March Stephenson

Chapter 21

March Stephenson.

Maxieplus

We told May about Dr. Mike and she should expect a visit from him very soon. Mum was interested in what he had to say about my health. I told her he was very impressed with my recovery. March talked about our stay at the hotel and our dinners, and the awesome drinks we had. He handed May six small umbrellas he had pilfered along with the swizzle sticks. I will make him some nice fruit juices the same when I get around to it. I hadn't asked March why he didn't drink and for some reason, it was starting to intrigue me. I know why I don't, that was because of Matt's treatment. There were too many late drunken nights for my liking, so I stopped, but March has never said anything.

When May took our boy he grizzled and then he held his arms out for me to cuddle him. I sniffed and raised my eyebrows and May reluctantly passed him over, he knows who feeds him the best.

They had to get back to work so Mum and Dad said farewell and not long after May peeled herself away from us, we were getting a little tired and wanted to nap. I rang the gym and everything was running smoothly, and March had his offsider pumping gas. May had called Rose in so she could come and see us. Sometime today we will both go to work. I was naked laying on the bed and March was teasing me with a slow strip. Mase was watching from his crib he had been changed and wiped down and his eyes were heavy. Not to put a finer point on anything but March went straight for the prize when he laid on top of me, there was no question he was randy after that long drive.

Before he went off to sleep he said.

"And do not think for one minute I don't see those guys at the hotel sizing you up. Don't get too comfortable with the staff Nicky, it's not the done thing." I giggled for ages.

We slept for a couple of hours then we dressed and started heading for the garage.

He looked through his bookings and rang some clients back that had left messages. I had nothing to do so I took our baby over to the cafe, he was still asleep so May still wasn't happy. Mum was busy and Dad came across the road, he had news for me, the money has been transferred. He handed me the total and what I should expect each month for Mase's upkeep. We didn't need the money and I thought it a good idea to start up a local bank account for him. I doubt he will ever need it, and March has already done a life plan, including costings he added college and University, that is of course if he is brainy if he's not, then he has mechanics or the gym to look forward to.

We didn't care, neither of us wanted to push him in any direction, this boy will make his mind up on his own. Of course, a job at the council chambers would be nice also.

Back at the gym, I threw some towels into the washer and then started it up. No overalls today I had caught up with them for the moment. Mason had gone missing so I looked across the road and no sign of any gatherings, the obvious answer was he is in with his dad.

I looked around the workshop there was only one car in there, March's truck. Dad had gone home and March was going to do something to his car. I called out but no answer and when I started walking back I heard a giggle.

Opening the truck door I found a son that was laughing and a husband that was trying to quieten him down.

"So here you are, I was about to call in the cops."

"We are just having a talk Nicky, I was telling him about his grandparents and he was telling me about his mummy."

"Good." I closed the door and went back to the gym, he won't be a moment.

"Nicky you should have stayed."

"Don't ever let me get in the way of a good father and son conversation March, I have work to do."

"Oh, okay but you should have stayed." He grinned. I know what he had on his mind.

"Nicky, would you like some afternoon tea?"

"That would be nice my friend, and Bubs does need another milk."

He didn't pass him over he just started heading for the cafe.

"Look to the left then to the right, then to the left again. If all is clear start walking across the road." I looked but there wasn't any traffic, it is good he is teaching him road safety from an early age, I doubt Bub is all that interested.

Mum had kept the soup up, she said it was one of her best sellers and costs practically nothing to make. We both ordered it with buttered rolls while May warmed up the milk. She was hurrying before Mum could take him, and at long last she won.

"Hand him over." She looked at March.

"No, we are still talking."

"Get a fucking life March." She dragged Mason into her arms and March made a scene.

"May Beth Stephenson hush your mouth and stop using those filthy words around small children."

"Get stuffed March Alan Stephenson, I bet he sees more filth around his house than any old word or two." She started talking baby talk.

I laughed at them both, it was nice they hadn't grown up.

March had his soup and two rolls then he went looking for a pastie and sauce.

I spied Brenda hoovering up the street, and when she got near she yelled.

"May, coffee please."

"Nicky, can you get that?"

I laughed because there is no way she is going to give her nephew up.

When Brenda sat down she held her arms out. May was being very resistant today but that stare she got unnerved her, so she passed him over.

"Two minutes, you got two minutes and then he is returned to me."

"Whatever May." She dismissed her and I laughed on my way to use the coffee machine. When I got back she did pass Mase over to May.

"Hot coffee around babies is not a good mix." She said.

"Now boys is there anything you need?"

"No thank you, Brenda. I think we have it all in hand. There is plenty of food in the freezer, he has toys for miles. Rose is doing a wonderful job of the house, so I think we are set."

"Good, just checking, I get inquiries now and then. I just needed an update."

"What sort of inquiries?" I asked.

"If you need anything, if your coping, general things like that."

"They are so sweet, tell them we will yell out if we need anything but for the moment we are good to go," I said.

Rose dropped by to talk with May and she also wanted a nurse, through the slits in his eyes March Stephenson watched every move, Brenda nudged March she had a slight smile on her face, and he will put a stop to it all very soon. Mum had been busy doing her lunchtime trade and I went to grab another soup, it was vegetable again today and I loved it.

"That grandson of mine is going to sleep soundly this afternoon."

"He looks a little tired mum, I guess we had better get back to work."

"Leave it to me, son."

"Okay?"

She handed me the soup and then followed me outside. She said her hello's to Brenda and Rose then took Mason, she kissed him and then handed him to March.

"Nap time Dad, otherwise you will not get any sleep tonight he will be over-tired."

March grinned and kissed Mace, he looked at me and said.

"We will be fixing the back seat of my car." He moved off and May almost screamed, but she knew better, he does need his afternoon nap.

I looked at Brenda and she was still smiling but when she saw me staring she sat up straight and sipped on her coffee.

"Pub for dinner tonight Nicky?" Mum said.

"That would be nice. But I will need a babysitter."

"Don't you dare do that to me, Mum you can stay home and babysit. I will be going to the pub." Poor May.

"I will be babysitting so you can all go to the pub," Rose said.

We all looked at her and Brenda started grinning. Rose sat back and folded her hands, I guess she was another one whose word is the law around here

"I am going to the pub with three handsome young men tonight, they all need a good night out," Brenda said.

"Good, get a big table for us all," I replied.

I didn't like the thought of Rose babysitting and I thought maybe March would put a stop to it, not that I didn't trust Rose it's just he isn't used to her doing it.

"You have to start somewhere Nicky, he knows my voice from the cafe, and if there are any issues I will ring you both, leave it to Aunty Rose." She smiled and I thanked her, what could I do but thank her? I couldn't say I don't trust her because I do.

Brenda left and said she will meet us there at six thirty, and yes she will get a bigger table, Rose said she will be at our house at six to take up her duties, May sulked.

I walked across the road and poked my head into the truck, they were both fast asleep in the back seat. I had to restrain myself from fiddling in March's overalls, so I reluctantly went to play a game.

After about half an hour he poked his head in, he had a sleeping baby in his arms and placed him into the capsule.

"I might take him home Nicky, nothings happening here."

"Can I come too?" I was hopeful.

"Of course, you can."

It didn't matter if I was there or not, my part-timer will be here in an hour or so and the guys that are in today will see me right.

Back at home, we parked Mase on the porch table, I placed a fly netting over him then I made us coffee, March sat and watched him.

"You know you don't have to worry about Rose Nicky?"

"I wasn't worried March, just that she's never babysat for us before, and what was that thing with Brenda today?"

"What thing?"

"The slight smile the nudging, that thing." He smiled.

"She had a son."

"Who?"

"Rose."

"She never talks about him, what do you mean had?"

"She doesn't talk about him and neither does anyone else in town, please don't mess with her mourning, don't say anything."

"What the fuck is going on?"

He waited for a few minutes while I made coffee then he spoke quietly to me.

"Her son was killed in a terrible car accident during winter three years ago. It was caused by some drunk city kids hooning around the winding roads, they completely sideswiped the car and it rolled off the side of the mountain. She never speaks of him, the funeral was a private one for her only, and his gravesite has been left unmarked." My glassy eyes arrived and he pulled me in.

"Cry for her Nicky, everyone in town and the surrounding area did. She never talks about it because she doesn't want to let go of him and turn her love into grief, she hasn't marked the grave because seeing his name will become a reality for her. I think she figures if everyone didn't remind her every day of what she had, then she can hang onto that memory a little while longer."

"My God, how the hell does she cope with all that?"

"She keeps busy Nicky. I am not so worried that she will not be able to look after our son. I am worried that it's the first time in three years she has shown any interest in babies or babysitting, it has always been off her list of jobs in the past. Brenda has noticed her change in attitude that is why she nudged me."

"I understand March, so what is changing for her, something has changed?"

"You."

"Not me March I love Rose, but we have never spoken about kids and family."

"You didn't have to Nicky, she looks at you like a mother to her son, she is also laughing again, she has never laughed as much since before the accident. But she only does it when you are around. I notice these small changes, Nicky."

"I doubt it March, now I am worried she may be unhinged."

"No my sweet Nicky, I think she's starting to let go and you are the reason for that, something is going on in Rose's life and I can't quite place my finger on it except her son had the same sense of humor you have, and he was always laughing and smiling, as you do, he was a few years younger and loved his mum and life."

"How old was he?'

"Twenty Nicky, a gorgeous man full of life. Very much like you, maybe that's the answer, maybe not."

"What about her husband?"

"She never had one, she only ever wanted a baby."

I sat there stunned and the more I thought about it the more worried I got.

"Do not say anything to her, and do not ban her from babysitting."

I looked at him, I had to trust his instincts, and I had to trust Rose. I will talk to Mum, she seems to know everything.

"There is something about you that has sparked Rose's memory, maybe it's your sense of humor or your look, but you have sparked something in her. Maybe it is time to let go, but whatever it is, we will all have her back and most of us have noticed her mood change already."

"That poor woman, I so want to help her."

"It was a terrible time for everyone. Brenda made sure she got and still gets, all the help she needs. But what she needs is a gentle ear to listen to her silent grieving, which never happened publicly because she never asked or seemed to require it." He dropped his head and continued.

"It was then I decided that I wouldn't drink anymore, the city guys were drunk when they hit that car, and as far as I know the driver got some jail. If it was me that killed that beautiful soul, I would have killed myself, so I don't drink."

"You chose wisely baby, you already know why I don't drink, and I had wondered why you didn't, thank you for telling me."

"Just so we are on the same page Nicky, please do not say anything to Rose unless she brings it up."

"I promise I won't baby." By this time Mace was awake and I was aware that maybe he might be hungry because he had started moaning. I jumped up and grabbed his bottle, March took it and then proceeded to feed him.

I will make up a bedtime one for later on, but for now, I have to have a shower.

We all cry in silence and that is what I did, the hot water ran down my back as I cried for Rose and her son. I will be done with it soon and then I will go on as if nothing had happened, live in the present Nicky.

I sat and made a list of his likes and dislikes I made sure she had our phone numbers and wrote that we will be home around nine. March looked at the list and added a few things, then he laughed.

"Next time we should invite her and make May stay home to babysit."

"You are so evil March Stephenson," I grinned.

"She expects her older brother to dump on her Nicky."

"Older?"

"By two minutes, I have the upper hand, and the last say."

We made out, then he showered and we both dressed, Mace was happily playing crawling on the floor, he had discovered there were things to play with behind the kitchen island. I grabbed him before he entered the laundry, slash butlers pantry, and I closed off yet another doorway.

Rose arrived and she smiled as she picked him up. I told her the instructions were on the table and she was to ring us if there were any problems, so she rolled her eyes.

"I will read it after, but for now it's time for us to get into the hot tub."

"What?" March nearly screamed.

"Just joking Mr. and Mr. Stephenson, keep your shirts on. Only God knows what foreign objects are floating around in that water."

"The only things floating in that water will be all Marches," I said.

"I had better start selling quick dips on the black market then,"

She giggled and sat with Mase on the sofa, March wasn't amused.

We left shortly after and I wanted to sit out the front for a minute just in case she panicked and wanted us to come back, the other reason was, I felt guilty about leaving him.

March parked my car out the front of the hotel, and we met up with Mum and Dad who were just pulling in behind us.

We all hugged and then we ventured inside. Jason and May were already there and Brenda had some very handsome young escorts with her. I looked at the specials menu then my phone, it hadn't rung.

"I see they have shepherd's pie tonight March."

"It will be over-seasoned."

"But it is shepherd's pie."

"I know, there's also steak."

"Oh, are we having steak then?"

"Yes Nicky, when at the pub we have steak." I laughed.

I was introduced to the boys they were very pleasant, and there was no sign of a husband, I thought I did hear he doesn't like public gatherings, he leaves that all to Brenda.

She started talking to May and I sat in between March and Mum. I suppose there will be a fight over my leftovers again. He left to go get some drinks and I could see him talking on his phone, I guess he is ringing Rose.

Jason was telling Dad he was expanding his business, and Mum was smiling to herself.

"What's up?"

"Just happy for Jason and May I suppose."

"What can you tell me about Rose?" I whispered.

"Not a thing son."

"I see." I know from past conversations if she says that, then she's holding out on me.

"How is he?" I said to March when he came back.

"He moaned a little but has settled down, they are watching a movie."

"What sort of movie?" He stared at me, then said.

"A Disney one she bought with her."

"Good, I think he will like that." I got the screwed-up face this time. We all ordered and I was a bit hungry tonight, so maybe there will not be any leftovers. Funny enough apart from the younger boys we all had steaks. May was first to be served and March pinched a chip from her plate.

"Mum." She protested.

Mum slapped March's hand and said.

"No more, and when your meal arrives you can replace that chip."

"Yes, Mum." Poor March, now he has mum to contend with, so he had to be content with a buttered dinner roll, his and mine.

Mum was talking to May and she was saying that Jason might be opening a branch in town, he is still thinking about it. Our meals were wonderful, and yes I did give March some of mine because once again it was too big, and so was Mum's, she passed it over to May who laughed in March's face.

I rang Rose after dinner and she said that he was asleep on the floor, she will put him to bed soon. I thanked her once again and then I hung up.

"We had better go March he is still on the floor, he's sleeping but on the floor."

He laughed, and then he was ignoring my complaints. I glared at him, so much so that he said to me.

"Nicky next time we will bring him and Rose, and when he disturbs your fine dining experience, you can take him to the car and sit with him." He has found an argument I couldn't disagree with.

"Okay okay I get the point, but March he is on the floor, at this time of night." I started giggling. He knows I wanted to go home and was trying to get him worried so he would want to go also.

Mum and Dad headed for the slot machines, Brenda and her boys said a fond goodnight, and May and Jason headed home to her place.

March was being a beast, he hung around talking to some people he knew, while I stood at the exit door waiting. When it got to nine he came over and said.

"It's time to go."

He laughed all the way home and I had to kiss him to shut him up. Mason was in bed sound asleep in our room, I kissed his forehead and said goodnight to him then went to make us a coffee.

"Was he good Rose?"

"Yes Nicky, not a peep out of him we watched a movie talked a bit, and he did some crawling. It was when he got sick of bumping into things he decided he needed a nap.

"On the floor." I looked at March.

"May I remind you I clean that floor and it is spotless? And anyway, where does he normally sleep out here?'

I burst out laughing and said.

"On the floor."

"By the way March, you need to buy him a puppy."

"What? A puppy, awesomeness?"

"Why a puppy Rose, isn't he too small?" I had to ask.

"Every kid wants a puppy, and the movie was one hundred and one Dalmatians, so he now wants one, with spots." She laughed and grabbed her keys.

"Fix me up at the end of the week, good night boys." I let her out and could still hear her laughs coming from the car.

"And don't think for one minute I didn't notice you were trying to get me to leave early Nicky."

"Oh, you caught me out," I smirked.

"Rose was booked until nine, I like to get my money's worth." He turned in and grabbed me, his member nudged me and I said.

"There is a fee tonight."

He gave me an evil laugh, and he's ignoring me once again.

I didn't dwell on Rose's grief, if she is changing that's a good thing I also was thinking I didn't know her son, and I couldn't place an image of him in my head. With me it will be business as usual, I won't go searching for any more information but if what March says is true, I am very proud of Rose's courage.

In the morning May and Jason called in on their way back home she immediately wanted to bathe and dress him, but March Stephenson stepped in and said.

"Any bathing being done in this house will be done by me thank you very much, Miss May."

"I'm his aunty."

"I'm his father."

"Get stuffed March, Nicky help me?"

I took Mason and started undressing him, he and I are going to have a very nice father-and-son talk while he plays with his ducks.

She couldn't help herself she had to disturb us and at least do the powdering.

"So what is going on with you and Jason, why is he opening another wellness center here?"

"He thinks that after you opened the gym he may as well do the wellness thing here too. He wasn't convinced it would work here, but seeing you got all those members he now thinks is a viable business opportunity."

"So you are going to run it for him?"

"He's been training me up."

I laughed.

"What about your business?"

"I will get Rose to do it, she's helped me a lot in the past and the center is only opened late afternoon or early evening, five hours max."

"Too much work for you baby, let someone else do it for you."

"He has no one else, Nicky."

"Of course he has, are you sure he's not using you?"

"No, he is not, I offered to do it."

"He knows you have a business to run but he still wants you to work an extra four or five hours, for him. You are not that silly are you?"

She glared at me and short of telling me to get stuffed, she answered my comment.

"I will cope and I want to do it. I am not needed in the shop all the time Nicky"

I wanted to have a talk with Jason first I can't have May working extra hours even if she suggested it, he can't use her up like that.

There weren't any more snide remarks and our two-hour catch-up was great. March had something to do today, he wanted to go visit mum and dad, May will be mad. We dressed Mase in his visiting romper and headed for Mum and dads.

I could smell the roast before we walked around the back. They were sitting on their lovely porch and Mum grabbed Mase, and Dad gave her a stern look, he wants to talk about fishing, I think. So Bubs was handed over to him after he got some awesome kisses.

"Lunch will be another hour March, beef today." His eyes lit up.

"Now, what are we going to do about May son? I spoke to Jason last night and he agrees she's taking too much on." Mum smiled.

"I know mum, I wanted to talk to them both this morning but Mase took over the conversation. I am well aware that she can cope with it but she will suffer in the process." I looked at them both and said.

"Maybe you both can put your foot down on this one, she listens to you."

"You know what we are talking about then Nicky?" March said.

"Old news March, I have already put my foot down and now I think it is up to you to ram it home." He blushed, I know he was having a mini dirty thought.

"So you agree that it will be too much for her?"

"Yes mum, unless." I mused.

"Unless, what?"

"Unless you rent her business off her and then she can concentrate on Jason's wellness center. She can still do her healing products, she will have plenty of time on her hands." They ignored me.

"Did he say where he is going to open it?"

"Not yet March, he's still looking but it will be an outdoorsy place, he likes the contemplation gardens." March was deep in thought and I know exactly what he is thinking about, our backyard, and that isn't going to happen. I started playing with my phone and accidentally opened the weather app.

"Oh look March Monday Tuesday and Wednesday are going to be hot. swimming at long last."

He stared at me and smiled.

"It would be perfect."

"It will be the end of it all."

"I know."

"Let's try and go there Monday."

"What the hell are you both talking about?" Dad said.

"March was thinking about leasing or selling our swimming hole or our backyard to Jason for his business. He knows I am only waiting for some sunny days."

"Sorry Nicky."

"Oh for fucks sake, leave it all to me will you?" I shouted.

They laughed, so I took Mason.

The next day I walked out the back of the gym and apart from the big shed there was only the clothesline but nothing else worthy of a mention. I went back inside and found March having another talk with his son but in the gym this time. He was enjoying his ride on the walking machine.

"Follow me, husband." He swooped Mase up into his arms and followed me out the back door.

"What do you see?"

"The shed."

"How far is it from the back of the garage to that shed?"

"I don't know about thirty feet, why?"

"Let's extend the gym out, it will end up beside the shed, a big room with insulation, toilets, and a tea room added. There's plenty of room behind the shed for a contemplation garden also."

"Why would we build a big room?'

"Jason needs one and a garden for his new business."

"I see so you want me to sell him some land?"

"No, I want you to build said big room and lease it to him."

He thought about it and then he passed Mason over to me he wanted to kiss me properly.

"Do you think he will come at it?"

"I think so, we had better run it by him first, it will be a tax deduction for him and a good investment for you."

"For us."

"Whatever." I kissed him again.

"It will cost a bit."

"You have the money, otherwise we go look at prefab barns. They don't take much to install." I smiled.

"Add heating and cooling get it well insulated put in a tea room and toilets, sounds good to me but it may cost more than adding on a room, you will have to cost it out." I smiled once again.

"I will, and will be coming for dinner to discuss this room?" He smiled remembering our date that didn't happen for my alterations so many months ago.

"Corned beef on the stove don't be late this time." I smiled at him, then talked on.

"If it all goes belly up I will rent it from you, to expand the gym."

"Will it solve May's problem?"

"Yes we go with her renting her business to Mum or leasing her side to Rose, then she's free to do what she wants over here, and March?"

"Yes, Nicky?"

"I think she wants to do this part of wellness more than her shop, she is always learning new things and has already extended her home cures."

"We do it then."

"Now the next thing I want to do is go swimming. It's hot today I think it's time Mason was introduced to the river."

"It might be cold."

"I will warm him up." I received his baby wet suit last week so I know he will be warm as he splashes around the river.

March was so excited he popped his head in three times and reminded me he wasn't busy.

"Let's go big boy grab the bubs." I started walking for his truck.

"What's this?'

"His wet suit March, he won't get cold with that on."

"Awesome."

I wasn't very worked up about going to the river, sometimes you have to let go of the past and ignore the memories you have of a bad time in your life. The cold had disappeared and now it is all sunshine and I cannot wait to swish Mase around in the water.

He parked the car and kissed me, I grabbed the towels and baby, and by the time I got to the clearing he had his overalls off and his underwear down. I had to do a double-take because he was hard as a rock.

"Oh, you want that first?"

"Yes, Nicky we always do it like this." I put Bubs down and started my husbandly duties.

"I have no words once again Nicky, that was awesome."

"Thank you now can we go for a swim?" He picked Mason up and started walking into the river, my boner went down because it knew it wasn't going to have any fun this time.

The water was cool and when Mase was swished around he giggled and his hands swept over the water then he splashed his face and laughed more.

Father and son had a great time playing in the stream, I did get a play when he decided he wanted to relax for a bit.

"I love it here."

"So do I March."

"You don't mind?"

"It would have gone better if you had finished me off."

He started laughing and said.

"I am trying to edge you, Nicky."

"I see what is edging?'

"A gay thing Nicky, keep up with it."

Bubs was enjoying himself so much, and I could imagine him and his schoolmates coming here during the summer. He was almost exhausted so we placed him back into his carry cube and covered him with a rug, I had warm milk for him and after a few minutes, he drifted off to sleep. That was our cue to play, and play we did, March had recouped his energy and I got my needs attended to. A cloud came over the clearing blocking the sun, so we headed back to the cafe.

"How did he go?" Mum was interested.

"Good he played until he tired himself out and has been sleeping since."

"Ok, make sure he is warm because he might have caught a chill."

"He is warm mum, and I am just about ready to take him home," March went to the garage and locked up, he talked to my assistant and all was sweet for him doing the gas.

"Me or you?"

"You can take him with you Daddy,"

He picked Mase up and placed him in his truck,

When we got in we decided we would have Chinese here tonight. I rang Mum, and she said they will pick it up on the way. March was staring at Mason and tucking his blankets around him. I went and made up another two bottles. then put them in the fridge.

I sat on the sofa with March and he moved over to my side, he whispered in my ear and I told him to save it up for bedtime.

We both fell asleep and the next thing I heard was Bubs talking to himself.

"You're awake, good to see your smile again." He smiled bigger, then I heard.

"Dada." I nearly cried with pride, at last, he got it, we had been saying it to him for ages, and now he has said it to me.

"Love you, Bubba." I kissed his head and then picked him up, he needed a full change and wipe down, then some milk.

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