Jimmy and Hank's departure and how his parents were very sad they had gone.

'Hank was at the club the other night we ran into each other'

'How did he seem?'

'Depressed Nicky as far as I know he sat at the bar and drank all night.'

'I will let Jimmy's mum know she can word him up'

'You do that, the barman said he is in there every night, so I guess he is just drowning his sorrows.'

'Look out for him Tom, he's much loved by the family.'

'I will, I have been doing business there we need a few items. I have also rented a shop front for the business, it comes with an apartment on top so we will be saving heaps'

I was pleased they were thinking about going straight it has been a long time coming.

"Lunchtime, coming Joel?"

"Yes and it's my shout."

"I won't argue with that." March giggled.

I grabbed baby and we went to have lunch.

I got the casserole he got the curry again. Mine was delicious and he kept looking at it until I popped a bit into his mouth to taste. He liked it and will have that tomorrow.

Joel had the curry and I was asking him how many cars he does up a year.

"Two, maybe three Nicky when I can get them, ground-up restorations. They take ages but I know a bit about panel beating and painting so I save a bucket there."

"Any Mini's?"

"No I steer clear of them, too fiddly, and there's a big Mini club in Australia if one comes on the market for restoration it's snapped up by those guys. They are becoming few and far between."

"So what's your next project?"

"I have already started on them, two very sad looking panel vans."

"Sandman?" Dad was all ears.

"No just the regular ones, no windows type." Dad's face dropped.

"Of course Sandman's, what else would I do Holden utes like March's?" He laughed.

"Be careful that is my muscle car." March smiled.

"I have offered to do it March, why don't you just park it in my backyard for six months?"

"Because Nicky likes it the way it is." Joel sniggered.

"The Sandman's will sell very quickly," March said. I could see dad rubbing his hands together maybe he will buy one of them also.

"I hope so, my kids are bleeding the bank balance." He laughed again.

May came across and she's not talking to anyone today, she grabbed the casserole and sat at our table, the daggers she was giving March didn't go unnoticed either, she said hello to Joel and asked about the kids, then she went quiet again. When she finished I passed Mason over to her, he squealed as she kissed him.

"Did you miss me?"

"I'm sure he did May, have you got much on this afternoon?" I asked.

"Yes two classes."

"Good, so you want him for an hour?" She glared at me so I thought I had better elaborate.

"He's just had a big sleep and will need another around two, can you bring him into me he sleeps better in the gym, it's too noisy in your business."

"I will and I understand. I'm not brain dead, and it is noisy I agree with you, but not him." Again she looked at March, and he had to go and say it.

"About time you got it."

I didn't laugh but Joel did.

"She hasn't changed one bit March." He pointed his thumb at May.

"Mind your own business, Joel Simmons."

"See, no change there, at all." They both laughed at a red-faced May.

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