Page 12 of A Swan for Christmas

Vic imagined he was smiling like a loon. Something about Kellan filled him with such happiness. In some ways, it was if he’d been awoken from a deep sleep, as if he’d been merely existing all these years, trudging along without any purpose, and was somehow alive again.

He played with the ends of Kellan’s hair, lightly tugging at the platinum strands that kissed the top of his collar. “That’s all right, I’m sure you’ll do great. You and Dora are getting along good, then?”

“She’s nice.” Kellan glanced over his shoulder, glancing toward the kitchen. He leaned closer to Vic and spoke next to his ear. “She said to watch out for Skip, that’s he’s a grump.”

Vic chuckled. “That he is. He’s harmless, but if he’s rude to you, let me know. Sometimes he gets a bit too mouthy.”

While Vic was sure Kellan could handle himself, he also worried about how much he’d been talked down to by Finn for most of his young life. He didn’t need to be treated poorly in his new home, too.

“I will, Vic.”

“Say, do you like yams?”

“Sure. I like all vegetables and most fruits. I don’t care for grapefruit too much.” Kellan scrunched his forehead. “Why?”

Vic gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I was doing the ordering for Thanksgiving. Plus, I think I should learn more about what you like and don’t like, don’t you think?”

Kellan grinned. “I want to do the same with you. What’s your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving?”

“Oh, that’s easy. The turkey.” Vic gasped. “Wait. You said you had geese for cousins. Are turkeys…?”

Kellan giggle-snorted. “No, we’re not related. However, I don’t eat any bird, so don’t be offended if I don’t have any turkey.”

“Don’t worry about that. Eat whatever you want.” Vic trailed his fingers over Kellan’s shoulder, unable to keep from constantly touching him. “We’ll have ham too.”

“I’m afraid I only eat fish or other water creatures.”

Vic considered that. He didn’t want Kellan to feel left out. “I could have Skip fix you something special for that day.”

Kellan grabbed his arm. “Oh no, don’t do that. The yams sound great and I love cranberries and potatoes. If I have that and pumpkin pie, I’ll barely be able to move as it is, I’ll be so stuffed.”

Vic took Kellan’s hand and laced their fingers together. “I’ll make sure you have plenty.”

“Well hello, dear. I got your message.”

Vic turned his head at the sound of Rosemary Vale’s voice from behind him. He let go of Kellan and slid out of the booth to greet her.

“Hello, ma’am. Thank you for stopping by. You didn’t have to go to all that trouble, though. We could’ve spoken on the phone.”

The attractive, dark-haired older woman laughed. “Would I have been able to get a piece of your splendid apple pie over the phone?” She whacked the air with her hand. “I don’t think so.” She gazed down at Kellan and a smile tugged at her lips. “May I join you both?”

“Yes, of course, please.” He gestured for her to go ahead.

Vic waited until she took the seat opposite them in the booth then sat down again. He got the attention of the server, John.

“Rosemary, would you like some coffee with your pie?”

Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “That would be wonderful.” She addressed John. “Do you mind putting that in a to-go container? I’ll have a bite here then take the rest with me to save for later.”

John nodded then left to get her order. Vic regarded Rosemary.

“Rosemary, this is the swan shifter I was telling you about in my message, Kellan… er…” He turned to Kellan. “What’s your last name?”

“Rivers.”

Vic nodded then returned his attention to Rosemary. He was about to speak when it hit him what Kellan had said. “Rivers? For real?”

“Sure. My mother’s maiden name was Waters.”