Chapter Text
The drive to the national park was so very different from the last time they’d made it. Last time they were both dreading the trip, the thought of spending time alone together in the middle of nowhere was almost sickening. Callum remembered staring out of the window the whole way, doing anything to avoid looking at Ben. The drive was still as beautiful as it was then, the sun casting beautiful shadows on the road as they drove. The trip that he had imagined it could be, had become more of a reality than he realised it ever could be. Now though, sharing it with the man he loved and their own little family, he knew this time the trip would be even more than he ever dared to hope for before. Ben remembered looking at the views as they drove last time and thinking that in a parallel universe, spending time alone in such a beautiful setting with an equally beautiful man could be a very romantic trip. Little did he know that it would actually turn out to be one of the most romantic trips of his life. It was where he’d found his soulmate and fallen in love with him deeply. He hoped that this trip would be just as special, romantic and life changing as the first. Of course having Lexi come along meant they couldn’t get up to all they had last time but he didn’t mind. Last time they were just discovering and exploring things about each other. This time there was nothing left to find; driving with Callum in the passenger seat a hand gently placed on Ben’s thigh and Lexi happily singing along to Little Mix in the backseat, he knew he’d found everything he’d ever been looking for. All he had to do now was make sure Callum knew it was forever and he hoped this trip would do that.
Lexi was so excited by the trip, it wasn’t very often she got to go anywhere with Ben due to his work and the fact he wanted to shield her from the press. It was always a big risk for them to go anywhere in public in case they were snapped, so they always had to choose their destination carefully. Although Ben and Callum were very public with their relationship and no longer had the fear of being caught out, it was also nice for them to have somewhere private to escape to where they didn’t have to worry about the press following them. The past two years had been a whirlwind for both. Even though both had feared being out would narrow their opportunities, it had in fact done the exact opposite. Ben’s career had gone from strength to strength, offers had flooded in for movies and other roles. He’d also had book deals and modelling opportunities offered to him and he was considering which of these he wanted to do with great care. One he’d relished in taking was a joint modelling project with Callum. They’d been asked to be the new face of Dior’s new male fragrance and had lots of fun shooting the promotional photos and commercials together. Callum hadn’t been modelling as much recently. Offers for movie roles had also come flooding him for him off the back of his Rising Star Award so he’d focused more seriously on those. However he wasn’t going to turn down the chance to spend time with Ben and work alongside him. It had been difficult at times to maintain their long-distance relationship, they’d tried to keep to the rules they always had: video calls, flying out to see each other on set whenever the schedule allowed and setting a week in their schedules every three to four months to take a break together. But they couldn’t help but miss each other and wish they could be together.
A year after they became official, Ben asked Callum to move into his family home. That’s when things became slightly easier, as it meant they both shared a home and that was the base for them to be together when they weren’t working. Also they’d really become a close family unit that included Lexi and Lola. Lola loved Callum and they had become great friends. Callum and Lexi hit it off the first time they met and their bond had only grown stronger over the year. Callum often looked after her when Ben wasn’t around and she helped fill the void that Ben left by making him feel like he had a piece of Ben with him all the time. For the first time in his life, Callum felt like he had a proper family of his own; something he never believed he could and he was determined to hold onto it with everything he had. Although they had spent a lot of time together as a family at home, this was their first trip away so it was an exciting prospect for them all.
Ben had planned for them to hike the same route they had previously, specifically wanting to reach a certain point. Therefore, they had to actually leave the car at the end of the route and get a minibus to the start of it. They all rode along chatting happily and holding hands as they sat on the back seat. Lexi was asking lots of questions about what camping was like and what kind of things they’d be doing. “Well let’s just say I’m sure you’ll be better at it than your dad in his first go.” Callum teased with a cheeky smile.
“Oi!” Ben spat in fake annoyance, “I weren’t that bad. Just had a few teething problems but once I got going I gave Bear Grylls over there a run for his money.”
Callum smiled fondly at him as he recalled the nickname Ben had given him. “A few teething problems?” he scoffed teasingly, “That’s putting it mildly, but I guess we survived so that’s a bonus.” Callum rubbed his head and Ben gave him a sarcastic grin as he rubbed his cheek with his middle finger discreetly hoping Lexi wouldn’t see the gesture. It was at that moment the minibus arrived at the starting point and Lexi clapped with excitement.
As they went to collect their bags, Callum went to pick Lexi’s up and she swiftly snatched it away from him. “I’ll carry it!” she insisted firmly.
Callum was a little taken aback by her response and gave her a questioning look. “It’s a long way darling, might be easier if you let us help a bit,” he suggested.
Lexi just shook her head. “I ain’t a baby,” she huffed, “It’s not heavy and it has some girly stuff in that could be quite embarrassing for you if it falls out. So best leave it to me.”
Callum looked at Lexi with a slight grimace then at Ben who just shrugged as if puzzled himself. “ Okay then ,” Callum remarked, “I’ll just go and collect all the equipment from the ranger then,” and with that he headed into the office in the cabin.
Once he was out of earshot, Lexi let out a sigh of relief. “Phew!” she exclaimed. “That was close. Hopefully I’ve put him off now.”
Ben exhaled deeply and nodded.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea to keep it in your bag?” he asked anxiously. “I don’t want it to get lost.”
Lexi just gave him a scolding look. “Erm…from the sounds of it, it’s way safer with me than you,” she jibed. “Just chill will you or he’ll get sus. You don’t want to spoil it do you?”
“Well no…but…”
“Then just stick to the plan!” Lexi demanded as Callum reappeared with the equipment and both her and Ben smiled at him trying to appear calm. Callum didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary and happily approached them. Ben breathed a sigh as they set off on their first leg of the journey, hoping that all would go to plan.
“So which route we taking?” Callum asked. “I mean if I recall rightly all you did was complain last time about the route I suggested being the long way round.”
Ben just screwed his face up at him, “Well it was,” he sulked playfully. “But I don’t mind the longer route this time. Happy to let you be in charge on this trip!”
“Wow can I get that in writing?” Callum teased again before placing a kiss on Ben’s lips.
“Do you have to?” Lexi cried, “Come on we best get going if we wanna get there before it’s dark.” Callum and Ben both laughed, realising neither of them were actually in charge on this trip. They then made the way along the same route they had the previous time and enjoyed reminiscing as they did.
By the time they reached their first camp site, the last hours of daylight were just settling in. Ben agreed to make the fire as Callum and Lexi pitched the tent. Ben smugly pulled out his own matches this time and held them up to shake at Callum as he lit the fire. Callum chuckled heartily as he explained to Lexi about the first time Ben tried to light a fire here in this spot. Lexi couldn’t help but join in with the laughter and Ben faux sulked but secretly enjoyed hearing his two favourite people in the world laughing in synchronicity. Once the tent was erected and the fire burning, all three of them worked together to cook their dinner. Callum thought back to the last time they sat around this fire – Ben and him on opposite sides keeping as much distance from each other as possible, thinking that they were polar opposites of each other, not realising how alike they were. Now things were so different they sat on the same log as close as possible with Lexi sat beside them. That night he felt so lonely; desperately trying to hide who he was and fight his feelings towards the beautiful man that sat opposite him. Then he could never imagined he’d be where he was now; out in the open no longer living in the shadows; helplessly in love with said man and he loved him in return; finally free. Ben recalled how this was the first time he saw a glimpse behind Callum’s mask but was too stubborn and foolish to see the whole picture. Then he was desperate to keep his distance from Callum and fight any attraction he had to him. Now all he wanted was to have him exactly where he was, by his side forever. Both snapped selfies and photos, something they never got to do last time; wanting to remember every moment of their trip and their special place. As they settled to sleep that night, each in their separate sleeping bags with Lexi curled up in front of Ben, both felt grateful for her, each other and the family they had made.
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The next morning they got up and ate breakfast around the campfire before getting ready for the day. Once they had packed up their equipment, they had to decide on the best route to tackle. Callum had to hold in a laugh as he saw the cattle field marked on the map and Ben just gave him a look of distain. “Think it’s best we avoid that route this time don’t you?” Callum said with a smug tone.
Ben just shook his head but Lexi picked up on something between them. “Why? What happened last time?” she quizzed suspiciously.
Callum remembered the promise he’d made to Ben about his secret being safe and knew he’d never break a promise to him. “Nothing really,” he began to lie, “We just saw a bull in the field so it could be quite dangerous.”
Lexi looked towards Ben and he just nodded in confirmation, before deciding to get his own back. “Better watch out for snakes and water snakes on the way an all,” he snarked. Callum narrowed his eyes and shook his head as Ben tilted his head with a look to suggest two could play that game.
Lexi again gave them a questioning look, “Snakes?…okay…well luckily I ain’t scared of snakes or bulls for that matter so I’ll protect you both!” she sneered playfully. “So do you actually know which way we’re going then?” Ben and Callum looked at each other and smiled and then to her and nodded. “Right! Let’s go!” she commanded and they set off for the day.
The walk to the first checkpoint was much more relaxed and enjoyable this time. All three of them chatted and took photos of the views on the way. There were no dramas involving any wildlife or arguments over the route, it was just them enjoying being a family. When it came to the barbecue building challenge, the men decided to let Lexi coordinate and just gave her a few pointers if she was heading in the wrong direction. It worked really well and they enjoyed their lunch. After that they made their way towards the pool they had to wash in. Both were filled with memories as they approached it. Callum laughed to himself at the thought of Ben stomping towards it covered in excrement, then had to take a deep breath and control his emotions at remembering seeing him naked for the first time. Then of course, he was hit with the memory of the first time Ben saw behind his mask fully. At the time he thought it was the worst thing that could have possibly happened to him; now he knew it was the best thing that could have. Ben thought back to how embarrassed he was when he got there but then he remembered all that being washed away when he saw Callum washing in the water. He was almost salivating at the memory of Callum washing his body and the effect it had on him. Of course he then remembered doing what he always did back then, being cold and winding him up in an attempt to maintain control and keep his distance. Ironically, all his actions did was bring them closer and for once he was glad he was that way. All three of them got changed into their swimming suits and went for a swim together. They had so much fun splashing and ducking each other and the sound of their laughter and squeals of delight echoed through the valley. After Ben and Callum had washed and Ben insisted on scrubbing Callum’s back, Lexi demanded to have a bit of privacy so she could cleanse herself. Ben and Callum sat on the bank and had a moment just to themselves. “Is it bringing back some good memories?” Ben asked Callum as he reached out and touched his hand.
Callum looked at him with the warmest of smiles. “Uhm,” he murmured in an acknowledgment of the fact it was. “The sight of you covered in cow shit is one permanently etched on my brain so I guess that will always be with me.”
Ben gave him a playful nudge to the side with his elbow and they both laughed. “Bet it’s nice you don’t have to hide the fact you’re checking me out anymore.”
“Erm…who said I was checking you out?” Callum quipped back.
Ben just narrowed his eyes and screwed up his face. “It’s obvious you would be then and now. I mean I rock a pair of swimmers and if I remember rightly, I wasn’t actually wearing any last time so I rock that look even more,” Ben purred.
Callum made a satisfied groan as if to suggest Ben was correct. “Yes it’s a shame we don’t get to relive that part of it.” Callum licked his lips as he spoke. “I mean there are a lot of things I would wanna relive doing with you in all your glory…but this is a strictly PG rated version of the trip.”
Ben let out a frustrated whine. “God when did you become such a tease Highway,” he whined. “Far cry from that Baby Gay who was perving on me sneakily back then.”
Callum laughed again. “He’s long gone. Corrupted by this devilish, sexy bloke who taught him an awful lot of very dirty tricks.” Ben gulped harshly at the thought and had to remind himself that Lexi was just a few feet away to stop himself jumping Callum. Callum saw Ben squirming and loved that he could now get that reaction from him with just his words. Now wasn’t the time to take it further though, so he turned the subject to something more serious. “I was so bloody hot for you I couldn’t control myself. Let that mask of mine slip right off didn’t I? Was so scared that day when you saw me. Don’t think I’d ever ran so fast in my life.” He then cupped Bens cheek. “But you saw me, you looked for me and you found me in so many ways. And I’ve never looked back since. I’ll never regret what happened that day and after.” He leant in and gave Ben a chaste kiss. “Love you,” he whispered as he pulled away.
Ben smiled warmly, “Love you too, you soppy git. I’m glad I was the one you let see you. Thing is I didn’t just see you, you saw me too. Always have. We found each other.” Both took a huge breath as they looked deeply into each other’s eyes. Ben almost let something else slip from his lips, as the emotion he felt in the moment overwhelmed him. He had to revert back to his usual cheek to stop things getting off track. “And for the sake of fairness and full disclosure…I was totally checking you out too. Bloody rubbing the soap over your abs. Making out you’re all innocent but God I reckon you knew what you were doing the whole time.” Callum laughed and shrugged and Ben couldn’t help but smile too. They were then interrupted by Lexi who was clean and ready to move on. It was probably a good thing as Ben had come close to revealing something else to Callum and he needed a moment to get his heart back in line.
After that they set off to get to the next site to pitch the tent. The night was similar to the previous and all enjoyed each other’s company as they sat happily chatting. Lexi decided to lead them in a singsong around the campfire. Callum tried his best to join in but he realised he was definitely the weak link in the trio. Ben had the most beautiful voice and as he belted a version of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect, which he promptly dedicated to Callum, Callum’s heart felt fit to burst. It was another magical moment that they’d created together. One he would always cherish. Soon they were all tired and headed to bed. Callum remembered the last time he slept here in the tent was the first time he didn’t feel like he was being crushed by the secret he’d been hiding. Ben had freed him from that then and made him see it was okay to be him. Callum linked his little finger with Ben, just like he had that night. Ben remembered that happening the first time and he remembered how even then, the slightest touch from Callum sent electricity all through his body. It still did now but perhaps even more than a tiny spark, it was more like he was being flooded with love. Reinforcing for him, that the decision he’d made was definitely the right one.
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The next day was pretty uneventful in terms of things that they had to achieve. Most of it involved hiking and the bridge building challenge, which once again they were happy to let Lexi take charge of. It turned out Lexi relished the challenge and responsibility of leading it. She was quite firm at times and very direct with her instructions – not holding back from informing both men if they’d got something wrong. Callum couldn’t help but comment on it as they were ordered to go and fetch some more pieces of wood from the base. “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree does it? She’s definitely your daughter,” he stated cordially.
“Yep she don’t take no prisoners does she!” Ben agreed and smiled. “Kinda proud she’s turned out like that. When I was growing up I was this timid little kid, afraid to be who I wanted to and desperate to prove myself to my old man. I always wanted Lexi to be confident in who she was and believe she can be anything she wants. So I’m glad she’s got that feistiness about her.”
“You should be proud,” Callum affirmed to him. “She’s this amazing young woman with an amazing spirit. And you know why that is?” Ben just shrugged at him. “Because unlike me and you, she had a dad that told her and showed her it was okay to be who you are and that you will always love her no matter what. You and Lo of course, you taught her that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, you can be true to yourself and still achieve great things. She’s lucky to have you.” Ben felt his eyes becoming full of tears at the words, knowing Callum saw that he’d given her all he ever really needed to. Ben didn’t have time to respond and tell Callum that she was also lucky to have him in her life, that they both were, because Lexi soon yelled for them to hurry up and they had to head back. It didn’t take long for them to finish up and collect their reward for completing the challenge. They then made their way to the next campsite for the next evening.
Both Callum and Ben were a little overwhelmed as they reached the site. It of course, had been the place where one of the pivotal moments in their story had taken place. Both were very tactile that night and couldn’t stop looking at each other with adoration throughout the whole evening. “Are you okay?” Lexi asked after catching them staring at each other longingly.
“Course Princess,” he said clearing his throat. “This is just a bit of a special place for me and Callum.” Again both Callum and Ben smiled at each other.
“Why is it so special?” Lexi asked curiously.
Again Ben felt the need to clear his throat. “Well…erm…” he looked at Callum not wanting to make him uncomfortable and Callum just nodded signalling it was okay for him to tell the truth. “It’s where we had our first kiss.”
Lexi looked at them both and smiled. “Aww that’s so sweet,” she cried, “And something I probably don’t need to know about.” They all laughed as she shook her head with a slight grimace before her expression changed and a wave of confusion rode over her face. “So hang on…when I came to visit you and Callum stayed over he was already your boyfriend…and you pretended to be just friends….you always said it was wrong to lie to your family.” She gave them a disapproving look, like a teacher who had just caught out some children in the class who were being dishonest.
Callum felt bad, he knew they hadn’t been totally open before about when their relationship started and until now Lexi never questioned him. “It was my fault darling. I didn’t want people to know I was gay then so your dad was just protecting me. We didn’t mean to lie.”
Lexi then laughed, “Gotcha!” she cried. “Don’t look so worried. I mean I knew anyway. It was so obvious, even then.” Ben and Callum looked a little taken aback but soon joined in with the laughing as Lexi continued. “That whole story about Callum not liking his hotel so he stayed with you. I mean I know I was only nine but that don’t mean I was stupid. Why do you think I kept asking you all those questions about having a girlfriend?” She looked towards Callum who’s mouth gaped open in slight shock. “You didn’t crack though. You’re good at keeping secrets.”
Callum just laughed. “Not so much anymore. Not a lot left to hide. But I have to admit the grilling you gave me almost broke me. I thought you could be a detective.”
“Nah,” Lexi derided, “I’m too clever for that.” And again both Ben and Callum laughed. “Anyway why don’t I go wash up and give you a moment to relive the memory. That way I don’t have to witness any more of your PDAs.” She picked up the dishes and headed towards the well just behind the tent.
“Little madam!” Ben quipped. “But I wouldn’t mind reliving that moment if you fancy.”
“What do you think?” Callum replied and moved closer, placing his hand around the back of Ben’s head and pulling his lips towards his. Both remembered exactly what it was like to kiss each other for the first time. For Ben it wasn’t his first kiss with a man but it was his first kiss that actually made him feel loved. Callum’s kiss invigorated him, filled him with love and security and made him feel special in a way no one ever had. For Callum, it was his first kiss with a man. He remembered feeling amazed by how natural and exhilarating it was. It was the kiss that brought him to life and awakened so much inside of him. Their kiss in this moment did much the same for both, except with the added feeling of knowing that the kiss was full of devotion to and from each other. Eventually they heard Lexi clambering back and broke away.
Ben was trembling slightly, thinking about the significance of that moment and of the one that would come tomorrow. “Right think we should get to bed. Tomorrow is gonna be a big day!” he declared.
“What’s so big about tomorrow?” Callum asked slightly confused about what Ben meant.
“Erm…just…,” Ben began before Lexi stepped in to rescue him.
“Dad told me about a big hill we have to get to the top of tomorrow,” she said calmly. “That what you mean?” Ben just nodded and Callum seemed to accept it and walked to put the fire out. “Will you just chill?” Lexi whispered to Ben when she was sure Callum wasn’t looking. “You’re gonna give the game away. It will be perfect. Don’t worry.” Ben took a deep breath and smiled. Tomorrow was perhaps going to be one of the biggest days of his lives so far and he just hoped he didn’t let all the emotion, excitement and nerves get the better of him before then.
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The next day Ben and Lexi were doing a lot of whispering on their hike to the top of the hill. Both struggling to contain their excitement for what was about to happen. Callum did pick up on the fact they may be up to something but had no idea what. He decided not to pay too much attention to it and enjoy the journey. Ben was relieved Callum still seemed non the wiser about what was about to happen. He hoped that he would enjoy the surprise and be happy about it. When they reached the top the view was as glorious as they remembered. Both turned to each other and took each other’s hand as they knew that as stunning as the view was, it paled in comparison to the beauty of the person next to them. They also remembered what that meant. Lexi then appeared behind them with the camera and asked them to get together for a photo. They stood arm in arm with a huge grin on their face, Lexi had also captured the moment they were just looking into each other’s eyes. It would become an iconic photo, even if they didn’t know it at the time. Lexi then went off to see if she could solve the riddle in the middle of the plaque. “Told you we’d come back and get a photo here one day,” Callum reminded Ben.
“Yeh you did,” Ben smiled. “Maybe you knew more than me then…but if I’m honest…I think we’ve both always known.” Again they leant in and placed a soft kiss against each others lips. Just then Lexi came back towards them. “Did you solve it then?” Ben asked.
“Course it was soooooo easy,” Lexi groaned. “Though I couldn’t solve the other one next to it. Can you have a look?”
“What other one?” Callum asked in bewilderment.
Lexi pointed at what appeared to be a rock with a piece of paper underneath it. “That there. Go look!”
Ben gestured for Callum to go in front of him and held back slightly as Lexi handed him the box and smiled at him. Callum got to the rock and picked up the paper that was sat underneath it. It didn’t take him long to recognise the writing on it and it baffled him even more. He then began to read it and as he did it dawned on him what was happening. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks with each word he read.
When you’ve found everything you’ve been searching for your whole life what is there left to do? This question brings with it a promise to hold on to all you’ve found forever. That’s if you want me me to and the answer to the question is what I hope it will be. Turn around and tell me, do you want forever with me?
Callum turned around to the sight of Ben on one knee, with an open box in his had. He almost couldn’t believe this was real; that he was about to have everything he’d always dreamed of but never thought he could have.
Ben was also overcome with emotion as he gulped back the tears. “Callum Highway,” he wept softly, “When I agreed to take on the role in our film, I knew it had to the potential to change my life. I just had no idea it would be for the reason it did. In finding you I found everything I’d been looking for my whole life. See you think I saved you and brought you out into the light but the truth is you saved me too. You showed me that someone could choose to love me for me, that they’d fight for me, that they’d be brave and tell the world who they were just so we could be together. No one has ever loved me like you do and I don’t think I could love anyone as much as I love you. I know I ain’t great with words but I remember last time we were stood here, you asked me if I’d ever had that kind of love and said you hoped we could find it. And if I’m honest I think I knew then that I already had. That you were the person who could share that with me. So if you’ll have me, I want to share my life with you and tell the world that we’re forever,” he sniffed and took a deep breath before he asked the final question. “So will you do me the great honour of marrying me?”
Callum was now fully sobbing as he looked at Ben. Every time he thought he couldn’t be any happier in his life, Ben would find a new level to make him feel like he was floating on cloud nine. The answer to this question was even easier than the first one. There was no doubt in his mind as to what the answer was. “Yes,” he sobbed. “Course I will. I love you so much!” Ben then placed the white gold band, with a diamond inset, on his finger, before leaping up to kiss him with everything he had.
Lexi began to squeal in the background before running over to them. “Congratulations! Told you he’d say yes!” she cried as she threw her arms around both of their waists.
“Were you in on this?” Callum cried as they pulled away.
Lexi just nodded with a huge beam. “Did you really think I’d trust him to pull it off by himself?” she joked. “Had to make sure he didn’t mess it up. Got it all on film too so you can watch it back and show the world what a softie he really is.”
Callum chuckled, “Might keep that just for us,” he smiled and kissed Ben again.
“Can I call you Dad now too?” Lexi asked in excitement.
Callum was again overcome with emotion. “Erm…is that alright with you?” he turned to ask Ben.
Ben just gave him a reassuring smile. “Course it is. I want you to be her dad too. I want us to be a family.”
Callum again let a stray tear fall from his face. “Then I’d be honoured for you to call me dad. To have you both as my family.” They all grabbed hold of each other so tightly and held on to each other firmly as they all shed a tear of joy. This was the start of their next journey, they were starting a new path but together as a couple and a family and both couldn’t be more excited about what was to come.
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That evening they celebrated by the campfire and managed to make some phone calls to tell their families the news. Everyone was delighted for them. Callum couldn’t quite believe how excited Stuart was to hear the news – another thing he thought he’d never see. They’d agreed to keep it all out of the press for the time being and asked Rainie and Shirley, as well as their families to help with that. Not that they were ashamed or felt like they had to hide the news, they just wanted this to be just for them. Everything about their relationship was so public they wanted their wedding to be about them and just them, not the world watching on. They decided to happily announce they were married once it had happened and be proud in that moment. It was of course the last night of the trip and last time that had been tinged with the sadness of leaving and going back to the real world tomorrow. Again this time it couldn’t be more different. Their real world now had been forever changed and they were excited and happy to be going back to it and starting the next chapter. Callum also enjoyed tantalising Ben with a promised re-enactment of their first last night when they got home. “Can’t wait to have my wicked way with my fiancé for the first time tomorrow night,” he teased as they headed to bed that night. Ben of course got all hot under the collar at that thought and Callum loved watching him flush with heat once again.
The next morning they packed up and headed to the ranger station to hand in the equipment. Both were a little surprised to find the exact same ranger who greeted them last time there. When he saw them, he instantly dropped his head, clearly remembering them and what he’d said to them. Callum couldn’t wait to tell him what he thought about what he said. “Turns out you were wrong mate!” he stated strongly.
“Sorry…” the man said awkwardly.
Callum just smiled and pulled Ben into his side, placing an arm around his back and gripping his hip. “Turns out we did find true love…and what was it you said…two strapping lads like us ain’t ever gonna fall in love.”
“I never…” the man was trying to explain himself but Callum wasn’t going to let him.
“Well we did. Head over heals in love. The kind of love that’s once in a lifetime. That you’d die for.”
Ben then kissed him. “Yeh it’s real, proper love and it’s beautiful,” he declared. The man didn’t get a chance to speak again before they turned and walked away hand in hand, Lexi following behind them. When they got back to the car, Lexi climbed in while Ben and Callum loaded the bags in the boot. “Look at you putting that bloke in his place. You really have come a long way ain’t you?” Ben said adoringly.
Callum nodded and smiled. “It’s cos I’ve got you. And with you by my side I feel we can take on the world!” He leant down and kissed Ben one more time. “Always.”
“Forever!” Ben reiterated the promise they had made to each other and he squeezed Callum’s hand before getting in the car. As they drove home both couldn’t help think about how different this drive was to before. Last time they had no idea where their paths would lead them and what journey lay up ahead. Now they were more certain than ever of where they were going; knowing whatever lay in front of them they would always be on the same path and never be lost again.