March Stephenson

March Stephenson

Chapter 60

Maxieplus

Our son screamed again as we pulled up, he had been sitting with mum and May out the front. Dad came over and said the trucks had been dropped off and he had parked them out the back yard. He also said that Shannons would be by in the morning to take the Bentley away.

My son was once again riding his horse, he told me in his sort of way he had to exercise him. I looked March up and down and he told me in no uncertain terms that he gets plenty of exercise, then he winked at me.

I will make some notes tonight and try to make all my calendar men as sexy as possible, and that would be a no-show with Corey to be naked. I already know that he and Jack will be done in the party shop, so many bright colors, I couldn't miss the opportunity.

Back at home, we had a decision to make, car or tricycle? He stood outside his cubby and in the end, it was Sunny that made his mind up for him. He will be riding on the trike today because he jumped into the carry basket. March went to work and cleared the verandah of toys so Mase could almost ride around it without running into any obstacles. He couldn't get past the spa so he had to learn how to do turns.

The giggling coming from both of them was warming to hear. He did that for about a half hour then it was time to get into the spa. I had already fed him because I knew he would drop off early. I have many tips for May Stephenson, and I hope she looks to us for advice in the future.

My list consisted of twelve family men, now, thanks to meeting Mark are all known to me. Four farmers (the ladies like them) and eight businessmen around town. Beside each name, I had written their son's and daughter's names and a note on how I was going to pose them. Naturally, mine Mason's, and March's will be the sexiest, I did not doubt that one. I have plenty of time to get through them and I know March will be at every shoot I do. The tub was awesome as usual, nothing like having one to ease the day's aches and pains. Mason was bathed and readied for bed, we told him he could watch some TV while we had our dinners, but alas his eyes had a different plan, so he was put to bed by his adoring fathers.

"Hopefully he will sleep through the night."

"He will, buying those toys has changed his life." I kissed March as we both cuddled then drifted off to sleep.

He did sleep well, and he was up at a more respectable time. I could hear him talking in his room I suppose he's planning his day. I threw back the covers and headed his way. After saying my good mornings with kisses and cuddles I could tell he needed a change because his wet nappy was laying on the floor beside the bed. I took him out to the kitchen and put the kettle on, then I wiped him down. When I placed him on the floor he headed for March, the giggling started about then, and both boys were happy to see each other.

I took March's coffee in and Mason headed for the sofa, the TV was on so he had programs to watch. No sex today because March also got out of bed and headed for the kitchen table, I think he's hungry. I was well-stocked and offered him a big breakfast, which he politely accepted.

I am going to try to get Mason onto some baked beans and toast today because when March bought a can of it, he bought the large one.

"Will you be working on the trucks today?"

"Yes Nicky, they won't be hard, we only need to service them and make sure they are working as they should be."

"Have you worded Ron and Nudge up on the renovations?'

"Yes, they are aware of it, I just have to go and look at it first. Nudge's men are still busy with the housing estate and the barn, Tom may have to wait a few months."

"I think it's not urgent March from what Rose was telling me they have already moved most of their things in." I dished up his food and he eagerly took the plate.

"Mason, come and get your breakfast." Of course, he wasn't listening. In one swoop he was in my arms and heading for the high chair. Another triumph as we both sat there and watched him eat his beans, I think he likes them.

Sunny got a piece of toast and I ate my smaller breakfast. After that March went to shower and I cleaned up. When he came out he was ready for his morning suck so we took that to the bedroom. Now he was ready for his day I showered and dressed for work and I manned the stroller to run to work. March took 'Hank' and Sunny today and followed us from behind.

I saw dad pull up in his vintage car, he's taking it out for a spin and parked outside March's display window it did look awesome in the morning sun.

March headed for the workshop and dad and I headed for the cafe.

I said good morning to everyone and kissed my mum, Rose, and May on the cheeks. No baby this morning she is having a sleep-in with her daddy.

March arrived and ordered his usual breakfast rolls, Mason rode 'Hank' up and down for a bit then he wanted to talk about horses with May.

"I think I will teach him to ride Nicky," March whispered.

"He's too young March, maybe leave it for a few years."

"But he does need to know how to ride."

"In good time baby, sticking him on a horse and riding around with him is fine. But just imagine if he was on one on his own, do you think he could control it?"

"Maybe not Nicky, maybe I will ride with him."

"Good thinking husband."

I was watching some guys across the road they were unloading film equipment.

"Is there going to be filming today?"

"I don't know Nicky, but they look like a camera crew."

"I had better go and talk to them."

"Leave this to me, God knows what instructions you will give them." He grinned.

"Put your old overalls on baby, smooch the cameras."

"It's government work Nicky, not porn."

"Sorry, I'm getting away with myself again." I will pull my head in and shut up.

"Come on baby, work to do." I tried to take Mason but he's not having a bar of it because he said.

"No daddy."

When I looked back March had gone and was already walking across the road. I watched him introduce himself to the three guys and they had a chat.

"Look after Mase will you May, I'll be back."

"Stay out of it Nicky."

"I'm just going to listen in." My husband's a hunk and they should be highlighting that.

"He is all grown up Nick, please don't make this about him, he won't appreciate it in the end."

"But I just wanted to help."

"You're not helping him, you are interfering in something important, fire danger."

"I just wanted him to look good."

"He does, or haven't you noticed?"

"I notice, but he could look better."

She didn't know that I was goading her, as if I would interfere in this important project. March will do well and that extra dab of gel I put in his hair this morning made his hair look so sexy.

I didn't interfere they just wanted to film the garage and March working on a car, dad got his face in also, even though he wasn't a volunteer fireman. I stayed out of it and when they finished they asked May if they could film the gully behind her shop so they set up on her back balcony. They took almost six hours of film throughout the town. March had taken them out to the clearing and the barn, then to the fire station. He spent most of the day talking to the guys about bushfires in the mountains. I played with Mason and mostly sat in the gym as the guys pumped away on the machines. They did call in for lunch and decided that May's pies were the best they had tasted.

"We are getting an early start on this one, it's not needed for another six months but our workload is huge and the government wants it done well in advance." I sort of understood because it's just not the filming it's the editing that takes a lot of time, it has to be perfect.

March didn't have to say his words today they slotted him in for a studio appearance in a few weeks. He was told to wear his uniform and could he pin his medal to it. I sniggered when this was requested.

Fish and chip night at mum's was as usual a family affair because May had invited herself around along with Jase and little Rosie. The parcels were huge and so was the bill, it's not cheap nowadays, and at the prices they charge it's almost up to gourmet level. It didn't matter, whatever makes my family happy, makes me smile.

"So did they give you any hints on what the ad will look like March?"

Mum asked.

"It will be what it's supposed to be, a government-run ad that will be shown Australia-wide. No torn overalls, no sexy underwear, just plain simple fire prevention." He looked sideways at me.

"At least your hair looks good today," I smirked.

"I will let you have that one Nicky, but no more."

"At least I get to do the calendar."

"And we will talk about that one later."

Mason had his few chips and sauce while the men gorged themselves, but not Jason his body is a temple.

"Do you have a loin cloth, Jason?" He nearly choked on his fish.

"I half expected that question Nicky, no I don't."

"Better get you one then," May said nothing. I think she and I are on the same page. I will go to a costume shop and maybe look for some sort of ninja harness for him to wear on top, a smaller size to show off his awesome chest.

Mum can make up a similar outfit for Rosie.

"Have you decided what everyone will be doing Nicky?" Mum wanted to know.

"No hints mum, sorry it will be all hush hush until the calendar comes out. But I bet Mark from the supermarket will have the most popular photo."

"Nicky?" March gulped.

"Well March. I can't pose you in the nude. I can't show everyone how sexy you are, so I have Jason and Mark contending for your top spot, and Nudge."

"Maybe just a little sexy Nicky." He relinquished.

"Maybe husband." I winked at May. I know he's going to be the sexiest one because I know March Stephenson's weaknesses.

"I didn't see Rose today mum, is she ill?" I changed the subject.

"She felt a little off Nicky and wanted a few days to herself."

"Nothing too drastic I hope."

"I don't think so, she just said she was feeling off that's all."

It's not like Rose to be out of sorts she always looks healthy to me, maybe I will go and see her tomorrow if she's still not at work.

March bundled us into his truck. Mason had dropped off to sleep so we were cautious not to wake him. He was put to bed when we got home and Sunny 'Hank' and his birds watched over him.

March and I chilled in the spa then in front of the TV, he thanked me for not interfering today and I explained I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I do know right from wrong when I have to. We made sweet love before going to sleep and some things never change, he rocks me in so many different ways.

Mason was up when I arrived in the family room, the TV was on and Sunny and 'Hank' were sitting with him watching his cartoons. I kissed all three of them on the head and as I walked to the kitchen to put the coffee on I heard him giggle. Making toast for all of them. I also made March's coffee and took it up to him then placed three plates on the coffee table. You can guess whose toast was lapped up first. I started making March's breakfast and then I sat at the table and swiped my phone open.

'Nicky, I have to see you at some stage today, can you come here?'

'Yes Rose, is everything all right?'

'Yes, I need to talk to you today, come alone.'

'I will come around ten, is that ok?'

'Perfect.'

Now I am concerned, and my brain went into overdrive thinking the worst.

Poor Rose, she doesn't need any more drama in her life, not now.

I put the phone down and was thinking whatever it is, I will stand by her all the way.

"Are those eggs burning Nicky?"

'Uh, oh shit I forgot them." I rushed to the kitchen and managed to save them from a horrible death. The bacon was sizzling away as I took the pan off the stove and cut up some mushrooms.

"Sorry March I got distracted,"

"Lucky you didn't burn the house down. What distracted you?" He smiled.

"Rose she wants to meet with me at ten this morning."

"Did she say what was wrong?"

"No, but she said to come alone. So I am expecting the worst."

"Might be she got engaged to Ken."

"I didn't think of that one March, maybe she wants my advice on married life."

He bloody grunted, so I slapped his arm.

"Behave."

"Sorry."

"Has Mason eaten?"

"All three have had toast March, yes they have eaten."

"Mason put Sunny out for a poo baby."

"Yes daddy."

Sunny came running but my son sat there, so I let him outside he didn't need an escort.

We did our normal thing and arrived at work on time, dad was hanging over a truck and when March approached him he said.

"Nothing much to do son, just a good service will do this one."

"I will start on it after breakfast, coming?"

"Sure son."

I followed them across the road mum hugged me and I kissed May on the cheek, and then March took Rosie from her.

"I'll have two breakfast rolls thanks Nicky."

"Coming up."

Nothing out of the ordinary happened for the next two hours until I drove up to Rose's place, then the crap hit the fan. She made coffee and looked well but I was suspicious of her demeanor, she looked like she had been crying, and my heart sank.

"Now what's going on, has Ken proposed because you don't look sick to me."

She sat down and pushed the coffee over.

"What I am about to tell you goes no further, not even March is to know until I announce it. I have to talk to Ken at lunchtime, he's busy at the moment otherwise I would have had him here with us."

"You're killing me Rose, what is it?"

"I'm pregnant." Well, I wasn't expecting that announcement.

"You're what?"

"Pregnant, I have a second chance Nicky. A baby is coming back into my life." Her tears started.

"No." My tears began also as I reached for her tissue box.

"That's my second box Nicky. I have been crying for two days now."

"Rose what wonderful news, are you going to cope?"

"Of course, I will, my parenting skills were never questioned. Nicky you are the first to know, I wanted it this way." She started crying again and I pushed over the tissue box.

"I can't stop it, Nicky, every time I remember the doctor's announcement I start again."

"So it's confirmed?"

"Yes." A loud sob left her throat.

"Whose the father?" Yes, she hit me.

I stood up and hugged her tightly, it's a Nicky Rose thing and I was also feeling her absolute excitement.

"We will go to the cemetery together to tell Daniel." She has never called him by his real name, he was always her beloved son and of course, I knew his name it was written on his headstone.

"Then we will tell him together, he will be so pumped."

"You coming here was an omen Nicky, you bought a new life for me with you. How can I ever thank you for this." She rubbed her belly."

"Don't thank me, thank March for picking me up, and thank Ken for getting you in the family way. Do you think you will marry him?"

"I don't think so Nicky. It's always been just me and Daniel. Ken was just company when I needed it. I don't think he's the marrying kind and I don't mind one bit." She grabbed another tissue.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Run a guessing competition. I will tell Ken this afternoon and you can make a sort of announcement without telling anyone it's me. I want to tell Mary and May before I make it formal."

"So you want to stir the town up a bit?"

"You're so good at that Nicky."

"Let's have some fun. My God Rose I'm so excited for you any hints on the sex?"

"I have been told it's eighty percent a boy, and his name will be Nicholas."

"You don't want him to be called after me Rose, what about your dad?"

"No option Nicky, his name will be Nicholas and I am going to love him as much as I did Daniel. I only pray that nothing happens to him."

"Nothing will Rose, do you see any trouble?"

"No, I will be an older mum but the best mum there is. I have to watch I'm not smothering him by keeping him too close." I knew what she was talking about, and tried to calm her fears, it was an accident, a dreadful accident.

After an hour and a half, I got a call from March wanting to know how long I would be. I said twenty minutes away.

"Rose I think I shouldn't say anything on the page. March knows I am here with you, and he will put two and two together and come up with you."

"Nicky find out if he's told anyone you are here, if not, tell him then go for it. If he has then I will announce it tomorrow."

"Better you do it, did you get a pic?"

"Yes, but he's still tiny." She looked in her bag and pulled out an envelope, she gently passed it to me and said.

"Be gentle with it Nicky." I understood she would want to place it in a new photo album marked Nicholas. I saw a small blob with an arrow pointing to a lump. That would be his sex and I didn't say anything but I prayed her second son would be gay also. I left shortly after because Ken's car pulled into next door's driveway and she wanted to tell him. We hugged for a long time as the tears flowed again.

I couldn't say anything to March when I got back, even May and mum asked me how my visit went, then I knew he had been telling them I was visiting Rose.

"She's ok just feeling a little run down that's all."

"She didn't tell you what was wrong then?" Mum asked.

"Only that she's run down and needed to drink more tea."

"I will drop some bags off to her tonight." May eagerly said.

"She's busy with Ken tonight maybe she will get some tomorrow May, don't fuss over her she's okay."

May gave me one of her suspicious looks and March ordered our lunches. We are having pies again today with lots of tomato sauce (ketchup).

My head was reeling and my heart pounded every time I thought of Rose's news. I do know I am going to be the best uncle to the little one, and we all know March Stephenson will be too.

The day was filled with ups and downs, mainly ups as I tried to stay calm. It was the tears I couldn't stop, I knew how Rose felt and I felt the same. Thankfully the eye drops in the medical box were soothing and Mason played and then napped while I gathered my emotions.

March and dad were working on the second truck, dad said they were all in great condition and they would finish them on Monday morning. Tomorrow we have the farm, how the hell I am going to keep this secret for that long is beyond me.

When we got in Mason headed for the cubby to ride his trike around the verandah, then he wanted some TV. March was looking through the laptop he wanted to get a sense of what his truck client should charge for his three trucks, it's something extra he does for his clients. I placed my signature casserole in the oven then I stripped down, he looked up and did the same as we headed for the spa. I needed its relaxing jets tonight. My phone went off.

'He offered to marry me'

'Did you accept?'

'No, but he will be involved.'

'Good or bad'

'Good, Nicky I'm not in love with him and he feels pretty much the same.'

I wasn't surprised. Rose has always been a loner. Maybe someday she will be hit with Cupid's arrow but not this time.

Mason found us and wanted in, so March hauled him over the tub lip and I took his t-shirt and shorts off, he was swished and then placed in his safety chair.

The ducks were multiplying, they bobbled up and down in the water and Mason played with them nonstop, his giggling warmed me. March's arm went around me and he said.

"You can tell me now." Then he kissed me. I knew I wouldn't get away with it, not with March Stephenson around, so I chose my words carefully, well I tried.

"She's pregnant." I blurted out. Nothing was said for a long moment and when I looked at him there were tears.

"You can't say anything until she announces it on Monday March. We have to do it her way, in her good time."

"I understand Nicky, this is just the best news I have had all year."

"She's very emotional, her second chance has arrived at last. Ken offered to marry her but she's decided not to, it's a boy and she has a photo."

"I am so happy for her Nicky, she may find some peace now. What did you offer to do for her?"

"I promised that you and I will be the best uncles we can, and Mason will be the best cousin. Please don't start buying toys."

"She probably kept all of Daniel's, truth be known. But she will need new stuff we will wait and see what she gets first."

"She is worried, but also elated she hasn't stopped crying."

"I want to ring her Nicky, but I understand I can wait."

"March we have to watch her, make sure she isn't exerting herself. She knows she can't drink and I doubt that would bother her. Any sign she is failing we get her to the doctors, keep in mind this baby isn't her first so she sort of knows what to expect."

"May could help her, she's just been through it all."

"I believe May will be her constant bodyguard, she is going to be so excited."

"When is she going to announce it again Nicky?"

"Monday I think, she might do it tomorrow, but I think Monday."

"Good, I don't think I could keep it a secret for long."

"Me neither." I smiled and then kissed his flushed face.

We talked for the next hour then it was time for dinner. Mason was changed then readied for bed then we sat at the table and ate.

I made him up a bottle and after kissing him and his friends good night he drifted off with no problems.

"We have to go to Faiths tomorrow, have you spoken to Tom?"

"No March, but I know what he wants, the same as we have."

"Very doable Nicky, it will probably end up like Faith's family room, the reason ours is smaller was I wanted to keep the cottage the same. From what I remember the house they have is a lot bigger, but it had no personality."

"Ok, we will look or should I say you look." I laughed then went back to my jaw aching sucking.

Mason was full of beans in the morning, and March was on the phone with Hank. He is going to get him to saddle up a pony so he can take Mase for a ride.

I heard him laughing then he came out to see if we had everything. I had made coffee and we sat on the porch.

"He will be asleep when we get to the farm."

"If he is I can wait until he wakes up, but he knows he's going to see his friends today. Hank will saddle up a pony and I can take him out for a ride. He also said that the toy shop has placed a big order for hobby horses." He smiled.

"People just buy what's on offer, junk sells nowadays."

"It doesn't last either Nicky."

He drove us to the farm, Mason didn't drop off because he was too excited. He parked in the yard and by the time I got Mase out of the truck he was raring to go. Hank was his first call as he walked out of the barn wiping his hands.

"Good morning Mase, Nicky, March."

"Good morning Hank, has Faith got a new dress on?" I enquired.

"Yes." He giggled.

"Tom's inside helping her with the lunch, he wants to go to the house with March."

"Good, are you coming?"

He looked March up and down then said.

"Try and keep me away." He smiled.

"Now baby, we have some very excited horsies for you to talk to today, they have been waiting for you."

"Weally?" Mase's grin arrived.

We followed them into the barn and I could hear the horses snorting.

He kissed each one and they rewarded him with a head shake.

"I will do the ride after he sees the chooks," March said.

I noticed a filly all saddled up for Mason's treat.

He tore himself away and headed for the chook pen.

Faith, who looked gorgeous flew out the back door to greet us all, and Tom followed.

"Come on beautiful, eggs to gather." She took Mason's hand and opened the chook pen door. He squealed because the chooks flew everywhere when they were disturbed. Five eggs later he then patted the lamb that had been tethered to a tree. March then picked him up and said.

"We will be about twenty minutes."

"No daddy eggs."

"I have a surprise for you."

"Weally?"

They headed back to the barn and Hank got the pony out. March jumped up on her back and Mason was passed over to him. He was laughing as she took her gentle steps to get out into the farm yard.

I could see he was holding onto her mane as March gently nudged her.

Tom stood with me as Hank placed his arms around him from behind.

"I'm in for it later." He smiled.

"Good, me too." I smiled back, and Hank groaned.

March walked the pony around the yard many times and his grin was perfect as Mason laughed. Twenty minutes later he came back and Mase was passed back to me. He grizzled a bit but I tried to explain to him that Dolly was tired and needed a rest. The tackle was taken off her and she headed for her feed bin.

"See baby she was hungry."

"Oh?"

"Want some eggs now?"

"Yes peese."

Heading for the house I could smell the roast being cooked, my stomach growled I was also hungry.

Ethan was sitting at the table and he greeted us with his great smile,

"Hank March go wash up." He ordered.

"Yes sir." They both said then headed for the bathroom.

"It won't be long Nicky just have some toast to make."

Faith had a boiled egg and soldiers ready for Mason in no time, so I sat and fed him, he didn't mind them out here because he knew they were fresh.

"How is Rose Nicky?" Faith sat with me.

"She's really good Faith, just a bug for a couple of days that's all."

"Probably a bun in the oven," Ethan said.

"I wouldn't know anything about that." I was saved when mum and dad arrived. The conversation turned to farm life and amazing lunches.

I didn't have to do any beans today, Tom had organized them. He got a bit excited when mum asked him about his new home and he prattled on until the men returned and we all sat down for an amazing roast.

Faith collected her accolades and my stomach hurt again, I had eaten too much. The topics while we ate were the calendar and March's filming. I was assured that Jimmy would be here on the day, he was looking forward to it.

Mason had a small potato and gravy but that's all we could get him to eat, he told dad and mum about his horse ride many times then he nodded off to sleep in March's arms. I helped Tom with the dishwasher then it was time to go look at his new home.

Mason was placed on Faith's bed and she stayed to watch him, we drove to the house. It was a brown brick seventies ranch home, and quite large looking. I followed Hank, Tom, and March around, and apart from some big windows across the back, I didn't see any need to change it. Tom had other ideas, he wanted a new kitchen and a modern bathroom with walk-in closets.

March sat at the table and made notes, then he said he would make some plans and send Ron out to have a look when he's got the time.

I know March won't do it all, he's passing some jobs to Ron, he and Nudge will help but Ron will do a lot of it.

Back at the farmhouse Faith had the scones ready for afternoon tea, I had to have one.

We left a very happy family standing in the farm yard waving, as we headed on home. Mason was still sleeping and I suppose when he wakes 'Hank' will be ridden. That thought bought an image of Hank and Tom would be having sex right now.

My husband had the same thought so we headed straight to the bedroom.

We had only been at it for ten minutes when I heard our son.

"We had better be quick March."

"Ohhh." He moaned.

I was being attacked while I listened to a little boy riding his horse around the house. March took his time and when he finished up he said.

"A job not done properly is not done right Nicky."

I moaned because he did take me to the stars and back, once again.

"Hank, come here boy," March yelled and clicked his teeth. A little boy with his smiling horse poked their head around the door I could hear Mase say.

"Eat."

'Hank' must be hungry he wasn't fed at lunchtime.

"Let's go, son. I have some carrots for him."

"Wheeee."

"I don't think the job will be hard March, it sounds pretty much like our renovation."

"It's just an update and I want to wrap a verandah around it, at the moment it looks undressed."

"That would be cool."

"Well don't tell Tom and Hank that one will be a surprise."

"So we are paying for that add-on then?"

"Yes." He laughed.

I looked at the local page and nothing had been said about Rose's wonderful news, and later on, when I got time to myself I rang her to see how she was. March took the phone off me and prattled on and on about uncles and things, poor Rose.

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