Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be. Let's move on.

Rewriting History

by ALittleGandA

Shane looked up at the beautiful white columned building, then over at the man standing next to her. "We probably shouldn't wait too much longer," she teased him gently, squeezing Oliver's hand. "The museum doesn't close until 5:30, but I'd hate to have to deprive you of even a minute with all that rich postal history."

His gaze slid over to her, a smile flickering around the corners of his mouth, and he squeezed her hand in return. "We could use those minutes to return to the National Museum of American History. You seemed quite upset that you had lived in the city for a time and had somehow not ever seen the statue of George Washington."

"How could I not be? Someone should have told me how hilarious it was." Her voice softened as she rubbed the tip of her finger against the metal band circling Oliver's own. It was platinum now, the silver color just one symbol of many that this marriage would be different from his last one. "But I was also kind of looking forward to getting a proper tour of the National Postal Museum. I was here once with a group from work, but I'm sure they missed all the important bits."

"I'm certain they did their best." He took a deep breath, the nerves he had been wrestling with for the last few minutes evident in his eyes as he turned his gaze back to the museum. "You didn't have to indulge me by suggesting we spend our honeymoon in Washington D.C., you know. I know you would have enjoyed the opportunity to visit someplace you were not already intimately familiar with."

She'd lived here, yes, back when she'd been alone and determined not to believe in things like love and hope. Seeing it now, with Oliver next to her, had been like experiencing the city for the first time.

But if she said any of that, she'd probably start getting teary right here in the middle of the street. "I like Washington, and I never really got the chance to do all the touristy things while I was here." She shifted closer to him, so that the sides of their arms rested flush against each other. "And I wanted to give this place back to you."

She couldn't punch Oliver's ex-wife, or give her the talking-to she so desperately deserved for breaking one of the best hearts Shane had ever known. But she could pour her love into every crack, as Oliver had done for her own damaged heart, fortifying the damaged places until they were even stronger than they'd been before.

Oliver pressed his lips together for a moment, clearly overcome with emotion, and when he turned to look at her again all the love in the world was shining out of his eyes. "You have given me everything," he said quietly, voice rough with feeling. He lifted her hand, pressing a kiss against the back of it. "I hardly know what to do with my sudden embarrassment of riches."

Shane smiled back at him, eyes wet. "You've given me just as much. I'm only trying to keep up." She squeezed his hand again, her voice fierce. "You're not getting left this time, Oliver. I promise you that."

His own eyes were more than a little misty as he leaned forward for a soft, lingering kiss. "I do not deserve you, Shane O'Toole."

Her heart clenched, just like it did every time she heard the new version of her name. "Well, that's too bad, because you're stuck with me."

He smiled at her, brighter than the sun overhead. "Which means that I am blessed among men." Hand still firmly attached to hers, he held his other out in an "after you" gesture. "Shall we? I believe I owe you a tour."

She returned his smile, her heart light. "Lead the way, kind sir."

000

I also have an original novel and short story. They won't let me post the link, but if you look up "Jenniffer Wardell-books" on Google you'll be able to find it.