"That—that's my dress. Why is my wedding dress here? How did it get here?" Shane's words flowed out of her like a flood in which she was trying hard to stay afloat.

"I brought it."

Shane spun on her heels at the voice at the door. There stood her colleague and best friend, an overjoyed look on her face.

"Rita?!? Oh my goodness!" Shane exclaimed. "I can't believe you're here!"

Shane had wrapped her arms tightly around Rita, almost afraid this was all just a dream.

"Oh, how I've missed you this week!" Shane exclaimed.

Rita giggled and pushed up her glasses as Shane finally let go. "I've missed you too, Shane. And I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Shane looked back and forth between her two friends, unable to speak for a few moments. She looked to the ceiling, fighting those pesky tears again, then finally managed to get a few words out.

"You planned my wedding for here, today?"

"You planned your wedding, Shane. We just altered a few of the details and pulled a few strings to make it happen," Rita stated.

"You always said you wanted to get married in this church, right, Shaney?" Becky questioned.

Shane nodded, grinning, then sombered. "And Oliver's okay with this?"

"Whose idea do you think this was?" Becky laughed.

Shane chuckled, shaking her head. "Of course. Of course it was Oliver! That man will never cease to surprise me."

"Just wait til later tonight!" Rita piped up, and both Shane and Becky widened their eyes.

"Knock, knock!" A rap sounded on the opened door along with a heavily accented masculine voice.

"Ramon!" Shane exclaimed.

"Hello, Shane," he responded.

"Ramon is going to officiate your wedding, just like he did mine!" Rita explained.

"That's fantastic," Shane responded, happy to be surrounded by familiar faces.

"Yes, I had planned a return flight to Denver this evening, so it all just works out. What is it you all say—trust the timing, no?"

"Yes," Shane said through her giggles. "Thank you, Ramon."

"You are very welcome. Normally we do couples counseling before the ceremony occurs, but your circumstances are so unique that I have waived that prerequisite."

"Oh," Shane said, internally relieved. "That's too bad."

"Not to worry. We'll do your counseling afterwards." He grinned broadly.

"Oh," Shane said with a flustered laugh, then looked to Rita, who giggled innocently while Becky grimaced.

"Is Norman here?" Shane asked Rita.

"Oh, yes, of course!" Rita replied. "He has best man duties, after all. And there's someone else here who wants to see you."

Rita stepped back, away from the door. Shane turned her head and there, in the doorway, stood her father-in-law.

She squealed with delight and hugged Joe O'Toole excitedly. "I am so happy you are here!"

"Well, I wouldn't ever want to let my darling daughter-in-law down," he informed her, his eyes sparkling. "You and Oliver both need a real wedding, and I am here for this."

Shane grinned broadly.

"Seeing as how I'm already your daughter…." Shane mused, her eyes narrowing at Joe. "Walk me down the aisle?"

Joe swallowed, shocked at her request. His eyes misted over. "Of course. It will be my pleasure."

"Thank you, Dad," Shane responded. "I'll see you soon."

Joe and Ramon departed from the room, and as Shane was getting ready, another knock sounded on the door. Shane looked toward the sound, her brows knit together curiously.

Becky opened the door and Sharon McInerney entered.

Shane let out a joyful laugh. "Mom. Did you know about this?"

"Uhh….I knew a little," Sharon said with a wink.

"Your mom has played an integral role in making this happen," Becky informed Shane. "She and Oliver have been working hard to make this happen."

Shane gave her mother a hug. "Thank you, Mom."

"After spending the last two nights with you and Oliver, nobody knows better than I do how imperative it is that you exchange rings." She turned to Rita and Becky. "You could cut that tension with a knife!"

The girls laughed as Shane gasped. "Wait, did Oliver tell you about our rings?"

"Yes, but he doesn't even realize he did, Shane. We were having a conversation about his beliefs and values, and he let it slip that exchanging rings was a necessary prerequisite to living together as husband and wife. I recognized the fact that you two hadn't exchanged rings and concluded that this was why he was so enthusiastic about planning a ceremony. I imagine sharing a bedroom was not easy."

Shane turned a slight shade of pink. "You are impossible, Mother!"

"Would you rather me get straight to the point?"

The ladies giggled again.

"Here, let me do your hair," Sharon demanded. "It needs some work."

"You haven't done my hair in years!" Shane protested, yet sat back in the chair and let her mother do as she pleased.

"Well, it will bring back sweet memories," Sharon insisted.

"Sweet?" Shane retorted.

"Oh, how I've missed this," Sharon said with a chuckle. "By the way, I have your 'something old'," she added, pulling out a pair of elegant pearl earrings from her purse and handing them to Shane. "If you want to wear them, that is."

"Oh, Mom! Thank you. They are lovely," Shane stated, putting them in her ears.

"You look lovely, my dear. And you don't even have your wedding dress on yet!"

"She's going to be gorgeous," Rita remarked. "I have your 'something borrowed'."

"And I have your 'something blue'," Becky informed her. "Now, let's get you married….again!"

Oliver and Norman stood outside the church in their tuxes. The groom was slightly anxious and fiddled constantly with his cufflinks and tie.

"Sooo….I guess this is it, huh?" Norman asked.

"It had better be, Norman," Oliver answered. "I would marry Shane every day, but to tell you the truth, it is quite exhausting."

They chuckled.

An unmarked car drove up and parked at the curb in front of the church. A couple retreated and Norman looked at them, confused.

"Hey, isn't that Steve….and Dale?" he asked.

"You are correct."

"Oliver, I'm not sure it was such a great idea to invite them to your wedding. I mean, I would have been very uncomfortable if Rita had invited Bob to ours."

Oliver chuckled.

"They are not here to attend the ceremony, Norman."

"Oh. What are they here for, then?"

Oliver made a tsk sound with his tongue. "For security purposes."

Steve and Dale approached Oliver, as Norman looked on, confused.

"You look very dapper, Oliver," Dale complimented him.

"Oh! Well, thank you," Oliver beamed.

"We have really good news for you," Steve announced.

"Is that so?"

Steve nodded. "The case is over. Everything's clear."

Oliver blew out a breath. "That is excellent news. Thank you. And thank you both for looking out for the McInerneys and Alex."

"Just doing our job," Dale responded with a smile.

"We'll keep security in place until your flight takes off. You can give Shane and Sharon the good news right away. Absolutely no threats detected." Steve smiled satisfactorily.

"And we have a wedding gift for you," Dale informed him, motioning to the car.

A moment later, Alex Brighton, looking as though she hadn't recently been hospitalized, stepped out of the backseat and headed their way.

Oliver grinned and hugged his sister-in-law. "I'm so happy you could make it, Alex. Shane will be as well."

"We were cutting it rather close," Alex admitted. "But I'm glad I made it, too. I am sorry….for the deception."

"It's understandable under such unique circumstances."

Alex nodded. "Do you think Shane feels the same way?"

Oliver gave her a sympathetic smile. "Why don't you go find out for yourself? She should be in the bride's room getting ready."

The remainder of the group had a discussion for a few minutes before Oliver and Norman headed inside the church. Oliver had graciously extended a wedding invitation to the agents, despite Norman's earlier reservations. Steve politely declined, citing pending paperwork and leaving, but Dale accepted and took her place on a pew near the front of the massive sanctuary.

Shane stood in her bridal gown in front of the three-way mirror and studied herself. She was a bundle of nerves but excited and happy at the same time. She would soon have the wedding of her dreams because the circumstances surrounding Alex and the pandemic had actually worked in her favor. Shane would be married in this church, like she had always dreamed of, and her mother was there to share in her big day. Her dear friend Becky lived in D.C. and Ramon just happened to travel there to report on the COVID situation and would officiate. If all this coming together so smoothly wasn't Romans 8:28 being evidenced in real life, she didn't know what was.

Another knock sounded at the door, and Sharon opened it.

Shane couldn't see who was on the other side and wrinkled her forehead as her mother sighed.

"You know I have a bit of a bone to pick with you," Sharon declared, one corner of her mouth turned up in a smile.

Alex Brighton stepped into the room and hugged her mom, then her eyes landed on Shane.

"Alex," Shane whispered. "You made it."

"Shane," her sister returned, embracing her. "I've never seen you more beautiful than you are right now."

"Thank you, Alex. I'm assuming that since you're here, everything's been cleared up?"

"Yes. We're safe."

Shane blew out a breath. "That's the best news I've heard in a while, except for learning of your true condition. I'm glad you're doing well, Alex."

A moment of silence passed, then Alex blurted, "I'm sorry, Shane. I know I put you through a nightmare again, and I wish I could fix it. If I had known that you had just been married, I never would have asked the nurse—" She stopped abruptly.

"You asked the nurse to notify me?" Shane questioned.

Alex nodded, looking down with shame. "I did. I broke protocol, but I wanted to see you. I wanted to know if you still cared. But I took advantage of the situation and deceived you as well as the enemy. Can you forgive me?"

Shane looked at her sister, her eyes misty, and informed her, "I already have."

She pulled Alex in for another embrace. After a few moments they parted again and Shane tilted her head.

"You know, next time you want to see me, you don't have to be so dramatic." She paused as they laughed. "And I will always care about you! I love you. We're sisters, no matter what. Nothing will ever change that, because I won't let it."

Alex grinned and wiped a tear from her eye. "Oh! Your husband wanted me to give this to you."

She pulled an envelope from her purse and handed it to Shane. On the outside were written the words, "To My Bride", in Oliver's handwriting. She carefully opened the card to find a cord of three strands, like the one Kris had sent Ricki. A short note from Oliver was on the card.

When you love someone, you marry them. Right, Shane?

Thank you for marrying me. I am anxiously awaiting our union.

I love you,

Oliver

A few minutes later, the wedding party entered the sanctuary, traveling reverently down the long center aisle of the church to the altar. Oliver and Norman, serving as best man, took their places, followed by Rita and Becky, who served as Matrons of Honor. Finally, with Joe O'Toole escorting her, Shane McInerney began her walk down the aisle, a journey that she had envisioned many, many times before. Only now, the man standing at the altar waiting for her was no longer a faceless character. A lump formed in her throat as all her hopes and dreams converged.

"Who gives this woman to be married?" Ramon asked.

"Her mother and I do," Joe stated.

Shane licked her lips with emotion and looked at Joe with grateful eyes. He gave her a gentle pat on the arm and smiled as he let her go.

After Rita had received the bridal bouquet of yellow roses, Oliver took Shane's hands in his, staring wondrously at the beauty before him. She had always been beautiful to him, but now, in her wedding gown, in this setting, she took his very breath away.

Shane smiled at Oliver, overwhelmed at his love for her but even more overwhelmed by the thought that she loved him more than life itself.

"Family and friends, we are gathered here today to make public the marriage of Oliver O'Toole and Shane McInerney…."

Shane barely heard anything that was said until Oliver spoke his vows.

"My dear Shane, on our wedding day—our first wedding day," he amended, as the guests chuckled, "nearly one week ago, I chose you to be my wife. It was the most important and significant choice of my life and I made it only after a great deal of consideration, as impromptu as our civil ceremony seemed to be. I had always considered such a decision, once made, to be final and irrevocable. Now I fully understand that the selection of a life partner is not an event but an ongoing process. Many times in the days since then, I have chosen you again, and every day of our future, I promise you, I will choose you.

"Faced with many challenges already, I have become keenly aware that a marriage lasts only so long as both partners desire each other above all others and fully trust each other. As our lives will inevitably be affected by the ebb and flow of other lives and events, there will be many times when I could choose to go in a different direction. I promise you, I will not.

"No other person has ever aroused in me the feelings of tenderness, joy, and caring which you elicit. I elect to stay with you and be faithful only to you not because I feel obligated to do so, but because I want to do so. I live with you, not simply because a legal document says that I am your husband, but because, in my heart of hearts, I want to be by your side more than I want to be anywhere else.

"With this ring, I seal my contract of love for you. It is not a binding one, but one that frees me to love you as I should. You are my one and only, now and forever. As you know, few things are more important to me than keeping my promises, and I promise to give myself to you and only you, to love and cherish you, honor and protect you, my dear Shane, my love, all the days of my life."

Shane's eyes were full of moisture as she took a deep breath, admiring the wedding band that Oliver slid gently onto her finger, as well as the man who stood before her.

"Oliver, you are the man I never knew I wanted. I realize now, just how much I want you." Laughter erupted as Shane struggled to continue. "I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I love that you are in every part of my life and I will never tire of you being by my side, every day of my life, until the very end.

"I love how you never cease to surprise and amaze me, both with the little things and the big things. I love how you let me be who I am yet inspire me to be a better person. I love how you respect my independence but desire to protect me, sometimes from myself. I love how you give me hope and have given me a foundation of faith. Oliver, I love how you love me.

"With this ring, I seal my contract of love for you and only you. There will be no other. I promise to love you, to cherish you, to honor and even obey you, all the days of my life, because I know you have my best interest at heart."

Her voice was shaky with emotion, but her commitment to him, solid. She placed the wedding band on his finger and the couple silently rejoiced with one another.

"You may now…." Ramon began to instruct them, but stopped short when he realized that the groom wasn't waiting for permission. "Kiss your bride."

The few friends and family surrounding them laughed and applauded. Oliver O'Toole had captured his bride's lips and as the two kissed, they celebrated the fact that they now wore their long-anticipated bands that symbolized their union and freed their passion.

After she had had another tearful goodbye with her mother and Alex, and they had exchanged more promises to visit, Shane stood gawking at the sight on the runway before her. Finally she turned to Oliver, who was watching and waiting for her reaction.

"That's our ride back to Denver?"

"Yes."

"But it's not a commercial flight." She turned and looked at him in confusion, her eyes widening. "This is a private plane."

"That is correct. And before you get the wrong impression, we won't be traveling alone." He smirked.

"Oh, I wasn't wondering that at all," she replied, tucking her hair behind one ear.

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Okay, it crossed my mind—but only for a quick moment." She jutted out her chin and licked her lips.

Oliver chuckled, then leaned and whispered in her ear, tickling her senses and making her knees weak. "The mile-high city will have to do."

Shane inhaled sharply, caught off-guard by his remark. Shaking it off as quickly as she could to regain her composure, she eyed the aircraft again.

"So, why a private flight? Were there no commercial tickets available?"

"There was some availability, but there are a number of restrictions now due to COVID. And, I wanted to do something different, something special to commemorate this occasion."

"I see."

"Our luggage has already been loaded and the other passengers are waiting, so are you ready to board?" Oliver asked her.

"I am," she affirmed.

A couple of minutes later, they had slowly but surely made their way up the steps to board the plane. Oliver's full attention was on Shane as he guided her upwards and ensured that her flowing bridal gown did not get under her feet. Once inside the plane, they were greeted by an attendant and Oliver took Shane's hand, leading her into the main cabin.

"Surprise!" a chorus of voices assaulted her ears, and she gasped.

Once again Shane stood frozen, taking in the sight before her. Joe, Norman, Rita, and Ramon were standing around a beautiful two-tiered wedding cake encircled by various gourmet foods.

"Oh my! Wow!" Shane exclaimed, turning to look at Oliver. "The surprises just keep coming! So this is why we're on a private plane."

Oliver nodded. "Our flight to Denver is approximately four hours, so I thought it would be an appropriate use of the time to celebrate with a reception on the way."

"This is absolutely amazing, Oliver," Shane told him, her eyes glistening.

They kissed briefly, then kissed once again, the second time melting into each other and forgetting that they had onlookers.

"Okay, you two," Joe called out, clearing his throat exaggeratedly. "There will be plenty of time for that later."

Oliver and Shane reluctantly broke their connection, laughing timidly at their display of affection.

Several minutes later, the plane had reached its maximum altitude and everyone sat and enjoyed the reception food. An assortment of classics played in the background through a set of speakers. When a favorite of theirs began to play, Oliver stood and held his hand out to his bride.

"Are we dancing?" Shane inquired, placing her hand in his.

"Yes, Mrs. O'Toole, we are."

They grinned at each other as he pulled her up and into his arms.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the lovely Mr. and Mrs. Oliver O'Toole will share their first dance as husband and wife," Ramon announced, his accent heavy. "At least I think it is their first dance. Or did you dance this past week?" He held up a finger in questioning, his forehead scrunched.

"Well—we—" Oliver stuttered as he started to answer.

"Ahhh, no, no, no, never mind. You know what, it does not matter. All that matters is your future together. This is the first dance of the rest of your lives. May you enjoy this one and forever dance together in wedded bliss."

Shane looked deep into Oliver's eyes as his arm embraced her and their opposite hands connected. Their eyes locked together as they began to dance, more freely and expressively than ever. The barriers that had once threatened their connection over the past few years had finally been erased, and they shared a knowing look, both grateful that now they were free to dance to their hearts' content.

The sparkly, full moon cast radiant silver beams of light on the newly-wed-again duo as they departed the plane. Although bright enough to pierce through the darkest of nights, the rays were no match for the sparkles of joy emanating from both the bride's and groom's eyes.

Oliver fawned over his wife—not only because she was still dressed in a lengthy wedding gown and heels that could cause grave injury should she make one wrong step—but because he now felt a greater responsibility for her than ever. Although they had legally wed the week before, the exchange of rings earlier that afternoon had solidified their commitment to one another in a way that even Oliver hadn't quite expected. Shane was now completely his, not as a prized possession, but as an invaluable blessing that had been entrusted to his care. Shane, too, felt the same about her husband. Over the course of the past week, the two had gradually become one—not physically, of course, but their hearts had tightly intertwined through the hardships they had faced together since their initial vows. Because their initial focus had not been on the physical aspect of marriage, Oliver and Shane's relationship as husband and wife now had a firm, solid foundation on which to grow.

The couple said their good-byes to the family and guests that had celebrated across the country with them, promising to touch base soon….yet likely after a few days.

"Take good care of my girl," Joe had told Oliver with a wink. "Otherwise, I'll be coming for you." He hugged Shane and his son, telling them goodbye and expressing how he loved them.

A limousine was waiting to take the O'Tooles to their next destination. After a day of excitement, the ride was peacefully quiet and serene. Oliver and Shane spoke very little, choosing to simply cherish being alone together for the first time since that afternoon's ceremony. He held her left hand in his, admiring the band that now hugged his grandmother's ring. For most couples, the wedding band symbolized a lot; but for Oliver and Shane, it meant even more.

Oliver brought her hand to his lips, sweetly kissing her fingers for several seconds, and she swooned.

Shane was not privy to their destination, nor was she paying any attention to the route they had taken from the airport. For once, her curiosity was overshadowed by her focus on Oliver and the butterflies in her stomach.

A few minutes later, the vehicle stopped and Shane peered out the window on Oliver's side.

"Oh! We're at your house," she declared.

"Our house," Oliver amended, and Shane nodded with a smile. "I hope this is, uh, acceptable for our first night….together," Oliver told Shane, somewhat apprehensively.

Shane looked at Oliver, tears glistening in her eyes. "Oliver, I was hoping…." She bit her lip, overcome with emotion and momentarily unable to speak.

Oliver swallowed past a lump in his throat and looked down, afraid he had disappointed her. Shane put a hand to his cheek and he cut his eyes up at her, slowly raising his chin.

"I was hoping you would bring me home." She puckered her lips into a sweet smile.

His breath caught in his throat and he tilted his head to one side, squinting an eye. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive," she quietly assured him. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than right here, at home, with you."

Oliver blew out a breath, licked his lips, then covered her mouth with his own. The kiss was brief, but enough to make Shane's heart soar, especially with the realization that they had reached their wedding night destination. Backing away, Oliver recognized the same passion he felt reflected in her eyes, then cleared his throat and forced himself to turn and reach for the door handle. Wordlessly, he stepped out of the limo and held out a hand to Shane, who accepted it without hesitation and worked her way out of the backseat of the limo with his help. They smiled brightly at each other once she had gained her footing.

"Shall we?" Oliver inquired, extending an elbow to her.

She nodded.

The driver had already unloaded their luggage onto the front porch and was making his way back to the vehicle.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. O'Toole!" The limo driver spoke his well wishes, his grin spreading from ear to ear. "I hope you two have a lovely evening."

Oliver chuckled and Shane's face reddened at the suggestiveness of the driver's statement. They thanked him as he reclaimed his place in the driver's seat.

"I could have had my dad drive us home," Oliver whispered to Shane as they began to stroll toward the house.

"Somehow I don't think he would have been any more subtle," Shane remarked through gritted teeth.

Laughing, they made their way up the steps to the porch. Oliver unlocked the door and set the suitcases just inside the entryway, then immediately turned back to Shane before she had the chance to step through the frame.

"Take two?" he suggested, his eyebrows heightened.

"Oh, Oliver, you don't have to—"

It was too late. Oliver determinedly swooped Shane up in his arms and eyed her mischievously, receiving no argument from her, only a bout of giggles.

"I want to. This is my favorite part of being newlyweds….so far." His sultry voice made Shane lose her breath momentarily and she held onto him a bit tighter.

Oliver walked through the doorway, his arms securely around his bride once again as they crossed the threshold. Anticipation raged within him, yet he remained true to his gentlemanly ways, walking slowly and in full control of his emotions.

Shane's heart beat more rapidly as he approached the master bedroom, her breathing a bit heavier with each footstep. Once they reached the door, Oliver gently set her down on her feet, placing both hands on her waist. Shane looked at him questioningly, but no words escaped her mouth.

"I know we've waited a whole week….but I don't want to rush this evening with you. I want to savor our time together. It's a beautiful night, so why don't you change and meet me out back on the veranda. As enchanting as this dress is on you, I believe you would be more comfortable in alternative attire."

"And just what did you have in mind?" she teased, one corner of her mouth lifting slightly.

Oliver licked his lips and raised an eyebrow. "I trust your judgment. If it matters, the backyard is entirely secluded."

"It matters," she responded, barely above a whisper, giving him a look that sent a striking wave of passion through his body.

He quickly planted a kiss on her forehead before he lost his resolve, then turned to the back door, leaving her covered in goosebumps, missing his presence like never before.

Shane slid the patio door open and stepped slowly, cautiously out onto the back porch. Her feet were bare and she was covered from neck to knees in an elegant, silky white robe that accentuated her curves yet revealed little, leaving much to the imagination.

In spite of her modest wedding night attire, Oliver drew a sharp breath that caught her attention. She turned to find him easing up from where he had been seated….on her porch swing.

"Oh, Oliver!" she exclaimed, stunned. "My swing! How—when—"

"Dad and Bill were kind enough to transport it while we were in D.C.," he explained.

She grinned. "It fits perfectly out here."

He nodded, a twinkle in his eyes. "It does. I realize that you are accustomed to a front porch swing, but this is the best they could do at this particular residence."

"I love it right where it is." She tucked her bottom lip under her teeth, a smile still plastered to her face. "I think I'll appreciate the privacy."

They both walked a couple of steps toward each other, and Oliver held out his hands. She placed her delicate hands in his, and on a whim, studied the wedding band that had been securely placed on his left ring finger. She then eyed the porch swing and a flood of memories rushed through her mind—memories of the night she had almost run from the possibility of this wondrous life with Oliver O'Toole. As fate would have it, she had made her way home and found him there, assembling furniture on her porch in the middle of the night.

Dazed and confused that night so long ago, Shane had held Oliver's hand and felt relieved to find it void of a band. Tonight, on their porch, she felt an even stronger sense of relief that he wore a wedding ring once again—this time not only as an outward symbol of his loyalty as a married man to his wife, but of his true, undying love for Shane McInerney O'Toole herself. The porch swing had been one of the earliest signs of his love for her, a gift that he had so generously bestowed upon her as soon as he had been free to do so.

Oliver scrunched his forehead as her gaze passed between the ring and the swing and finally back to him. "Are you going to cry again?" he questioned her.

She laughed and drew her right hand away from his grasp, swiping at the corner of her eye with her finger to keep a tear from rolling away.

"As long as you keep loving me the way you do, I'm afraid I won't be able to contain myself," she admitted sheepishly.

"Then I suppose you'll have to cry me a river," he said. "But only if they're happy tears."

"Every single one," Shane promised.

His eyes roamed over her face lovingly, and she took in his gaze until it overwhelmed her. Oliver shared her emotions and broke the tension of the moment by suggesting, "Swing with me?"

She nodded, and he led her to the porch swing. They sat quietly together, his arm around her as her head nestled on his shoulder. After a few moments, Oliver reached beside him and picked up an envelope, holding it carefully in one hand.

"Another letter?" Shane questioned.

He nodded and smiled. "It's another to add to your collection," he informed her. "Actually, it's the oldest one."

Shane knit her brows, not understanding why this one was set apart from the rest of the letters they had read in order the night before. "The oldest? And you saved it for last?"

"Yes," he affirmed. "I do believe this is the longest it has ever taken me to deliver a letter."

Shane chuckled. "Well, I love your love letters, no matter when they were written or delivered."

"I hate to disappoint you, but this one is not from me," Oliver stated.

He handed her the letter as she looked at him with wide eyes, a questioning gaze on her face. Glancing down at the old, almost yellowed envelope, she took in the words scripted on there: To Oliver's Bride.

Shane held the envelope in her hands, puzzled. She studied the writing, and in the bright moonlight, she could clearly see the handwriting belonged to an elderly woman.

"Who—" Shane's eyes grew even wider as she looked up at Oliver. "Is this—"

He looked down, taking Shane's left hand in his and running his thumb over the engagement ring she wore. He nodded as he looked back up at her.

"It's from your grandmother," she whispered.

"It is." He paused. "I remember the day she gave that to me. I was a teenager and didn't realize or appreciate its importance at the time like I do now. She said, 'Now Ollie, this is for your forever bride. When you've united in marriage with her, give her this letter from me. These might be the only words I'll ever get to share with her.' So I promised her that one day, I would give this letter to my bride."

Shane was stunned. She nodded with a small smile, then turned the envelope over. "It's sealed."

Oliver looked at her, his brows knit in questioning. "Of course it is. Although I admit to a few instances of curiosity, I never opened it because it wasn't addressed to me."

"But you didn't give it to…." Shane's voice trailed off.

"Oh!" Oliver exclaimed. "No. No, I did not."

Shane stared at him, blinking a few times in confusion.

"I never felt right about giving that letter to anyone else, and now I know why. You are not just a wife, Shane. You are my bride, each and every day, forever. This letter was never meant for anyone but you."

Shane became teary-eyed, blinking back the tears and biting her lip. After a few moments, she finally opened the letter and read it silently first, the knot in her throat growing at the very idea of Oliver's grandmother communicating directly, and privately, with her.

My dear girl,

Although we have not had the blessed opportunity to meet in person, you have been on my mind and in my prayers since our beloved Oliver entered into this world. Oh, how I wish I could know you! I am certain I would love you, because my Ollie does.

As I am sure you know by now, Oliver is a unique individual and is extremely particular. An old soul, he is a gentleman who loves the Lord, and any lady would be truly blessed to call him her husband. Please, above anything else, guard his heart.

Oliver could possibly encounter a rocky road to romance due to some challenging situations he has endured growing up (maybe one day he'll share his memories with you). However, there is no doubt in my mind that when Oliver finds and fully commits to the love of his life, the one whom he will forever cherish, she—you—will be loved beyond measure.

Much love and many blessings to you as you begin your journey with my beloved grandson.

Congratulations,

Grandmother O'Toole

Shane wiped away tears and folded the letter, putting it back in the old envelope.

"Well?" Oliver asked, curious about the contents of the letter.

"I can clearly see how she was the finest woman you knew," Shane told him, sniffling. "She was a wonderful lady."

"That she was….and so are you."

Shane leaned into him, draping her legs over his lap, and he smiled. The slow, steady movement of the swing back and forth greatly contrasted the rapid, haphazard beatings of their hearts as Oliver cautiously ran his hands over his wife's legs and bare feet for the first time. The desire in him growing stronger with each passing moment, he looked deeply into Shane's eyes and, as Oliver was a man of many words, he prefaced their union with a statement that would remain with her for the rest of her days.

"We are no longer married only to quarantine together," he stated, "but I know for certain, my dear Mrs. O'Toole….that no matter what, life with you will always be….simply captivating."