March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 62

Maxieplus

We both slept in fits and starts, at one am we were both sitting on the back porch, it was pitch black outside and we didn't talk. He was so tired and I knew the whole situation was going over and over in his head like mine was doing.

We moved to the couch and laid down then we both slept.

Before Mason woke up I moved to the table and made a list of things to do. I will ring our lawyer first thing, he can threaten the TV station with a lawsuit if they don't retract what was said in their disgusting program.

March got up and put his shorts on then he went to get Mason who had finally woken up. He held him and kissed him like he would never see him again. I started breakfast and was thinking of all the ways I could hit Annie, the first thing I would do is clean her out of any money and property. I have other ideas also and they weren't very nice.

He sat at the table but Mase wanted his morning shows, so he relinquished his cuddles and placed him on the couch. He played with his food and I read the local page. Once again it had lit up and all the comments were positive and full of encouragement for both of us and the boys. I wanted to say something but I couldn't, because I would get mad and say the wrong thing for sure.

"Now today I want you to look after Mase, I will go to work for a while and you can relax. March I want you to rest, even have a nap, and don't worry about anything. I will ring the lawyer and he can advise us on what to do next."

"I feel so stupid Nicky, I feel like shit."

"Then don't, because you haven't done anything wrong. You have to believe that March, so often people torment themselves with guilt and it's not their fault. I guess it's easier to believe the negative when the reality is it should be the positive they look at."

"Has Brenda shut the town down?"

"Yes, for as long as it takes to calm down."

"Then if we sue it will never calm down."

"I am aiming at a retraction on the TV program, the suing I will have to think about."

"Do you have something else in mind for that woman?"

"Yes, when she least expects it." My evil self smiled inside.

I will relieve her of everything she owns then I will have her legs broken.

I left him on the couch, Mason had snuggled in with him and they were going to have a nap. Sex wasn't on our minds today, and I am looking forward to playing catch up.

The guys at the gym were looking for March, I told them to wait for an hour or so then maybe knock on the door. He needs his mates around him and hopefully, they will cheer him up. May was a different story, she was worried like her brother was. I calmed her down and then I talked to mum, Rose, and her about what I was going to do about it. I asked May not to go around until the afternoon and said the boys were going later this morning to cheer him up.

Dad rang the lawyer and he had seen the piece they did on March and me. He said she hadn't breached the contract but he would send a letter to the TV station.

The next thing was an announcement pinned to the top of the local page. Brenda had done a good job of telling the locals what was happening with the bridges, and would the towns folk not talk to any media that slipped through. Anyone who wants to leave will have to have a pass they can get from the bridge workers after they prove that they lived in town.

It was a concise announcement, and I did comment on it with a simple thank you. I didn't want to disturb March so I held off ringing him, but I did ring Pete later in the morning. He was excellent and business was booming he had another list for March to look over. I told him to send a copy to him. He had seen both programs and had the same ideas as me, so I left it up to him. We will have to maintain silence and he will decide what course of action we take.

May was distraught, I realized she was feeling March so I allowed her to go and see him, maybe the two together could settle down. She grabbed Rosie and headed for our home. My Rose talked about the comments being made in the shop, everyone was upset and quite annoyed that March and I had been targeted. She understood he wanted to be alone today but she also said the town was right behind him and didn't believe a word of what was said.

The folk that had turned up in the courtroom hadn't said a word about what they heard me say, and as far as I know, it wasn't repeated all over town. My past is just that, in the past and March Stephenson is still my hero.

I watched his boys load themselves into Nudge's car and drive off.

"Thank's dad, I was dreading making that call. I had no idea what to do."

"I think you did have an idea Nicky, but don't tell me what it was, otherwise I will have to lie to everyone." He grinned.

"I talked to a friend dad, that's all."

"As long as it doesn't backfire on you all."

"It won't."

After lunch March rang, he was lonely.

"You have a house full of friends, how the hell can you be lonely?"

"I need you, Nicky."

"I will come home then, how is Mason?"

"He's showing off again riding his trike."

"Good, I won't be long do you want any food?'

"Maybe a small roast chicken if I could."

"Two roast chickens for a late lunch are coming up."

When I got in it was like he was having a party, Faith and Ethan were there, and she was providing lunch for them all so the boys were all being fed, including March. I placed the plates of food on the bench and kissed Faith on the cheek.

"How is he doing?"

"If his sister's face gets any longer I will have to say something, he's okay and has been laughing off and on."

"Good." I walked out the back porch and the beers were flowing, I looked at May and said.

"Long faces don't suit you May, cheer up."

"What would you know about it, Nicholas Stephenson."

"Plenty May Beth Atkins, they don't suit you, end of." I leaned in and kissed a brighter husband and then May. I refrained from kissing the boys, but maybe one or two of them would be up for it.

"We can have the chicken for dinner baby."

"Mum's coming over she's going to bring some more." He grinned.

I looked at him and there were no red eyes just a smile, an hour later the boys left and May stood fast she was staying. Faith and Ethan had a good talk with him about families and friends sticking together. He read Brenda's post while Mason with his gang had a nap. He looked a lot better and May's face lifted and she started smiling.

"Is the worst of it over?" I asked her.

"Yes, thank God for that Nicky, I felt awful."

"Good." It's always good to have that connection because I can use either of them to see how the other is feeling, although I suspect May plays on it a bit.

When they left it was just March and me, then we had a good talk about what we wanted to do about it all. I told him we have demanded a retraction from the TV station and we should get it. I was happy he had settled down, it could have gone very differently, but having his mates, Ethan and Faith there, kept his brain distracted for some hours. Mason had woken up and was now in front of the TV again, bike riding is so tiring.

"Now you have had the royal treatment today, let's just put it behind us, you did nothing wrong, and Mason is ours we have paperwork that proves it."

"Yes I know Nicky, it's just I felt she targeted him, and I didn't like it."

"I felt the same March. Pete is going to send you a new price list he has some new items."

"And what is he doing for us?" He smiled.

"Nothing much, maybe a little reminder for Annie to keep her mouth shut in the future."

"I would like to be there when she gets that message."

"Oh believe me you won't get anywhere near her when it all goes up in flames."

He grabbed his phone there were several messages which he started answering, and later on, I heard him talking to Jason. He has always gone to him for advice, and I think at the moment he just wants to get his perspective on the whole thing.

He took it to the bedroom and closed the door, I cleared the table and put the dishwasher on. When he came back he didn't say anything but was upbeat. I knew he was getting better because he wanted to play in my underwear.

My phone beeped and it was the lawyer, he said he was sending me a copy of his letter which had already been sent to the station. I read it and it was to the point and firm, so we will be watching that show closely tonight and waiting for our apology. The damage has already been done, and whatever fallout March and I have to put up with, I know we will cope.

It wasn't long after that mum and dad arrived with more food, March also talked to them and they again reminded him he did nothing wrong. Mason was sitting in his lap playing with one of his farm animals. I made him up some food and March fed him, and Sunny.

"You know Nicky, she's got nothing left except her home," Mum said.

"And the money from the TV station, but I think they may demand it back."

"That would be so funny Nicky." March laughed.

"It's good to hear you laugh, March," I said smiling.

"If you don't laugh you cry, and if I start crying I'm scared that I will never stop." That floored me.

The next day he was again hesitant to go to work, he was finding things to do to slow the process down. I was at my wit's end trying to convince him he had done the right thing, and last night mum and dad left a little earlier than usual because they were sick of saying it. The same thing happened in bed before we went to sleep, he went on and on. I tried to get him involved in a bit of lovemaking but he wasn't interested.

I finally got him in the car and we all drove to work, a united front and if I wanted reassurance it came from our son, he sang along to his music all the way. I think we only played two songs it was a short trip. The brimstone and hellfire that March was expecting didn't happen. The town looked normal and folks were out because it was a lovely day. Dad was there and March and he discussed what they had to do today, which wasn't much. I cleaned up and talked to a lot of very concerned guys and ladies, they reassured me that no reporters had been seen and they would act as they normally do.

His now long face reflected the heavy burden on his shoulders. I couldn't work out whether it was because he was mad as hell or just depressed. What had been a fun thing for him to do had turned sour within a few days.

Next on my list was Jason, I had to talk to him, it may be a step in the wrong direction for March, but I wanted Jason's help with something.

Dad grabbed me to go and have breakfast and March reluctantly followed us.

He was waiting for the abuse to start but everything was normal. May was out the front and Mason rode 'Hank' up and down the street. I grabbed a couple of breakfast burgers for him and one for myself. He was watching me, his eyes never left me and I was at my wit's end again thinking of ways to throw him a lifeline.

He ate half a burger and then went back to work, he was hiding. I talked to dad and May for a while then I went to do some work. I can't help March with this he has to pull himself out of his funk.

"Where's Jason May?"

"In the wellness center with Rosie."

"I'll be back, can you look after Mason"

"Of course."

I found Jason setting up for the day and little Rosie was playing sit-ups on the bean bag. I hugged them both and asked the question.

"Jase, sometime today can you take March to his clearing and meditate with him?"

"Done, he rang me last night and we discussed him getting back into it again.

I was thinking of your backyard, but his clearing would be much better. Nicky, he's not worried about what has been said on TV. He knows that woman is deranged. He's worried about you, and what you have planned. He doesn't want all this to get blown out of proportion. In his words, he's waiting for the storm you will unleash on him and his family." It made a lot of sense to me, he would be worried about that.

"Then you tell him, I have organized for Annie to have a house fire when she's out. That will clean her out of everything she owns."

"You can do that?"

"I have many talents, Jason Atkins."

"Then don't, please don't add to his stress."

"I am about to cancel that plan, my friend. I will do nothing, and say nothing, but I will never forget." I smiled.

"That's better, for a moment there I thought you had caught May's long face disease."

I laughed, and then I hugged him again, I like doing that. I took my phone out and rang Pete. I made sure Jason heard the conversation and I was annoyed when Pete told me he had been waiting for my call to cancel.

"Nicky, if it's revenge you want, fight her in the courts, not the streets. I may have something for you to tell March. A mate of mine works on that show and when I rang him he said the money hadn't been paid and never will be. The station is in chaos and heads will roll because they know March has a good case. The footage has disappeared from their website and there won't be any follow-ups."

"Thank you Pete that is great news, and I am sorry."

"Well, you were always a little emotional, it's all about protecting your family at any cost, even I know that. Nicky I don't have the contacts to organize that sort of thing, a bit of push and shove, yes that's okay, but arson. Mate, what were you thinking?"

I started laughing down the phone and after I hung up I snapped my fingers and said.

"Just like that, canceled." Jason started laughing because he had heard every word, I forgot to shut my speaker down.

"So now I go eat humble pie and talk to my husband. I think he's going to be all right now."

"You do that, and I will still take him to the clearing after lunch."

I walked back to the workshop, March as usual was bent over a car and I slapped his bum.

"Nicky, that hurt."

"Sorry March, let's talk."

"Okay, what's up?"

"Out the shed."

"No Nicky, I don't feel like it."

"Shed, now!" I pointed I heard dad laugh.

He followed me and I sat him on an old workbench that had found its way out there. I kissed him, then held his face.

"Nothing is going to happen to Annie, I am all talk no action, and I am sorry."

"I worry so much about you Nicky."

"She won't get her appearance money, the station is in an uproar because we have a good case of suing them. All clips of the show have been taken down and an apology is planned. If she continues, we will fight her in the courts not with vengeance." He relaxed, smiled, he then kissed me.

"Thank you." Then he went on.

"You know what I want now Nicky?" I got on my knees and licked my lips.

"Not now, I want to finish my breakfast, I'm starving." I started laughing and then followed him back across the road.

May and Jason with little Rosie were laughing with mum and dad who had appeared again. Mason was hitching 'Hank' to the railing then he wanted my knees.

"Do you want one Nicky?"

"Yes please." I sulked because I thought I was going to get some of that fine ass.

He went to get three rolls and started eating, this time he was grinning at me, it was then I realized I would be in for it when he finished.

His mojo was back and I told everyone what Pete had told me, mum said she had heard that Annie was screaming and trashing her place. The neighbors could hear plates being broken. She won't win, it doesn't matter what she tries to do, she won't win.

In the next few days March bounced back, and we did have a good talk about the house burning. I didn't admit I couldn't do it, but I suspect Jason set him straight. This day Tonight wanted a follow-up of March's interview, they had been inundated with calls wanting him to appear on screen again. He told them he would think about it, and I suspected most of the town were the callers, maybe not. Maybe some desperate housewives who want to see more of my March Stephenson.

The dam broke when we finally decided to do some work, he had me over that bench in a flash and was happily pumping away while I laughed at his enthusiasm.

Jason did pick him up and they disappeared for a couple of hours, he said the clearing was looking good and he couldn't wait to visit it next Spring.

I do understand why he doesn't go there anymore, but this week, he needed to touch it again.

Brenda called off the road works three days after he visited the clearing, she couldn't hold up the tourist trade any longer, but there were more roadworks to be started soon, real ones. She told us that there had been two network trucks camping on the city side, but they eventually had been called back to home base. Our town settled down again, and the big news on the fourth day was Rose got a good bill of health. It will be her next visit she will find out the sex of the baby for sure. We received our network apology and they even did a small piece showing March and the boys in a better light. He didn't say anything and we both tried to let it go.

March got some paperwork from the network and he is still thinking about it. He did say to me that every time he gets involved in something out of his comfort zone, something happens. I sat with him and talked earnestly, I told him to reject the offer, and his story would be over after they showed the fire danger ads.

"But I like to do it for you."

"You don't have to do anything for me, it's me that should be doing for you March. To be honest I am doing something now."

"What?"

"Talking you out of doing the follow-up show."

"Oh yeah, so you are." He smiled, that goofy one I loved.

A delivery was made a week later, air fryers, 85" tv and one to spare. The TV took over the room. Every time I looked at it all I saw was a big black screen. Mason liked it, although he still sat one foot from the screen, I got quite sick of sliding him back on the floor.

The town moved on and the everyday the mundane came back, people shopping, having coffee in the sun, and pulling up for gas. Mason's little car was driven, but he abandoned it when he realized 'Hank' couldn't ride with them. March parked that one in the shed and we will find a little boy to give it to, maybe.

My Mini was in pieces, March will do a superb job of restoring the engine. He made sure he worked on it for an hour every morning and his workshop wasn't busy. He did say he has farms to call in on, but no bookings for cars to be done at the garage as yet. It all meant that for a few weeks we had time on our hands. I wanted to go and see what Rose had been doing to her home, so we went there for dinner one night. The baby's room was adorable, she had to hold back on the decor. She told us there was so much she wanted to do, but it would end up looking like a toy store. A wall will be knocked out and her bathroom upgraded. Ron was doing all this for her, Ken and Jack were helping him on their days off. She said Ken was being really good about it all, and told her he wasn't going to move so he would always be in his boy's life.

It was good to get out of the house for a while, and as I watched March closely he didn't falter, he just got on with his life.

We had many talks about what happened and how he was more scared for me than he was for himself. It has only taken me over a year to realize that my city persona doesn't fit my country life. In truth, March gets quite excited when I go off on one of my power trips. The day Pete dropped off more contraband March was almost patrolling the property, blankets were thrown over the many cartons that were hidden away in the garage. It was something very naughty for March Stephenson to do, and as I said he gets off on being naughty.

A few weeks later there was a knock on the door, I went to answer it, and standing there was the local policeman. I hadn't met him before but I had seen him around town, a tall lanky guy whose uniform didn't seem to fit him too well.

"Hi Nicky, is March home?"

"Yes Sam, come in. He's out on the back porch."

"This place is amazing, did Ron do it?"

"Yes mate, he's so good at his craft."

I walked him out to the verandah, and when March saw him he froze.

"March, good to see you again." They shook hands.

"Coffee anyone?"

"Yes please Nicky," Sam said.

"March, do you want another?" I looked at my confused husband.

"Yes, Nicky."

Sam sat down and when I went to make it I could hear them talking. Mason's name was mentioned several times, and when I came out March got up and went to the office.

"What's this all about Sam?"

"Head office has asked me to follow up on those allegations that were made by someone on that TV show. I know Mason's adoption was legit but they want proof, so they can cover any inquiries."

"So what is March looking for?"

"The official papers."

"Have you lived in town long Sam?"

"All my life Nicky, I got lucky when they posted me here after I finished at the academy."

"So you know March well then?"

"Yes Nick, we went to school together."

"I see, it's a small world here."

"It is, and don't stress. I'm only here to take some photos to send to head office. There has been no complaints made, but this will cover any future ones, if the come up." March arrived back and handed Mason's blue folder over to him. He took out his phone and took what photos he needed, then he slipped the paperwork back into the folder and said.

"That's it, all done. Nicky these will probably be slipped in with your files for safekeeping. March hasn't got one yet, but I keep trying to catch him." He laughed. March's eyes squinted and he said.

"There is nothing to see here."

"I like your new TV March, it's the same as mine," He winked at him. March started to panic and looked at me.

"Got it from the city, it was on sale," I said.

"So did I, and it was hand delivered, win, win." He winked at me.

I couldn't stop laughing, March was mortified. Sam drank his coffee then bid us farewell, he looked at the TV again and turned to me and said.

"I can't wait to use my new Air fryer."

That started me off again. March wasn't getting it.

"Keep giving us town folk so much joy you two." He winked again and left.

"Nicky, he knows, I will get charged what have you done to me?" He panicked again.

"Didn't you hear him, he has one the same. I think our local constabulary are also customers of Pete's."

"What?"

The laughing started all over again, and I had to go down to the backyard so he wouldn't hit me. Later in the day when Mase had his nap, he made love to me, he couldn't help it, he's so dammed naughty. We discussed the mounting goods in the garage and he agreed we should get rid of some of it, but not all. I told him we would sell it to raise money for his council election campaign.

"There is no way I am running for council Nicky, so get that thought out of your head."

"But March, you will romp it in."

"Then what do I do, sit at boring meetings and sip wine?"

"You will be there to keep Brenda and her cronies legit March."

"They already are Nicky, why do you think they keep getting voted back in?"

I will think about it some more. But for now, I have a son to bathe, and I think his daddy is going to have a bath with him. Of course, I will be the one washing them both.

The next night was Chinese, so we dressed and headed for mum's place. Mason collected his cuddles and Sunny a bone to chew on, mum said she had a carrot for 'Hank' but he didn't seem that interested. The food was laid out and we all helped ourselves, as usual dad and March's plates were the biggest. I told them about Sam's visit and mum said they had better start offloading all the stuff dad had bought also, there wasn't anyone around we could even donate to because the whole town had bought something.

"Just keep it, you never know when it will come in handy," Dad said.

"I like having stuff, it makes me feel rich," March said between bites.

"A few years stored away in that garage March and it will be useless."

"Maybe, but maybe not Nicky and if that happens I will ask Pete for a refund."

I couldn't help myself once again I laughed nonstop along with mum.

March Stephenson isn't dumb, he knows I like a good laugh and he likes my laugh. We had a great night once again, Mason and his gang fell asleep and we talked for the next hour. We put him to bed when we arrived home and March let Sunny out for his last wee. I was naked when he came to bed and he nearly fell over himself stripping down to join me. Another amazing night was experienced and our sleep was undisturbed.

I heard the TV go on and Sunny was barking at something, so I got up to see what the fuss was all about. There were some dogs and cats on the screen and I guess he was trying to talk to them. I kissed all three on the head then switched the coffee on. It was a beautiful morning outside so I sat scrolling through the local page. Nothing outstanding was happening in town except someone needed help with a broken water pipe. My mind was drifting and I came up with a plan, I would convince March to do it, maybe when we get home this afternoon. I grabbed my calendar notebook and wrote down what I had decided.

I then went to find my tripod in the garage, it had come in handy over the years. I finally found it amongst the many unopened cartons he had stored away.

"What do you need that for Nicky?" March spied it after he arrived and sat with me.

"I want to try something it's been quite some time since I used it."

"For the calendar?"

"Yes March, I think I may need it."

"I was wondering who you would get to take our so-called nude photo,"

"I may use it on others also."

"No Nicky, ours is the only one because you have to be in it."

"I see, so you don't mind if I test it out this afternoon?"

"Knock yourself out, but no nudies."

"Okay, but I will be testing it when we are in the tub, but the final photo will be taken at the garage."

"That's okay if it's just for us, I'm in." I could see his member rising in his shorts. The other problem I had was dad is on my list, I have to talk to Brenda about it because it's father's and son's. I will be in two months or the calendar. I don't think the town will complain but I had better check, and that photo will be taken in the garage.

We readied ourselves for work and Mason was loaded up with friends today, he insisted he take his toy sheep to meet his mates, and when I told him he was too big to take there, he created a big scene.

"Not big."

And so it went on, instead of stressing him out I placed the sheep in the back of March's truck. I could hear March sort of giggling in the background. I did know one thing, it would be me carrying this full-sized sheep up to the library.

"I will get a real one for the back yard Nick, we should have done that months ago."

"Why?"

"They are natural lawnmowers and provide plenty of good fertilizer, we only need one or two. I can get some hay from Ethan and that's about all they need except water."

"I will be up to my ankles in sheep poo."

"No you won't, it all goes into the soil."

"Will Mason get sick?"

"No, we had loads of sheep coming into the back yard we never got sick, and anyway it's good for kids to be around stuff like that, it's good for their immunity. Why aren't you running to work?"

"Because I have sheep, a dog, and a horse to look after, not to mention one very spoilt little boy and an ornery husband who thinks he's going to turn our yard into a mini farm." He was laughing now as Mason sat quietly in the back. I'm sure he had a smirk on his face.

When I unloaded the truck he wanted to go and see his cousin, so across the road we went. Two breakfast burgers were ordered and Mason ran out the back with Sunny, poor 'Hank' sat quietly tethered to the railing. March was on the phone, probably to Ethan ordering two sheep and a bale of hay.

I didn't mind, if it amuses our son then go for it. I also had a thought, where do they sleep? Of course, the cubby house will be used to keep them out of the cold, maybe I can get Rose to make some nice curtains for it. I have no idea how the land works, but I am learning something new every week.

"So March, where do they sleep in winter?" I had to ask.

"They sleep anywhere where there is a wind break, the trees up the back will provide that."

"But it will be frozen out there, don't you think the cubby house would be better for them we can run some heat from the house." Again I liked to hear him laugh, but I didn't like to feel like a dunce.

"Nicky they will find their ideal spot to get out of a storm and the cold, but if you want we can build a windbreaker and put straw down for them."

"Okay, I was just asking because I don't want to be laying in bed worrying they are getting frozen to death."

"How about we try this, get one in and try it. If it doesn't look happy to you, we send it back."

"Then Mason will get unruly."

"Your choice Nicky."

"We don't get one." I decided.

"Or we get one and you ignore it and leave it up to me."

I looked at him and nodded, the next thing he will try for is a milking cow.

There is plenty of land up the back and when I had been at Joel's place he had a couple I had spied, they looked happy.

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