Page 23 of A Swan’s Love Song

very protective of you and I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing. You deserve all the love

and happiness in the world, and I don’t want to keep you from getting the best of everything.”

Sean couldn’t understand what Avi’s problem was. “But wouldn’t fate give us what we need to

be happy?”

Avi locked eyes with him. “How long have you known?”

With a one-shouldered shrug, Sean averted his gaze, suddenly shy under Avi’s intense stare. “I

thought maybe it was true when we first met then decided I was being too wishful. But then after

that…” He bit his lip. “I just knew.”

Avi smiled. “I guess swans have as strong a radar as eagles do.”

“Yeah. My mom used to tell me it was no different than knowing where to go when it was time

to migrate. It’s that inner voice.”

“Oh, Sean.” Avi took a step closer. “I didn’t mean to push you away, to hurt your feelings. I’ve

never met a kinder, sweeter man. It’s never been about that.”

“Then what?”

“Do you realize I’m forty-two years old?” Avi winced. “You still have your whole life ahead of

you.”

Sean shook his head. “But so do you. Can’t we have our whole lives together?”

Avi took another step. “We…we could wait to have a hatchling. Give you some time until

you’re ready.”

Sean swallowed past the lump in his throat, his eyes beginning to blur with tears. “I’m ready

now.”

Another step. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Sean whispered.

Avi gathered him into his arms and crushed their mouths together in a bruising kiss. Sean went

limp in Avi’s strong embrace, wanting nothing more than to be held with such care for the rest of his

days. Avi took his mouth over and over, Sean becoming dizzy from the onslaught of feelings coursing

through him. He clutched at Avi’s shoulders, digging his fingers into the cloth of Avi’s shirt. He

desperately wished there was no fabric between them. Avi nipped at and licked Sean’s lips before

dipping his tongue into his mouth to start the kiss over.

The most blissful moment of his life ended as Avi slowly drew away, never breaking his gaze