Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2024 06:10:23 +1100 From: max dowling Subject: March Stephenson 42 Chapter 42 March Stephenson Maxieplus I had told him what Hank had said and he agreed I should tell Faith everything, don't leave her out of the loop tell her warts and all. "Did you pick your new uniform up?" "Yes, Nicky, it's almost the same as my old one but has a few more insignias on it." "Good, you can try it on for me when we get back home." "Nicky, I'm spent we have to wait a few hours." "I won't annoy you for sex March." "Yes, you will." He grinned. While our roast warmed up in the oven, I had to do some photos, he took the jacket off and opened the buttons on the baggy pants then I got him to drop them, and I once again got a superb shot of his awesome upper body, he hadn't grabbed an official hat but we can do that one anytime. I sent them to Brenda, Rose, Faith, and mum, the sober ones I sent to May. Her message back was 'Give' so I sent the sexy ones to her. I agree there is something sexy about a fireman but their suits aren't all that alluring. It's a uniform, police, firemen, ambo, anyone that wears a uniform is sexy in my book, no matter if it is a tight fit or not, March's wasn't, but he was so sexy in it. It was another great family night, he had changed into shorts and a jock, so my guess is he has almost recovered from our river romp. We sat at the big table while Sunny and Mase played. Sunny was trying to destroy a small soft toy and Mason was playing with his trucks. "So Jimmy and Pete will be an item in the city?" "Not for long March, Pete will see to it that Jim doesn't go all domestic on him, he will probably have him in the clubs most nights." "That would drive me crazy." "He does a lot of business there March, he is a petty crim but a nice one." "And Tom?" "I think Hank will do well with him, he is more suited to the laid-back ambiance of the country. He likes to bottom and he is a nice guy." "Yes I know he's nice, but I would hate to see Hank harmed again." "No one wants that March, it would have gone well if he had been Faith and Ethan's real son." "I agree. Nicky, I am still worried about Jimmy do you think he will be all right?" "Yes March, he will love the city, it will suit him." He leaned in and kissed me. "How is your dinner March." "It's good Nicky, the meat is so tasty." "I know, it's the best straight from Faith's oven." I grinned. I also noticed when he went to the kitchen to get more he started coughing again, so I got up and made him take his pill, nothing was said and I knew he would come good. It's just these small things he should be avoiding for now, like opening the oven. Mason was bored so I cut up a piece of meat and fed him on my knees. Sunny got some also that will do him for dinner tonight. "When is the cubby house arriving March, it's taking its time?" "They will deliver it all made up Nicky, I told them it wasn't urgent." "And the fence?' "I will start it on the weekend, just have to borrow a post driver from Ethan, makes it a lot easier." "I guess you had a lot of practice at the farm." "I did Nicky." He sighed. Another bad memory for him driving in posts isn't a small job. We had finished our dinner, and he had helped me with mine, it was too big, then he cleaned up and I made some bananas and ice cream. A message from Rose came through 'Screaming out loud' I giggled and showed March he smiled. "I'll have you screaming soon." "I bet you will." That was it, bath time and then Mase was tucked up in bed for the night, we didn't have any trouble with him he still loves talking to his farm animals. In the morning he ate a big breakfast and was fully satisfied with his lot, then he went down the backyard and started marking the fence post distances. It didn't take him long and while I ran with Mason he drove with Sunny to work. He had five cars in at the moment and I had eight guys and three girls. March and dad swooned over the car bodies and I ogled my clients. I suppose I got the best deal but it does make one very frustrated. I gathered up my small tribe and went across the road, May was waiting for her aunty cuddles and I made coffee and grabbed an egg and bacon roll. Mum was happy today, she had added something special to the menu, lamb shanks with mash and gravy. I ordered one for me and two for March to be set aside for lunch. "Will he like them?" I laughed at mum she is so funny sometimes. "Anything you make he likes." "He loves them mum, another meal from the past. I'll have one for lunch also." May walked past. "Did you get Cory's message, Nicky?" Jack was behind me. "No, but to be honest I haven't checked my phone this morning." "Too busy attending to your husband I think." "You are probably right Jack, I seem to remember him moaning earlier on." I took my phone out and read Cory's message. "I have been made captain of our school sports team, watch the sweat drip from their brows now. lolol" "They are risking a mutiny, Jack." "Not really, he's as happy as Larry they voted him in." "So the students wanted it to happen then?' "Got it in one Mrs. Stephenson." "Good on him." I went with my coffee to go and sit in the sun, I watched Faith turn up and I moved over to carry her bags in. "Did he talk to you?" "Yes Faith, he's ok and is backing Jimmy's decision. We can talk about it later when Jack goes back to work." "Okay, anything serious I need to know?" "Not really Faith, but you may see a change in Hank soon." "Is he moving on from the farm?" "Never, you are his parents as far as he is concerned, I doubt he will ever leave." I saw her slight smile. "So how's business Jack?' "Very good Nicky, I told Pete to get in contact with my uncle, he can throw some work his way." "Good, and we need to talk about Cory's aspirations too, if he wants to run then he needs a better trainer." "He's watching a lot of tennis videos at the moment, he thinks Djokovic plays just right." He started laughing. "What tennis?" "He's an all-rounder that son of mine, he says he can make more money playing it." "Well that is true, is there a tennis club around here?" "Yes, quite a good one too Nick." I rolled my eyes and thought, he would never accomplish anything if he changed sports that often. March arrived and sat down just as my son and May came back. "I just changed him, Nick, he's good to go." She said. "Thank you, May." "March, guess what, lamb shanks for lunch." She smiled. His face lit up then he rushed inside. Father and son both ate the mash and gravy with a shank popped on top. "Beats egg and bacon rolls Nicky." He grinned. Once again I rolled my eyes and looked at May, she held off for as long as she could. But it got the better of her when Jack went back to work, she also dashed inside to get one before it all sold out. I couldn't decide what to tell Faith but I knew if it was the truth, I doubt she would be offended. She has come out of her safe harbor these past months, her world is getting much bigger. March left for work and May took Mase out the back again. Faith nearly fell over the table to get to me. "Now tell me." "I'm not going to lie to you Faith, and I will try and tell you word for word what Hank told me." I started with the sex site and ended with maybe Tom might take Hank on. "So they are both happy to split and go their separate ways?" "Yes my lovely, and I got to say it's about time." "I agree with you Nicky, I know Jimmy will be happy in the city he has got the bug now and needs his people around him. It is mainly Hank we are worried about and we are open if he stays or goes, but we would much rather him stay with us." "He loves you both, just give him some time, he does have a lot to say but you know Hank, he's a bit tight-lipped sometimes." "Yes we know him, I would dare to say better than our son." "Correct, don't worry he doesn't want to go anywhere, he loves you both and the farm, one of his parting comments was, he would miss your cooking." "Okay," She sat back. "I will have to make sure Jimmy is safe, the girls have agreed they go into the city more, not so much to overcrowd him, just because they will miss him. Ethan has given him a card to use for food and the outgoings. It's the clubs I can't monitor, but hopefully, Peter will see to his safety, can I rely on him for that?" "Yes and I will talk to him before he leaves town Faith, he's only interested in his underworld stuff he won't drag Jimmy into it, I can promise you that. He will also make sure he's going to Uni when he's supposed to." "Thank you, dear boy." She kissed my cheek. "I have put a special shank away for your lunch, now I had better go because Mary looks busy." She got up and smoothed her apron down and walked back to the counter. I felt an enormous amount of love for Faith and Ethan and I will have a good talk to Pete and Tom. If they were any kind of friends to me over the years they would do the right thing, for me. I sighed and thought I had better get back to work, but not before I rescued my boy and his puppy. It was time for his nap anyway. "Leave them here Nicky, he's fast asleep. Pick him up at lunchtime." "Thank you May I'll see you soon." I sat at my counter and opened my laptop, my first email went out to Pete, Toms will be a different story. I needed to know how he felt about Hank. After I sent them I sat back and looked out the window, from there I could see the cafe, and mum and Faith were having a good laugh over something. People were walking past, sitting having coffee or an early lunch. My little town was peaceful again and my friends were happy. I received a kiss on the back of my neck my hand moved to his that had rested on my shoulder. "What are you thinking about baby?" "This town, your town. I am heavy-hearted and thankful it has swallowed me up into its everyday life. And I am grateful that you love me the way you do because without you there wouldn't have been a town, I would have left not knowing how wonderful it is here." "That's very deep Nicky." "It was meant to be." "Can I probe you for some more of that love?" "A good probing by you is the best thing this town has to offer me." "Then why are you sitting there?" We were in the shed in a flash, March's probing today was awesome and no amount of mooning over a town would ever top March Stephensons eagerness to make me feel loved. At lunchtime he popped his head in, he was on my case again. "Those shanks aren't going to eat themselves, hurry up." May and Mason were sitting at the table, him in his high chair and a bowl of veggies and gravy with a little meat, her with a big plate she must have especially found for her lunch, she's as bad as her brother. Rose swanned out with dad's and March's, two shanks each, and Faith bought mine out, a giant-sized one that the others eyed off. When she placed it on the table the meat fell off the bone. I could see March getting ready with his fork so I covered the plate with my arms and laughed. "Not this time March this is my all-time favourite meal." He couldn't grumble about it but he did make a noise in his throat. "You have to go to the chemist's shop and get some photos taken, March." "Yes Nicky, tomorrow morning." "Do you want me to come with you?" "I need you to do my hair and set me up." "It will be my pleasure." I grinned. "I know." He grinned then attempted to take some of my meat once again. It was delicious and I was stuffed full by the time I had finished. I relented and gave him my leftovers, where he puts them is beyond me. May licked her lips and smiled, I think their mum may have made these same shanks many moons ago. I heard March groan, and looked up as a very tall woman walked up to the table. "March, May, what is this I hear about you not doing our cars anymore?" March wiped his mouth and smiled. "Good afternoon Jayne, I hope you are keeping well. As you know I don't do the modern cars they take up a lot of my time. It would be easier for you all to take them to the garage in your town." "But we want you to do them, we are family and we stick together." "You also cost me money, so no, I won't be doing them." "What about the free meals?" "One meal in five years just doesn't cut it, Jayne." "You have had plenty at the restaurant." "I have had one." "Liar." The hair bristled at the back of my neck, May placed her hand on my knee. "I have had one, and anyway I don't like the way your roasts are cooked that's why I don't call in." "Brock's an excellent chef, the restaurant is full." "He is a chips and hamburger cook, and the restaurant is only full because of the tourist trade, none of the locals go there." "Well, when you are finished insulting my family we are going to talk about farms and cash." "Umm, let me think, no we are not going to have another talk about money and farms. You got what your father was owed and he opened a restaurant which you and Brock are now running into the ground." "But I know there is more, you are a thief March Stephenson." "So are you Jayne, your family has been stealing off me for five years now, so if there's no more business to discuss you can also piss off," "How dare you." "No dear second cousin, how dare you." "You're going crazy March Stephenson, got yourself a fancy boy now, and he's pulling your strings I hear." "No, I'm pulling his strings, anyone special in your life yet Jayne?" She blushed then turned on her heels and left, the same way her brother did gravel surfing. He started laughing and he and May slapped hands. "I told you she was a piece of work, she's so aggressive that the guys around here don't want anything to do with her." "What was that thing about the farm?" I asked. "Her grandfather and ours owned it, grandad bought him out years ago. They heard we got good money for it and now they think they should get a piece of the pie." "I see, I take it you have all the proof you need?" "Oh yes Nicky, all tucked away in my safety deposit box in our office." May smiled. "Some families do have them. I guess they just don't get it." I said. "They don't understand business Nicky, that's why the restaurant isn't going that well. To be honest, it's only the Sunday drivers that stop to eat." Lunch certainly was an eye-opener, on one side I was disappointed March and May were related to a dysfunctional family, and the other is they have got this under control, especially March. I now understand why he was worried I hadn't kept some backup evidence with the house Matt and I bought. My afternoon went smoothly, and I had an awesome-looking body arrive around three. Jason and I talked about the baby for a while then he started with the running machine to warm up, then he moved to the weights. March came in and grabbed Mason around the same time, he said. "I am keeping my eyes on you Nicky." "No doubt you are March." I smiled. "Now bubs we have to do some oil, which one will we use today?" Mason screamed and prattled on, I guess he knows his oils by now. When I went in to collect him for afternoon tea they were sitting in the back of an old car talking, if this keeps up Mase's eyes will close for a nap. "Tea time March," I yelled out. "Coming." Bubs was carried across the road and Sunny followed on his leash. I tied him to the leg of a chair and then filled his water up. Faith came out and said that the boys had finished and March thanked her. "What was that all about?" "Hank and the men did the fence today." "You called them off the farm to do our fence?" "Yes, Nicky they are used to doing them and have all the tools." "I see, so you have others doing the cubby house?" "Bunnings, it was delivered earlier on, while the men were there to help unload it." I didn't say anything because March has it all sorted out. Although that smug self-satisfied look on his face was begging me to have a go at him. "She was supposed to keep it a secret." "Keep what a secret?" "The fencing." "That's nice March, it is good that it's done." Prick. Rose took Mason and sat with us, she had some veggies for him but I doubt he will eat them, he did have a big lunch today. "Have you heard from the boys Rose?" "Yes Nicky, Petes moving back to the city, but Tom is staying here he's got so much work now and he's very happy apparently." "Did they hire someone?" "Yes they have a few ladies on their books and one guy, he will probably need another couple once the word gets around." "He will do very well here Rose, and Pete will be back doing business with the underworld again." "He's still on parole." "Don't worry about him, I doubt he will start reinventing cars anytime soon." "I hope he doesn't, I liked having him around." "He will be fine." The cubby house was beautiful, the boys had placed a little table and chairs in it and a plastic cooker, Mase went ballistic, and he spent the first-hour baking scones and talking to Sunny, I will draw the line if he wants to sleep in it. It suited the place and so did the small swing set that had appeared out of nowhere. We could watch him from the tub and the new fence will see that he doesn't wander off. "Did they offer to do it March?" "No, I told them I wanted to borrow the post driver then they wanted to know why. I think Ethan had something to do with the offer." "Well, it was very nice of them." "That's the country, and that is our good friends." I had been worshipping March's chest, just some foreplay and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "Nicky, I wasn't too harsh with Jayne was I?" "Not at all, if they have issues with the farm it's best to let them know everything is on the up and up. Do you think they will do an Annie and try to get money out of you?" "No they are all piss and wind Nicky, nothing has ever come of their accusations before, but when I opened the garage they were all there to collect anything free. I don't mind doing it for our friends but that lot took it to another level." "They were using you March, it's not nice. I can't imagine doing that to anyone the guilt would drive me crazy." "Me too Nicky, a little lower please." "My head will be under the water." "I don't mind." He said dreamingly. "But I do, come on big boy Chinese tonight." He was out of the water and in the shower within seconds. I went to collect the bubs and puppy, one needs a bath and change, and the other, well he needs to be anywhere Mason is. When mum and dad arrived they were taken outside to 'ook' at his new play house, he was the perfect host as he handed mum a cup and saucer of pretend coffee. She made sure he knew she loved it and then he washed up. March ordered dinner and sat watching the clock, dad was trying to talk to him about some problem he had with a car, but food was on his mind so no shop talk tonight. He got a phone message and stood up, the Chinese food was ready for pick up. "Okay I'm off, coming Mase?" March was excited. He ran towards the front door then his dad picked him up and made Sunny stay inside, then they left. I picked Sunny up and started distracting him, he wasn't too happy March had left him behind, but he likes me too. I got the plates ready on the back porch and found the soy sauce bottle. March came bursting in the door, juggling a baby and a stack of white bags. He was placed on the floor and Sunny welcomed him back. March dumped the bags on the table and dad started unloading them. The feeding frenzy started immediately, I put aside some dim sims and a small piece of chicken for Mason and Sunny, and then I helped myself. Mum cut Mason's food up and fed Sunny his treat. "Nicky we have to do something about Mason's school at some stage," March said. "What? hes only a baby." "Well we have to book him in early so I heard." He's been talking to the Chinese restaurant owner. "What do you think mum?" "When he turns three and a half maybe four, playschool is advised Nicky, then you will have to talk to the school about when he can start attending." "Oh," I looked at my boy and thought I would at least get another year or so which suited me. "He is going to go to my old school, I had so much fun there." March was reflective. "Of course he will, it's a good school I believe." "He does need some play dates also Nick, he needs other kids around him so he can learn to socialize." "I know." Now I was being reflective. March's phone rang and he grabbed it. "Yes, May how bad?" "Okay, I will be there in five." He hung up and punched in some numbers I could hear the fire siren go off. "Where is it March." He blanched. "Over towards the hotel, grass fire, keep my dinner warm will you, and don't let dad touch it," He took off out the door, he had to get to the station and change as quickly as possible. I looked at the local page and it was once again lighting up, mum put his food in the oven then she was on her phone. Julie had posted that it wasn't a big one, the town shouldn't be worried. I heard the fire truck siren and I hope March remembers to wear his mask. Mum and dad left and I cleaned up, then I bathed Mase and we had some, us time. He did want to go see his cubby to say goodnight, and then he offered coffee but I declined because he has a date with his bed. March came home he had changed back into his shorts and top, he said it was a small fire and there should be photos up on the page by now. He kissed Mason and rubbed Sunny's ears then he went straight for the oven. Another lip-smacking meal and he was satisfied to sit on the couch with me. I have no idea how it happened but after some major kissing my head was buried in his crotch and I was having his dessert. Three cars in today, one Rolls Royce and two old Citroens that I loved, they had been fully restored and in perfect condition. Dad was reading something on the computer and March was laughing. "Doesn't he know how to do them?" "He will soon enough, but he can always ask me." He laughed again. "Oil?" I heard. "Yes son, some good oil." He grabbed Mase and sat him in his director's chair then the orders were handed out. I went to find coffee and Sunny sat watching Mason. "Good morning everyone, how was your night?" Rose gave me the thumbs up, and Faith hugged me then I hugged mum. I made my coffee and asked where May was. "She is with Jason today, they are in the city visiting his parents." "Good, I have it on good authority they are nice people." "She knows them from when they lived here," Mum said. I looked at Faith and said a thank you for the lend of her boys yesterday, the cubby is beautiful and the fence was much needed. She said anytime I wanted something like that to be done again just ask her. "Has Jimmy settled in?" "Yes Nicky, he's so excited, it's a whole new world for him, he has been walking the streets getting familiar with things and starts University in a week." "He will love it there, plenty of kids his age and hopefully he will meet a lot of friends." "Well Ethan and I are staying away for now but the girls have a shopping trip to do next week, so he will have company for a few days." "That's good, how is the winery coming along?" "Excellent another success story, John is on top of the world, and thank you for putting him in touch with your friends they have been a big help." "That's good, they are nice blokes, they know what they are doing." I sat in the sun, there weren't many shoppers today, and for some reason, most people had decided to stay home and watch their properties, it happens, and probably the fire yesterday scared a lot of them. A message came through and it was from Joel, he just said. 'Can you find out what color March wants for his truck Nicky.' 'Coming up.' I answered back, but I already knew what color he would want it, original blue, but I had better confirm it with March. Speaking of the devil, he poked his head out of the garage, I opened my legs. Within three minutes Mason and Sunny were sitting with me. March's hand had covered up my rude bits and I was back to being sensible again. "What color do you want your truck to be March?" "The same, original blue." I sent Joel a message back and he sent me a laughing gif. "Is he nearly finished?" "He didn't say March, just asked me to find out what color you wanted it." Ron arrived in his truck, it was full of wood and tools, he is going to start on March's garage today. I thought they would discuss it before he started but he went to look inside again then he unloaded, dad was giving him a hand. "What is he charging you?" "Not a lot Nicky, but money will be exchanged this time. I used all my credit up on the house and gym so we are even." "Good because they can't be doing everything for nothing, they have to make a living." "Correct, we make sure it doesn't get out of hand Nick, this job is a paying one." "What color are you painting it?' "White Nicky, I think it's the best." "It is." I pulled my jock down it had been digging into me, he looked out of the corner of his eye. "Don't do that." "It was digging into me." "So that wasn't for me then." I pulled it again. "No, but that one was." I giggled. "I haven't got time Nicky, work to do and all that." "Later then baby." "Yes." His new overalls were pitted with acid holes and there was a large tear in one side, I leaned over and shoved my hand through it and yes he was as hard as a rock. "Don't do that people are watching." The street was virtually empty. "Sorry." We played the game then he had to get back to work, I had to go look in the back shed and he was on top of me in an instant. I had left Mason with the ladies so when March had finished he went to work and I spoke to Ron for a few minutes, those shorts he is now wearing have a very familiar rip up the side I guess his wife likes them. "What are you working on today?" "The windows Nicky, I am installing a lift-up one in the front for easy access it will be delivered tomorrow." "So he is turning it into a showroom window then?" "Yes, it will look good." "Especially with his old truck in it." "Joel is painting it sometime this week and then he has to reattach all the chrome again, it will look good." "As long as he's not putting paying work off to do it." "He isn't Nick, the cars he has to do can wait." "Anything for March Stephenson I take it." "You don't know the half of it, Nicky." "Then please enlighten me?" "No." He walked off to grab his tool kit. I went to get bubs and puppy then I went to work and checked my laptop. I hadn't searched March recently only when I first came to town, so I did some more research, which turned up nothing new. I did some washing then I cleaned out the showers and toilets. It was almost lunch time so I headed across the road. The kiss and a hug I received from my son were welcomed, Mason had been sleeping but he's fully awake now. March did almost the same when he and dad arrived. "I ordered a roast for you March." "Just what I wanted Nicky." He grinned. "I am excited Nicky." "Really, but you just had one an hour ago." "Seeing the garage being freshened up, stupid." "I believe the window is going and you're getting a garage door installed." "Yes, it will make it easier for me to show off the truck." "So you will leave it here then, just for show." "Sorry Nicky but my new truck is more secure for Mase." "I agree March, it is what it is, a wonderful memory of the past." "My dad once told me he bought it new and it was the best farm truck he ever had. May and I used to drive it around the farm when we were teens, I wish you had been around then." He blushed. "So do I March Stephenson, is that how you learned to drive?" "Yes we both took turns, most kids on the land learned that way." "I had dad, and a driving school." "Pretty boring Nicky." "You could say that." I smiled, my driving instructor was gorgeous. The lunches came out courtesy of Rose and she took Mason while we ate. She fed him some potatoes and gravy and mum had supplied a small dish of meat for Sunny, March fed him under the table. Dad was holding off today he had a pie and sauce with some veggies, March kept looking at it but it didn't look right to him. I doubt he will order one but I have to admit Mays pies have dropped down a notch since the roasts arrived. She finally appeared with her lunch in hand and smiled at me. "Where have you been?" "I had a nap, this pregnancy is making me tired." "It will, are you taking the tea?" "Yes Nicky, it's been good for the nausea, it's not as bad as it was." "I will get some more I'm nearly out again." "Next time I make it you can buy extra ingredients and make a few hundred up for yourselves, March have you any left?" "No May I ran out a couple of weeks ago." I looked at him and said. "You could have used mine." "I didn't want to take yours Nicky, it's more important that you have it." "I guess so, but I will take you up on that offer May, and do some for us, in the meantime, we will have a few bags for home." "Just take them, Nicky, there's still plenty out the back." "I would rather pay you May, why should you miss out." "Okay do whatever you want I won't argue. Now March I have heard from Aunty Betty." He groaned. "What now?" "I will let you read the letter." She fished around in her pocket and handed March the envelope. He read it and passed food to Sunny while he did, and then he fed himself and read some more. "So she is going to be a pest then." "She still wants to come here, she thinks she can help with the baby." "Okay sis, leave this to me." He folded it up and placed it in his top pocket. "What are you going to do March?" "Tell her to fuck off." He was now back to eating. "That's a bit drastic isn't it?" I said. "Some people need to be told they are not wanted Nicky, you taught me that." "I did not." "Yes you did, we don't have anyone that annoys you around us. I see things Nicky I know things, and I learn fast." "But fuck off?" "I meant, piss off." While this conversation was going on Rose was in fits, something had tickled her funny bone. "Where did you store those letters Faith found?" "They are in the spare room, in a shoe box." "Good, I might return to sender." "Oh, I love Elvis." Rose laughed louder. "So do I," I said. Donations are always accepted at Nifty