That afternoon, Shane kept busy with last-minute errands before the big day, and Oliver returned to the DLO, but only for a while. Three o'clock arrived, and Oliver had gone over a number of things with Norman and Rita as they would be charged with the task of running the DLO solo for the next two weeks. Feeling confident that they understood the expectations, Oliver excused himself to take care of a few things before the rehearsal.
"I wonder what that's about," Norman commented.
"Oh," said Rita. "Well, maybe he has some last-minute things to do before tomorrow. You remember how it was for us."
"Yes, but we lost our florist, the minister, and the church and had to troubleshoot. Everything's gone super smoothly for Shane and Oliver." Norman thought for a moment. "He's up to something."
"Well, it must be something good. He was whistling when he left," Rita pointed out.
Norman nodded. "Why don't we clean this up," he suggested, gesturing to the letters they had been working on in the lab, "and see if the happy couple need our assistance with anything? I mean, since you are the Matron of Honor, and I'm the Best Man."
Rita smiled at him. "That sounds like a perfect plan. You are going to be a terrific Best Man. Actually, you already are."
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He grinned sheepishly, then looked around the empty space and back at her. Taking her by surprise, Norman pulled her in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips. When they parted, Rita glanced around the room nervously and pushed her glasses up her nose.
"Rita?" Norman reached up a tucked some hair behind her ear. "You know we're going to have this space to ourselves for a couple of weeks."
Rita sighed. "I know, Norman. That's going to be really weird."
He chuckled. "Yeah. But I like having you all to myself, Mrs. Dorman."
Rita blushed a little and smiled. "I just don't want us to, uh, get distracted, you know?"
Norman nodded, a serious look on his face. "I know. We'll do just fine, Rita. I promise."
Around four o'clock, Shane had checked off all the items on her to-do list and hurried home. She showered and as she was coming out of the bathroom, her doorbell rang. She groaned.
Shane rushed to the front door with her bath towel wrapped tightly around her under her arms. She grimaced as she opened the door just a little to find Oliver standing there.
"Oliver! You're an hour early. I thought we said five-thirty." She had hid herself behind the door and peeked around it, knowing that standing there before him in only a bath towel would make him a little more than uncomfortable.
"Well, I—I was just ready to see you," he responded.
"Oliver, that's very sweet. But I'm not even dressed yet."
Oliver closed his eyes and gulped.
"I mean, I have a bath towel around me." Shane rolled her eyes, and he opened his once again. "I tell you what, give me about ten seconds to walk to the bedroom, and then you can come on in."
He nodded silently and she pushed the door so that it remained slightly open.
Shane rushed to the bedroom and listened for Oliver's entrance, chuckling to herself at the knowledge that although she had asked for ten seconds, he would probably give her a full minute, just to be on the safe side.
As she dressed, she heard him finally enter the house. But something was a little strange—she thought she heard a little too much noise. She was beyond curious about what he was up to, but she really didn't want to reappear until she had finished dressing completely.
She looked in the mirror at herself. She was wearing the blue dress she had worn many moons ago, when she and Oliver had danced in the DLO. She thought it might be a nice blast to the past, so to speak. She hadn't worn it often but was saving it for a special occasion such as this.
She brushed her teeth and her hair and had just put the finishing touches to her makeup when she heard Oliver call her.
"Shane?" he bellowed. He almost sounded impatient, but Shane couldn't tell for sure.
"I'm almost ready, Oliver. But you can come on back. I promise to be good!" she said with a chuckle.
She was surprised a minute later when he appeared at her open bedroom door. There must have been an invisible electric barrier there, though, that Oliver was not capable of crossing.
"Shane," he said with an exasperated sigh.
She turned to him with a smile. "What's wrong? I was just teasing."
'"I know." He pinched his nose and closed his eyes, holding his head down.
"But seriously, I won't bite. And you can step across that invisible line right there." She eyed the space in front of Oliver's feet.
"Will you just—shhh," he shushed her in a quiet but firm tone, grimacing.
"What is up with you? You are acting strange, Oliver."
"I have a surprise for you."
"Oh you do, do you? Huh. You mean tomorrow?" She playfully batted her eyes at him.
"No. Now."
Shane furrowed her brows at him and pursed her lips in thought. "Let me grab my jewelry and then I should be ready."
She felt him watching her like a hawk as she put on her rings, bracelet, and earrings then attempted to clasp her necklace. It was no good because she was all thumbs with him standing only a few feet away. His presence unnerved her in an intoxicating way.
"Here, let me," he said, once again shocking her, as he had crossed that line into her bedroom and now stood directly behind her. She looked up and stared at him in the mirror as he gathered her hair and gently placed it over one shoulder. His hands brushed against hers as he took the clasp from her and hooked her necklace.
"I put this necklace on every day," Shane stated. "I have no idea why I couldn't get it together just now."
"I think I do," he replied, slipping an arm around her waist and placing his other hand on her cheek, turning only her face sideways to look up at him. She reached up and back with one hand, placing it behind his head.
He looked at her with all the love in the world and whispered, "You are so beautiful."
"Thank you, Oliver." His flattery—and his touch—sent shockwaves through her. She tried to keep the tears at bay, but his compliments from the heart always deeply touched her.
The kiss they shared was brief but sweet and full of passion. Oliver broke away, leaving Shane wanting, needing more.
"Now, I have a surprise for you," he reminded her quietly. That wasn't it? she thought to herself, still dizzy from his electric touch. He continued to talk, unaware of the effect he had on her. "Just—please don't say anything—but come into the living room."
Shane submissively pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key. Oliver chuckled and took her hand, leading the way.
