March Stephenson

Chapter 51

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

A month later we were asked to take some toys home, Mason had nearly emptied his toy box taking them to the library, he is learning how to share, he says. The only problem was the other babies started taking their extra toys in too. Louise had to put a stop to it she was running out of room. So we hatched a plan to pick up quite a few now and then and take them back home. I have no idea what he thought about having most of them back in his room but he did get excited when he saw them.

The boy's restaurant was going great guns, and as soon as they placed Jayne's house on the market, it sold three days later. They are going to do some renovations to the business and one of those would be a small dressing room and stage, Rose had been hired as their entertainment manager and she has already booked in drag shows once a month. I heard a rumor that Hank would be appearing also, apparently under all that cowboy persona he had a good voice. Tom had a lot to do with that, he was always encouraging Hank to think out of the square and to try new things. One of those things he had to try was falling in love for real, he didn't answer any more of Jimmy's phone calls and became more devoted to Tom and his relationship, which I could see had turned into full-blown love.

May was at the stage where Jason insisted she doesn't work at all and she spent her days sitting outside the cafe, sipping her tea, and trawling the internet for anything baby-related. Her belly was big and between her and March they decided to settle down on their eating habits, they both felt uncomfortable, so our fish and chip plus Chinese nights settled down. He didn't say anything about any diet, only that he was settling down on his intake. Dad on the other hand didn't, but I did catch mum slap his hand a few times when he reached for more food. My dear friend Faith was very happy to do the few hours each day prepping for the boys, Ethan said he was glad she was spending more time back at home. I did hear a rumor that their dinners had improved a lot.

My dream cars were back for a good suspension replacement this week and it took all my willpower not to burn rubber in the main street. Three show minis in pristine condition were in the workshop. I moved my laptop and baby over to the red one and made myself as comfortable as I could. I played rally driving and Mason licked the windows, they were very tasty, I was assured by his moans. March opened the door and backed into the front seat, he groaned a lot about his bad back, so I told him he had to open his legs wide to get settled in properly.

"Do you want one?"

"No baby, they are so not comfortable, but I still like looking at them." I smiled.

"I see, so if I get Joel to do one up for you, you might reject the gift?"

I grinned then said.

"Well I heard you just bought yourself a big gift, so I suppose it's my turn."

"What gift?"

Staring at March Stephenson is a must when he is trying to hide something, his mouth gets thinner and his face gets quite pink.

"The house?"

"Okay, okay I was helping the boys out, they could have sat on that house for months and I think it would be a good investment."

"Thank you, but did you consider that you would be tied to Jayne's memory for the rest of your life?"

"No, I didn't Nicky, and don't try and convince me I did the wrong thing."

"I wasn't implying that March, if it didn't itch the back of your neck, then all is well."

"I did it for the boys and for us, maybe Mason will live in it one day."

I turned to him and screamed.

"What, our son is leaving home?" I then threw my arms around him and started sobbing.

"What's the matter?"

"He's leaving home and I just got used to him living with us."

"Stop it Nicky, this is serious." He smiled, I laughed.

"Nicky I put it in all our names, including Masons. We will rent it out and put the money into his bank account. Something for the future Nicky, it was a good buy."

"Okay I agree with you baby, you sure can spread your legs wide in here March." He blushed as I changed the subject.

"Dirty talk?" Dad poked his head in the window.

"Sort of dad, what's up?"

"Did you order the parts?"

"They are on their way."

"Good, give me a hand with the blue one, it's a little stubborn."

March kissed me then left me to it. I guess I could get a mini and use it for an office, it sort of feels like the cone of silence when the doors are closed.

I watched March walk over to the car and dad was jacking it up to get the wheels off. Bubs as usual has gone to sleep in the back. I had a memory arrive in my head, years ago when I was small I used to love laying on the seat of mum's car and smelling the leather, I wondered if Mason had done the same thing.

At lunchtime we walked over the road and sat with May, she was picking at a ham and salad roll, March ordered one for me and he had a small bowl of curry. Bubs was still tired I will feed him when he fully awakens. Sunny will eat anything so I dropped a bit of crust when my roll arrived.

"How are you feeling?"

"Extremely drained Nicky."

"It will be anytime now, have you packed your bag?"

"Three times, and I have to go and double-check it again."

"It will be fine May, you won't be in there for long, they will only keep you in there if there are any complications."

"What complications?"

"None, I was saying if there is, you may stay a few days extra."

"Name them."

I knew I was a dead man as soon as I mentioned it. I spent the next fifteen minutes telling her about the complications of childbirth. I wasn't a natal nurse just general, but I heard stories.

"March, Nicky is trying to frighten me." My jaw dropped.

"Oh for fucks sake May, I give up. Come on baby more naps for you and March, shut it." I took my son and puppy back to work. I do recall calling her all the stupid, shit-stirring, troublemakers in the world as I walked, and it wasn't under my breath.

I sat and played my game while dad and March laughed in the workshop, bubs did have another nap. I had grabbed some veggies and gravy for him to eat when he woke up. I had taken to throwing a ball for Sunny, just something different to occupy him, the guys and girls started throwing it also and he was amused for a half hour, then he had to nap.

Tom rang and was telling me everything was fine with him and Hank, he had encouraged Hank not to answer every call Jimmy made because he was generally talking about nothing. They hadn't told him about them being in a relationship, he would find out soon enough from his brothers.

It was around three it all happened, Jason's car pulled up outside the cafe and he ran inside. This is not normal behavior for him and when I got a message from mum. I called out to Natalie to keep her eye on bub for ten minutes.

I then walked swiftly into the workshop where I found March bent over the roof of the car, he was holding his tummy.

"Cramping March?"

"Yes Nicky, I feel awful."

"Baby's coming."

"What?"

"The baby's coming March, Jason is just grabbing May to go to the hospital."

"Now?"

"Yes now, coming?"

"I feel sick Nicky."

"You will survive." I started walking out the door and he limped behind me.

I had no idea what he was feeling, but I had hoped to use him for a thermometer, rubbing his tummy at lunchtime was a dead giveaway that it would be soon.

Jason was running around trying to find May's bag, she was spread-eagled on the sofa moaning. March burst out bawling because he knew how she felt, mum and Rose were applying cool cloth's and reassurances.

"Nicky, can you have a look and see how much the dilation has advanced? I don't think this is going to be a long labor."

I looked, and yes mum was right, I could see the baby's head.

"Mum it's coming,"

"What?" Both Jason and March screamed.

"Get her on the bed, Jason boil some water and March settle down."

"Towels Rose, find some clean towels."

"Yes sir, towels coming up." She scrambled to go and find some. May on the other hand was screaming her head off.

"Get this fucking kid out of me for God's sake."

Jason and dad moved her to the bedroom and March collapsed onto the couch.

I looked him over and I couldn't do much, May was cursing again.

I hopped on the bed and looked.

"The next contraction you have push May, push hard, she's coming whether we like it or not.

Natalie came over with Mason, I heard her say she had to go and he was getting restless. I suppose the news will hit the local page sooner than expected.

Jason held May's hand, she was squeezing it tightly and Rose entertained Mason.

"Fuck!" She yelled.

"Push May, push." I yelled back.

That's all it took, mum helped me wrap the little one in a towel then she started wiping her down, May was crying out to see her and Jason wiped many tears from his face.

"Do you want to cut the cord Jase?" He already had the scissors in his hand,

I suppose all those natal classes were ignored except for this one job.

I could hear the ambulance arrive and as I checked bubs out by checking her airway, it started in earnest. Her first cry was most welcomed by all, March had joined us and stood in the corner just watching, I could see his tears as I passed little March over to May.

The cooing and loving noises began about then, and the room calmed down. There was nothing more for me to do so I washed up and went to cuddle my son while the ambos got May and bubs settled on a gurney. Dad was the official photographer, and as I cuddled Mase I took some of my own. I bent him over to see his cousin and he clapped and laughed, May was smiling at me and mouthed a thank you.

That is when my tears of joy arrived and my face fell into March's shoulder, for comfort.

The bag had been found and both mother and daughter were taken away with Jason following in his car. I was congratulated on a job well done and I didn't tell them I had no idea what I was doing, it was old knowledge I had learned in my training days.

Mum made the coffee and tried to calm us all down, she said we won't go to the hospital today or tonight we have to let May rest. March wasn't impressed but he understood. We all sat outside and basked in what was left of a warm day.

"How do you feel March?" He looked at me, he knew why I asked him.

"Elated, happy, less bloated, and something else I can't put my finger on but it feels so warm and good."

"Motherhood March, you are feeling May's mummy feelings."

"Probably Nicky, I have never felt this way before it's something new."

I smiled and then looked at my son, he was on dad's knees looking at the photos.

I looked at the local page and yes Natalie had announced the birth and then apologized to May and Jason she was too excited she had to do it.

I doubt whether they would mind and I did add a photo to her comment.

I sat back and looked at the sky, thank God March got a message from Jason telling him everything was perfect and May and bubs were both okay, but sleepy.

"Let's go home Nicky, I want to rest I feel so tired."

"Okay everyone we will see you all tomorrow, mum and dad see you soon."

"Okay son we will bring dinner."

I messaged Faith and told her about the birth and then I shut my phone down I had a baby of my own to look out for.

The tub was a welcomed oasis, and March couldn't stop smiling as he talked to Mase about his new cousin.

He looked at me and said it was an incredible experience, no pain and he knew the instant bubbie was born because his bloated feeling had instantly disappeared. All that was left was that other inner feeling and tiredness.

He played with our son while I watched him. I had seen some wonderful things when I worked at the hospital, but nothing like this. All this March and May connection brought me back to their odd births, maybe they were actual twins. It was doing my head in so I put it aside once again.

He fell asleep in the tub, so I grabbed Mason and took him inside to bathe him and ready him for his visitors. He laughed his way through the whole process and when mum and dad arrived with some food he moved to dad's lap and looked at the wrinkles that were appearing as he squashed his face.

I took March's bathrobe out to him, he was in no danger of drowning and my eyes never really left him. He stirred and I told him mum and dad were here so he rubbed his face and unfortunately got out.

"The after-effects of the birth mum, it made him very tired."

"Did he experience it Nicky?"

"Yes mum, he said the uncomfortable feeling he had disappeared when she was born. He also felt ethereal deep happiness after, something he hadn't experienced before, I put it down to May's sudden change from panic to motherhood."

"You are quite correct son, I felt the same when you were born, a sudden burst of energy and love. It was so huge I didn't lose those feelings for days, and you say March felt it?"

"Yes mum, do you suppose all mothers feel that way?'

"I often wondered and came to the same conclusion that confirms your suspicions." She smiled.

I didn't go on about it, March had arrived and sat down.

"How do you feel now baby?"

"Wonderful Nicky, I think Mays sleeping but that short nap has fixed me. What are we having for dinner mum?"

"Leftover roast and I will fry up the veggies, wont be long."

"Thanks, mum."

I think he's fully back so I kissed his lips and started looking through the local page. Jason had posted a proper announcement with a photo of him, May and bubs at the hospital, the announcement consisted of him and May thanking me for bringing their daughter into the world. The comments were worrying, because they were encouraging them to call her Nicky, apparently that's the done thing, but I think my dear friends watch too many medical serials.

A big photo of me and bubs arrived on screen, she had just been born and I was handing her to May, the poster was made by a certain March Stephenson, and he congratulated all concerned with a big heart at the end of the comment.

Mum called out that the food was ready and I got some for Mason, March, and dad were back to normal, and there would be no leftovers tonight.

Dad and Mason played with the game consul, I read some more and mum and March spoke about what he felt, it was a very interesting conversation. He then walked out the back and called the hospital, mother and daughter were not to be disturbed. If he looked at his car keys once he looked a dozen times. By the time mum and dad left Mason was fast asleep. March was playing a game and I fell face down onto the bed thoroughly exhausted.

I didn't hear him come to bed and I felt okay, so I deemed he hadn't interfered with me during the night, Mason was playing in his room and Sunny needed his morning wee. I kissed my son, then let our puppy out, the kettle went on and I checked my phone. The many messages were congratulating me on doing a good job, I assumed March's would be different. I also checked the front verandah and sure enough flowers everywhere. I will get March to go through them when he gets up.

The name guessing was getting out of hand and May had at least eighty names to play with. I knew she would call her March that was the plan but we hadn't discussed the second name, I had assumed she had settled on Jason's mum's name.

He arrived all smiles and sexy, I told him the stuff on the front verandah was for him could he go through it at some stage?

He didn't want to, all he wanted to do was kiss me.

"I missed you last night."

"I was exhausted."

"How do you feel now?"

"Much better, and you?"

"Great, and a little bit randy."

I stared at him and weighed up the situation. Sunny and Mase were playing in his room and I figured better now than never.

"Follow me." We didn't go all the way but he did enjoy his suck, and so did I."

"What time are we going?"

"About ten, okay with you?"

"Ok, we can go to our park and have lunch if you like."

"The table at the park is so hard."

"So will I be when we leave the hospital,"

"I had better order a picnic basket then."

"You had better, I'll pack a blanket." He wasn't finished with me yet he had some face-licking to do. I think my March Stephenson is back, it's been a bit dull these past weeks, I could go on about the twin thing but I won't. It is what it is and who am I to question?

I took the buckets outside and filled them with flowers, most of these had come from people's gardens, thorns and all, if I notice a color I haven't got I will stick the stems in water and try to get some roots.

I took the cards off them and made a stack for March to send his thank yous too. I didn't take any to work because I knew Mays's shop would have the same out the front.

Celebrations were happening outside the cafe, and unfortunately, the clapping we got as we walked across the road was for me and mum. March's hand was shaken many times and I was hugged by some serious friends.

The local news was there and Brenda of course, I dread to see what photo they place in the news. She asked me what her name was I said she would be the first to know when I know. We didn't work at all and neither did dad, but they did take it in turns to do the gas. Mum made up a basket and we left a little early to take in the views, but the real reason was March was over it all.

May screamed Mason screamed, Jason placed him on the bed so they could hug and then May showed him his cousin. He immediately started talking to her about Sunny and his cubby, I think he invited her to tea one day. True to her word May made a big fuss of him and when it was my turn she started crying a little, as I said I didn't do that much she did all the work.

Jason's arm was over my shoulder and he did manage a peck or two on my cheek he was so proud and wouldn't stop taking photos.

I stepped back and took some of my own but March had to be in them too.

The nurse took a few of us all together and there were a few special ones of Mase and bubs.

"We are off to have a picnic." March smiled.

"Nooo I want to come."

"Sorry sis there's a picnic table with Nicky's ass printed on it."

"You don't?" She looked at me.

"We do." I looked at her then she burst out laughing, running hot and cold she was, we stayed an hour and a half then Mason got bored. March took him to look through the nursery window and Jason was told to give us some space for five minutes.

"Nicky I wanted to thank you on the quiet for helping me, what I had learned all those months was forgotten, and I was having contractions but thought it was too early, by the time my water broke it was too late, so thank you from my daughter and I." She hugged and kissed me.

"I have only limited knowledge May, but I did have one sure thing, and that was not to panic." I laughed.

"You have stuffed up all my plans and now I have to disappoint March. I have discussed her name with Jason and he will go with what I decide. So it will be Nicole March, Nicky for short." I didn't want this, that's a horrible name.

"What had you decided on?"

"We were going to call her March Mary after March and our new mum, Jason's mum's name is Roslyn and she has insisted we give her granddaughter a better name than that old one, who calls a kid Roz?"

"You know you don't have to name her after me don't you?" I didn't want this.

"But you brought her into this world we have to use your name."

"What about March, he will be so disappointed. May please don't shut him out

because of me. He's been looking forward to this for ages I think.

"I know and we don't know what to do Nicky can you help us?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Just suggest something, but we want your name in there somewhere."

"I will let you know tomorrow, okay?"

"The sooner the better."

"Leave it to me and I will talk to March."

I gave her one last hug and kiss then kissed the bubs goodbye." I silently said 'see you soon little March.'

He was excited to go to the park and was hopping from one foot to the other when I came out of May's room.

"Okay baby, let's go have some lunch." I kissed him and picked Mason up.

He drove us to the dilapidated park and Mason and Sunny ran around and played while we set up the table.

"March what is Jason's mum like?"

"What do you mean Nicky, she's nice."

"Yes but is she the type of person who commands her kids or is she loving and kind?"

"I don't know what you mean Nicky, we all liked her a lot she was always nice to us kids and Jason certainly had a wonderful childhood. Why are you asking does this have anything to do with May?"

"Sort of March, she wants to call her bubs after you, mum and Roslyn but she had insisted she never liked that name and didn't want Jase and May to use it. She also is trying to fit mum into it all, she looks at her like a second mum and as being bub's gran, so she wants to include her."

He started laughing, then said.

"Let me think about it."

Mason ran over to see what was wrong. That allowed me to hook Sunny's long leash onto his collar, I don't want him running off into the park. I took his container out of the basket and sat him on my knee facing me. I fed him some nice gravy and veggies with a little meat, he didn't struggle but I'm expecting it.

"How's that thinking going Mr. Stephenson?"

"Coming along real good Mr. Stephenson."

"When your ready."

"Nicky give me some time will you, can I say firstly that I think March is too strong a name for a little girl bubs, she needs a cute girly name something everyone can twist some cuteness into."

"If you drop March, May will be disappointed, she insists her first name will be March because she loves you."

"Okay, firstly what she insists on, isn't what she's going to get." he grinned.

"Okay, so you won't get mad then?"

"Why would I get mad, you love me because I am March, and that's enough for me. You can't even twist that name to make it sound cute, it's my name and I like it because nobody else has it. When mum was mad with me she almost shouted my name but when she was happy she had to say it softly there were no alternatives except Marchie." I laughed at his simple explanation.

"Can we eat?" He said.

I started placing the containers on the table and he opened them, Mason was nearly finished and Sunny was waiting for his lunch which I slipped under the table in his very own container.

He looked at me with wide eyes and smiled, his mouth was trying to catch up with his fork.

"Slow down Marchie you will choke darlin."

He started laughing, and yes, he coughed, serves you right.

When it was all over he said.

"You won't get mad with me will you?"

"Of course not."

"Rosemary Nicolette Atkins. I love that name." He doesn't disappoint at all, that's a nice name.

"Explain it to me."

"Well Jason's mum has always been known as Rosie, his dad calls her Rosie her friends call her that too, we all called her Mrs. Atkins, and the kids of course called her mum, we never heard Roz or Roslyn when we visited. Mary is mum's name so she gets both grandmothers in one."

"Brilliant March Stephenson, she can be called Rosie for short."

"That's what I thought Nicky, and we don't have to tell our Rose, she will think it's her." He laughed loudly.

"Second name?"

"Not March, as I said it's too strong, so I came up with Nicolette. Sorry Nicky but you did deliver her, and now she has Rosie or Nicky a much better name."

"Then you miss out completely,"

"No, I will be her favorite uncle March, and I thought up her name. I will call her Rosie because I love that name, but secretly I will want to call her Nicky, but I can't because that is your name and only I can call you that." I liked his boy-like reasoning.

"Are you completely happy with that name March?"

"Of course I am, I thought of it, and that is what May is going to call her. I will ring her now."

"No, let's wait, I want to think for a minute, it's got to be perfect."

"It is." He sat back and smiled.

He was right of course.

"Can I tell you what I think we should do, then May can't back out?"

"Shoot."

"Get Brenda to announce it."

He started laughing again then the kissing started in earnest. He opened the back of his car and we placed our son and his puppy inside, he will go to sleep. That table rocked and groaned and as I thought about donating a more stable one to the council, he gave me a length of steel like never before. That birthing moment has turned him into a sex-crazed maniac, I hurt all over by the time he finished up, and the prick was still smiling.

"Was that good?" He asked.

"Yes Marchie, please feel free to do me again later on." My smile didn't leave until we got back home.

'Announcement'

'March and Nicky Stephenson would like to announce the arrival of their beautiful and much-loved niece. Rosemary Nicolette Atkins. They are very happy with her arrival, and her name, which we all are. (We believe that March Stephenson thought up the name.)' There was a beautiful photo of the three of them and March still smiled.

When that hit the local page it lit up, everyone loved the name and immediately she was dubbed little Rosie Atkins. I waited for May's reaction but she was slow off the mark today, he didn't receive the call until we were in the tub.

"Yes sis, but Jason's mum has always been known as Rosie, don't you listen when you are there?"

"Yes our Rose will think that, all you have to tell her is you wanted her included so you used her and Jasons mums name and Nicky's mum's too."

"Don't argue, Nicolette is a beautiful name Nicole is so not classy enough for my husband." He winked at me.

"May Beth, I am her uncle what more do you want from me, my name is for me only, and Nicky likes it so any way you can't change it now it's been announced."

"I'm happy you and Jase love it May, she is beautiful and Rosie is a terrific nickname."

"May, you can ring the mums and tell them?"

"Have a rest, he's sitting right here with me and we have things to do, mainly why he thinks Mason is leaving home. See you tomorrow." I heard Mays laugh as he hung up.

I then got a thank you message, she also said she adored the name it had class, Jason's message said, thank God, thank you, my mum will be over the moon.

I was forced I tell you. Forced to swing my leg over March's crotch, he was hanging out for it in the tub, and I wasn't opposed to the idea either.

May's shop and home were both full of blooms. Mum and Rose had done a good job of displaying them. Along with the stack of cards that came in the mail were the notes attached to the flowers. Mum will pass them on to May to read, and she couldn't keep that smile off her face, although she was trying to be modest about it. Our excitable Rose had been told May and Jason wanted her to be recognised as the alternative grandmother so they were happy to use the one name for both grannies.

"I thought she wanted to call her March?"

"No, that's Nicky's name for me, I told her she can't use it." March folded his arms and sat back, Rose screamed laughing and I did detect a slight smile on my husband's perfect lips.

Mason was bugging us, he had decided once again we were late for his play school, he had a half hour to go so I said.

"Say bye-bye to Nana and Aunty Rose baby." His lips puffed up and Rose got the first kiss and hug. We tried to walk slowly up the street and God bless the townies, they did stop us to ask about the new bubs, so we were a little early but not dead on time. Louise chatted to us about the birth, she was happy with the name and was looking forward to seeing the little one. Mason as usual headed for the toy box and found something to play with, we kissed him bye bye then made our way back to work.

Nudge had suggested I become the new district nurse, I told him I didn't want the job. and that's why I was here in my gym.

"I believe you did an excellent job Nicky, I was just thinking we need someone like you to be on call in this town."

"Take up a petition Nudge and get a real doctor to come and set up here."

"How do I do that?"

"Talk to Brenda." I grinned, and he groaned. I went back to my reading on the local site, then I uploaded more photos of bubs with Mason they were so cute. We went to see them after work, May looked a lot better and bubs was a bit restless, when Mason talked to her she calmed a little and eventually settled down. We didn't get to hold her this time and Jason and March were outside talking. March wanted the inside scoop, is May all right, can she have more babies, things like that? I think my man is planning a big family for May.

She thanked me and said I had taken a load off her mind, everything she wanted was in that name. I reminded her that it was her brother that thought it up.

"When I told Jase, he smiled and said his mum was always called Rosie but he didn't say anything because it was my choice."

"That's not right its a combined effort."

"He said I name the girls he names the boys, and guess whose name is at the top of the list?"

"March Stephenson?" I laughed.

"He also said I was to keep you away from said predicted birth otherwise we will have to use yours again."

"It doesn't roll off the tongue May, and anyway you have loads of time to decide." I smiled.

"Nothing like getting an early start dear brother-in-law. I kind of like being a mum."

"You are talking to the wrong person, it was March who felt that special feeling you had, he described it as feeling sort of completed.

"Yes Nicky, he is dead right." She smiled gently.

"Nicky Can you rub my shoulders they are so knotted up."

I did that chore for May, she moaned through it, and if I didn't know any better, Jason had been doing that job anyway, but I was happy to do it too.

Donations are gratefully accepted at Nifty