By Erica Crompton
We knew as soon as we heard Ms Swain had booked in for a house viewing that destiny was at play. My lovely home and safe space, a wee white cottage in a leafy street was up for sale and if I’d had any doubts about selling-up and moving somewhere more accessible with Paul, the arrival of Ms Swain on the viewing scene put them all to rest. That’s because the name ‘Swain’ holds significance for Paul and I – ever since I danced like “a swan” on Paul’s 40th birthday just a few months after we made our relationship official on Facebook. We would laugh and recall this when we saw the name “swan” on a pub facade or a swan swimming elegantly on a lake. Soon after, I spotted Swan Street on a drive to the West Midlands safari park and got excited to bring the memory of the swan dance back again – a little too excited: “Swain Street! Swain Street!” I blurted, and of course we fell about laughing at my mispronunciation. We’d later watch Jonathan Swain present the news on our TV, or see the name Swain on a shop front as we drove past or even shout the name “Swain” as we drove past those swans in the countryside near where Paul lived at the time. “Swain” had established itself in our love language that only we knew. My cottage had already been on the market for a few months, one sale had fallen through at the last minute which had been so stressful. We were worried we’d lose the accessible bungalow I’d put a deposit on – the only one I could afford. Like I said at the start, we knew destiny was at play as soon as we heard about Ms Swain taking an interest in the cottage. We couldn’t know for sure, but it seemed so promising and such a remarkable coincidence. Ms Swain did go ahead and buy the cottage, I hear she’s settled and loves it which feels meaningful to me. Paul and I went on to move into our bungalow which we love, too. Sometimes our destiny is divine by design.
