March Stephenson

Chapter 58

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

Dad was deep in thought trying to fix a starter motor that was almost impossible to replace, Mason was napping in the old truck and March was in the pit struggling to remove some gizmo from the underside of an old Ford. I took the opportunity to go up to the chemist's shop to get a photo blown up. The lady behind the counter laughed when I showed her and told me to pick it up later on. On the way back I talked to some local folks and looked in the toy shop window, nothing new today, which I was relieved to find. Then back to the cafe for a well-deserved curry for lunch.

May was sitting there smiling, and Rose was behind the counter serving up a storm. Little Rosie was over the road in the wellness center with Jason.

"So you enjoyed yourself this morning?"

"Like no other Nicky, enough said." She grinned.

"I need to grab some more of your tea today,"

"How is the arm?"

"Good May, not like it used to be but very close."

"I believe Dr Mike is getting great results, he is going to order more and sell it as an alternative medicine. I don't know how that will go down in the medical profession."

"Probably not good at all, he should open a herbal shop and sell all your range."

"Maybe he will, but it's his call I won't be opening one in the city. Some people frown on home remedies still, and I don't want to be in the firing line. I'm happy to just sell locally."

March and his troops arrived and I received a very long wet kiss, then a hug from our son as I scratched Sunny's ears.

"What am I having today Nicky?"

"Curry March, it won't be long."

"I might have that also," Dad said as he walked through the shop.

He must have had second thoughts and poked his head out and asked May if she wanted anything.

"No thank you dad, I have eaten."

"Where's Rosie?" March looked around.

"With Jason, he's teaching her how to meditate."

"No way is my niece old enough to be able to do that."

"She's a very clever baby March."

"Oh okay." His leg nudged mine, then dad arrived back and sat down.

"Is the car going to be a pain dad?"

"Yes and no son, the starter motor has problems and I can get it going but how long it will last is anyone's guess."

"Maybe I had better look at getting a new one, we can get it started for the auction and change it over when the new owner has time. It takes three weeks to get one over from the UK and it won't be here in time for the auction."

"Let me have another look March, maybe it can be exchanged with one we can get here."

"Okay just let me know dad. Where did you go before Nicky?"

"Up to the chemist, mister nosey parker."

"I looked for you and you were gone, I only wanted to know."

"This is all hush-hush, but I went to the chemist shop to have a photo enlarged."

"A sexy one of your husband again?" May asked.

"No, one of Nudge in drag if you want to spoil my surprise."

She started laughing.

"Why?" March asked.

"To hang in the gym I picked a very nice one and am having it blown up."

"He might not like that."

"And I don't like his smart assed comments either, so it goes on my wall."

"Thank God I didn't go to the show."

"They would all be blown up and hung everywhere in town." I grinned.

"I know, that's why I didn't want to go." He knows me so well.

"One day you will slip up Stephenson then you're toast." I winked.

"You wouldn't be that awful to me."

"Wouldn't I?" Mum came out with our lunch and she had a bowl of

chips and gravy for Mason and some for Sunny.

He sat on my knees and enjoyed his meal while I tried to avoid dripping curry all over him.

Joel turned up early, I guess Mason's jeep was done and once again he screamed and ran in circles as the men unloaded it. It was perfect for him, the same blue as March's old truck and a basket for Sunny had been installed hanging off the seat. He tested it for a while then he did something unusual, he hugged Joel's legs and thanked him then he drove it very carefully into the display window. He parked it in front of the old truck then he got out.

"Daddy same." He screamed.

"Yes son, it's the same as our truck."

"Stay there no sell."

He wanted it to sit with his dad's truck, and I somehow knew he would probably never drive it again. It looked so cute sitting next to the big one. I looked over at March's face he had a big grin on it and I knew he felt so proud to be Mason's daddy.

Joel was thanked and dad wanted to talk to him for a minute, they walked over to the workbench and he showed him the starter motor.

He had told dad that he knew where there was one in better shape, it turned out he had it in his workshop, it had been sitting there for a few years but it needed reconditioning. Problems were solved today and once again I had a happy family around me. I did some more washing and then sat to do my emails, it was a slow afternoon in the gym I had wondered if there was something else on today to keep the customers away.

I went to find March, he and Mason were sitting in the old Ford talking business. I slipped in and asked him what was going on with the customers.

He said that a barn raising was mentioned on the local page, and probably half the town is out at the farm to help with its construction. It was the farmer's barn that was being replaced, how much input March had I didn't know. But I had heard some new horses had been purchased and the insurance had paid out, but it wasn't enough to completely rebuild the barn to where it was. So to save on builders wages every one was donating their time to help.

"Why aren't we involved?"

"We are in a roundabout way Nicky, by staying away."

"How do you work that out?"

"You are not a builder, and I have cars to do. If we go there we would only be in the way, leave it to Ron and Nudge this time."

"Did you buy the horses?"

"Yes Nicky, the owner went to the sales and picked four of them, we covered the cost and Ethan delivered feed and some tackle."

"Oh, but I wanted to do something special."

"You did, leave it to me Nicky I know what I'm doing. I think Rose is going to organize another barn dance when it's all finished. Everyone is contributing."

"So that's why I'm not seeing any of the boys around."

"Exactly, but if you want we can take a drive out there and see how it's coming along."

"Maybe later on."

"Coffee and cake?" I suggested. We headed for the cafe to have our break. I don't know why he said he was busy but I did notice dad tinkering with an engine. I ordered some cake and sat in the sun was a lovely day and surprise surprise Nudge and Ron turned up, when they did Jack came down the street and joined us.

"How is that barn going losers?" He looked at the men.

"Fine Jack, all the clearing away has been done, and I will get the men to pour the foundations tomorrow. It will be an easy build."

"So what's going on fellas, why are you here?" March looked at them through suspicious eyes.

"Nothing March, we want to talk to Nicky if we can?"

"Nicky, do you want to talk to them?" I laughed then our cake arrived.

"Can you get us some please Mrs Wilson?"

"Coming up boys, do you want coffee?"

"Yes please." Mum went off to do that job.

"What's up?"

"Next year's calendar."

"I see, so what's it got to do with me?"

"We want you to take the photos, after the last one we think you could pose us a bit sexier." Ron winked.

"It's not that sort of calendar." All three of them laughed.

"He's not doing it." I heard March say.

"Why not Stephenson?" Jack asked.

"He only knows how to pose me, not anyone else."

"Stay out of it." Nudge glared at March.

"You're always trying to take over everything March, our wives want Nicky

to pose us with our boys." I started laughing, whose the interfering one now?

"Sequins, feathers or jocks boys?" Nudge kicked me under the table.

"We are going to leave it to you, and we have already told Brenda that you are doing it this year, well our wives have."

March stayed silent, he knew when to keep his mouth shut.

"Let me think about it boys. I will have to get my good camera out of mothballs."

I had taken a lot of Matts photos in the early years and I watched just about every photo shoot I could, so I have learned a few things over time.

"The girls will want you to talk to them Nicky, then they will talk to us."

"No dick pics please." Jack put his ten cents worth in.

"When does the ad filming start March?"

"Before the calendar one Nicky, they need it for the start of spring next year, but want to get it ready to roll so probably soon."

"I will talk to Brenda then." The cake arrived and the boys destroyed their treats, I asked about Corey, and Jack said he was on top of the world. His trainer is talking about him entering competitions country-wide, Cory is very happy because they usually have cash prizes. I was happy he was sticking to it, and I hoped his head didn't get any bigger.

When they left March wanted to talk, or to try and tell me I was his photographer and I shouldn't do it. I said the ladies wouldn't be too kind to him for stopping their plans. He started laughing and said he would be with me at every shoot.

A message came through that Nudge's poster was ready for pickup, so I told March and headed for the chemist. I made sure the lady behind the counter didn't say anything to anyone then I took the cylinder back to the cafe. May was talking to March and mum about the visit from the boys. She spied the cylinder and snapped her fingers.

"Give us a look."

"May I have had second thoughts, I don't think I will hang it in the gym I think I will just give it to Nudge as a present. Here look at the photo on my phone it's the same."

"Good decision Nicky." March stared down at me.

"Well, he might get upset and cancel his membership."

"You're learning Mr. Stephenson." He smirked.

I placed the cylinder behind the counter when I got back to work, and March is right, I do go overboard sometimes, although at the time I thought it was a fun idea. Now how do I pose Nudge to highlight his awesome body, shirtless, backless posing pouch up a ladder I think. I have many ideas and I know Nudge will look awesome.

Dad was leaving for Joel's place and I told March I would be going with him. It's something I hadn't done yet, and that was to pry into the other locals' homes and workspaces. May took Mason and Sunny out to her place so March could catch up on some work without chasing him around. I jumped in dad's car and he drove us to Joels. It wasn't what I expected, old doner cars were parked up the back of the property, he told me he uses them for parts or metal patches if he needs it.

His shed was enormous a lot bigger than March's garage and it was a typical workman's hideaway. He was working on two VW Ghia's bare metal restoration, they are a beautiful car. I only knew they were because a friend of mine had one years ago. Dad looked at the starter motor while I looked around. I lifted a tarpaulin and sitting under it was a red Mini Cooper S MK2.

I knew this model from the many searches I had done on my favorite little cars. Dad deemed the motor a perfect fit and Joel wouldn't take any money for it, he owed March and this is how he repays him.

"Is the mini finished Joel?" I had to ask.

"Nearly Nicky, March has to restore the engine I will get it to him soon."

"For a customer?"

"Not really, just something I fell upon at a barn auction. The interior and body are done and when I decide what to do with the engine, I will get it to March to restore it."

"Awesome vintage, they go like hell."

"It should when it's upgraded, but I am worried it may end up in the auction rooms."

"Why?"

"I love minis too Nicky, and would have liked to keep it for my own."

"Keep it then."

"No, I can't fall in love with my work otherwise I will be loaded up with cars I can't use. Plus the lady of the house needs a new dress so when this sells she will get one."

"I am sorry Joel but what's her name?"

"Michelle Nicky, you have met her before."

"I have met her, she was one of the ladies that left food out for me when I first arrived."

"She has talked to you several times, you just didn't know who she belonged to." He smiled.

"Well I will make a point of remembering her, and Joel?"

"Yes?"

"She's a real stunner, it's a shame it's going to be just fathers and sons, but your photos are going to be great."

"The boys are excited to be doing it and the wives are excited to buy it."

"I just got to set it up right, how do you feel about tasteful nude shots?"

"Nicky!" Dad shouted.

"What?"

"Behave yourself or I will tell March."

Joel bent over laughing and by the time we left, I bet he was thinking about going semi-nude.

"That car is bloody gorgeous dad, I can see myself driving it."

"Maybe you should buy it, son."

"I can't drive it every day, it's too good."

"I only drive mine when I get the urge, looking at it is one of my greatest pleasures."

"I might talk to March about it, we will have to extend the garage."

"You do that Nicky, he has spoken to me several times about buying you one. he says you keep saying it would be a waste. Pleasure isn't always a waste Nicky."

"I will rethink my desires then, thanks, dad."

"You do that."

I went to get my son and dog, and then we all walked back across the road to see March. Dad was sitting at the bench taking the starter motor apart, he loves doing them. March was as usual hanging over the old Ford and my hand slipped into his overalls. He yelped and I laughed. Mason had headed for his ride-on and was going to do laps again. I wanted him to have a nap but it was almost home time. I went into the gym and folded towels and overalls then put them away, then I opened my laptop and started looking at photos of families. I reserved a few and made some notes then March hurried me up because there's a tub at home with our name on it.

After packing up we drove home, Mase fell asleep on the short trip and this was not what I wanted, he would be awake all night. I lay him on the sofa and Sunny sat and watched him while March and I slipped into the tub. He was a bit eager to get in it today and when I sat in his lap the kissing started immediately. No full-on sex out here, just a lot of foreplay and a bit of worshipping. I could see Mason from the kitchen window when I stood up because March wanted to fondle me a bit. Sunny was waiting patiently and my son was going to sleep his evening away.

"We have to get him back to having a nap or two during the day baby. He's going to be up all night."

"Leave it to me, Nicky. I will come up with something. He did have a nap this morning in the back of the Ford but maybe it wasn't long enough."

"I might turn the TV on and maybe the lure of the cartoons will wake him."

"If not he can sleep with us, I don't want him being awake in his room all alone."

"Sure, but we still have to make sure he gets enough during the day."

"I agree, maybe the cars are hampering his routine. It's good he parked the jeep in the window." He smiled.

"It was March, just like his daddies. I doubt he will ever drive it again."

"I have to take mine out sometime soon, give it a good run."

"You can drive it out to the farm so we can look at the new barn site."

"It will be a steel one Nicky, that's all the insurance will cover. The old one was made from wood many years ago, it would cost a fortune to replace it now. Ron says the new ones are good and easy to erect. They have to fit it out with rooms and stalls and a loft though."

"March I want to ask you something."

"What baby."

"Well when we were at Joel's I found a red Mini Cooper under a tarp, he said it was a barn find and he's just finished doing the interior and bodywork. He's going to send it to auction after you do the engine, do you think I would get any use out of it?"

"Yes, I think you are like dad, just looking at it would give you your mini pleasure, like I do with my old truck. We can extend the garage easily, and I can make sure it's stored properly. We can take it out for a road trip now and then, like my truck."

"He's going to sell it, how much do you think I should offer him?"

"He doesn't own it Nicky, he can't sell it."

"He said he did."

"I don't think so, he's looking after it for a friend."

"That's disappointing, I got the impression I could maybe buy it."

"His friend is me, I own it."

"What? how the hell do you own it, I didn't know you even liked them."

He laughed.

"Everyone loves a classic car, Nicky. I found it at one of the farms months ago. It belonged to the farmer's mum who had long left us. It was shoved in the back of his barn covered in hessian bags. I looked at it and the mileage was still low, the engine wasn't seized so I made him an offer."

"Why?"

"I bought it for you, but when you said you didn't want one I made Joel keep it in his shed." I was feeling stupid now, he had bought me a great present and I knocked it back in a sort of way.

"March I love it, can you give it to me now."

"Hop on board Nicky." He lifted his hips, I slapped him.

"Not that, the car. Give it to me I would love it. I only said I didn't want one because I thought I wouldn't use it. After I talked to dad I decided that I would love one sitting in our garage."

"It's all yours, I will do the engine now and get it roadworthy so you can register it. I suggest you do that with the mini club it's cheaper."

"Thank you March, it's awesome and just the perfect gift."

"Be aware Nicky, it's original all the numbers match, so no wanting a different power plant in it,"

"I wouldn't dream of it March, why destroy something so wonderful."

"There won't be any air con just a heater, there is a radio but it's original and working. No power steering or brakes."

"They are easy to handle March, I have driven some before."

"Yes, and we all know how you drive those zippy machines. No speeding no two-wheeled corner turns."

I had driven a couple when they came into the garage, and I had so much fun showing March my driving skills.

"So it's a done deal then?"

"Done Nicky, I will get Ron to extend the garage and Joel to drop it off at the workshop. Thank you, Nicky." He kissed me.

"I guess you will want an extra special feel then?"

"Not now Nicky, our son is staring at us he wants to get in with us." I hadn't noticed Mase had come out, so I got out of the tub laughing with my dick swinging in the wind and I placed him in the tub with us. My excitement was on show my dream car had arrived.

We splashed around and Mase was now wide awake. I had to get out and check the casserole I had placed in the oven when we got in, it was ready so I did some mashed potato and a few veggies for bubs. They came in when I called and sat at the table, Sunny was at the ready under it.

March dried them both off and put some shorts on, he looked so delicious as I beat the crap out of the spuds.

The TV was on in the background and I was on a high because I was going to get two presents tonight from my husband. After dinner, I looked at my favorite cars on the laptop while March settled Mase in to watch something. I also wrote down the address of the Victorian mini club. After I had finished I went to look at the garage, yes we will have room to extend, in the meantime, I can keep it in the workshop. Dad does drive his Capri to work occasionally but he is very protective of it, it's covered when there because he doesn't want any baby dribble on his new seats. My night took me to places I needed to be. March was showing me how he has improved his lovemaking skills and I was once more worshipping my March Stephenson.

Mason was up early but I didn't mind. I had been awake for ages just looking at March sleeping, when I heard bubs moving about I was about ready to pounce on my lover again. Sadly I got up and went to see what they were up to. Mase was talking to his birds and puppy about driving I think, and oil was mentioned. I changed his nappy then I picked him up and walked him down to the TV, where he sat to watch cartoons while Sunny surveyed the backyard for a good spot to do his morning business.

There were no emails this morning and I looked at the local page, there were a few photos of the site-clearing gang and comments on what a great day it had been. I have to ring Tom today, I need to know where they are with their cabin or house building. I started breakfast and had just placed a piece of toast into Mase's hand when March appeared, he looked at me and blushed.

"Had a good time last night husband?" He dropped his head and slightly smiled.

"The best Nicky, you were awesome."

"That's what I like to hear, happy husband happy home." I laughed and then asked him what he wanted for breakfast. His usual fare was on offer, eggs, toast, bacon, and maybe a tomato and mushrooms, if I have any in the fridge.

I have to do a shop at some stage I am running out of important items. He looked at his phone while I cooked, then he put it aside and picked Sunny up. They played for a time then he wanted his mate Mason. I asked him what he had on today, he said they had to finish up the Bentley and the last Ford will be picked up.

"Thank you for accepting my present Nicky, I would have kept it for you in case you changed your mind."

"I would have accepted it anyway March, a present from you, an awesome car, there's no way I would have knocked that back."

I placed our plates on the table and he started eating.

"I will get Joel to drop it off and dad and I will work on it next week."

"Are you going to soup up the motor?"

"I can, but I much rather not I would like to keep it original, but it's your call."

"No, I'm happy with that. I don't think the club would appreciate us changing it."

"Good." I know March is a stickler for original parts for his cars and why would the mini be any different?

We showered and dressed then prepared for work, March got his morning mouth and I got my usual toss. I took my car today because I wanted to do some shopping, I made a list while eating breakfast and a visit to the veggie barn is in order as well as the supermarket.

Mase and his mate conned a lift from March so I was alone until we pulled into work. Dad had opened up and was hanging over the old but beautiful limo. He was installing the starter motor and told us he had worked on it at home last night.

I went to check the gym and Mason started driving around the workshop, we had to get him to have a nap today but at the moment he's go, go go.

The gym was tidy and there were only a few towels to wash, so I put them in the washer and turned it on. The showers needed a wipe down and soap was replaced.

I heard a motor revving and looked through the door, the men had big grins on their faces, and then they started it a few more times. Dad will take it around the block after he has his breakfast roll. The little car was left behind because Mason wanted a piggyback, so we went to find coffee, and some more food. May was sitting out the front with Rosie and dad held up two fingers to mum, then March did the same.

"You just had a big breakfast March."

"I got one for you Nicky, they are not all for me."

"I see." I held up one finger because mum knew March's order wasn't for us both. Rosie was passed to me while May had a nurse of Mason, bubs was all smiles today and maybe she is developing a personality, because although she seemed to be smiling at me she was looking for March's voice.

"I hear you got a dream gift last night Nicky," May said.

"Oh, you were looking through the bedroom window were you May?"

"The car stupid, the bloody car."

"Yes, a great surprise from my husband, I can't wait to take you for a drive in it."

"Never going to happen Nicky, too small I hate confined spaces, but I can look at it."

"I think that's all I will be doing too, looking at it. I can do that, March when they expand the garage can we put in some fluorescent lighting like dad's got?"

"Yes Nick, I will talk to Nudge later, he's a bit busy at the moment with the barn and the housing estate is still booming."

"It's going to change this place when they start filling it up."

"Not the town Nicky, it's five miles out so it won't impact on what's here. The shops will get busier though, which is good."

"Why so far out?" I hadn't asked before.

"Ask your husband." May smiled.

March was full of breakfast food and took his time to answer.

"May and I own the land in-between, there was no way we were going to let them build so close to town." I laughed, March Stephenson is still looking after his town.

"It's too nice to be destroyed by the urban sprawl. I want to get it declared a national park then everyone can use it. The bushland is beautiful Nicky. I will take you there one day." I have no idea what they were up to, but I do know it's for the good of the town. Mum came out with more food and coffee then she sat with us.

"I have to go to the veggie barn sometime today mum, do you need anything?"

"I want to go," May whined.

"You can come, make a list I also need to go to the supermarket at some stage too."

"I went yesterday son, so I don't need anything, thank you for the offer." Mum smiled.

"It will be good to see the girls again," I smiled.

"They were asking about Mason's little cars, so I told them he's missing his naps because of them."

"I bet that impressed them."

"They were only concerned." That was all she said.

"I will make sure he naps mum, he likes doing that in the old cars. But I agree they are never enough." March said. She stared at me for a bit, then sipped her coffee.

"Leave it to me sons."

"What are you up to?"

"Just going to reset your modern way back to the old times."

She took out her phone and rang someone.

"Hank, it's Mary."

"Fine thank you, I need a small favour. Can you come into town at some stage I need your help with something."

"Yes, I will be here in the morning." She stood up and walked up the street a bit, I have no idea what she was doing.

"I guess the cars were a bad idea in the end," March reflected.

"Maybe we can restrict his time using them. At the end of the day, he's still just a little boy." I smiled.

"He will get mad," May said.

"We will cope," I answered

"No, you won't." Dad got in on the conversation.

"I know, but I didn't want May to think we are terrible fathers." I giggled.

We chuckled and Mason was oblivious to what we were talking about, he was too busy curling Sunny's hair with his tiny hands.

Mum came back and sat again, with her conversation over, she looked like the cat who swallowed the pigeon, in other words very contented.

"Any hints mum?"

"No Nicky, if I am right he will be getting more naps than he ever was."

I left it to her and March went across the road to pump some gas. I followed with the 'kids' dad fired up the Bentley and took mum for a drive around town. March and I will be next. Mason was driving his car and Sunny was proudly sitting in his doggy basket. March let Shannons know the car was ready and the new owner shouldn't have any problems with it, they will pick it up in a day or two.

"You have all got me worried now Nicky, what if we can't get him back into a routine?"

"We will, whatever mum has in mind, I know it will help."

"Now to ring Joel." He grinned.

"Will he drive it here or truck it?"

"Truck it Nicky, it's not safe to drive it at the moment."

My heart fluttered and I was eager to once again sit behind the wheel of my favorite car.

"Nicky it will take me a few months to get it done so Nudge has got plenty of time to do the garage."

Dad came back and March took over the driving, I sat next to him and had one of the smoothest rides I think I ever had. This car was awesome it was like riding on air.

We stopped outside Joel's place and went in to talk to him.

"If you give me a hand loading it March, I will drop it off now." He smiled at me.

"You knew it was for me."

"March's decision Nicky, nothing to do with me." He opened the shed and took the tarp off my little gem, March checked it then we three pushed it outside then Joel winched it onto his tray truck. When the sun hit it, it shone like a new tin roof.

We followed him to the garage where it was unloaded, dad was all over the little car, he was excited to be working on it. We pushed it to the back of the workshop and Mason screamed as he jumped up and down.

after settling the car he ran off to get his red car and parked it next to it.

"Same daddy."

"Yes, almost the same color baby."

"Stay here with daddy's car." This is becoming a pattern that's two of his little cars that will be out of action. His car sat proudly next to my new one and he then wanted to sit inside it, hopefully now he will get a nap in.

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