Chapter Ten
“On your left.” Ben pulled even with Jason. “Do you realize how good the view is behind you? Your ass in those tight shorts makes it difficult to keep my eyes on the road.”
“You could pass me and let me look at your ass for a while, you know.”
“But then what do I have to look at?”
“The road you were just talking about.”
“It’s such a catch-22. I’d rather look at your butt.” Ben downshifted, feeling the beginning of a hill climb.
In the year since they had met on this stretch of road, Jason and Ben had taken part in three other AIDS rides—Chicago, the 600-mile California ride, and even a ride in Hawaii. Not surprisingly, Ben rode stronger this year after all the time spent on the bike, which included the commute to work each day. Everyone on the team rode in their usual spots, with Kyle and Diane ahead and Drew behind.
Ben dropped back just as Jason stood to keep his pace going up the hill.
“Whoo-hoo,” Ben called. “Look at that hotness.”
“Yeah, you better stop staring and get moving up this hill with me.”
“Yes, sir.”
A couple of horn honks sounded and cheering sounded off behind them just before one of the sweep vans pulled alongside.
“Happy anniversary, boys,” the women in the front seat said together along with a couple of riders from the back seat.
“Thanks!” Ben and Jason said in unison.
The van picked up speed and headed down the road, looking for riders in need of assistance.
Jason knew exactly where they were in the route. At the bottom of this hill was the spot where he’d met Ben. Butterflies bounced around his stomach, knowing the spot would truly mark one-year.
“On your left,” Ben called.
“Seriously? You go, boy!”
Ben pumped past Jason, and he was proud that Ben would crest the hill looking so strong. Jason sped up to keep pace because he wanted to make sure they stopped for a moment at their meeting spot.
“Whoa,” Ben called out as he hit the top of the hill. “Jay, wow. You’re not going to believe this.”
“What?” Jason easily caught up to Ben, who had come to a stop. “Oh my,” he said when he saw what waited for them at the bottom of the hill.
Strung across two trees was a hand-made banner that read “Happy Anniversary Jason & Ben.” Scattered on the ground were flowers, smaller signs, and other trinkets tied to the trees. One of the ride photographers snapped pictures as they sped down the hill.
Diane, Kyle, and a few other riders who’d been ahead of them waited as well.
They stopped at the base of the hill and were greeted with a loud “Happy Anniversary!”
“Kyle, how did you pull this off? I know it had to be you.” Jason dismounted his bike and laid it down. “Incredible.”
“It was a coordinated effort.”
Jason and Ben hugged Kyle.
“Amazing. I’m so glad I had that flat.”
“Me too.”
The guys silently pulled their helmets off and slipped into a hug. Jason couldn’t resist going in for a deep, long kiss.
“I love you, Ben.” He hadn’t expected a crowd, but he also had a plan. “It’s been one of the best years ever, getting to know you, starting a business, and having you in my life.”
“Oh, Jay. Me too. More than you can know.”
Jason put a finger on Ben’s lips. “Let me finish before I lose my nerve.”
A few more riders, including Drew, pulled up.
Jason took a deep breath and reached behind him into one of the pockets of his jersey. He grabbed a small box and dropped down to one knee.
“Benjamin Stewart, will you do me the honor of being my husband?” As he spoke, Jason opened the ring box to reveal a thin platinum band. Jason’s heart leapt as the smile broke across Ben’s face. He slipped the ring on Ben’s outstretched finger.
“Absolutely.”
The small crowd cheered as Ben pulled Jason back to his feet and into yet another kiss.
“You’ve made me one happy guy.”
“What a great anniversary present, Jay. I don’t know how I’m supposed to ride the rest of the day.”
“Look at all these cards and things,” Jason took one off a tree branch where it was attached with ribbon. He read the well wishes and showed it to Ben. “I don’t even know who this person is, but it’s such a wonderful note.”
“You guys had a great story.” Diane gave Jason a quick hug. “It’s inspiring, just like the rest of the ride.”
“Please tell me someone is going to pick up this stuff so we can read it later.” Ben took another card from a tree.
“Definitely,” said Kyle. “The route marking crew will pick it up when they make their sweep for all the signage. It’ll be at the hotel later tonight.”
“You thought of everything.” Jason examined the outpouring of love, trying not to allow it to overwhelm him.
“Come on, Jay.” Ben leaned into Jason and kissed the side of his head. “We should go or we’re going to get ourselves and all these people stuck in a van.”
“Let’s move along, everyone,” Kyle announced in his best impersonation of the ride manager. “Let’s give these two a moment.”
Jason and Ben held hands and watched as the gathered crowd rode off until it was only the two of them left.
“Thank you,” Ben said.
“No, thank you. I was terrified. I thought maybe Kyle, Diane, and Drew would stop when we did. I hadn’t expected the other people and all these things.”
They kissed under the banner to some catcalls from passing riders. When they finally broke the kiss, they continued gazing into each other’s eyes.
“Race you to the rest stop!” Ben suddenly darted to his bike.
“You think you can beat me in this terrain?” Jason followed, not wanting to lose ground.
“Yes I do.” Ben stood up on the pedals to build speed.
“You’re on.”
Jason took off thrilled… and didn’t really care if he won this race or not.
Fun fact: There was no better way to end this story than to bring Jason and Ben back to where it started. I witnessed a few roadside celebrations and remembrances during my time on the ride. It was a great time for gatherings, surrounded by the family that the riders and crew formed. Jason and Ben have so much love in themselves and in their ride community, rest assured they’re going to have the happiest of happy ever afters.
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