Over the following weeks, Brian contacted a company to come and clean the pool, because that seemed to be a priority for Justin.

Justin focused on finishing the paintings he had to send along with several others for the show in June. He relied on Brian taking Nick to school and back, since he devoted his time to painting and working on both Brian’s and Nick’s birthdays.

Justin hoped Brian wasn’t aware why he insisted on having the pool cleaned and the backyard lawn trimmed.

On the fateful day, which was a Friday, Justin made last minute arrangements for the gathering he had planned for the following day. He had even contacted the girls in Canada, and they were more than happy to come over for the weekend.

They were flying that evening and staying at Michael and Ben’s house.

Justin was at the store shopping for groceries when Emmett called.

“Hey, Em.”

“Hey, hon. We have a problem.”

Justin put the chicken legs in the cart, bracing himself. “What’s up?”

“Customer protection and the police closed my friend’s establishment. Apparently there were some unsafe areas in the playground. I’m really sorry.”

“Fuck, Em…” Justin palmed his face. “I don’t suppose you can find something else in a week?”

“You suppose correctly,” Emmett said in a small voice.

“How about…our backyard? We’ll have practice after celebrating Brian this weekend.”

“That’s not half of a bad idea. I can borrow some things from this friend since it’s the least he can do.”

“Let me know what you can do. I’ll have to call all the parents and tell them about the new location.”

“We’ll talk more about this tomorrow. Speaking of, do you need my help?”

“Unless you can work a miracle and have Brian’s gift shipped on time, then no,” Justin mumbled.

After having dinner at Jennifer’s house a few weeks ago, back on Easter day, Justin found out Brian shared a passion with Tucker. They both loved motorcycles. Justin was gobsmack about finding out such a thing about Brian.

Not long after the dinner, Justin had met with Tucker, and with his help, he had chosen a decent bike for Brian. Then Justin had called the gang and told them about what he planned on buying Brian and how he needed their help.

“Still no word from the dealership?” Emmett asked softly.

“The last update was that they were going to deliver it by the end of today.”

“It’s two in the afternoon, baby. Patience.”

“I need to finish shopping and get home and make it look like we’re not planning a big thing for tomorrow. Brian should be home later, he said he was taking Nick to Debbie.”

“Aww! So any big plans for tonight?”

Justin could feel his cheeks heating up, which was something only the idea of fucking Brian could do to him. He had always had this effect on him.

“You can say that. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Right, I wanted to ask. Eleven? Or later?”

“Eleven,” Justin confirmed. “Now let me finish shopping so I have time to get home, and hopefully intercept the delivery guy. How do I hide a motherfucking motorbike?”

“Use your imagination,” Emmett said, laughing.

“Thanks for nothing.”

After hanging up, Justin continued to push the cart through all the aisles in hopes he got everything, he also bought children festive decorations because he would need them next week.

By the time he was loading the bags in the Corvette, an unknown number called. Justin nearly dropped the phone in his haste to answer who he believed to be the delivery guy.

“Hello,” he said.

“Hi, Justin! I got your number from Mom. It’s Gus.”

“Hey, Gus! How are you?” Justin berated himself internally for being disappointed it was only Gus and not the delivery guy.

“We landed earlier and we are waiting for Uncle Ben to pick us up.”

“That’s great! I have everything prepared,” he explained.

“Right…” Gus dropped his voice. “I called Dad a few minutes ago to tell him ‘Happy birthday’ and all that. I guess it’s a bad idea we kept this a surprise,” he mumbled.

“Why?” Justin could feel his heart in his mouth. Trust Brian to do something against their plans.

“Uh, he said he was on his way to drop your son to Debbie’s and then he would get you and take you away for the weekend.”

“Fuck,” Justin spat. “Shit. That sucks. I mean…you know what I mean.”

“If he wants to take you somewhere cool, forget our plans,” Gus said sternly.

“Why do I have the feeling that you know where he’s taking me?”

“I don’t, but Dad sounded excited. I haven’t heard him sound so happy in ages.”

Another call interrupted his chat with Gus. “I’ll call you back, the delivery guy is calling.” Justin accepted the other call, feeling bad for hanging up on Gus. “Hello?”

“Hello! Justin Taylor?”

“Yes.” Justin hastily threw the rest of the bags in the car then got behind the wheel.

“It’s Mark from UPS. I have a delivery. Are you home?”

“I’m on my way,” Justin explained, pressing the acceleration making the tires squeal. “Twenty minutes tops.”

“I’ll be at the address in fifteen, so it’s okay.”

“Thank you,” Justin said gratefully.

He pushed the car to its limits, glad Brian would never know how he drove his beloved Corvette.

When he was on the winding road leading to their house, the car behind him blinked the lights at him. Justin nearly swerved off the road when he checked the rear view mirrors. It was Brian.

What terrible luck did he have…

To make it worse, the UPS truck was parked in the driveway.

Justin parked in front of the garage, hurrying to greet the delivery guy, just as Brian parked behind the truck.

“What the hell did you order? I thought we were saving the pony for next year,” Brian said, amused.

Justin grimaced, especially when the delivery guy unloaded the motorbike. Of course, he was terrible at surprising his loved ones.

“What did you do?” Brian gasped, stared with wide eyes at the Triumph Thunderbird.

Justin signed his name on the paper the delivery man presented him.

“Enjoy this beauty,” the man said, closing the back of his truck and then driving away.

Justin covered his face with his palms. He peeked at Brian through his fingers, but Brian was busy admiring his present.

“Happy birthday,” Justin whispered, dropping his hands. “Surprise?”

“Fuck, I am speechless,” Brian admitted. “How the fuck did you pull this off?”

“With a little help from our friends…and a lot of help from Tuck.”

“How the fuck do I top this when your birthday comes?”

Justin was surprised at what worried Brian. He touched Brian’s chest, nipping at his jaw. “You top me.”

Brian laughed, then grabbed Justin’s ass, lifting him in the air and kissing him with hunger. “Thank you! As much as I hate surprises, this is…”

“You’re speechless,” Justin chuckled, repeating Brian’s words from earlier. “Sadly, you can’t take it for a spin until tomorrow. Tuck said he would get helmets custom made.”

“With little rainbows and the word ‘queer’ in flashy pink written on them?” Brian rolled his eyes, putting Justin back on his feet, but keeping his hands on his ass. “Anyway, you better call Tucker and tell him to reschedule,” he said casually.

“Why is that?” Justin's stomach did a flip. His carefully made plan had a big hole. He hadn’t even entertained the idea that Brian would want to do something special for his birthday.

“We’re going to Vermont.”

Justin gasped, staring at Brian with wide eyes. He wanted to laugh and cry and scream at the same time.

“I can see you’re surprised. Good. I was afraid you caught on what I was talking on the phone the other day with the accommodation.”

“You’re fucking unbelievable! You hate your birthday!” Justin gesticulated wildly.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to have a few days for ourselves. We’re leaving later today.”

“I…fuck.” Justin ran a hand through his hair. “I guess it’s too late to tell you I was preparing a surprise party for you. I even invited the girls and Gus…”

Brian threw his head back, laughing. “Yeah, I know. You’re as subtle as an elephant.”

“What!!! How?” Justin pouted. “But the weekend away…”

“I changed the accommodation for a bigger party than two people when I figured out what you were doing.”

“But…Gus just called…he…”

Brian grinned. “I gave him your number and told him to tell you as subtly as possible your party wasn’t happening.”

“Does Emmett know too?”

“Yeah, we’re also celebrating Nick this weekend, too. And for his birthday, he can have an evening of fun with his friends at the playground Emmett found.”

“I can’t believe you! How the fuck do you turn everything upside down and instead of having the desire to murder you, I want to kiss you and thank you for what a wonderful man you are!” Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck. “You have no idea what a big heart you have. I love you so much,” he whispered, closing the distance between them and kissing Brian tenderly.

“I love you, too…even if you can’t keep a secret to save your life.”

“Hey, the bike is a surprise,” Justin said sternly.

“Fuck yes! I definitely didn’t expect this.”

Justin beamed. “See? There’s yet hope for me,” he added, laughing. “What gave me away?”

“What didn’t…” Brian said, amused. “I didn’t put the pieces together when you insisted on having the pool and the surrounding area cleaned, nor when you wanted to buy a grill, of all things. But when you came over at Kinnetik, and had hushed conversations with Theodore, always stopping and smiling when I approached, then the way you expedited me to pick Nick from school so you could talk to Michael in private. Need I go on? Your chats with Emmett, casting worried glances at my eyes before asking about the secret project…”

“Christ. I’m the worst,” Justin mumbled.

“You’re all right.” Brian cupped the back of Justin’s head, kissing his forehead. “Everyone will arrive later tomorrow, that’s why we’re leaving today. I want tonight just for us.”