(I got stuck twice on this chapter, and I honestly though I would never get it right. But I have a feeling you'll be pleased with the results. I know you guys want Oliver and Shane to get together, but just be patient. A lot has to happen before then.)

Chapter 6: From the Present to the Past

"You know, Oliver, you didn't have to volunteer to be the driver if you didn't like the car I reserved for us at the airport," Shane chided as she relaxed into the passenger side of the Toyota sedan.

Oliver sighed, "Shane, it is perfectly acceptable. I only wish you had consulted with me. I would have gladly contributed financial assistance in order for us to obtain a luxury car. Driving this car merely-uh-"

"Makes you feel like a commoner?" Shane grinned.

"All right, Miss McInerney, enough with the buffoonery at my expense," Oliver warned her. "It appears you have a limitless supply of such quips."

"Oh, come, Oliver. You yourself told me you have developed a sense of humor. But I have not seen it the entire trip."

"I apologize, Shane, if I appear to be preoccupied. This is an extremely complicated situation that I do not anticipate with any fondness whatsoever."

Shane placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Oliver. I was only trying to get your mind off of things. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Oh, Shane, you have not upset me. Under other circumstances, your humor would have been a welcome respite. And I apologize for my perturbation concerning the procurement of our automobile. I truly became irritated for no reason whatsoever. The very fact that we have a car is due to your foresight."

"Think nothing of it, Oliver. I'm sure my incessant talking got on your nerves. And I can't imagine that it's been easy for you traveling with me. As you saw, women don't pack lightly."

In spite of himself, Oliver grinned. "Indeed. I never knew that traveling with a woman such as you, Shane, would ensure my physical fitness."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if I am expected to haul your two-ton suitcases around-"

Quickly, Shane snatched her hand away from Oliver's shoulder. "Two tons? Oliver O'Toole, my suitcases do not weigh that much!"

Oliver merely chuckled in response, and Shane looked at him in realization. Shane was so grateful that Oliver had finally relaxed. He had been wound up so tightly that she nearly thought she had lost him before she ever had the opportunity to have him to herself. She breathed a secret prayer of thanks to the God she was still somewhat unsure about. It was one thing she desired to clarify during this trip. Was it worthwhile to trust in God or not? And did He even exist?

"Shane," Oliver broke her reverie. "We are here."

Just at that moment, a modest-sized brick home came into view. It was well-kept, and it reminded Shane of the typical two- or three-bedroom houses one generally sees in the suburbs. The difference was that this home was on a massive lot covered in trees, shrubbery, and wide open patches.

"My goodness," Shane whispered. "You told me the property was big, but I never would have imagined it would be this big. I can only imagine what it would have been like when your parents' home stood on it."

Oliver sighed pensively. "Shane, the house my parents owned was the largest residential home I have ever witnessed. It was more massive than the vast majority of the celebrity homes that people currently exhibit."

He methodically got out of the car and made his way to the passenger side of the car to open Shane's door for her.

"Oliver, I still find it so charming when you do that," Shane smiled as he offered his hand to her as she got out of the car.

"To what are you referring?"

"When you open my car door for me. I have never seen any man do that for a woman, and you are the first man to do that for me."

"Shane, I am grateful you do not view it as demeaning. My understanding is that many modern women do not aspire for any man to wait on her or be chivalrous."

Shane sweetly kissed his cheek, causing his face to instantly redden. "I can assure you, Oliver, I'll never feel that way."

"Uh, Shane, before we go in, please let me make something crystal clear."

"Oliver, I know what you're going to say."

"You do?"

"Yes. You mean to ask me to refrain from any public displays of affection. Don't worry. I am fully on board with that."

"Interesting. I actually was not going to discuss that, but you have a valid point. Kate is ignorant of your existence."

"Yes, I was aware of that fact. It's actually a little unsettling."

"Unsettling? Why?"

"Oliver, this Kate friend of yours is the closest thing to a mother you have. And I'm, well, a special a friend of yours. And if I don't make a good impression-"

Oliver firmly placed his hands on Shane's shoulders and turned her to face him. "Shane, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. I promise you. I am convinced that you always make a good impression no matter where you are or whom you are meeting."

"Oh, yeah, Oliver," Shane rolled her eyes. "Remember what a great first impression I made on you."

Oliver drew her into an embrace. "Shane, if you were nothing else, you were memorable. If anyone made a negative impression, it was I." He kissed the top of her head and released her.

"Okay, Oliver, I'm ready," Shane took a deep calming breath. "Let's go in."

Arm in arm, they walked deliberately towards the house where Kate Rodrick lived. They were both introspectively silent as they strode to the door, and it was as though the weight of the world sat on their shoulders. For Oliver, this could mean vindication for his parents' deaths, and for Shane, this would mean coming face to face with a woman who probably knew Oliver better than anyone else.

As they neared the door, Shane stopped and turned to Oliver. "Uh, Oliver, don't you think we should have called her first? I have my phone, and-" She began to search for her phone, but immediately, Oliver stopped her.

"Shane, there is no cause for concern," Oliver assured her. "I have known Kate long enough to be cognizant of the fact that she will not mind this extemporaneous visit."

"And if she's gone?"

"I happen to own another key. We can enter and await her return. Now, enough stalling, my dear."

Oliver walked to the door and knocked sharply. As they awaited the opening of the door, Shane began to fidget. Oliver noticed her apprehension and smiled at her. He quickly kissed her forehead and squeezed her arm in encouragement. Shane beamed at him.

After a brief wait, Shane observed, "Uh, Oliver, it would appear that no one is coming to the door."

Oliver scanned the area around the house, and agreed. "Shane, I do believe you are correct in that assumption. It is rather unusual. I can see that her car is parked in the driveway. Nevertheless, I am prepared."

He began to fumble in his pocket for the key, but Shane placed her hand firmly on his hand. He stared at her in confusion, and she shook her head. "Shane?"

"Oliver," she calmly stated, "let's not go in. Put yourself in her place. Wouldn't it be unsettling for you to come home and find people in your home that you weren't expecting?"

"Shane, you may have a point, but-"

"Besides, the weather is nice for a fall day, and since her car is here, it would appear she should be back soon."

"And if she does not return?"

"When I get cold, Oliver, I'll let you know. Or when it gets dark. Then we could go in. But let's enjoy the outdoors. We can have a seat on the steps."

Oliver thought for a moment and nodded. They sat down on the steps, and Shane breathed deeply.

"You know, Oliver, I can't remember the last time I sat out in the fresh air and just enjoyed nature," Shane noted. "All too often, I have gotten so caught up in the fast-paced society that I forget about simple pleasures such as these."

Oliver put his arm around Shane and responded, "Indeed, I have noticed. In fact, you may have set a record. I do not believe you looked an electronic device in the last twenty minutes."

Shane narrowed her eyes in mock irritation and playfully swat at Oliver. He was expecting her response, so he was able to duck without injury. "Oliver, why did I ever encourage you to develop a sense of humor?"

"Oh, come, my dear. Methinks thou doth protest too much."

"Oh, Oliver, I do sincerely hope that we will be able to settle this case."

"No more than I do, Shane. There is a portion of my soul which has far too often sensed a lack of closure in my parent's death, and this could be what is necessary to forever silence that imperative chasm."

At that moment, both Shane and Oliver heard an unusual sound in the distance.

"Oliver, did you hear that?" Shane asked.

Oliver thoughtfully replied, "Yes, I did. I have to admit I cannot deduce the source."

The sound came again, but this time it was somewhat closer.

"Oliver," Shane remarked, "that sounds like a cat."

"A cat?"

"I can't imagine where it's coming from."

Then without warning, a solid black cat leapt into Shane's lap. Though startled, she smiled and was instantly charmed. "Oh, Oliver, look. I was right. It is a cat." She began stroking its fur, and it instantly purred and settled down. "And it seems to be a very friendly cat."

Oliver watched Shane with this cat and marveled at her delight. For a brief moment, he wished that he and the cat could trade places, but then he shook his head to remove that image from his mind.

Good grief, he thought, I must keep my thoughts in check. Oh, Lord, I need your assistance immediately. The more time I spend with Shane McInerney, the more I am incredibly drawn to her. I do not ever recall having to contend with emotions like this at any other point in my life. Perhaps I am finally discovering what true love is.

"Oliver, don't you want to pet him?" Shane asked, indicating the cat who was luxuriating in her affection.

"I will admit, Shane," he responded, "that is not foremost in my mind."

"He is awfully friendly. I wonder where he came from and who he belongs to."

"He actually belongs to me," a nearby female voice responded.

Both Oliver and Shane turned their heads in the direction of the voice. The cat immediately jumped from her lap into the waiting arms of this attractive, middle-aged woman.

"Oh, Blackie, I'm so glad you came back," the woman cooed, squeezing the cat to herself. "Next time, my boy, don't run off so far." The cat hopped down and began grooming himself while remaining near his owner.

Oliver and Shane both stood as the woman turned her attention to them.

"Oliver, is that you?" the woman asked.

"Yes, Kate, it is," he answered with a smile.

She excitedly threw her arms around him and cried, "Oliver, why on earth didn't you tell me you were coming? It has been so long! You look wonderful!"

"Good to see you again, too, Kate," Oliver responded, as he gently pulled away from the embrace.

Kate turned her attention to Shane. "Uh, Oliver, who is this lovely woman next to you? This certainly can't be Holly."

A shot of pain appeared on Oliver's face for a brief moment. "No, Kate, she's still in Paris, as far as I know."

"So who is this?" Kate asked again.

Oliver lovingly looked at Shane. "Kate, I would like to introduce you to one of my fellow co-workers at the DLO. This is Shane McInerney."

Shane extended her hand to Kate. "It's nice to meet you, Kate."

Kate smiled. "Now, Shane, any co-worker of Oliver's that he brings clear across the country after nearly a twenty-year absence must be pretty special." Kate quickly enfolded Shane in a tight hug, and Shane smiled in relief.

Following the hug, Kate said, "Well, Oliver, I have a feeling this is more than just a social call."

"Indeed, Kate, you are correct," Oliver acknowledged.

"What do you say we go into the house and have a little chat? I have some beef stew in the crock pot and some fresh rolls I made earlier today. Sound good to you two?" Kate asked.

"Kate, your cooking was always some of the best," Oliver replied. "We would love to stay for dinner."

"Thank you for the invitation, Kate," Shane said.

"Somehow I think both of you have plenty of news to share," Kate smiled as she picked up Blackie and headed towards the door. Oliver indicated that Shane should follow Kate, and he came in last, shutting the door behind him.

"Have a seat, Oliver and Shane," Kate called from the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready soon. Can I get you guys something to drink?"

Oliver only paused a moment. "Kate, I realize this may be an exceptionally difficult request, but I was wondering if you happened to have any-"

Kate came out of the kitchen with a smile. "Let me guess, Oliver. You're wondering if I have any Dutch hot cocoa on hand, right?"

Oliver sighed delightedly. "Oh, Kate, you still remember after all these years."

"Yes, Oliver, I've never forgotten you. You're almost like one of the children. And thankfully the answer to your question is yes. Something I am never without is Dutch hot cocoa."

"Excuse me for being dense," Shane interrupted, "but what is Dutch hot cocoa?"

For a moment, Oliver's face transformed to that of a little boy at Christmastime who can hardly wait to open his gifts. "Oh, Shane," he said, as he took her hand in his own, "it is only the most sumptuous drink on earth. And the way Kate prepares it is unlike any I have had anywhere else."

"Dutch hot cocoa is merely hot chocolate with some creme de menthe, whipping cream, and a few surprises, Shane," Kate explained. "How about I bring both of you a cup?"

"That would be very nice, Kate," Shane responded as Kate disappeared into the kitchen.

"And you know my response," Oliver said, as he brought Shane's hand to his lips. Suddenly, Shane removed her hand from Oliver's grasp. Oliver was rather confused at this behavior. "Shane, what-"

"Oliver, don't you remember?" she whispered. "No displays of affection."

Oliver grinned and put his arm around Shane's shoulders. "Dear Shane, that was your rule, not mine."

Shane shrugged off Oliver and stood up. "Oliver, seriously. This is your best friend, and she knows you're married. If we start hanging all over each other-"

"And just when did we start doing that, Shane? We are friends, and-"

Shane rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Right, Oliver, we're friends. And friends always throw their arms around each other and kiss their cheeks, hands-"

"Are you objecting again?" Oliver asked, as he stood and enfolded her in his arms.

Shane disengaged herself from his arms and turned to him with a sedate expression. "Oliver, please. Let's follow the rules for now."

Rather sheepishly, Shane sat down. Oliver obediently sat down next to her.

But a moment later, Shane noticed that the couch was moving in an unusual manner. She looked at Oliver and noticed he had covered his face with his hands. "Oliver, are you all right?" She was honestly concerned that he might be crying or hurting for some reason.

"Oh, Shane," he chuckled, "I am sincerely sorry for laughing at you, but-"

"You mean to say you're laughing at me again?" Shane demanded. "What on earth is so funny now?"

"Shane, are you cognizant of the fact that you are requesting that I follow the rules when it is generally the other way around?"

"Oliver, I honestly don't think I know you anymore," Shane said as she turned away from him, shaking her head.

"Now, Shane, it is your own fault. I do believe I remember someone requesting that I develop a sense of humor."

"You know, Oliver, perhaps after a good night's sleep, I will be able to match wits with you, but please go easy on me tonight."

Oliver kissed the top of her head. "My dear Shane, that would be sheer delight for me."

"All right, Oliver and Shane," Kate said as she reentered the room, "here are your drinks." She delivered the drinks and sat across from them.

"Thank you so much, Kate," Shane responded.

"Don't thank me, Shane, till you try the drink," Kate warned. "My sons never learned to appreciate this drink. They always groaned whenever they saw me drinking one."

"That was never my problem," Oliver said, as he took a sip. "And, Kate, this is definitely just as delectable as I remember."

"I'm glad," Kate said. "Now then, Oliver let's get down to business. What brings you back here after nearly twenty years? And, of course, your lovely companion truly intrigues me. I must know her story as well."

Oliver took a deep breath and began his story. "Well, Kate, the circumstances surrounding our appearance are a rather distressing matter. As you know, I work for the Dead Letter Office, as does Shane, and thousands of misdirected letters come our way on a regular basis. It just so happens that a few days ago, Shane and my other co-workers discovered a rather singular letter. Shane, do you mind enlightening Kate for me?"

"Certainly," Shane responded, as she retrieved the letter from her purse. "Kate, a very special letter arrived that was intended for Oliver's parents in 1995. It is a letter from the Yemen hospital where they had served that summer. It is a letter that warns them that their life was in danger."

"Really?" Kate said with a raised eyebrow. "May I see it?"

Shane gave the letter to Kate, who eagerly began to read the contents to herself. While they were awaiting Kate's response, Shane decided to try the cocoa. The moment she did, she nearly spit it out. She tried to conceal her response, but Oliver noticed and winked at her knowingly.

"Don't worry, Shane," Kate said, while reading the letter. "My Dutch hot cocoa is an acquired taste. Take it slowly, and you may very well discover that you like it."

Kate completed the reading and handed the letter back to Shane. "I see what you mean, Oliver. So it appears that you have a motive."

"Yes," Oliver agreed. "And since Washington D.C. has specially appointed us as postal detectives, we are here to investigate."

"Any leads?" Kate inquired.

"A few possibilities," Shane interjected. "I was able to set up an appointment with the local police department for tomorrow morning."

Oliver turned to her with a rather flustered expression. "Shane, you did not inform me of that!"

Kate grinned. "It would seem, Oliver, that your clever companion doesn't always tell you everything. I like this woman."

Triumphantly, Shane stared at Oliver. "It's nice to see that another woman has recognized my abilities."

Oliver looked at Shane askance. "Yes, Shane, and I never value you in any form, do I?"

Oliver's attempt at sarcasm caused Shane to swallow her amusement.

"So, Oliver," Kate continued, "how did you meet the lovely Miss Shane McInerney?"

Oliver's cheeks reddened slightly. "Well, Kate, she happens to be my co-worker. And that in itself is quite a miracle. It further shows that God has quite a sense of humor."

Shane stifled a giggle. "Oh, Oliver why on earth would you say that?"

"Possibly due to the fact that you and I did not begin our friendship on the best of terms."

"How very true, Oliver," Shane smiled. "But we get along quite well now, don't we?"

"I will reserve judgment on that point, Shane," he responded as he raised his eyebrows suggestively at her. "Therefore, Kate, do you mind if we stay with you for the week? Shane continued to instruct me to call you, but-"

"I would be absolutely delighted, my dear boy," Kate said. "Malcolm and Edmund are off on their own, married, and extremely busy. So there are two vacant bedrooms with your names on them."

"In that case," Oliver noted as he stood up, "I will retrieve our suitcases from the car."

"Would you like some help, Oliver?" Shane asked.

Oliver lightly kissed her forehead and said, "No, princess, you stay put. Visit with Kate. I will only be a few minutes." And with that, Oliver walked out the door.

Shane was still pondering the name Oliver had just called her. Princess? He had never called her anything but her name and occasionally "my dear." She wondered if this meant that he was-no, it just couldn't be! There is no way under the sun that Oliver could care for her in the way that she cared for him. She must-

"Earth to Shane," Kate called.

Summoned from her dream world, Shane shook her head briskly and apologized, "Oh, Kate, I am so sorry. I was just thinking."

Kate grinned at her. "And I am quite certain what you were thinking about."

Shane's cheeks turned several shades of crimson. "Is it that noticeable?"

"Oh, Shane, it's not something to be ashamed of. I'm glad you've come along. I have never in my life seen Oliver so happy. He was always a somber fellow, and he had no sense of humor to speak of."

"Goodness, Kate, you seem to describe the Oliver I first met about six months ago."

"You and I will have to have a chat soon. I want to hear about everything. But for now, dinner is practically upon us. I need to go check on it. Excuse me."

Kate disappeared into the kitchen and left the dreamy-eyed Shane alone with her thoughts. She closed her eyes and leaned back on the sofa, imagining how Oliver's lips would feel on her own. Yes, Shane had dated before, and she had been kissed. But she was convinced that kissing Oliver would be a moment that would cause all other experiences to pale in comparison. In her heart, she longed for what she was still not entitled to have.

As Shane was contemplating all of these weighty issues, she had the strangest sensation on her cheek. She honestly was not certain how long she had been daydreaming on the couch, but she was certain she felt the sensation of something sticky and sickly sweet on her cheek. Her mind attempted to discover the source of this unusual feeling, and she almost supposed she was still dreaming.

Once she opened her eyes, however, she knew she was no longer dreaming. Kate and Oliver were standing next to her, and the looks on their faces told the story. Oliver looked mortified, and Kate appeared to be struggling with the urge to laugh and cry simultaneously.

"Okay," Shane asked, "just what is going on? It seems-" At that moment, Shane touched her cheek with her hand, and her confusion continued. "Will someone please explain what is going on?"

Attempting to keep a straight face, Kate explained, "Uh, Shane, it would appear that one of my cream puffs has somehow made it to your cheek."

At once, Shane sat up. "What on earth?'

"Shane, can you ever forgive me?" Oliver asked contritely.

Shane crossed her arms and looked at him resolutely. "Okay, Oliver, you'd better have a good explanation."

For a moment, Oliver appeared to be the little boy who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "When I came back from depositing our luggage in our respective rooms, I noticed how serene you looked. In fact, I pondered the fact that you may be asleep. Kate summoned me into the kitchen to sample her decadent cream puffs. She makes the absolute best. I thought I would try to be whimsical, so I brought you a cream puff. My well-crafted plan was to delicately place it in your mouth. However, at the last moment, you shifted your head, and now I am afraid that that cream puff is expertly molded to your cheek. I genuinely had no idea that-"

He was interrupted by Shane's lilting laughter. Both he and Kate gawked at her in utter disbelief.

"Shane, are you all right?" Oliver asked in concern. "You are not vexed with me, are you?"

"Quite the contrary," Shane chortled. "I never would have expected you to do anything like this. Here you were trying to be funny, and it turned out funnier than you ever could have planned. I'm not angry in the least."

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She then rubbed her cream-laden cheek against his which caused him to retreat in disgust.

"Shane!" Oliver exclaimed. "Why on earth did you do that?" He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and began wiping his face as quickly as possible.

"My dear Oliver, I didn't want to be the only one who was experiencing this rare privilege," she laughed. "I wanted to share the experience with my best friend."

"Shane, you do not make things easy, do you?"

"What, and you do, Oliver?"

They both looked at each other and burst into laughter. Kate joined them.

"Here, my dear," Kate said, as she handed a damp rag to Shane.

Shane began to wipe her face with the rag, but Oliver stopped her. "Oh, Shane I have a much better idea."

"What?" she asked.

He leaned into her and whispered, " I could lick it off for you."

She backed away and shouted, "Don't you dare, Oliver O'Toole!"

"If you two are done with your shenanigans, how about dinner?" Kate asked.

"Sounds good to me, Kate," Shane replied.

"Would you care for another cream puff, Shane?" Oliver asked with a grin.

"Don't even start with me, Oliver!"