Page 22 of Daddy's Pride

“I can imagine.”

“Joining the army was a fresh start. Sure, they’d recently allowed queer people to openly serve, but that didn’t mean attitudes had changed overnight. I decided I’d keep my sexuality to myself, and I did for several years. You probably think I’m a coward.”

He holds me tighter. “No.”

I kiss his hair. “It took time, but things did change. All that mattered was knowing someone had your back in combat. That you could rely on the men and women in your unit. Eventually, I felt safe enough to come out.”

“It can’t have been easy hiding such a huge part of yourself.”

“It was draining, but at the time, I figured it was better than putting up with systematic bullying. Obviously, there are still some tossers who give queer soldiers grief, but they’re in the minority, and the higher-ups put a stop to it the moment they find out. I was a lot happier after I came out.”

“I’m glad, Daddy.”

“In the last few years of my career, I did talks in schools and at career fairs about being an openly gay soldier. When my superior officer approached me about it, I was unsure.”

“Why?”

“Because I’d spent so long in the closet. But he said that was why I’d make a good ambassador. Looking like a poster boy for the army probably helped.”

Harris chuckles. “You would make a very sexy poster boy. Oh!”

“What?”

“Do you still have your uniform?”

“Yes. Why?”

“You need to be the poster boy for this place.”

“I’m not sure?—”

He puts his finger over my lips. “I am, Daddy. Trust me.” He winks, disentangles himself from my arms, and steps back. He forms his fingers into a picture frame and pulls a sweet face: one eye squinting slightly, his lips scrunched to one side.

“What are you thinking, boy?”

“Fold your arms. Show me your bulging biceps, Daddy.”

I laugh but do as he’s asked.

“Perfect. Or it will be when you’re in your uniform. We might need to dirty you up a bit.” He drops his arms and turns around slowly.

“Now, what are you thinking?”

“How would you feel about adding paint to the obstacles?”

“Paint?”

“In Pride flag colours.”

I rub my neck. “That’s a good idea.”

He spins back to me. “And how would you feel about a grand opening in June?”

“June?”

“Is there a local Pride Parade or festival?”

“The closest ones are in Scarborough and York.”

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