A/N: These characters are the creation of the brilliant mind of Martha Williamson and belong to the Hallmark Channel. I'm just playing in their sandbox for a while. :)

PS: The inspiration for Shane's dress can be found by Googling "tadashi-shoji-floral-lace-inset-cap-sleeve-pintucked-dress".

It was over, or so Oliver had told her while subconsciously rubbing his thumb over his now-bare ring finger.

Shane was struggling with being both selfishly happy that Oliver's marriage to Holly was ending and being heartbroken for her friend. In the end she hugged him and told him that she was sorry to hear the news and that she was there for him if he ever needed to talk. She didn't press Oliver for details, knowing that he would open up to her when he was ready. Instead they sat quietly rocking on Shane's porch, watching the sunset together.

The few months after Oliver's divorce was finalized progressed like normal in the DLO, except that Shane would catch Oliver looking at her more often. At first when they would make eye contact Oliver would pretend to be engrossed in whatever was nearby, be it the dead letter that they were working on or even a groove in his desk, but eventually he would send Shane a small smile before looking away.

One Friday afternoon the POstables had just wrapped up their latest dead letter mystery and were getting ready to call it a week.

"So, Rita, any plans for the weekend?" Shane asked while shutting down her computer.

"Oh, well yes. Norman and I are having dinner with his parents tonight," Rita replied, "and then tomorrow we're going to the conservatory!"

"Well that sounds wonderful." Shane smiled at her friend as Norman came back into the DLO after going bring something to another department.

"Ready, Rita?" Norman asked. Rita nodded and shyly took Norman's hand as they bid Shane and Oliver good evening.

When Shane turned back around Oliver was watching her with a soft smile, and when he didn't look away this time Shane asked, "What?"

Oliver hesitated a moment before seeming to make a decision. He reached a hand out to Shane. "Miss McInerney, would you like to accompany me to dinner this evening?"

Shane's face lit up in a smile. "Why, I would love to, Mr. O'Toole." She squeezed Oliver's hand before letting go to grab her purse. "The Mailbox Grille shouldn't be too busy at this time of day."

"Er, actually, I was thinking of something a little more...formal for tonight," Oliver replied with a slight blush. "Italian, perhaps? There's this quaint little place near Washington Park that I have been meaning to try. I hear their gnocchi is fantastic."

Shane looked at Oliver quizzically. "Oliver, are you... are you asking me on a date?"

Oliver took a deep breath before answering. "Well, if you consider two people who enjoy each other's company eating dinner together in a formal setting a date, then, well... yes, I suppose I am." He quickly continued, "but if that in any way makes you uncomfortable..."

"No, no. I'm not uncomfortable at all, I just..." Shane's heart fluttered at the bashful look on Oliver's face. "Italian sounds great."

Oliver grinned. "Shall I pick you up at 7 then?"

"That sounds perfect."

"Until then, Miss McInerney."

As soon as Shane arrived home her phone rang. "Hello?" she answered without looking at the caller ID.

"Shaney!" came the voice on the other end. "How are you?"

"Hi, Becky! I'm fine, but listen, I can't really talk right now. I'm having dinner with Oliver tonight and I need to get ready."

"He FINALLY asked you out? It's about time!" Becky exclaimed. Shane had informed her of Oliver's now ex-wife returning from Paris, and the events that had thus transpired up to the official ending of Oliver's marriage to Holly.

Shane laughed quietly. "We're having dinner together, yes. He mentioned this new Italian place and probably just didn't want to eat there by himself, so he asked me to go with him."

"Oh sure, yeah, that's the only reason he asked you. Shaney, honey, the man is crazy about you."

"You think?" Shane asked.

Becky sighed exasperatedly. "He bought you a swing, for Pete's sakes! Now, I want to know ALL the details, so call me tomorrow!"

Shane agreed, and soon hung up. She stepped over to her closet. What on earth do you wear on a date with your very-attractive-but-gentlemanly boss with whom there's definitely chemistry?

Shane had just finished getting ready and was putting in her earrings when her doorbell rang. She had chosen a blue dress with lace over it and stitching on the bodice and skirt and paired it with a pair of strappy gold heels. She gave herself a once-over in the mirror. Here goes nothing.

She walked over to the door and pulled it open.