But Never Doubt I Love

By Felicia Ferguson

Another Long Author's Note (but please don't skip this one): I grew up reading the Choose Your Own Adventure series. In those books, the reader was given story thread options to follow after a certain point in the narrative, each leading to a different adventure. I've been wanting to write a Vows We Have Made fill-in-the-gap piece for what happens leading up to the final DLO scene, but given how the characters diverge off camera, there was no way to create a linear story. So, the muse, feeling playful, suggested a Choose Your Own Adventure type structure and away went the imagination!

The story begins right after Shane and Oliver talk with Lt. Walker at the fire station and ends with the final DLO scene, or what I'm calling the "Never My Love scene." To "choose your own adventure," read the Intro, then click on the chapter drop down box and select the character(s) you want to follow. There is no particular order. Also, I do recommend having the "Never My Love scene" cued up and ready to watch for a satisfying story conclusion since this nestles in right before it.

And, yes, But Never Doubt My Love (Hamlet) does fit with the Between the Altars canon. Although you don't have to have read BTA prior to this one, doing so would provide some helpful reference for one of the "adventures" (no spoilers!).

As always, none of the characters are mine, nor is the Choose Your Own Adventure structure. Oh, and any dialogue you recognize from Vows We Have Made obviously belongs to the brilliant mind of Martha Williamson.

Merry Christmas, POstables! Much love and hugs to all of you. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on this fun piece. Enjoy!

Intro

Shane wove her arm through Oliver's as they walked out of the fire house and headed back to his Jaguar. She gave him an enthusiastic squeeze then said, "Oh my goodness, what a great delivery idea, Oliver. I can't wait to see Owen's face tomorrow!"

Oliver nodded with absent agreement and steered them around a fireman rolling up a hose. Drops of water flecked against Oliver's hand and, shooting the hose a perturbed glare, he tucked the letter into his suit pocket.

Shane shook her head and leaned into his side as they neared the visitor parking area. "I still can't believe Lt. Walker was the officer on duty at her husband's stationhouse. The timing, as always, was perfect. Oh! I need to call Rita and let her and Norman know about the delivery plan."

Oliver hummed, but said nothing. Shane turned a worried look his way and brow furrowing, she pulled him to a stop near the back of the Jag. "Oliver, are you okay?"

He blinked, glanced to Fred where the toy lay cradled in his arm, then turned his gaze to Shane. "Ah. . .yes. . .just . . .thinking about arranging tomorrow's. . .ah. . .delivery."

Shane turned toward him and placed her hand on his chest. Her fingers toyed with his tie as a teasing light gleamed in her eyes. "And with Owen's delivery, our desks will be cleared off, and all we'll have to think about is the rest of our lives."

Oliver blanched, and his lips twitched into some semblance of a smile. "Yes."

Shane released him and walked toward the passenger door then paused. She watched him over the Jag's roof as concern again flickered in her eyes. Tapping the top, she flashed quick smile and said, "I have an idea. Why don't you drop me back at the DLO to get everything arranged while you head over to my house?"

Oliver opened his door and nodded. After climbing in, he tucked Fred in his lap and gave him a soft pat. He glanced over as Shane joined him and buckled her seat belt.

She placed her hand over his where it lay on Fred and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Mom and Joe are already there working on dinner, and this way you can have some quality time with her—and Joe can play referee." Her lips lifted with encouragement. When he didn't respond, she said, "Oliver?"

Oliver blinked, pulling himself from his contemplations, and again forced a smile. "Ah, I'm sorry. Yes. She did want us to spend more time together. That seems to be a perfect solution." He nodded and turned the key. The engine rumbled to life, and they headed back to the DLO. As Oliver drove, Shane recounted her experience in the sanctuary when her mother first broached constructing a tabernacle of love.

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the post office's parking lot, and Shane leaned over to place a soft kiss against Oliver's cheek. "I'll see you as soon as I can."

Oliver nodded as she plucked Fred from his lap and held out her hand for the letter. She tucked both into her purse, then with a fond glance, she hopped out of the car and headed inside.

Choose your own adventure starts now.