Shane sat at her kitchen table sipping her morning coffee. It was early, but not as early as a usual workday. Norman and Rita
offered to run the DLO today as Oliver and Shane had spent a couple of sleepless nights; Oliver with his dad on an ill-fated camping
trip, and Shane working on their return with Dale Travers and the local police force.
She put down the cup and ran her hand through her hair, contemplating the last few days; Eleanor's funeral, Oliver agreeing to
a camping trip with his dad, Joe's fall and medical emergency, their search and rescue...It was quite a story and Shane had found
a new appreciation for Oliver's divine delivery theory.
She pulled out her phone and looked at the picture she had taken of Sandy, the military dog who had rescued Oliver and Joe from
the wilderness of El Dorado Canyon. Shane had thought long and hard about the "coincidence" with which she was beginning to come
to terms. It was becoming surer to her that the divine intervention had come on the heels of her fervent prayers for their safe return;
a practice she had not utilized in a very long time. Her musing then turned to her time with God in the chapel...joined by Oliver's tired
frame next to hers...his openness...that first kiss to her hand...
The phone's sudden ring startled her out of her reverie. Seeing who the caller was, she answered immediately. "Oliver? Good
morning. How is your dad today?"
"He's improving. I spent the night, as you know, but the nurses are hustling me out and assuring me that Dad is fine if I want
a few hours to rest up myself."
"Sounds like good advice, Oliver."
"What I'd really like is breakfast...with you. Are you still taking the day off? Am I too late?"
Shane smiled and pushed the barely touched egg to the side. "You are not too late. Where can we meet?"
"I'll pick you up at your home in 20 minutes, if that's amenable, Ms. McInerney."
"It's amenable...Mr. O'Toole."
Forty-five minutes later the couple were seated at a breakfast cafe neither had been to before, on the opposite side of Denver.
Corner booth, quiet atmosphere, sun streaming in the windows...Oliver leaned back into the booth, took a deep sigh, then a
sidewards glance at his table mate. He thought she looked lovelier than ever this morning, and he felt grateful for her comforting
presence and smile.
"No coffee, Shane?" He noted the iced glass of juice the waitress placed before her. And the steaming cup that arrived beside his own place.
Shane blushed slightly and ran her finger around the chilled glass. "True confessions, Oliver. I did have a little to eat and a large cup of
coffee earlier, but, I wanted to come and be with you."
He regarded her sincere gaze and again felt gratitude. "Thank you. You are always available, it seems, to come alongside me at
the most difficult of times." He smiled. "And my father and I both want to thank you for instigating our rescue."
Shane leaned in and put her hand over his. "If you're willing, I'd like to hear the details, Oliver. Whatever you care to share."
If he hadn't taken her hand last night, she would never have taken his now. But it seemed so right and neither were quick to let go.
As breakfast time came and went, the story unfolded from the time he left her with her father's camping gear, to three days later
entering the back of the ambulance, not knowing if his father would be alive when they reached the hospital. Somehow the delicious
food he ordered was barely touched as Shane listened intently and he recounted the pivotal story.
He felt so relieved, physically relieved, to tell someone all that had transpired. The deep conversations he and his dad had
regarding their shared past and family trauma. The fall his dad took that unnerved Oliver badly. Their fireside conversations about
life and love. Where their relationship was taking them as they regained lost ground as father and son. Watching the sunset
behind El Dorado Canyon's skyline, and sleeping in Shane's father's sleeping bag! He told Shane the specifics of Joe's deterioriating
condition and his helplessness at knowing to how to help him or rescue them. His prayers to God for help. He was so glad to share
these thoughts. Not with just anyone, he realized, but with the one God directed to bring about this prayed-for rescue. Not just
anyone, but Shane.
As she spoke to the waitress and asked if Oliver's dish could be reheated, he thought about last night, and her eyes, and tears and
concern for him. Frankly, he'd thought about it through the night, while he sat at his father's bedside, watching him sleep and be
checked throughout the night. He thought about her amazing statement about a budding belief and the comfort of holding her hand
and leaning his head against hers.
Oliver's plate was sent off with the server and Shane turned back to her companion. "Your food will be right back, piping hot."
She scanned his face for a moment, seeing signs of lingering fatigue but also a peacefulness that seemed new to him.
"I am going to let you eat and tell you about Norman and Rita's trip to New Mexico, how they found Sandy..."
"and how you found us," Oliver interjected.
She smiled and nodded. "Yes. It all began when Norman had a brainstorm about the address being from New Mexico and not
from Nevada."
He folded his hands, leaned in and looked into her eyes. "I want to hear it all, Ms. McInerney."
An hour later her side of the story was told, the meal finally eaten, cups emptied, and hearts unfolded before them.
Oliver was saying," When Norman came running out of the forest, I could scarcely believe my eyes! I hardly put two and two
together regarding the dog- not even stopping to think-wait, Norman doesn't own a dog!"
They both laughed.
"No, but Topper does now," came her reply.
Oliver nodded. "I am in total agreement with that allocation of O'Toole Foundation funds."
Shane let out a sigh. "Thank you for sharing the details, Oliver." Before he could respond, the server came to the table and Oliver
took care of the check.
As they walked back towards his car, he mused about his dad's condition and how he might be faring. Shane offered to call the
hospital and they found themselves sitting on a bench swing facing an entrance to a park. Oliver chatted with Joe, who was feeling
better by the hour. Shane felt relaxed and content as she listened to the cheerful conversation. When Oliver handed her back her cell
phone, she teased him about his ease of its use.
He laughed good-naturedly and admitted," Frankly, Ms. McInerney, I have to admit it was...a blessing...to be able to call and
check on him so effortlessly. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Oliver."
The swing kept up the rhythm, and they sat quietly.
"We're getting pretty good at this, aren't we?" she asked.
He took her hand."Let's keep practicing...Shane."