Page 61 of Daddy's Pride

“I am so glad I got lost that day.”

“So am I. What did you call it? Luck? Fate?” He strokes my face.

“I thought you didn’t believe in that stuff, Daddy.”

He kisses me. “I might be coming around to the possibility of luck and fate.”

“You might be?”

“Well, I can’t deny I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“You are?”

“I met you. Didn’t I?”

Chapter 14

Miles

Harris and I stand at the entrance to the assault course. I’m carrying a ginormous pair of scissors. We’re surrounded by family, friends—including some of my army buddies—scores of strangers, and the press as we prepare to cut the ribbon, symbolising that the Open Arms Activity Centre is officially open. We decided against a red ribbon, instead opting for one in Pride colours.

Over the last two months, Harris and I have worked our arses off to get everything ready.

The first job was to have the hostel torn down. In its place, we’ve had a new building built, containing individual showers and toilets. The campground has half a dozen glamping pods and space for two dozen tents. We’ve also set up three different orienteering trails throughout the grounds.

We want to do more when we can afford to hire more staff. Archery and axe throwing are high on our list, as is a smaller, wheelchair-friendly assault course. Our wish list is a lot longer than that, but we’re doing a good job of tempering each other and keeping our plans realistic.

We already have bookings from schools and businesses to take us all the way to November, and it’s only the first weekend in June. With any luck, we can start expanding our activities early next year.

But right now, we have our grand-opening event to enjoy.

We were busy until almost midnight putting the finishing touches on the decorations. We hung balloons, banners, flags, and bunting in Pride colours all over the property. It’s never looked so bright and colourful.

We’ve got food, face painting, a bouncy castle, and dozens of stalls selling arts and crafts created by or supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The fire brigade has brought one of their vehicles for kids to explore and have their photos taken in. We’ve set up egg and spoon, sack, and three-legged races for fun, complete with prizes donated by local businesses. A drag band from Scarborough are playing live music, and we have a dress-up photo booth.

The atmosphere is amazing, full of positivity and excitement. People have come from the local community and beyond to support us and our chosen charities.

“Everyone’s waiting. You need to cut the ribbon,” Harris whispers.

“We need to cut it. Together. This is our business. Our moment.”

Harris grins. “We did it. We made our dream come true.”

I clear my throat so I can speak in a loud voice. “I want to thank everyone for being here today for the opening of the Open Arms Activity Centre and everyone who’s offered their time and services. We couldn’t have made today happen without you. Now, let’s have some fun and raise lots of money for charity.”

The crowd applauds.

Harris puts his hands over mine.

“We pronounce the Open Arms Activity Centre open,” I say.

We cut the rainbow ribbon together. The two ends flutter to the ground. Cameras flash. People cheer. It takes several moments for everything to quiet down enough for me to speak.

“Who wants to try out the course first?”

“It’s fun,” Harris says.

We decided to charge five pounds a go, with all the money going to charity. We’re inundated with people brandishing five-pound notes at us. Some donate more. Harris stays at the start of the course, ensuring only six people begin at any time and that each wave of people waits until the group ahead of them is up to the third obstacle. I go up and down the course, offering encouragement and help.

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