March Stephenson

Chapter 34

March Stephenson

Maxieplus.

I watched May walk across the road, Faith was cuddling Mason but still looking at me.

"What's up?"

"Nothing my friend, are you still coming for lunch?"

"Of course I am, I can't wait to catch up with you all. It's been ages since I have seen Ethan and your boys."

"Good, because I have something to give to you. It is only for you, so please don't tell anyone and please hide them away."

"What is it?" It was my turn to slump.

"When we were decorating the house I found some letters hidden behind a wall panel. I read a few and deemed them too personal. But I have to tell you they were full of threatening language. I nearly gave them to March but something pulled me back. I will give them to you to do what you think is right with them."

"My god, does this ever end? Do they mention May?"

"Several times, and I can't say in what light because I don't know how much March or you know. I doubt it was because of the half-wit statement my boy."

"It wasn't, and yes he knows, he also found some paperwork and he did hear a conversation about half sisters and such, it drove him insane."

"I see, we are on the same page then, I had no idea who was writing the letters but they were signed by a Betty Stewart. I will give them to you and my lips are sealed. I am also looking forward to our catch-up on Saturday and so is Ethan, he's having his best suit dry-cleaned for the occasion." She laughed, it was so soothing to my ears which were full of sad noise.

May came back her eyes were red and she kissed me and thanked me for being her brother-in-law. Faith, who I am sure had a tear in her eyes went back to work. I took my son and asked May if she got it all sorted out, she said she did and made promises to her brother that she won't entice Betty to come here.

"Good, life is better without the drama of looking after an ungrateful family member May. Just be happy with Jason and start that bloody family will you?"

She laughed and said it wasn't her it was Jason, he has plans.

"What plans, to be childless all his life?"

"No the business comes first, then the family."

"Well you will have to change that, hurry up, Mason needs a playmate."

"Coffee?"

"Yes please."

I kissed my son and he giggled then he wanted to practice his walking. I put him on the pavement and he raised his arms and bumped into every chair he could find, then he sat and watched the passer by's, who wanted to pick him up.

"Walking practice ladies, maybe next time," I yelled. I heard a lot of giggling and a few wolf whistles. He started his return trip when his aunty came out with our coffees. Halfway back he was exhausted so he crawled the rest of the way. I got some wet ones out to clean him up then he wanted a small piece of cake. I had been sitting there too long because before I knew it, dad and March came across the road for morning tea, he looked a lot better and even kissed May on the cheek and told her he loved her.

He ordered a bowl of casserole and mash, well it hasn't affected his appetite too much, I thought to myself.

"That run is looking good March."

"I do a lot of running Nicky, I don't need any more training."

"Have you started collecting donations yet?"

"It all takes time."

"So the answer is no, and you haven't even registered for the run either."

"You got it in one Nicky."

I laughed, it was about time I did, things were getting a bit tense earlier on.

They didn't talk anymore about Betty, what was decided between the two of them I will find out later, but in the meantime, I was very interested in Faith's admission and wanted to get to the bottom of it all. Thankfully I will have Mason's travel bag with me and I can smuggle the letters in without March knowing about them. My next thought was Betty's ability to contact May through the mail, I have to put a stop to May receiving any bad news from her.

I looked at Faith several times through the shop window, she and mum were laughing it was good to see.

May settled down and March was slowly coming back to us, he finished his meal and decided he had better go and do some work. He winked at me and I cleaned up then followed the men back to work. I was sitting at the desk just looking at my bank balances for the gym, it's doing quite well now even though I'm still not taking a wage but I do pocket the cash I collect. I rattled Cory's tin and it is growing, for someone so annoying he's pretty popular.

March poked his face in the door and winked. I checked Mase was having his nap then I asked one of the guys to keep an eye on him. I pushed the adjoining door open then walked out the back to the shed where I found a nice surprise.

"I need relaxing." He said.

I didn't answer I just got on my knees.

"Thank you Nicky I needed that."

"It was all my pleasure, March Stephenson, do you feel better now?"

"Much better." he kissed me then we both went back to work.

"That was quick," Keith said.

"I'm very good at it Keith, thanks for looking after Mason for me."

"All my pleasure Nicky." He smiled.

I sure am giving some people some pleasure today. Mase woke up and started to grizzle, I popped his dummy in his mouth then took him into March, he sat him in the high chair and miraculously he started giving both dad and March some orders. I went back to work and Keith was placing a twenty into Cory's tin, I thanked him.

"He is an annoying little bugger, but my God he loves his sport."

"He does. Keith tell me, was his father a sportsman?"

"He is like Cory, into everything, a great football player, runner, and he played darts like no other."

"What happened to him?" He started laughing.

"He up and left about a year ago, he didn't say goodbye but he has been seen leaving Lena's place now and then, why?"

"I didn't want to ask Lena or Cory, but I figured his eagerness to play sport came from someone he knew."

"That's why the folks around here put up with his smart assed comments Nicky. Jack is well-loved in this town. Cory is his spitting image looks wise, and his attitude is the same they were inseparable. One day he just up and left, Cory's attitude got worst and his mum doesn't talk about it. Anyway, I have to go and try to entice my wife to get on her knees." He laughed as he waved and went out the door. I did think I wouldn't mind that job, he's a hunk and carrying a big package I see, and I would even accept a twenty-dollar donation.

"Lunchtime Nicky" March came in with Mason in his arms. I followed them across the road and my boy was dumped in my lap while March went inside. He looked at the food then he looked at me, he stood back so mum could serve others then looked at me again. I sent him a text.

'I will have the roast March.'

He smiled and nodded then pushed someone out of the way to order our meals.

"I think I will get you to order it in the future Nicky."

"That is a wise decision March otherwise you would still be standing there." I laughed, he took my hand and kissed it.

"Thank you Nicky."

"You are welcome."

Rose was serving some customers and looking at me, when she finished she almost ran out with our plates and said.

"Did I miss any dirty talk?"

We all laughed and the happy feelings were back because March said.

"You missed a full-on show in the shed, Rosie."

"Damn, I always miss out on the good bits." She laughed and then went back to sell more drinks and sweets.

March got a text, he read it then passed it to me.

'Be at your place tomorrow it won't take long, and Rose and I have settled for farm animals '

Very appropriate he loves his farm animals, why didn't I think of that?

"He will love it March, he likes his mates at the farm."

"Yes, good choice." He wasn't interested in continuing the conversation, that race he and dad always seem to have over food had started and he was busy eating. My lunch was delicious and Mason loved his potato and gravy, he grinned with every spoonful. May arrived and took him and asked if she could have him for an hour or so, I said that was fine with me.

"I am only sitting out the back looking through catalogs Nicky, I need some company."

"Just watch him, he's getting quicker with his walking."

"I will." It wasn't a good time for her to take him, he once again grizzled because he wanted more food.

"Maybe we will finish feeding him first." I spooned another mouthful of food into him. She then took him and his food out the back.

Later on, I bundled him up and we took him to the clearing for a swim, March was ready and Mason went into the tent, he was eager to play. With my man fixed up for the third time today I doubt whether he will have anything left for tonight. Everything is changing.

We dipped our heads into the water and when Mason came to look for us he was once again swished around, we backed up to the bank and while Mase played slapping water I asked March about Cory's dad.

"I don't like to talk about others Nicky, he is a good friend of mine and I miss him. I can understand why he left but he didn't have to leave the whole town and his mates."

"What happened?"

"Lena, she gave him an ultimatum. You know how Cory is, well Jack was the same he picked up work here and there, but never settled into a full-time job. He preferred fishing and pub games, hes always been like that and I think Lena was fed up with being the breadwinner. Don't get me wrong about her, she adored Jack and it hurt her terribly to give him the ultimatum. Leave or get a job I was told she said, so he left. It shocked her and certainly me, no one knows where he is, but there are rumors he calls in now and then, and of course, Cory goes to the city sometimes to catch up with him. But keep in mind Nicky, all I have said is only rumors."

"That's so sad March, what can we do?"

"I tried but she pushed me away, I even tried to find him but he was nowhere to be found."

"Poor Cory it must have affected him badly."

"It did in a way, his smart mouth got worse and he was uncontrollable for quite some time. The operation slowed him down and Lena was telling me when I went to talk to her about how he was, that Jack visited him every day."

"So she knows where he is, she's just not telling anyone."

"I figured that Nicky, Lena was always the quiet one at school, sure she had mates but not long-lasting ones. When Jack came to town he bought laughter into her life, but I suppose there's only so much of that a woman can take"

"Sorry, I will stop laughing then."

He gave me a strange look and then said.

"You do that and you are cut off."

I opened my legs a little, he moaned as his hand slipped through the water.

"Well if there is anyone that needs his father it's Cory."

"And Lena, I think she has so many regrets Nicky, but I don't know the whole story."

"I don't want to add to your troubles March, but I did think of a loose end with Betty." He slid down into the water, and Mason giggled.

"What now?"

"We can't stop her from writing to May. What if she writes to her and tells her? She will be pretty pissed off her family doesn't want her here."

"I have, or will be fixing that Nicky."

"I see, can you enlighten me, or is this something you can do?"

"No Nicky, I told you I needed you. I like telling you stuff just not the others."

"Okay." I kissed him.

"I am going to tell mum what is going on, she collects the letters at the cafe and can put aside the ones from Betty to give to me."

"She will do that March, you can trust my parents, and there's something else I wasn't going to tell you until I read them."

"I'm getting a headache Nicky."

"Faith found a bunch of letters behind a wall panel when they were renovating the farmhouse, she is going to give them to me on Saturday. I wanted to read them first because if they are full of shitty things, I didn't want you to see them."

"Are they mums?"

"She said some were and a lot were from Betty, but she didn't recognize the name so she kept them. Faith said the one or two she read were threatening letters."

"She didn't say what was threatened?"

"No March we have to read them, she was going to give them to you but something held her back, you know she loves you like a son, so I guess your name was mentioned."

"Can you read them, I don't want any more bad news."

"I will March only because I want to know why they decided to have May with someone else."

"I would like to know too Nicky."

"Good, then I will read them and let you know. Want to pack up now, I think Mase has had enough."

"Yes please, and Nicky?"

"Yes."

"I love you so much, and I would never cut you off."

"I love you also March Stephenson." I kissed him deeply then we packed up.

"Tub tub tub" Mason was chanting as he waddled to the back door.

"In a mini baby."

"Now dada."

"Get that March, I just want to check if mum and dad are still coming for dinner."

It was fish and chip night tonight, he dropped everything and stood there naked I swooned the sent a quick message off to mum.

In the tub he did his thing with Mason then he wanted to cuddle with me. Mase was placed in his high chair and his ducks bobbed up and down with the gentle movement.

"I can't remember a time without May by my side Nicky, she was always following me around when we were young like three or four."

"She loves you March, and you are the same whatever that connection is you have with her it is deep-seated, maybe she is a witch and put spells on you." I had to lighten the mood otherwise he will go on all night and won't get enough sleep.

"Maybe Nicky, she was good at nursing animals back to health later on. I always thought she would become a vet, but she got that job at the cafe and loved it there."

"She is pretty clever that sister of yours."

"Yes she is." He kissed me again, my phone beeped it was mum saying.

'Be there at six thirty.'

"Good, they are still coming." After some time he said.

"We had better shower Nicky."

We did that with only some touching, no naughty play. Mason was bathed and dressed for bed, he wanted some milk so I made him one to sip on while he watched tv.

March had dressed in his jeans and a t-shirt, I guessed they made him look more official. I was watching him and rising, that ass is powerfully awesome.

Mum and dad arrived and Mason was quick to greet them both, dad placed the big order on the bench and I got the plates ready. Mum sat with Mason on her knees and talked to him about his new room, he didn't understand but I did hear a quack quack in there somewhere.

March was nervous and dad picked up on it.

"What is the matter with March?"

"Family business to discuss tonight." I smiled, then said.

"It's okay dad, your safe." I laughed.

"March do you want to talk to mum out the back first?"

"No Nicky can we eat first, I'm hungry?" I rolled my eyes and answered.

"Coming up."

Dad took the packages out to the back table and I carried the rest.

March followed us out and he looked confused.

"What's up?"

"Lemons we need lemons."

The fish and chip shop usually put some cut lemons in with the order but March likes a little more. He went to cut some up and mum took her place at the table.

"So did you fix everything with that Betty woman and May?" She looked at March.

"Yes mum, it has settled down for now, but she won't be coming here to live I will make sure of that."

"Okay, you can tell me now, many a problem has been sorted out at the dinner table."

"Mum I was going to wait." He popped a chip into his mouth. I started blowing on some for Mason to cool them down and dad was piling his plate up.

"Okay son, so what is Mason's room going to look like?" He looked up at her.

"Pale blue walls, farm animals, I think Rose has the curtains sorted out and a bedspread."

"Sounds lovely son." She smiled.

"Mum and dad, when my mum was very ill Betty came to look after her, we didn't want her there because it was private for May and me, and dad. She said some very bad words to mum and I overheard it. It got me upset and I have hated her ever since that day. Now she wants to come and live with us, she is not well herself and I won't allow it. May wanted to have her here so I had to tell her she always thought we were a couple of brats, that has satisfied her for now."

"What a terrible woman, I wouldn't want her around either."

"Well the things she said to my mum were awful, and I don't want May involved with that woman ever again."

"I saw that letter the other day March, it was unusual because May never gets personal letters at the shop."

"That is what I want to ask you, if another one arrives can you give it to me, not May I will deal with aunty Betty."

"If you think that is wise March, I don't like doing it but I will for you." She smiled.

"Thank you mum, there is more but the least you know the better. May is to have no contact with that woman, ever."

"Okay, job done. Now eat up it's all going cold."

"More for Mason then." I giggled. I cut off a corner of the fish and placed it in his hand. He licked it then passed it back so I put some lemon on it, thats better. The tone of the night lifted and March and dad were back to playing their games again, I think dad won tonight because after we cleaned up he laid on the couch with Mason and promptly went to sleep.

My man wasn't too far behind him and he looked like he was nodding off at the table.

"March go to bed." Mum said.

"But we have guests."

"Please go, it's been a big day for everyone and we will be leaving soon. Have a good night." She smiled at him. He grabbed Mason and kissed us both then went to bed.

I made coffee and sat out the back with mum again, then I told her everything. She was shocked and I was reassured that no letters will be passed to May, she asked if March was ok and I told her he will be, hes just coming down from his big day.

She roused dad and I locked up then I went to bed, not much room on my side because bubs has decided he likes that the best. So I crawled in beside March and hugged him. Before I went to sleep I heard.

"Thank you."

"You are very welcome."

Saturday morning I was woken early, his upstanding member was firmly planted in my crack and March Stephenson was ready to play again. Bubs didn't wake up and March thoroughly enjoyed himself, I went to the toilet then I put some coffee on. I could hear laughing coming from the bedroom. I am confident mum will intercept those letters and they are passed on to March or me. The next problem is reading the ones from Faith which I will do today. They came out the tv went on and March kissed me and patted my ass.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome."

He put a plate of leftovers in the microwave and bub was by his side when he decided he was also hungry. They sat and giggled I made some toast because I know Faith will have a lot of food ready for lunch.

"Don't forget Faith is cooking today."

"I know, can't wait to get there."

"What are you doing for them today."

"Nothing Nicky, just looking at their new tractor."

"They finally got one then."

"Yes, the insurance paid for it, and the old one is now garden art."

"I saw it the last time, there were pot plants on it."

"I believe it's grown since then."

"It will be good to see it, what time are we going?'

"Around nine thirty Nicky, I don't want to miss out on the scones."

He laughed.

When the time came we were all dressed up, me in my shorts and March in his jeans, god only knows what Ethan will come up with, and I know Faith will be dressed to the nines. He drove us out to the farm and parked in the front. The old tractor looked good, someone had painted it green and it was covered in pot plants, the flowers were in bloom and it looked more like a florist shop than a piece of art. Faith walked out and waved, yes she looked beautiful. March took Mason into the barn to say hello to the horses.

"Faith I had an attack of the guilts and told March about the letters, I'm sorry."

"Well it's probably for the best, he would have found out sooner or later."

"He doesn't like me hiding things from him and he usually guesses when I have something on my mind anyway. I will read them and tell him, he doesn't need to look through them."

"Will you burn them?"

"No, maybe in the future but for now I will hang onto them just in case."

"Very wise Nicky, now let us go find that baby of ours."

They were easy to find bubs screams and laughter led us the way. I was a little disappointed Jimmy and Hank weren't here, they usually do the tour with us.

"I love what you did with the old tractor."

"Ethan's idea he couldn't bring himself to get rid of it."

Mase was nearly finished catching up and March had placed him on a horse's back, he was giggling then he dropped his head to give it a bubs hug. Next were the chickens and he clucked his way through greeting them, Faith took him into the pen and they searched for eggs. They found two but I suspect she had them in her pocket already. We went through the back door and while March spoke to a very well-dressed Ethan. Faith and I gathered up the scones and cups and saucers. I got the cream out of the fridge and noticed the ham and cheese plate.

"Still hoping they will come home I see." I lifted the plate and showed her.

"I don't know why I still do it, I can live in hope."

"Do you want me to put it out?"

"Yes please, you never know." It could have something to do with the caravan I saw parked at the back of the barn.

I started for the outside table and stopped at the front door for her to catch up.

"When did they get back?"

She started laughing.

"Oh you are good Nicky Stephenson, late last night I think they are still sleeping."

Ethan rang the bell and the men appeared from out of nowhere, Jimmy and Hank looked so good and a little grown up as they hugged their parents and brothers, then us. Jimmy took Mason and cuddled him then Hank had to have him.

"Surprise," Jimmy said as his arm went around Faith's shoulders.

"Did you enjoy yourselves?" John said.

"Yes but that fruit picking work is backbreaking, it's a holiday working here," Hank said as he grabbed his scones and ham and cheese.

"Well, when your holiday is over I have a shit load of fencing to do." Ethan laughed.

"Does this mean I'm out of a job again?" Bert the farm manager said.

"No Bert your job is safe, now I have an announcement to make." Ethan smiled at Faith.

They all sat to eat, I doubt whether they are interested in any old announcement. Faith now had bubs and March was onto his second scone.

"Now that I have found me a cute filly to keep me in comfort for the rest of my life, I have decided to retire." They all laughed.

"We are handing the farm over to Hank, and don't get miffed boys you all know he's the best man for the job. Jimmy, you are now the new farm cook, seeing the lady of the house has gone and got herself a job. We will expect the same high level of food from you and you also have to clean the house."

"But dad I want to be out and about not stuck in the kitchen." Jimmy's protests fell on deaf ears.

"It is the best place for you son, because while you're doing all mum's work you will also be attending the online university. It's about time you went back to school and we would like you to do agriculture."

"But dad I know all about that stuff."

"We want you to get a degree, and you don't know everything. times have changed and there's always new stuff to learn."

"He's as good a cook as me Nicky, is this what you were hinting at?"

"Yes, he needs to finish his education then he can work anywhere instead of picking apples." I giggled.

"Well we made a mistake making him a farm hand he's a lot brighter than that."

"So what are we going to do dad?" Heath asked, and Barry almost said the same.

"Stop whining boys take a leaf out of your brother's book and start up your businesses. Or you can help Hank run this farm for us."

They laughed because I doubt Ethan doesn't do much except fish

."So what bought you two back?" I asked Hank later on.

"It was too hard Nicky, we are sorry we caused the upset. We figured we were really happy here and decided to come on home."

"Good, you look a lot happier."

"Yes we are, and now I am the boss man I can go fishing with March and dad."

"Keep your hands to your self and you will be most welcome to join us," March said.

"Your safe March Stephenson, that has all been sorted out."

I wanted him to elaborate but thought better of it, they will tell me when they are ready. Faith was the happiest I have seen her for ages, and after we cleaned up we sat talking to bubs and amongst ourselves.

"He needs something to fall back on Nicky, agriculture is probably the best for him."

"I agree, it must be hard to hand over the reins."

"Not so hard Nicky, Hank has always run the farm, Ethan is just a figurehead. Jimmy is good in the kitchen and the girls will help him with the house."

"So apart from the shop what are you going to do."

"Pick up the grandkids and play with them, they love my new spa."

"You got one?"

"Yes Nicky if you look out the window to the right you will see it, the kids just love it."

"Not you?"

"Ethan and I use it at night time." She blushed. She got up and went to her bedroom when she came back she had the letters in hand. I stuffed them in my backpack.

"Thank you I will tell you the whole story after I read them."

"There is no need Nicky, I think the answer you are looking for is they used a surrogate, I couldn't find a name which is a good thing, May won't go looking for her birth mum."

"I doubt she would anyway Faith, she has a bond with March she wouldn't want to destroy."

Speak of the devil, he and Ethan came in the back way they had been looking at the new tractor.

"It has already started Mother."

"What dear?"

"Ethan was asking about planting tulips and bulbs."

"I love my Iris, yes a very worthy business for him to start up. What did you tell him?"

"I told him to hire Jimmy as a consultant, after all, he is doing agriculture at university." He roared laughing.

"Mum loved Iris's too Faith, she had some somewhere."

"They are up the side of the house March but not in bloom yet."

"We can get some if you like March." I offered.

"Don't you dare go wasting your money on bulbs, I will get Jimmy to dig some up for you March. There are plenty out there and if we do it that way your mum's flowers will be in your gardens." He smiled and thanked her.

Lunch was always a feast at the farm, bubs got a bowl almost full of gravy and March's plate was as always full, and so was Hanks.

Jimmy smiled a lot when he looked at his parents and I know he missed them a lot. I also knew the town missed them also, and there were plenty of questions on the local page when they disappeared.

Later on, while I tried to settle my tight tummy down, we sat with coffee and biscuits. Hank whispered to me that while the incident was exciting they will go to the city if they feel they need to experience it again. In the meantime, they are very much in love and back tighter than ever. I was happy for them. Some people I knew in the city did that all the time and are still very much in love with each other. Bubs had gone to sleep and March's eyes were drooping so I pulled the plug, thanked our hosts and we left with a pile of food and a box of Iris bulbs. Who knows what the future will bring for Hank and Jimmy, but I do know Faith and Ethan were pretty happy about their return.

March headed for bed he has eaten too much, bubs was placed in his crib and I stripped and crawled in with my husband.

Two hours later bubs wanted up so I checked him out and changed him then placed him on the floor in front of the TV. I sat and checked out the local page, there were two posts, one from Faith thanking us for coming for lunch and the other from Jimmy.

'Did you miss us?' Plenty of welcome back comments a few groans and a 'When is the wedding?' I laughed.

March was doing a Mason and he bumped into the wall as he came out.

"Why don't you have another ten minutes March?'

"I missed you." He kissed me grabbed Mason and promptly went back to sleep on the couch. I toyed with giving him a sleeping suck, but I like him to be involved in the process. I went outside and picked a great spot for the bulbs, we will be able to see them from the back verandah, with potting mix and plant food I went about spacing them randomly across the back. I will put some aside for May, she will love her little present.

The night was spent on the couch, March had opened the fridge and got some food out to eat, bubs had a little and I didn't eat. I think after the first bite March was feeling full and tired again, but he's left plenty for tomorrow. I think I heard him say there was one for me and May but I could have heard him wrong.

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