March Stephenson

Chapter 87

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

Today May was with us sitting in the morning sun, the town folk were out and about early and she kept looking at her phone.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Nothing Nicky, just waiting for a message from Jase."

"Where is he today?"

"At the other centre, he's taken Rosie with him."

"I see, so there's no work?"

"Yes, hang on." A message came through.

She screamed then ran inside.

"What's she up to March?"

"Probably going to ring Jason."

"No, what are they up to, why the screaming?"

"They sold the wellness centre."

"What?" He picked up his second burger and started unwrapping it.

"Don't just stop there March Stephenson."

"Aww Nicky, I am sworn to secrecy."

"How long has it been on the market?"

"A couple of weeks."

"Why wasn't I told?" I heard dad and Mike snigger.

"Because they didn't want anyone to know."

"But they told you."

"I found out and they told me, there's a difference."

"How did you find out?"

"Marketplace." He grinned.

"You could have told me."

"I had to get their permission to first."

"In other words, you saw it last night and you're having a lend of me again."

He started laughing and then said.

"Yes. I was about to tell you last night, but something came up." He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.

"So she doesn't know that you know?"

"Yes she does, I messaged her last night. Keep up." Mike burst out laughing he couldn't hold it in any longer.

May came bouncing out of the cafe she had her coffee in hand and sat with a big grin on her face.

"Did you get the asking price?" March said to her.

"Yes March full price."

"It will be good to have Jase around again, he has been missed."

"Yes, he wants to be nearer to me and Rosie, but he struggled to let go of the house. He's happy about it now."

"So he will just run the one here," I said.

"Yes Nicky, keep up." She smirked.

"May Atkins, I will brain you. How long has it been up for sale?"

"Just a few weeks Nicky. We knew it wouldn't last long."

"Why wasn't I told?"

"You were busy with other stuff we didn't want to add to your

heavy load."

"Umm." I went inside and grabbed a meat pie, dumped loads of sauce on it and shoved it in my mouth. I had to do something before I had an all-round brawl with one May Atkins.

"That looks Nice Nick, I think I will have one."

"You do that March they are free today." When the boys left I sat with her, she was texting back and forth with Jason.

"Nicky, we put it up for sale two weeks ago, then we got sick. Then the Bobby thing happened and we thought about taking it off the market, but we already had six offers. Jason has been in meetings this week and instead of keeping you all up to date every day, we thought it would be better if we just tell you the result. No big deal, I get him here all the time, he gets the money he wanted."

"It's okay May I understand, I am happy for you both."

"Thank you, it's going to mean he can run the centre here with Julie and I can concentrate on the new shop." I took my plate inside and then kissed her.

"I will talk to you later."

"Aren't you going to pay for that pie?" I laughed all the way across the street, she can't be serious.

I was sitting at my desk watching my guys work out and answering some inquiries when Sam walked in.

"Hi Sam, in for a workout are you?"

"No, is March around?"

"He's in the workshop."

"Good, can you give him a message for me?"

"Obviously it is bad news, what is it now?"

"Good news actually. I thought you might like to tell him."

"Okay."

"She has dropped all the complaints and has apologised. So we don't have a problem anymore."

"Thank God."

"There is one more thing, she will be contesting the guardianship. She's got another job and is going to counselling. Just a heads up."

"She won't get Bobby back and the twins might be a bit upset if she gets them."

"I can't know what is going to happen Nicky. But I would like you to suggest to Mike he doesn't go to the hearing. I have already spoken to Ellen and she will talk to him too."

I didn't laugh I knew exactly what he was talking about, it's going to be a mammoth task to keep Mike away.

"When is it?"

"This Thursday at ten am, local court."

"I didn't know we even had one."

"It's attached to the station, a roving magistrate will preside. It's the only case to go before him on the day."

"I see, I suppose we had better go and show some support."

"Keep March away."

"So that's why you're here."

"Yes." He smiled slightly.

"I will try my best."

"Thank you Nicky."

"Thank you for letting me know."

He looked around the gym and nodded, then he left. I guess he's thinking about joining up. At lunchtime March had pies and the others joined him, Mason was playing with his trucks with Sunny and everyone was enjoying the spring sun. May had disappeared again and I looked at March and said.

"What I am about to say is law, and I don't want any arguments from either you, or Mike."

"What's up Nicky?" Mike said.

"Sam called in, she's dropped all her complaints, so everyone is in the clear."

"That's good, so she's seen sense then?" March asked.

"She has a new job and is going to see a counsellor."

"So what is the problem?"

"You and Mike have been banned from going to the hearing. It's on Thursday in our local courtroom."

"He can't do that, it's open to the public," Mike said.

"Mike, if you love Bobby please don't go there. I know it's a big ask but if he gets upset then that will start you off. The last thing these kids need is someone from the audience arguing with their mum or the magistrate, you will do more harm to their case."

"I'm still going."

"Please Mike stay out of it, your temper could spell disaster."

"And me?" March asked.

"March, if she sees you there she might begin her bull again about you mishandling her kids. She doesn't have to prove it she only has to suggest it."

"So she's getting her act together for one day?" Mike said.

"I guess so. I doubt she will ever change so we all have to be on our best behaviour and stay out of it. Sam can't help you in a courtroom."

Mike was deep in thought, I know he's making plans, but he has to not get upset.

"Please the two of you, sit outside and don't get involved."

"I will think about it." Mike moaned slightly.

"I won't come," March said, he has made his mind up.

"Good. The last thing Lenny and Bobby need is a family fight."

"Did he say if it will sway the magistrate?"

"He said he didn't know how it would go, but I suspect children's services will put up a good case."

"If they lose the kids Bobby will be devastated." Mike is right, he will be unhappy again.

"Then we leave it up to the court that's all we can do."

"Not quite," March said.

"What have you got planned?"

"I can talk to the magistrate."

"You know him?"

"Not yet."

"Jesus March don't do that, it's highly illegal. Approaching a court judge means an instant dismissal and she wins."

"I won't then. Can I have another pie?"

"I'll have one too." Dad said.

Mike went to get them and a small party one for Mason. I am worried about him, he's a ticking time bomb. I also didn't know what else to say, but I prayed everything would turn out for the best. I could see March was disappointed and he told me on countless occasions she is only doing this to show she's tolerant. As soon as she has the kids she will turn back into her old self.

On the day of the hearing, I dressed nice and conservative. March had decided he needed to be there for the kids, I couldn't argue with him.

I have no idea whether Mike will turn up or not, but in the end, it is what it is. A lot of the town folk were there, but they weren't let inside there were too many, and it was a small district courtroom. She was there dressed to the nines and wasn't speaking to anyone except her lawyer. Mike turned up with Bobby, Lenny and Ellen. The kids didn't attend because they were too young. It was only March, me and Mike sitting in the back with Ellen and Lenny sat with Bobby up front. They were sitting with two children services ladies.

"I have read the reports and it seems to me the children are safe and happy where they are. Now Mrs Knowles convince me otherwise."

"Your honour I have done everything for my kids, I live and breathe them. I have already lost my eldest son but I won't lose my youngest. I have always given them the best in life and now I'm working again, I will strive to maintain that level of love and security."

"Mrs Draper, does child services have anything more to say about me considering Mrs Knowles request to have her children returned into her care?"

"Yes your honour, it's a bad environment. Mrs Knowles lacks the basic skills to parent her children, her eldest sons report is testament to that. Our full report is on your desk."

"Yes I have read it, and yes it's disturbing. Who is this young man?"

"This is Robert Knowles your honour."

"Young man, is what I am reading in this report true, did you try to hang yourself?"

"Yes your honour. I wasn't in a very good place and was suffering from depression." Bobby looked shocked and I half expected him to throw up.

"Then my heart goes out to you son. Do you promise to look after your siblings and care for them?"

"Yes your honour, I do." He started shaking.

"Give me a reason why I should deny your request, because what I'm reading and seeing is a troubled young soul. Are you having therapy?"

"Yes your honour."

"It's a very tragic situation. I would like to revisit this in three months but in the meantime, I will consider returning your younger children to you Mrs Knowles."

"You can't do that she's a horrible person, she drove him to do what he did."

"Mike sit down," I said.

"And who are you, young man?"

"I am Michael Nelson, Bobby's fiancee, one day soon we will be married."

"Please come and sit over there."

Mike almost ran to sit in the witness box.

"Now tell me about your fiancee?"

"He's the kindest most genuine person I know. He has worked hard to get rid of his mother's dreadful influence. It's what drove him to scream for help by trying suicide. He has worked his butt off to buy his brothers their much needed clothes and school stuff. My parents help them by giving them a safe house for no payment. When we were at school I would watch Bobby sit alone. I didn't know that it was because he had an abusive father and mother. But I understand why he cried for help. I am proud to call him my friend and can't wait to marry him and give him a real stable home."

"Married, don't make me laugh." We all heard Rachael say.

"Do you have an issue with your son getting married Mrs Knowles?"

"The only issue I have is he wants to marry a man. Don't worry your honour, I will set him straight, and the other two." She laughed.

"Young man are you willing to co-parent two small children?"

"With my life, they are the sweetest kids ever, like my siblings, and like their big brother. They can't be bought up by a bigot that only thinks of herself."

"Now you listen here whatever your name is, don't you talk about me like that. If you want to marry my son then go ahead, he's nothing but trouble anyway he's a real no-hoper."

"I am going to marry him and the sooner the better, then he will be well rid of your terrible influences." The judge banged his gavel.

"I will call a short recess for lunch, please be back in half an hour."

He stood up and then went into a back room. I held March because he wasn't looking too good.

"I have some sandwiches in the car let's eat something."

"I'm not hungry Nicky."

"Try at least."

We sat in the car and I watched the others, Ellen had some sausage rolls on offer. Bobby and Mike sat quietly talking in the back of Mike's car. No one wanted to discuss the case and even though Rachael was out of order her lawyer made a good argument when he spoke.

"Mr Nicholas Stephenson?" A young man poked his head in the window.

"Yes, that's me." He passed a note to me and I read it.

"It requires an answer."

I borrowed his pen and wrote my answer on it. I didn't even have to think twice about it. He left clutching the paper and March asked me what it was all about.

"You have to trust me on this one baby."

He thought about it and then relaxed. I had written.

"Thoroughly evil woman, causes havoc wherever she goes. The boys are genuine and loved by the whole town."

"Court is in session," The young man yelled from the steps.

The judge came out, there was no eye contact from either of us.

"I have made my decision and decided that Robert Knowles will have full guardianship over his siblings Brianna and Shaun Knowles. Mr and Mrs Nelson will have a secondary guardianship. Mrs Knowles we will have to sort out some sort of child support for the twins, and your visitation rights.

"What? I have to pay to visit them?"

"Yes Mrs Knowles, these good people are feeding and clothing your children."

"If those poofters lay one hand on my kids, I will kill them."

"Is that a threat Mrs Knowles?"

"You bet your bald head it is."

"Officer arrest this woman, contempt of court, and a five hundred dollar fine."

I could see Sam smiling as he cuffed her and led her to the cells screaming expletives.

"Does this mean we won Nicky?"

"Yes March, we won all round."

"Thank god, I was so worried."

I looked at Mike and Bobby they were wrapped in each other's arms and

the young clerk winked at me. Ellen and Lenny were also hugging and when March stood on the steps he screamed.

"We won." The crowd cheered and clapped,

"The pies and barbeque are on May," I yelled.

"Quick Nicky let's go get a couple before they eat them all up."

"I thought you weren't hungry March?"

"Well that was then, this is now. I'm hungry."

He drove like a madman. I laughed my head off.

"We won." He screamed again and dad started the barbeque and May

handed out the pies I had organised beforehand.

Rose was so happy she almost did a jig but she had Mason in her arms, it was her turn to babysit for us.

"It all went very well, she did exactly what I thought she would do."

"Upset the judge?"

"Yes ladies, well and truly pissed him off," March said.

The party started again, and the folks turned up along with Mike and Bobby. Brenda sat and mum bought out her coffee and cake.

"Well boys are you happy now?"

"Yes Aunty Brenda, that was so insane."

"He's a good judge Mike, he knows his people and from what I hear she didn't endear herself to him."

"She didn't, he had her arrested." I laughed.

"And she has to pay child support." March laughed.

"Good on him."

"Who was the clerk of courts Brenda, I don't think I know him."

"Christopher Nicky." She leaned in and whispered.

"He's the judge's grandson, and he's gay."

"Mystery solved." I smiled to myself. I would never divulge what was said in that note. Oh okay, it simply said.

"Do I burn her at the stake?"

I laughed inside because he did just that to the witch.

Mason crawled onto my lap, he's had a big day and Mike and Bobby had disappeared. The crowd had thinned out and the kids were coming down the road on their way home.

"I think I might take Mase home March, he's tired."

"Okay lets go. Dad lock up."

"Right you are son." We walked across the road and March checked the workshop. I grabbed everything and told the guys to lock up the gym when they were finished.

I waited in the car and a red-faced March Stephenson got in the driver's seat.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes Nicky."

He drove home rather fast and when we got inside he locked the front door and turned the TV on. Mason chilled on the sofa and I went to change.

He was on that bed and making love to me in an instant, he wanted to go all the way today so my legs were lifted and he slipped in.

It didn't take him too long, and his orgasm was slow but urgent, it took him a while to come down from his high.

"What was that all about?"

"You won't get mad?'

"I never get mad at you March." I grinned.

"Well, when I checked the workshop out I heard a noise."

"Was someone in there?"

"Two actually, I looked in the back of the old Citroen and there was Mike and Bobby going at it."

"It turned you on." That wasn't a question.

"Yes, sorry Nicky, but I have never seen two guys go at it like they were, only in movies.

"I bet Mike loved it."

"I couldn't see his face but his legs were over Bobby's shoulders and he was balls deep. Bobbies got an awesome bum Nicky."

I screamed laughing. I thought Mike was the butch one, but apparently not. Boy am I going to have fun with this one.

"Did they see you?"

"No thank god Nicky, but it turned me on so much."

"I am glad I was here to help you out then." He went quiet and then said.

"Nicky, it reminded me of your awesome bum and I wanted to make love to you so badly."

"Right answer March Stephenson."

"Can we go again?"

"Be my guest."

I warmed up the pies I had put aside for our dinner and sat while March smiled at me. He had taken Mason on his walk and now he was eating baby pies on the sofa, Sunny had one with sauce, I will wipe his beard later.

"When do you think Mike and Bobby will get married?"

"Soon as they can. I doubt there's any question about their love for each other."

"Should we pay for it?"

"No March, but we can buy them a great present."

"I might give them money that always helps."

"Good idea." Mike could do with an injection of cash. I hope Bobby didn't get him pregnant.

It was on for young and old when we hit the bed, March thought I had missed out before, so he spent ages getting me off.

The local page had lit up, and the postings were all full of love and offers of help. Photos of Mike and Bobby were posted but nothing was mentioned about their relationship or his suicide attempt. This town rocks when you need it to, March got a call from dad, he was going in early with mum.

"I see, I won't say anything dad, they were happy."

He laughed when he hung up.

"They were still at it when dad went to lock up. He told Mike to lock up and left."

"I suppose mum had a good time last night."

"I was thinking that."

Mason was sitting on his knee and they were talking about baby 'sheep' he wanted to take him to play school. March explained that he would miss his mummy so Mason in all his wisdom said she could come too. I showered and decided that March Stephenson won't get near my bum for the next day or too, he was a little over-eager. At work there was no Mike, he had told dad he would be in late. They had to go to the court and sign paperwork with the social services ladies. He was happy Rachael will have to pay child support and the ladies will set up a government payment for Lenny and Ellen. We walked across the road, everything had been cleaned up and Mays was back to normal. Jason was sitting there waiting for us with a big grin on his face.

"Congratulations Jason," I said.

"Thank you Nicky. I am still shocked it sold so quickly."

"Well it's a beautiful home."

"It's the business they wanted Nick, they are going to install a gym."

"What?" I nearly screamed.

"A big company bought the place, it will be a wellness centre but they are offering the full package."

"There goes my little gym." I sulked.

"Never going to happen Nicky, your customers are loyal to you. And from what I hear the prices will go up over there. But they will offer discounted packages."

"Good."

"Nicky, we will have a talk later but in the meantime think about incorporating our two businesses, we could offer the same." He smiled.

"Thank you Jason, but no."

"You didn't even think about it Nicky," March said.

"I don't have to. I run the gym. Jason runs the wellness centre. We don't have to join up and offer discounted memberships to include both. We already have plenty of members and I am cheaper than any gym within a hundred miles."

"Sounds realistic to me. Now tell me all about Bobby Knowles?"

"Why?"

"Because I have been approached by the hospital to council him."

"Way to go, you will love him. He would love learning about meditation, it's perfect for him."

"If Mike isn't there March."

"Why, he can do it too?"

"He would be doing what we do, looking at each other's bums." I laughed.

"So he's a good kid?"

"Yes, he had a mishap that's all. Thank God we got to him early." I smiled.

"Right I have to meet him tomorrow in the wellness centre, his records say he's a happy-go-lucky young man and they have no problem handing him over into my care."

"You can meet him soon Jason, you have seen him before but I don't think you have spoken."

"We didn't, I was too busy at the other centre. Thank God it's gone I can now be with my daughter all the time."

"I guess that's the result of having a lazy wife." I could see May standing at the shop window listening.

"I heard that Nicholas Stephenson, when I get my hands on you, you had better pray I don't squeeze your balls."

"Bring me another roll sis?" March sang out.

"Coming up dear brother." I started laughing.

Jason ended up with little Rosie in his lap he's a wonderful father and she is just the most gorgeous baby. Mike turned up and he grabbed a couple of rolls.

"How did you go?"

"Good thank you March. Mum and dad get a fortnightly cheque from the government and one from Rachael for the kid's care, Bobby signed it over to them. They won't be a burden on him anymore just gorgeous brothers and sisters. She was released late last night and screamed her way out to the car."

"Did the boyfriend pick her up?"

"Yes Nicky."

"Jason, I believe Bobby has an appointment with you tomorrow, I didn't know you did counselling."

"It's my real job Mike, and yes I get to meet this exceptional young man tomorrow."

"Well take it easy on him. He's happy, so don't make him sad again."

Jason laughed and said to March.

"I see a big problem already."

"You had better believe it Jase." March said.

"Shades of you and Nicky."

"We weren't that bad." Jason lifted his eyebrow and laughed.

"Yes you were, you both terrorised me."

"Well don't terrorise Bobby, I will be watching." Mike cracked us all up laughing.

"Mike get some sanitised wipes to clean off the back seat of the Citroen too. It's being picked up today." Mike's face went blood red.

"He's got a nice firm ass Mike," March said.

"Did everyone see what we were up to?"

"I took a small movie," Dad said.

"What?" Mike stood up.

"Only for my gratification Mike, no big deal." Dad carried on.

"But?"

"I like variety Mike can you book me in for your next session?" He's killing me, Mike didn't know what to say.

"Settle down Mike, there were no movies and nothing was seen only heard." I tried to lie.

"Don't say anything to Bobby he's still secretive about it all."

"We won't, but he has got a nice ass." Dad had to say it.

"Not as nice as your son's dad." March carried it on.

"Right thing to say March Stephenson. Is anyone going to do any work today?"

"No, I like chilling here," March said.

"I will have another roll then." I got up to get one and of course they all wanted one. The sun had bought out the smiles again especially Jason's as he played with Rosie. We walked Mason up to play school and the folks were all full of offers to help when needed and they were up for a good March Stephenson cuddle. Louise was all smiles and we clued her in on what had happened, and the aftermath. She was so pleased everything had turned out alright with Bobby.

"He was always a lovely boy, a loner but lovely. It's a pity his parents didn't see that side of him. He talked about you and May all the time March, but nothing about his parents."

"Well he's settled now and Mike will see to it he has a good life ahead."

"Have they set a date yet?"

"They haven't said anything Louise, but I do know it will be soon," I told her.

On the way back March asked how I knew it would be soon because they take a lot of planning.

"Well after yesterday Mike might be pregnant and they will have to get married to save his reputation."

"Another bubs Nicky, that would be cool."

Wait for it Nicky.

"What?" I laughed all the way over to the hardware shop, I wanted to check out dad's range of sanitisers.

"You again, Nicky please don't cause a scene in here again," Mark said.

"That's a fine greeting, and how are you Mark?" That threw him off kilter.

"I'm good, Lily is good, Dianne is good and yes sleepovers are a thing at my place."

"Not such a bad thing Mark, she's a great woman."

"She is, and we are doing just fine."

"Leave it at that Mark. Trust me." March smiled at me.

"What can I do for you today?"

"We want to buy Mike a present."

"I thought we were going to give him cash," March said.

"Sanitiser March a pre-wedding gift."

He started laughing, then said.

"Don't do that to him, Mike's a great kid."

"Just joking March, do you want to window shop?"

"Yes please." He walked over to the special bins and started rummaging around in them. He can buy whatever he likes today. I'm feeling in a generous mood.

With his bags in hand, we then called in on Rose.

"So where's Tink today?"

"Out at the farm with Faith, I doubt I will get him back early Nicky she has planned his day perfectly."

"And his attitude?"

"What attitude?"

"Has he changed?" I rephrased the question.

"Yes he's sleeping much better at night thank you very much, bloody attitude, you have an attitude."

"Four double chocks, no kiddy cone thank you miss," I said in my best schoolboy voice.

"Coming up, fucking attitude I will give you attitude." She mumbled to herself.

"Nicky stop upsetting our friends."

"She loves it March."

The boys dived on the sweet treats and I sat in the gym licking mine and wanted to wipe it all over Jason's body then lick it off. He is having a father-daughter day, just a quick workout, then he gets to go to work in his own town. I flicked through the local page and read some posts, but there was nothing to see there. March came in and sat with me, he was bored and was itching to get home, lock the doors, and the world away.

"What was in that note?"

"It was from the judge, he wanted to know if he should burn her at the stake."

"You're so funny Nicky, I love you so much." He didn't believe me even though I was telling him the truth.

"Come on big fella let's go get the kid then go home."

Mason played in the backyard his 'sheep' were grazing and the little one was much more steady on his feet. I sat on the back porch and cleaned the mud off March's and my gumboots. He sat and dozed in the sun. Tomorrow I will go and see Ellen to thank her for what she and Lenny did for Bobby. Mason ran up and started babbling on about his TV shows so I opened the back door and let him in, less one pair of muddy boots. I rinsed them off then put them with ours. March woke up suddenly and rubbed his neck. I stood up and got behind him and massaged it.

"That's so good Nicky. Where's Mase?"

"In front of the TV." I smiled.

"Come with me."

"Yes sir." You can guess where we went and what we did.

The town was waking up again and the last month had seen some changes to it. The roundabout will be started soon I can see the council workers putting detour signs up and wondered if we needed a town clock in the middle of it. May was so happy she has Jason all the time now, and as I said earlier on. Rose has bounced back with a new outlook. She said she is sleeping much better now and doesn't worry so much. I took 'hank' and Mason for a walk to watch the workers a newish trades truck was parked across from it. Bobby Knowles Electrician was written on the doors. He was gorgeous and I nearly fainted when he put his arm around my shoulder and thanked me for everything I had done.

"Are you doing the electrics Bobby?"

"Yes Uncle Nicky under supervision." He smiled.

"I like your new truck, it suits you."

"I can afford it now, Ellen and Lenny have sorted out the kid's money so I don't have to worry about them wearing rags or eating rubbish. Mike is helping me at the moment but in six months I will be paying the bills on my own."

"Any wedding date yet?"

"No, I think that won't happen until we both have settled in, and I want Mike to be sure that it's the direction he wants to go in."

"I reckon he's sure Bobby, are you having doubts?"

The shocked look on his face said it all, of course, he's not.

"I want everything to settle down before we do that, the kids have to be comfortable with our lifestyle, they all have to see we love each other. No shocks or surprises for them, so I have asked Mike to put it off for six months."

"I get your reasoning but kids adapt, it's when they get older they question it all."

"Maybe you're right, but in the meantime, we are very happy with each other."

"Good, how's the school house coming along?"

"I'm nearly finished there and my boss scored this job so I am here to find out what's needed."

"A nice big clock in the middle would be nice."

"You had better talk to Aunty Brenda about that."

"Maybe we can relocate the water tower here." He couldn't stop laughing so I bid the guys farewell and walked my son, his horse and dog, back to Mays.

Mike was sitting with dad and March, they had started eating without me so I went to grab something and then sat with them.

"I see Bobbies doing the electrics for the roundabout."

"Yes it's a sideline job, his boss is going to pay him cash in hand for the work he's doing," Mike said.

"Good, the truck will be paid off sooner then."

"No, it goes into his safe for a rainy day."

"I could have lent you the money for the truck Mike," March said.

"My family my responsibility March." Mike grinned.

"I get the point, but I could have helped."

"Thank you, but there's no need now, we have everything we want."

"Mike. Bobby said you may be putting the wedding off for a while."

"Yes Nicky, we want everything to settle down first, and there's no hurry now. Most of me bleating on about it in court was to get up his mum's nose. I knew she would go off her tits so I pushed her."

"So it was all rehearsed?"

"Yes Nicky, keep up." He laughed.

"Is nothing sacred Nicky, now he's using my words," March said.

"You will get over it big fella, man up."

"When are the cars coming in dad?" He changed the subject.

"Soon March some beautiful MG's from a club in town."

"They are not the best of cars to work on." March groaned.

"Man up March." Dad chuckled.

The local electrician's truck pulled up and a handsome young man jumped out. He kissed Mike and went to order his lunch.

"He's settling down I see."

"Yes Nicky, we decide to do what you and March do in public. Why should we hide?"

"No reason to hide at all Mike, just be yourselves."

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