Cast Not Love Away

By Felicia Ferguson

Author's Note: All details and disclaimers in chapter one. Even though it was gut wrenching at times, I am sad to see this one end. It has been incredible diving into Shane's hurt and helping her heal. Big, huge, ginormous thanks to Christine (mamalabo) for being a sounding board and beta reader on this one. Hope you enjoyed your birthday gift!

And once again, unending thanks and love to Martha Williamson, Kristin Booth, and Eric Mabius for creating these incredible characters.

Chapter Six

Friday

Shane stood behind her desk with Samantha peering over her shoulder, reading through the hacking options for various types of firewalls. Shane took a breath, and a yawn widened her lips. Covering her mouth, she shot a quick look to Oliver as heat stole up her neck. Morning had certainly come earlier than usual that day. But missing out on a couple hours of sleep had been incredibly rewarding. And even if PDA didn't return to the workplace, she would still be a happy wife.

Oliver looked up from his study of the meeting notes and scanned the DLO. Norman sat behind his desk, head buried in a book on flora and fauna, while Rita and Charley sorted new mail in Incoming. "I believe it's time to choose our next dead letter in preparation for Ms. Morris's training in the field next week."

Samantha's eyes brightened. "Ooh! I've been wanting to see the entire process from start to finish." Charley continued her sorting while Norman and Rita joined Shane and Samantha by Oliver's desk, Shane and Samantha taking the two arm chairs while Rita and Norman stood nearby. Oliver reached into the box on the stand, his hand hovering for a moment before pulling out a purple five by seven inch envelope.

He studied the exterior, remarking on the lack of address information and the multiple return to sender and undeliverable stamps. He handed it off to Norman all the while Samantha remain rapt by the process. Shane watched her, seeing her reactions without the hurt and pain of the past clouding her judgment. Yes, Samantha was naturally and even unconsciously charming and engaging. And she couldn't hold that against her.

Shane shook her head, half-listening to Norman's assessment of the sender's handwriting and the stamp condition. As hard as the last few days had been on her emotions and on her relationship with Oliver, gratitude now eased through her. If it hadn't been for Samantha, she might not have ever worked through the past devastation. Shane's lips flickered into a small smile as she silently sent her thanks heavenward for God's provision, timing, and especially his company as she confronted and healed the old wound.

Unable to glean any further details about the writer or writee, Oliver slipped a letter opener through the top of the envelope and began to read, quickly ascertaining the intended recipient. His lips thinned as he turned his gaze to Samantha. "Unfortunately, this letter won't require field work. But there will be others, I'm certain."

He tugged his pocket watch from his vest and glanced at the time. "But for now, I must head to a meeting with the passports supervisor. I will leave you in Shane's capable hands to continue your training."

Samantha beamed her pleasure and watched Oliver head out the front DLO doors. As Rita and Norman returned to their duties, Samantha leaned across the chessboard. Her voice lowered, but sweet fondness filtered through her tone. "Oliver is so much like my grandfather it isn't funny."

Shane blinked. "Your … grandfather?"

Samantha nodded as a misty smile curved her lips. "I lost him when I was in college. He was the perfect southern gentleman. Impeccable manners, wore three-piece suits every day, even used a pocket watch like Oliver's. I used to love teasing him to get him to laugh. Oh, he had the best laugh in the world." She shook her head. "I've had the absolute best time here hanging out with all of you. But spending time with Oliver, well, it was like having Grampy back for a little while."

Stunned, Shane could only nod. Her grandfather. Really? Who would've thought?

"So, what now?" Samantha's gaze brightened with curiosity.

Shane scrambled to find an appropriate answer to the question. "Ah, let's get back to those hacking protocols and database searches. I can give you the basics of one of the letters we were able to deliver, and you can practice tracking down the information."

"Sounds perfect!"

##

Two hours later, Shane's stomach rumbled. She checked the clock on her laptop and asked the others about lunch options.

"Oh, yes," Rita agreed. "I'm starving. Mailbox Grille or Bistro Ramon?"

Shane grinned. Maybe it was time to introduce Samantha to one of the Task Force's unofficial members. "Why don't we go to the bistro since Samantha has been to the Mailbox Grille twice now? I'm sure she'd enjoy meeting Ramon, and he's probably bartending today."

Norman looked pained, but agreeable as Rita gripped his arm. "Oh, that's a great idea! Maybe he could whip her up one of Momma's Area Fifty-Ones?"

Samantha glanced from Rita to Shane, questions wrinkling her brow. "What's that?"

Rita pushed her glasses back over her ears and grinned. "It was my mom's favorite drink. She was an organic bartender, you know."

Shane placed a light hand on Samantha's arm and ever so slightly shook her head then turned back to Rita. "You know what, why don't you all go now. I'll just wait for Oliver to get back from his meeting, and we'll meet you there."

The team grabbed their coats, and Shane waved them on. Turning back to her laptop, she scrolled through her inbox, answering dead letter search replies and skimming through postal mailing list emails until the back DLO doors squeaked open.

She lifted her gaze as Oliver walked in, irritation bunching his shoulders and thinning his lips. He paused by the refrigerator, then turned to her, lips parted on a silent comment.

Her brow furrowed as she watched him search for words. "Oliver? Did something happen in the meeting?"

His eyes focused on her and he shook his head, contemplation still lurking his gaze. "The meeting itself was unremarkable. But I had a concerning conversation on the way back to the DLO."

Shane stepped around her desk and joined him, just stopping herself from placing her hand on his shoulder. "What was it?"

Oliver took in a quick breath as his cheeks wrinkled with consternation. "We appear to continue be the topic of the Sorting floor."

Shane's lips thinned in a fond smile. "It may take a while for the gossip to die down, Oliver."

Oliver bobbed his head in a quick nod. "Perhaps. But now it seems the comments about us have taken on a worried note."

Tilting her head, she asked, "How so?"

His lips twitched with irritation as he scanned the DLO.

Shane shook her head. "I sent everyone else on to Bistro Ramon for lunch and told them we'd join them when you got back."

Oliver nodded once, then his cheeks pinked as he flicked a remorseful glance toward her and away. "Well, it seems my idea of displaying only professional behavior at work has backfired with more than you."

Shane's brows rose. This will be good.

"Yes, ah, instead of returning to topics of discussion more suitable for the work place, there is now apprehension that our … lack … of affectionate displays indicates trouble in paradise … talk has turned to worry that the honeymoon is … over."

Her cheeks wrinkled as she tried to smother her amusement. When Mom and Dad are unhappy, the kids get worried. She crossed her arms over her chest and studied him for a moment. "And how did you learn this?"

Oliver rose on his toes as he cleared his throat. He flicked another flustered look toward her and away. "Ah, Ms. Obacheena voiced their … concerns … as I passed by her station just now."

Oh, Hazel. I could hug you. The barest hint of a smile tickled her lips. Shane raised a hand to cover it, but it only continued to grow. "I see." Mirth filled her voice, inviting Oliver to play along with her. "And what conclusions have you reached about this?"

Oliver's lips twitched as he bobbed his head in a single, agreeable nod. Formality infused his tones, but his eyes glowed with quiet enjoyment as he joined her verbal play. "I now realize our displays of affection … afforded … a certain level of comfort for our co-workers. And that it's a necessary and integral part of their views of us as a happily married couple who work together."

Love and adoration flowed through her, warming her gaze and smile. "Ah. So what do you think we should do to rectify such a concerning issue?"

Oliver's brows lifted in lofty consideration as he again rose on his toes. "I believe we should return to our previous personal interactions and displays of affection. If, that is, you are also amenable… Shane."

I absolutely adore you. Arms still crossed, she took a step toward him, tilting her head in mock consideration. Fond amusement laced her words. "Oh, I'm amenable, but … what types of affectionate displays does my section leader believe would be acceptable in the workplace?"

Oliver's brows lifted, but his eyes gleamed as he narrowed the distance between them. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"

Shane's grin widened. "I think that would be good." She paused and fixed him with a serious, but teasing, look. "Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding."

Oliver searched her eyes as warmth flooded his own. "I believe our previous touching would be permissible."

Shane laid a light hand on his forearm and stroked the cotton of his broadcloth dress shirt in one easy sweep. "Like this?"

He nodded.

She lifted her hand to cup his cheek, smoothing her thumb across the high bone, and lifted her brows in silent questioning.

Oliver swallowed hard, but nodded again.

She dropped her hand and pursed her lips. "And what about gazing at each other? Would it be acceptable for me to stare at you from time to time while thinking about … us?"

A smolder darkened his cornflower eyes to cobalt, and a shiver rippled over her. "Yes … Shane … I believe that would be most acceptable and ... very welcome."

Her cheeks curved with warm pleasure as she licked her lips. Her eyes dropped to his mouth then returned to watch awareness flare in his gaze. "And, what else? You know, we have hugged here."

Memory sparked between them. Oliver's lips parted. His brows rose as he appeared to give the question serious thought. "I believe … ah … that would be appropriate ... as long as no coworkers other than Rita and Norman are present."

"I can live with that." Shane nodded then slid her hands up his shoulders and looped her arms around his neck, her fingers threading into the soft layers of his hair. "And what about kissing? I seem to remember lots of kissing here in the DLO."

Oliver's voice dropped an octave, rumbling between them. "Of course. But only as long as we are alone."

She shifted in his arms and glanced over her shoulders. The DLO was still empty. "Like now?"

He followed her gaze then dipped his head.

"Like this?" Shane leaned up and pressed a long, soft kiss to his cheek. When she pulled back, she raised her brows.

Oliver's eyes gleamed as he pulled her deeper into his arms until she was flush against him. "Yes … and like this." He lowered his lips to hers, and pure sensation shot through her.

Shane melted into his embrace and sank into the kiss as joy, love, and an incredible soul-deep peace whirled together joined by the sweetest warming in her heart. God was in his universe, and all was once again right in the O'Tooles' world.