March Stephenson

Chapter 69

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

When Christmas Eve arrived May closed up early and so did we, there wasn't anyone around anyway. A calm had come over our town, but I could still hear excited kids playing in the background. Mum had spared no expense, she had everything you could imagine cooking in her ovens. Mason was hugged and kissed then he once again sat and looked at the presents under the tree.

Rose, Mark and Lily were there and she was more excited than March. Once again she had her fairy dress on and Mason was dressed in a kid's elf outfit. They played around the backyard while we adults talked at the table. Dad handed Mark a Christmas envelope.

"An early present for you Mark, look it over and give me an answer by the new year." It was a contract for the new hardware shop dad was going to open. He had offered Mark the manager's position, he was to start after the holidays. He wanted him to get involved earlier and I could see the emotion on his face, he didn't know what to say except thank you.

"We will get together after the new year to discuss the operation, there will be a lot of things for you to do so I am starting you then. If you agree put your notice in at the supermarket as soon as possible. In other words, I will start paying you on the fifth of January."

"It's too much Mr Wilson."

"It's what you are worth son, and call me dad or Lance. Mark you're a bright man with a future. I want you to learn all you can about management and I can teach you some of that. You don't have to know how to use a hammer but it would come in handy. I have feelers out for another staff member, but you will sit in on the interview. Is that a yes I will take the job dad or Lance?"

"Yes Lance, I have a dad in the city somewhere." He laughed.

"Good to hear, now March your school friend that works at Bunnings lives locally doesn't she?"

"Yes, dad."

"I will speak to her and see if she wants to work locally instead of travelling."

"She's a lovely person dad, and her mum and her do live here."

"You mean Dianne that works there?" Mark asked.

"Yes, the very same one. Bunnings hardware store staff members have to know about everything in their shops, she will be a great asset."

"Her mum fed me when I was sick, I was so grateful to them both." March reflected.

"Okay let's not dampen our evening, I will go see Dianne next week and see how she feels about a new job."

With the business at hand out of the way, Rose with a tear in her eye, and mum started getting dinner ready. Dad opened the wine and the kids came in to watch some Christmas carols on TV.

"He is overcome Nicky, no one has done so much for him and Lily. I know he will make that shop work do or die." Rose said.

"Wait until he sees his uniform, tight shorts and tank tops." I started laughing again, and Rose groaned.

"Big plus Nicky, Debbie's a looker and lives in the last house in my street. She loves Lily and is often seen delivering food at their door."

"Do you think?" I whispered.

"Maybe, she's only two years older than him but by the way he watches her walk up the street, I think he has a thing for her."

"We had better nurture them more rigorously." Mum hushed us because little ears were listening.

"What can I get you poppet?" Lily was standing behind us.

"Please may I have two biscuits, Mrs Wilson?" Mason has sent her to do his biscuit run.

"Of course you can sweetheart, call me Aunty Mary, but only two otherwise they will spoil your dinner."

"Thank you Aunty Mary, these will be fine." She was giggling as she ran back to my son's side. The outside lights came on and our Christmas Eve dinner was served. March didn't know which meat to take first so I placed my hand on his and said.

"Try a small piece of each, then you can taste them all."

"Oh, that's a good idea."

Mum had cooked plenty of food. I won't have to do much tomorrow because her leftovers will be warmed up again and dished out. She had puddings with custard and a bowl of sweets for the kids, but again, one or two each and that's enough. Lily got a small bag full to take home with her, and while we cleaned up dad and Mark talked more while March napped on the sofa. She had put aside all their presents and the kids were allowed to open one or two of them tonight. It was all about princess stuff with Lily and farming with Mason, plus cars. He wasn't drawn to the pretty things she got, so I decided my son wasn't gay, but that could change.

Sunny got a new collar and 'sheep' a new blanket, poor 'Hank' didn't score anything.

She had already handed me our presents and they will be safely placed under our tree. Mark and Lily were going to Roses for lunch tomorrow it was a yearly tradition and by the look of Rose, she was well and truly stuffed. But she said it will be an easy day for her, Lily will be on the streets playing on her new bike with her friends.

Dad and Mark shook hands and he assured dad he would hand in his notice when he was back at work. We loaded up the car and with our sleeping boy and left mum and dads to get an early night. March let me drive home he was still moaning, and when we got in he went straight to bed. I settled our son and his mates in, then I unloaded the car. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year but very exhausting. I turned the tree lights off and dragged myself in beside my sleeping husband.

"Goodnight sweet man." I didn't get an answer.

Mum and dad arrived early, we had barely just got out of bed when they knocked on the door. My husband felt a lot better and my son once again sat and watched the tree.

Coffee was made and toast for Mase was provided, Sunny helped him with that. When we settled on the porch March called him outside. He didn't see them at first they were hidden behind his cubby house, but he eventually heard them clucking. His head shot up and he looked at his daddy, March put him down and said.

"Go see if there are any chooks around son."

He ran off and I filmed him, for Faith. The screaming started and he ran back and told us he found some chooks then he ran off again. We all went to look and he was sitting on his haunches talking to them. I don't think we will wipe that smile off his face anytime soon.

It was time for presents and it was also hard to peel him away from his new friends. He would open one then take it out the back to show them all, then he would do another and the same thing happened. it was a very slow process. March opened his present from me and wagged it at me.

"What is this?"

"A memory stick March, there's something very special on it for you." I grinned.

"Can I play it now?"

"No, we don't want to upset the grandparents."

"Porn?" Dad laughed.

"Guessed it in one."

March's eyes lit up and he was eager to watch it.

By lunchtime, there was paper and ribbon everywhere, while mum served up food I cleaned up the floor. Mason was still running out the back to see if the chooks were still there, and March was so turned on he touched me at every opportunity.

"Wait."

"I can't."

"You can." I pushed his hand away for the umpteenth time.

"Now I have been saving this present for a few days Nicky. Good news at long last." Mum handed her phone over to me, there was a message from her friend in the city.

'She has been served with a council notice, the house has been condemned, she has three months to have it removed. She has nowhere to turn and is talking about going into a retirement village on the other side of the city.'

I started laughing and passed the phone to March, he read it and a big smile was placed on his gorgeous face.

"The council in that area have done very well my husband." I felt a sort of relief come over me.

"We did well Nicky, who do you think the council is?"

"The one in her area."

"That's our council, they serve a very wide area Nicky, not just this town."

"So Brendas behind this?"

"Yes and no Nicky, happy Christmas." He grinned.

"March Stephenson if you had anything to do with this I will brain you."

"I nudged Brenda a little that's all." I laughed. March is the council, and Brenda is his minion. I didn't have to burn her home down, he had pushed her into buying something that he knew was falling apart then had it condemned. He told us his plan over his pudding, and then he said.

"One old bitch in an old folks home, and one thorough bitch left with nothing. I think I did well on both counts. Mum and dad when are you going home, I need to collect my reward?" Mum laughed and dad finished up his pudding.

They hung around for another hour or so, then left for home. Mason was placed in his bed for a nap and the TV was turned on within seconds. March dropped everything and lay on the sofa. The movie I took of us making love was playing and I knew as soon as I laid down with him, my ass was going to be attacked relentlessly. He loved his movie especially because I was in it. Three rounds were the best he could do, and I know there will be many more hours spent with my husband watching it in the future.

We napped for some time, our son was awake when I pulled on my shorts, he had been standing at the back door with Sunny waiting to be let out.

March went to the coop with him and they came back with three names.

'Chook, chook and chook.' Makes sense to me.

"Can we watch it again tonight?"

"No!" I walked off to shower.

No dinner tonight just a completely relaxing time for us three, and a long phone call to May. He knew she was enjoying herself and we would all catch up tomorrow. This is the first year he hasn't celebrated the season with her.

"When do they start laying eggs?"

"When they settle in Nicky."

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you too." He started kissing me and I was awake to his evil plan, I climbed into bed and rode that man like my life depended on it. To highlight the night I wore the stretch backless shorts he had bought me.

May Jason and little Rosie were on our doorstep in the morning, they had decided to have breakfast with us. Presents were given out and Mason had to show them his chooks. I started making burgers and May was telling March about their wonderful time in the city. I told her about Annie and she smiled.

"You see Nicky, he is slow, but he's thorough." My ass itched.

"So how is the family Jason?"

"All good Nicky, we had a lot of fun, talked about past times and caught up on the family gossip. Mum held Rosie all the time, it was hard to get in a cuddle."

"Well she's all yours again, and maybe you should invite them up here next year."

"Maybe, but it will get crowded."

"Not if that big street party I am planning happens."

"They don't have money for that Nicky," March said.

"Then we had better start collecting for it. I will be around for donations after the new year." May started laughing again then she said.

"See March he's already thinking ahead."

"Well done." He grinned, seeing he didn't have to organise anything.

They opened more presents and we thanked them for ours, Mason was so excited still and he was torn between sitting on May's lap and watching his chooks.

"Perhaps you had better move the coop to this side March, then he can watch them from the porch."

"That was my intention, Jason give me a hand."

They slowly moved the cage to the side of the cubby, which made it easier for his son. The instant it happened 'Hank' was introduced to them, he could watch over them during the night.

Our eyes were drooping by lunchtime and no one was hungry so they packed up and headed home. Mase was napping on the sofa and March wanted to cuddle. No sex, I think he has overdone it, so we slept our afternoon away.

Finally, the tub was used. I didn't have to be asked twice and as I headed for it dropping clothes as I went, March was scrambling to get out of his. He grabbed Mase and we had a wonderful hour or so in the water.

"So what happens here on New Year's Eve? Last year I didn't hear any fireworks."

"Mainly it all happens at home Nicky, no crackers, no skyrockets only the non-loud stuff."

"That's sad, we should get some rockets."

"Firstly it's illegal Nicky, secondly it was decided a few years back that the animals come first. Dogs in particular don't like the noise it drives them crazy."

"I see, I remember hearing them going wild when the fireworks went off in the city."

"We can go up the big hill and watch the city ones but it will be too late for Mase, and I would much rather be in bed with you."

"Me too March."

"Joel will light a small bonfire and the kids will have some sort of fireworks but they won't be huge city ones. Although the fire danger sign has been downgraded we still have to be vigilant."

"Makes sense to me, then we just buy some sparklers and that's it."

"Exactly. It's not like it used to be, but I doubt Mason will miss what he's never had."

"One year we should go to our hotel and watch them from the roof cafe."

"Too loud for him, it will frighten him, better we stay here."

He made a good argument without having one, and of course, he made perfect sense.

Not much dinner tonight we just grazed on cheese and dry biscuits, tomorrow we have work. I have to go and check the gym out and make sure the toilets are clean. It is a holiday and many of the guys take time off between Christmas and New year to go away fishing or just camping with the family, so I fully expect the town to be quiet for the next week or two.

"Mase, can you go check the chooks out, there may be an egg or two." He screamed out the back door, he wouldn't open the coop without March so he stood there and waited for him to catch up. He found three eggs, which is strange because I only hid two in there earlier on.

"They are laying March, there's an extra one."

"It doesn't take long Nicky." He grinned.

"Are you working today?"

"No Nicky, no cars in just gas."

"I might take the opportunity to read Brenda's notes, I have to get myself up to speed on council business."

"You do that Nicky, knowledge is a valuable tool."

We piled into the car and he drove us into town, there were some people around and the supermarket was busy. I didn't need anything so after we parked we went across the road and sat out the front.

"March I have done the gas and there's money in your drawer."

"Thanks, May."

"I also ran my eye over your bathrooms Nicky, all good to go."

"Thank you, I was worried."

"There's no one around, I think a lot of the folk have gone away."

"Is mum coming in?"

"She's at the supermarket, but has left rolls in the warmer for everyone."

"Breakfast roll March?"

"Yes please Nicky." He doesn't need to be asked twice.

"I have spoken to Ron, he's so busy but he will do the garage. I should have done it ages ago."

"Good, he got to do ours too otherwise the mini will be kept in the workshop."

"It's finished Nicky, Happy Christmas." March smiled.

"Registered?"

"Yes, Nicky."

He dangled the keys in front of me, so I scoffed my burger down and then ran across the road.

"Don't thrash it, it's got to be run in." He yelled.

My excitement got the better of me and when I belted up and started it, I threw it into gear. Everything about it was perfect, I edged it out onto the street and then planted my foot. The size, the sound, and the absolute joy of driving this small car made me feel on top of the world. I tooted the horn as I drove by twice then by the third time March was ready for his ride.

I pulled in and he squeezed himself into the passenger seat.

"Go slow Nicky, it's not a race car." I buttoned my lip and drove very carefully around the block.

"I love it March, thank you so much for doing this for me."

"It was all my pleasure, now look after it."

"I will baby, do you want to drive it?"

"Only if you're comfortable with me doing that."

I pulled over and we switched sides, he then proceeded to show me how he took corners on two wheels. For someone so careful when he is driving he sure did put that mini through its paces. I screamed out the window and held on for dear life as he chuckled, using the horn several times and waving to folks who were walking up the street. He finally pulled into the garage then dad took mum for a drive. My wobbly legs took me to a seat where I sat heavily and May laughed, I looked at March.

"Hidden talents Mr. Stephenson?" I lifted my eyebrows.

"I'm a mechanic, I know my limits and it is a sweet little drive Nicky."

"What happened to running it in?"

"Oh that, well we can have some fun with it as long as it's not all the time."

I saw myself cruising around the hillsides after dad got back. He told me he's installed a kiddy seat but he would prefer Mase doesn't ride in it when the streets are busy.

"You also have to take Lily for a ride, she thinks it's a fairy car and needs to get to know it," May said.

"Did you hear what dad offered Mark?"

"Yes Nicky, he's on top of the world. It's been too long since he's had any luck like that."

"I think he will do good May,"

With saying that, Joel turned up with his boys and Nudge had his kids with him when he parked. Cory ran out of the shop and he tagged me.

"I'm first."

"First what?"

"First ride stupid, let the other losers wait." Word had got around and when I looked on the local page, yes there it was, my mini speeding past the cafe. May does a good job with her phone and she also commented. 'Free rides in Main Street'

"May I can't be driving around all afternoon I got work to do."

"They are your future voters Nicky, appease them and look at their excited little faces. Lily rode her new bike up the street screaming.

"Me me me."

I couldn't stop laughing, but in the end, it was Joel who took his boys, Nudge his two teens and Jack took Cory. I took Lily and of course Mason.

I had to re-gas it after the show was over, and then I took May and Rose for a spin.

Rose sat in the back she couldn't stop giggling it was a tight fit but I was very careful with two of my best friends in it.

It was parked back in the garage, and I threw the blanket over it. If anyone else wants a ride they will have to come by tomorrow.

"I think you should do another one just for the joy rides March."

"You will want to keep it too, I had better buy you a hobby horse instead then you can go riding with your son."

"When is the horse arriving March?"

"Tomorrow." He smirked.

I settled our son down and he was going to have a nap so I opened the council folder and started reading. Works to be done and works in the works, quite boring stuff and I did make a few notes. When I got to the last page there was a list of councillors.

Brenda, Joel. Ron, May Atkins, and surprise surprise Nudge and me.

"I will kill you for this March Stephenson," I screamed as I ran into the workshop, March and dad were laughing their heads off.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I like surprising you."

"So you have them all in your back pocket?"

"Sort of Nicky, but you are my eyes and ears now. I don't have to rely on May to tell me anything."

"How the hell did she get onto the council?"

"She's very smart Nicky." He smirked again. I turned on my heels and went outside.

"Watch your back May Atkins I'm gunning for you." I pointed at her she almost fell over laughing. So my town is once again happy and they got me a beauty, once again. I didn't mind, it would be good to talk things out with mates, but I must remember not to sit next to Nudge I could get bruised.

When we left work early March wanted to go to the clearing, just to see how it was coming along. He parked and we took our yelling baby up the small track. It was still blackened, but like before I could see plenty of new growth.

We dangled our toes in the cool water, but today wasn't hot enough for a swim. March was looking around and now and then he would shake his head and smile.

"What's up?"

"Just remembering stuff Nicky, we had so much fun here didn't we?"

"We sure did March, don't stress we can still come here next summer."

"I know, I don't want to forget this place, with its good and bad memories it's still a big part of our lives."

"It sure is baby, and yes, it and us will be back." He kissed his hand and placed it on that big tree as we left, I think a small prayer was said. He didn't say if it was for his parents or me, but either way, he was happy when we pulled into our driveway.

I had thank you messages on my phone and there were plenty of photos of my car posted. Comments were coming once again thick and fast, and it looked like the joy rides were going to last for the rest of the week.

"So how did Nudge Joel and Ron get on the council?" I asked him as I organised dinner. He smiled at me like he was thinking about it.

"No comments Mr. Stephenson?"

"Yes Nicky, the old guy that just retired so you could take over was the last of the old world councillors. When Brenda took over the Mayor's job she had five or them working with her. Because they were old school they didn't do much for the area, so I suggested as they left she should replace them with younger people. Brenda's landslide election was taken as a sign that the council should change, she was the youngest on the team. Two elections later, and a bit of convincing saw Joel Nudge and May elected. Ron was like you he took over a seat when that guy retired, and now it's you."

"So the works and beautifying the town comes from them?"

"Yes Nicky, the town is being rejuvenated and if my plans work, you will be the cream on the top. You will bring so much more to the surrounding towns. City folk think differently they don't get bogged down with sentiment, but I warn you. No traffic lights just the zebra crossing ones." He smiled.

"Anything else?"

"The next project is to hire a crossing guard, kids will be using it before and after school. Then we talk about all that traffic that surrounds the supermarket and hotel."

"What do you want to do there?" I wasn't trying to be funny, I knew March had plans for his town.

"They need more parking spots and I plan to donate some land to the council so the businesses can expand their parking. The problem is we have to get them to agree to develop it, no charge to the council and it will always own the land and lease it to the two businesses."

"I know the supermarket has money to burn going on their prices, but John might struggle a bit."

"He won't Nicky, he has his money trees."

"Money trees?"

"The poker machines bring in big money for him. Don't be fooled by his poor me look, he gets by very well."

"So you don't mind donating the land?"

"Yes and no Nicky, it's for the safety and betterment of the town, the leases will bring more money into the council's coffers."

"But you lose out."

"I don't mind if it gets rid of those bottlenecks, it has to be done."

"Okay, I will bring it up at the next meeting."

"Thank you, and Nicky?"

"Yes, March?"

"Make sure you tell them it was all your idea, do not involve me. Just tell them you talked me into donating the land." He grinned.

"I see, any more good ideas I am going to have?"

"Plenty Nicky, but that will do for now, tub?"

"Tub."

We dropped our clothes and walked naked towards the tub, he shouted to Mason who ran up onto the porch with his furry mate. He played with his floating animals and I kissed my husband as I sat in his lap. The water lapped over us and I felt loved.

Dinner was a casserole, we have had so much food in the past four days that there won't be much of it eaten. I was wrong again and March dined with gusto.

"Nicky, although I don't want to lose that land I do want the town to grow. The new housing estates are the cause of the traffic jams. We need to accommodate them to bring business into town. My sacrifice is small but it will be the last gift. The sports clubs will have money to burn so you don't need to work on that side of things until next year. The hidden agenda I had was to maintain the flow of traffic away from the school. Many supermarket shoppers park outside of it and it is a potential hazard. Yes, it's controlled by the parking inspector, but people don't take any notice of him. That's my end game."

"Can I take a look at it all first, there may be a way that you can lease the land to them without losing ownership."

"If there is a way then I don't know of any. I have exhausted myself trying to figure it all out."

"Have you got a map of the town?" He got up and went to the office. When he came back he handed it to me and I opened the big map.

"All the highlighted land is ours, if you look here that's the supermarket and hotel. The land in between them is ours, it's almost two acres."

"I see, so you would prefer to keep ownership?"

"Yes, but I couldn't find a way of doing it and easing the school parking problem."

"Bloody hell March your land surrounds the town almost, the only piece I can see that's not yours is the gully."

"That's council land Nicky."

I looked it over and not being overly educated in land laws, I did have an idea.

"March, apart from all this land, the shops and the garage what else do you own?"

We." I looked at him.

"We own it, although it's still in my name."

"Just the three houses, and this one."

"I will talk to dad about it, but I am sure if we start up a family company and move all the properties to it, the taxes and leases will be its responsibility. The rents and leases alone should more than pay the land tax which will be cheaper under company laws. When that's done the two businesses can lease the two acres from the company. I am not certain, but that will save you a shit load of outgoings every year."

And I wasn't sure, but dad will know all about companies and leasing from his garage days.

"I looked into that but it did my head in."

"I will look again."

"Thank you." He pulled my head closer and kissed me gently.

"If we can do it, we can approach the businesses to lease the land for parking. It places everything under the same roof. After we do that we concentrate on the logging land."

"No Nicky, too many locals work there, we have to play fair and accept that it happens. We don't want a crowd of angry town folk at the front door."

"Point taken, this walkway from the estate to the town is it used?'

"Yes sometimes I see people using it, let's not get mean Nicky let us leave it as it is."

"Okay."

"When did you buy it March?"

"A few years back when May and I carved the farm up. Originally it was all farmland. May has a stake in it, she only has the land where the clearing is right up to the bridge. I took the rest of it, and she was compensated. See where the orange markers are that's May's and ours."

"I will talk to dad."

"Thank you once again." Another kiss.

"And don't think for one minute March Stephenson I don't know what you're doing. This idea has already been rolling around in your head, you just needed someone to do it all for you." He blushed, and I grinned.

"It wasn't urgent back then, but it is now you and Mase are with me, it's urgent we get this out of the way."

I will give my man an extra treat tonight, maybe he would like to watch a dirty movie with me.

My head was spinning after we made love. I couldn't get that problem out of my mind. I looked over at him and he moaned.

"Talk to dad, go see a solicitor to get the ball rolling. I will be available for any signings. Leave May's land alone."

"Got it." I cupped his goods, snuggled in then went to sleep.

In the morning I felt less stressed, Mason was happily playing in his room with the mountain of toys he had received for Christmas.

"Come on Sunny wee wee time." I snapped my fingers and Sunny headed for the back door. Mason ran after us to go say good morning to his farm animals. There won't be any eggs today I believe from what Faith tells me they lay every twenty-four hours, but I might be wrong. The TV went on and more toys were dragged out into the family room. I made some toast and noticed 'Hank' wasn't with him today, poor 'Hank'

The shower was going and March was up. I wanted to go and play with him but first things first, our boys breakfast.

"Have you got any cars in this week March?"

"No Nicky, it will pick up after the new year, everyone is on holiday or away visiting families."

"I wouldn't mind going to see Faith at some stage."

"Yes, that would be good."

"Can I keep your map for a few days?"

"Yes Nicky, as long as you like. What's for breakfast?"

"Eggs and bacon coming up."

"I'm sorry Nicky but it all does my head in sometimes."

"Leave it to me, the shops will be the next big thing. I need to see some sort of plans for them."

"Ron is doing them, they won't be too far away."

"Good."

"Oh, and have you anyone in mind for the crossing guard?"

"Not yet, let me think about it. I think that's a council job you should bring it up at the first meeting."

"Rose would be perfect for that job."

"She would, but she's also pregnant and I believe running May's new business."

"Has she asked her?"

"I don't know. Can we eat?"

Too many questions he hasn't got the answers for, so I will stop harassing him.

Donations are gratefully accepted at Nifty