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ETHAN

ONE YEAR LATER

The mid-June sun warmed my face as I stood at the microphone, Andre’s hand steady in mine.

Familiar faces stretched before us—friends, family, and what seemed like half of Maplewood—gathered for the Rainbow Maple Camp groundbreaking ceremony. Rainbow banners fluttered from the trees as the audience chattered with each other.

My moms sat in the front row, smiling wide. Next to them, Ray and Sato looked ready to burst with happiness. Mickey and Liam gave encouraging nods from the second row. The local press had their cameras ready, and Wade did final checks on the live stream setup.

Andre’s fingers interlaced with mine. The sunlight caught the amber flecks in his brown eyes. His gentle smile calmed my racing heart. Countless rehearsals hadn’t prepared me for the emotional wave that hit as we prepared to make the official announcement.

“Good morning, everyone.” Andre’s voice carried through the speakers. “Thank you all for joining us today for this moment that means so much to us.”

I picked up where he left off, our words flowing together naturally. “A year ago, this was just a vision—Andre’s vision specifically. He shared it with me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. He was right that this land was perfect for a youth camp. We imagined a place where queer youth could feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.”

“Not everyone comes from a place as inclusive as Maplewood, and this camp will allow more young people experience our corner of the world. A place to explore their passions, whether in sports, arts, technology, or a combination unique to them. It’s about teens finding their own path. Thanks to the incredible support of this community, the Maplewood Foundation”—Andre shot a glance at me—“organizations like the You Can Play Project, the National Hockey League, the Vermont Arts Council, and several generous private donors, that vision is becoming reality. The Rainbow Maple Camp will welcome its first campers next summer.”

The late nights we’d spent planning flashed through my mind. Andre’s eyes lighting up describing cabins and programs. My excitement bubbling over while discussing possible activities. We’d hoped to open this year, but getting everything right meant waiting.

A winter session might be possible for pond hockey and other activities, but we’d decided not to mention that until we were sure.

“We’ve already had an overwhelming response since registration opened earlier this week,” Andre continued. “Now, before the official groundbreaking, we’d like to thank our friends who helped make this possible.”

We acknowledged everyone who’d supported us and their contributions: our parents’ unwavering encouragement, Mickey’s reliable sounding board, Liam’s sports program expertise, Clara’s educational components, Olivia’s artistic vision, and Wade’s technological mastery.

Mayor Axelrod stepped up next, speaking passionately about Maplewood’s commitment to inclusivity. “This camp represents the very best of our community,” she declared. “A place where every young person can be who they are without worry.” Andre blinked back tears as she described how the camp would “enrich lives for generations to come, just as Maplewood has since its very founding.” I gripped his fingers tighter.

Finally, the time for the ceremonial groundbreaking arrived. Mayor Axelrod, Andre, and I each took a shovel—rainbow-painted thanks to Olivia—and moved to the marked spot where construction would begin on the main building.

“Ready?” I whispered to Andre.

“Let’s do it.”

Together we pushed our shovels into the soft earth and turned over a patch of dirt. Cheers erupted from the crowd, camera flashes lighting up around us. Mom wiped away tears while Momma wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Ray and Sato stood applauding along with everyone else.

After Alex shot the official photos and we answered a ton of press questions, our friends gathered close. Mickey brought over glasses of sparkling cider from the refreshments table.

“Actually,” Andre said, his voice taking on a nervous edge I didn’t often hear, “there’s something I’d like to say since so many of our friends are here.” He turned to face me, and my heart hammered at the look in his eyes.

“Oh, I have something too,” I blurted out.

Andre chuckled. “Why don’t you go first?”

“No, you should⁠—”

“But I really⁠—”

We stopped, chuckling at our simultaneous starts and stops.

“You go—” we said together.

Liam’s amused voice cut through our fumbling. “Since Andre spoke up first about having something to say, he should go. Otherwise, we’ll be here all day.”

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry as Andre took both my hands in his.

“Ethan.” His voice wavered. “This past year has been the most incredible journey. From that tense meeting before the Pride festival to standing here making this camp a reality, you’ve helped me to understand what it means to truly trust and to love.”

He released one hand to reach into his jacket pocket, and my breath caught as he pulled out a small box. Around us, everyone went silent.