A gift from the Heart.
As Oliver and Shane's wedding approaches, Oliver confides in his father about his life. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.
In a store in Denver.
"Mr. O'Toole, you may enter." The store employee said.
Joe entered and found Oliver in a tuxedo.
"So, how do I look?" Oliver asks.
"You look like an O'Toole getting married. It's really quite elegant. You made a good choice."
"Are you sure Shane will like it? She's often used to seeing me in a suit." Oliver pointed out.
"All the more reason for you to wear more casual clothes, when you will live with her at home. I think I should take a look at your wardrobe." Joe added with a smile.
Oliver laughed as well then smiled at his father.
"Come on O'Toole. Tell me everything. I know something is disturbed you, don't you. I know you very well, son."
"I'm a little worried about the wedding. I'm afraid of making the same mistakes I've made in the past. And...
"You won't make them again, Oliver. I know how much you've suffered in your life and how often you've been alone. You rushed into a first marriage. The question you have to ask yourself is: "Was that first wedding good for me?"
"When Holly proposed to me, I thought be on a cloud. But we didn't have the same expectations or outlook on life. I always saw marriage as sacred, based on faith, love and piety. She wanted to be free, to pursue her own dreams. When she left, I thought it was my fault, and that I could never be happy. But I kept believing and hoping that I could save my marriage. When I get my answer, I knew that my first marriage was not good for me." Oliver answers.
"As with Holly, you and Shane are two very different people." Joe pointed out.
"That's absolutely true. Opposites not only attract like magnets. I follow the rules all the time, and sometimes Shane colors outside the lines. However, I believe opposite characteristics can make a difference in this world and make something beautiful. With Shane, everything is so different. She understands me, takes her time with me and she was always there for me. I've grown attached to Shane, from the moment she arrived in Denver. Then time passed, and then my feelings for her became stronger. You know dad, I have never loved anyone like this before. I love her deeply. " Oliver states.
"And she loves you deeply too, son." Joe added with a smile.
"Thanks Dad. I have the best dad in the world." Oliver smiled.
"Trust the timing Oliver. And make every day of your life with Shane, like the first day you two met. Life is a gift, son. Never forget to enjoy every moment of it." Joe says as he takes Oliver in his arms.
Joe's house.
That evening, Shane, her mother, her sister Alex, Norman, Oliver and Rita were having dinner at Joe's.
After dinner, while everyone was talking.
"Joe, your dessert is absolutely delicious. Can I have one more piece of cake." Norman asked.
"Yes, please, Norman. And I'll bring other glasses and macaroons." Joe said as he stood up.
"I'll help you, Joe." Rita says.
"They left for a while. Where are Oliver and Shane?" Elizabeth McInerney asks.
"Don't worry. They are certainly cooing somewhere." Alex replied with a smile.
"Alex!" Her mother exclaimed.
"Cooing... You do mean the pigeons." Norman asked.
In the garden, under a tree, Oliver was with Shane.
"Excuse me to have kidnapped you, but I wanted to be alone with you." Oliver said with a smile.
Shane laughed.
"I don't mind, Mr. O'Toole, and I was looking forward to being alone with you too. "She winked. "I hope you found a nice tuxedo today." Shane remarked as she fixed the Windsor knot on his fiancé's tie.
"We'll have to wait until the wedding to see it. And you, you had a beautiful day."
"Yes, a very nice day with my mother and Alex. By the way, I have something for you." Shane said, taking a small gift out of her pocket.
Surprised, Oliver opened the small package and found a leather wallet.
"Perfect. This is absolutely beautiful." Oliver exclaimed with a smile.
"It belonged to my father." Shane added with a smile.
"Shane, I can't take it. It belongs to you and you must be very attached to it." He remarked.
Shane gently took his hand in hers.
"Oliver, I chose to give you this gift, just as I chose to give you my heart. Look at the inscription engraved inside." Shane said, smiling widely.
Moved by her words, Oliver opened the wallet to read the inscription.
Walk with me through all the ages of life.
I will always be there for you and love you forever.
Let's live this long and beautiful journey together.
Love, Shane.
"This was also a way for me to tell you how much I love you and am attached to you.
So, do you like it?" Shane asks with a smile.
The postal detective smiled, tucked the wallet into the left pocket of his suit, near his heart.
"Love it. I've never received such a beautiful gift, thank you very much." He replied, taking Shane's hands in his.
She smiled at him, but was surprised when Oliver dropped to one knee.
"Shane McInerney, you mean everything to me. You changed my life. You accepted me as I am and taught me to love. I promise to love you forever and cherish you. Yes, I want to continue this long journey, with you, and for a long, long time. I love you, my love. "Oliver states.
"Oliver... You don't know how much my life has changed because of you, and I love you so much. Please stand up and..." She whispered emotionally as Oliver stood up.
"And?" Oliver asks with a smile.
"And kiss me." Shane answers with a big smile.
Inside, Rita, who was holding the box of macaroons, was looking out the window, smiling widely.
Joe came out of the kitchen , holding glasses and a bottle of lemonade, then surprised to see Rita, in front of the window, then approached to observe what she was watching.
"Wow ! They're both really adorable, aren't they? I always thought there would be something between them. There is so much trust, love,respect and tenderness in their relationship. Oliver and Shane have really found love each for other." Rita remarked.
"Yes, that's absolutely true. Oliver has found a gem." Joe added with a smile.
"Shane has found that gentleman she's been waiting for so long." Rita exclaimed.
"And now they have their whole lives to keep loving each other and dancing." Joe said smiling as he looked at Oliver and Shane.
The end.
Author's note: Thank you all for reading this story. Have a nice day. :)