Chapter 4 – Parting

Saturday, they both had work to do – Oliver, preparing for his trip; Shane, preparing still for Christmas. Oliver called to confirm that he would pick her up tomorrow in time for the morning worship service.

Sunday morning worship was followed by lunch with friends from church, including Dale. The sanctuary was always beautiful, but at Christmas it was especially lovely. The sermon title was "Finding Joy in the Unexpected." The text was The Annunciation as found in the gospel of Luke.

After lunch, Oliver drove Shane to her home and walked her to the door.

"Would you like to come in? Cup of coffee, hot cocoa?" asked Shane, hating for their week of Christmas cheer to end.

"I'm afraid that I have to go home and pack. I also have to complete my presentation for the conference. I spent the past week being totally distracted by a beautiful woman. I fear that I have not fulfilled my obligations for the upcoming…the upcoming, tortuous, dreaded week." said Oliver with a laugh, still holding Shane's hand.

"Call and let me know when you land?" asked Shane.

"Certainly." said Oliver.

"And maybe call one night to let me know how things are going?" she continued.

"It will be nice to speak with a sane person." Oliver joked.

"And when you…"

Oliver interrupted this last request. In broad daylight, with a sense of every person in the neighborhood watching, Oliver stole a quick kiss and reluctantly said goodbye. It wasn't exactly the passionate ending to their Christmas week that sends a POstable off to spend a week Lester Kimsicle, but it would have to suffice.

As Shane watched him drive away she said to herself, "I miss you already."