Page 42 of A Swan’s Love Song

Avi smiled as he ran his fingers through Sean’s bangs. “I’m actually more interested in a ginger

ale from one of the other stands, but I wanted to make sure I got your drink to you right away. I could

tell you weren’t feeling well—despite your attempt at putting on a good front.” He lifted one

eyebrow.

“Oh.” Sean gave him a sheepish smile. “I guess I’m not much of an actor.”

Avi leaned in for a soft kiss then drew back. “Next time, you tell me if you don’t feel well. It’s

my job to take care of you.”

“What’s my job then?”

Avi snorted. “To also take care of you.”

Sean smirked. “Each other, remember? Take care of each other.”

“Okay. Deal.” Avi rose. “I won’t be long.”

Sean downed the rest of his no-longer-icy drink then tossed the cup in the trash. As he ambled

down the row where he’d seen Kellan and Vic go, he noticed a seller who didn’t have a tent or booth

to display his treasures. Instead, he’d laid out what must have once been a gorgeous Persian carpet

but was now dirty and faded with a few thread-bare patches. However, the myriad of objects and

curiosities the seller had strewn about caught Sean’s eye.

The sun shone off the crystal and metal pieces, making them shine and sparkle. Those were the

items that drew Sean’s interest the most. He should be searching for more practical things—perhaps a

cedar chest to store the baby’s clothes and blankets or maybe a colorful framed print for the baby’s

room.

Frames.

That’s what he needed. Some elegant frames for the baby’s first photo and their birth certificate.

He spied a group of silver, brass and wood ones of all sizes and shapes in a haphazard pile at the

back of the rug. Sean tiptoed carefully across the carpet to keep from accidentally stepping on one of

the seller’s wares. When he reached the collection of frames, he leaned down to get a closer look.

The shiny, silver corner of an ornate frame, one that was perhaps eight by ten, poked out from beneath

a jumble of wooden ones.

His stomach clenched. There was something achingly familiar about the frame, but he was

terrified to confirm his suspicions.

“I see you have excellent taste!”