{Wednesday}

Shane watched Oliver on their way into work. He had listened to her chat about wedding details the entire car ride, always giving answers to show he was paying attention to what was being said. On their way from the car to the DLO, he'd been stopped by four different people, each with their own questions. He was so polite, he paid attention, and helped where he could. She loved how he treated people. She tightened her grip on his arm as they continued to the DLO.

Oliver noticed, he tilted his head in her direction and whispered, "Worried I'm going to lose you, Shane?"

"Hmm...more like the other way around." They stopped in front of the double doors to the DLO. Shane reached up and put her hand on his cheek. "I just realized again this morning, how much I love you."

Oliver smiled, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss, "Coincidentally, I've had similar feelings." He briefly touched her chin and then cleared his throat, "I love you."

Shane smiled, looking slightly shocked, "Oliver, I believe that is the first time you've said those three words to me while at work! What has gotten into you lately?"

He chuckled, "Well, technically we haven't entered the DLO yet…"

"Stretching the rules a bit, are we?" Shane leaned in and switched to a whisper, "I hope I'm not a bad influence…"

Oliver smiled at her as he offered his arm. Shane slid hers through his. He reached with his other to hold her hand. "Quite the opposite, Ms. McInerney. Quite the opposite."


"It was so strange," Rita said, "I fell asleep at 8:00PM and didn't wake up until my alarm went off at 6:00AM! Norman was so sweet and slept on the couch, so he wouldn't disturb me. Must have been over tired yesterday, making me extra emotional. I'm feeling almost completely normal today!"

Shane looked at her friend carefully, "Almost?" They both continued sorting mail.

Rita leaned in to whisper, even though she and Shane were alone in the DLO. Oliver was attending a meeting and Norman had been called out to help fix a problem in incoming. "I got a little dizzy in the shower this morning. Don't tell Norman. He was so happy to see me feeling better. I don't want him to worry."

"Dizzy?" That can't be good. Shane reached out and touched Rita's arm, "Rita, do you think you might need to..."

Norman walked in, interrupting their conversation. He was covered in dirt and dust.

"Norman, what happened?!" exclaimed Rita.

"When they said they needed assistance they really meant they needed someone to climb up the belt and fix a jam. Apparently I am getting quite a reputation in that specific skill set." He attempted to brush off his clothes. "I don't really mind though, except for bringing dirt back to the DLO. Oliver likes things so tidy."

As if saying his name summoned him, Oliver stepped into the DLO. He looked as if he were lost in thought, but then he saw Norman. "Are you alright, my friend?"

"Oh, yes. Incoming. Belt problem...I'll go get cleaned up." He went to leave, but Oliver stopped him.

"Before you go, I have a bit of an announcement. The post office is once again undergoing budget cuts." They all looked at him intently. "Our department will be evaluated for efficiency and viability."

"So potential layoffs or shutdown?" groaned Shane.

He nodded.

"Oh, Oliver…" started Shane. They all looked slightly panicked.

"In the words of Shakespeare 'Things done well and with a care, exempt themselves from fear.' We will do our best, as we have always done and trust the timing."

They all forced smiles and nodded at one another.

"Postables unite!" exclaimed Norman. They all chuckled, grateful for a reason to laugh.

"Postables…hmmm" said Shane, "I'm at least going to reach out to Becky in DC. It's a long shot, but you never know. It's worth a try."

"And I am going to get cleaned up," said Norman, as he walked out of the DLO.

"And I am going to sort mail the most efficiently I have ever sorted mail in my life!" declared Rita.

Oliver smiled to himself. He loved this team, this family. He couldn't imagine leaving the DLO. He said a sincere prayer and got to work.


They all returned from lunch with enthusiasm. They were not being evaluated today, but it didn't matter. There was a new energy in the DLO. Funny how grateful you feel for something once there is a risk of losing it.

They were three letters shy of emptying the dead letter bin and were determined to send each letter off today.

Norman helped with the first. It was addressed to someone named Vicky who was a tightrope walker for the Big Apple Circus. A circus that was always on the move. They struggled to determine where to send it when Norman remembered he had a cousin.

"Oh, my cousin Jasper belongs to the Big Apple Circus, and I think I still have his phone number somewhere. I could call him and we could send the letter ahead to wherever they are going to be next." offered Norman.

"You have a cousin in the circus?" asked Oliver with raised eyebrows.

Norman nodded, "Mmm hmm, lion tamer. He can also breathe fire. Used to help him practice. Singed my hair once."

"Well by all means, proceed. Thank you, Norman." Oliver was very grateful for Norman's plethora of cousins.

The next was easy with Shane's computer skills and Rita's memory. They had it addressed and stamped in 20 minutes.

Oliver pulled the final letter out of the box. They had an hour left in the work day. He was about to read what he could from the envelope when he noticed an unpleasant smell.

"What is that odor? I think it's the envelope." He handed it to Norman.

Norman sniffed, "Really bad cologne mixed with…"

Rita had leaned in to smell it too and abruptly threw a hand over her mouth, said excuse me, and ran from the room.

They were all stunned. Norman most of all, "I better go check on her."

He went to set the letter down, but Shane stopped him. "She probably went to the ladies room. I'll go check on her. I'm sure she's fine. You two keep working on that letter, we'll be right back." Shane smiled reassuringly at Norman and quickly walked out to find Rita.


Oliver and Norman had determined that the "letter" was actually an envelope that was used to sample cologne, but then somehow had an unfortunate dip in orange juice. There was writing on the outside, but it looked like a grocery list instead of an address and the small slip of paper on the inside was blank. This was not intended for the system and was promptly disposed of.

"How such a 'letter' made it this far is a mystery." said Oliver.

"I'm just glad we were able to throw it away before Rita came back." said Norman, looking towards the door expectantly.

Oliver cleared his throat, "Norman, are we still bowling tonight?"

"Oh, yes. Ramon said it would be a nice change to our...'manly bonding'...I think he called it. I reserved a practice lane for us. As long as Rita doesn't need me, we're on for 7PM."

"Very good." said Oliver. He was relieved. It would be nice to practice before any sort of competition. And if he was being completely honest, before he had to play in front of Shane.

The double doors opened as the ladies returned. Norman immediately walked towards Rita. "Are you okay?"

"Oh yes, I'm alright now!" she looked a little pale, but gave a cheery smile. "I just needed a bit of fresh air!"

Norman and Oliver explained the fate of the last dead letter of the day. "All that trouble and it wasn't a letter after all." said Norman.

"Well, the bin is empty!" observed Shane.

"Yes," said Oliver, "it has been a very successful day. You should all feel proud of your work."

Norman grinned, "The POstables strike again!" They all smiled and looked at each other, trying not to think about evaluations and changes that may or may not happen.

"Well, Rita and I have a fun girls night planned! We better be on our way." Shane walked over to Oliver to say goodbye. "Try not to miss me too much tonight."

He gave her a hug and a kiss. "I am certain I will."

"What are you guys up to tonight?" inquired Shane.

Oliver half smiled, "Just a little bowling."

Shane raised her eyebrows and leaned in to whisper, "Will there be matching shirts involved?"

"I'm afraid not." murmured Oliver.

"Good, I wouldn't want to miss that!" She gave him a wink and a smile. "Have fun!"

She turned to leave with Rita. Oliver found himself wishing it was date night for them instead. She looked so beautiful today and seemed completely unaware of how distracting that had been for him. He sighed. It was time to go bowling.


Shane and Rita were camped out on Shane's couch in their pajamas. They had already discussed, in detail, Shane's vision of what her wedding would look like. Rita had updated Shane on what her dad had been up to the past month. They also brainstormed ideas for their Team Postables bowling shirts.

Rita had picked Anne of Green Gables for their movie night and Shane had ordered pizza and salad.

They had just gotten to the part where Marilla tells Anne she could stay at Green Gables. Rita lost it. She was sobbing once again.

Shane paused the movie. "Rita...are you okay? I know it's a touching scene, but…"

Rita didn't say anything, but wiped her face with a tissue and sighed.

Shane suddenly had a thought she couldn't ignore. She spoke softly, "Rita...are you pregnant?"

Rita quickly looked directly at Shane. She looked nervous, but relieved at the same time. "I...I don't know. Maybe, I am. I'm uh...late."

Shane was surprised. "How late?"

"Several weeks at least." admitted Rita.

"Oh! Have you taken a test?" questioned Shane.

Everything Rita had been holding back suddenly spilled out and she began crying again. "No, not yet. I didn't want to take it without Norman there, but...but I'm too nervous to tell him! We've only been married 3 months! And we had a plan to wait a year and then adopt first. Norman really loves plans, you know...and I want him to be excited, but I'm worried he'll be too terrified to be excited...just like I am. Oh Shane, I feel like a crazy person!" Rita hid her face in a decorative pillow.

"Rita, look at me... Norman loves you so much. You didn't see the look on his face when you ran from the room today. So maybe this wasn't planned, but we can only plan so much about our lives. The detours and surprises are often where the best things happen. I'm sure he'll be nervous, but if you face the scary together, then you can feel the excitement together too!" Shane looked at her reassuringly.

"Wow, you are really good at this," said Rita as she blew her nose and wiped her face.

"Does it help if I'm excited?" said Shane as she clapped her hands together. "Because I am! And also relieved because I was wondering what was going on with my dear friend."

"What do you mean?" said a confused Rita.

"Let's just say you haven't been acting like yourself." laughed Shane. "Norman is probably worried too."

"Oh!" Rita said surprised,"Poor Norman! It's nothing bad, I hope I haven't given him a stomach ache, and while he is bowling too! I better go home and talk to him right away! I know it is only 9:00, but would it be okay if I cut our girls night short?"

Shane laughed, "More than okay, Rita!"

"Oh, and please don't say anything to Oliver until I know for sure," said Rita.

"Promise," said Shane as she gave her an enthusiastic hug.


The phone started ringing just as Oliver entered his home. He glanced at the clock; 9:45. Who could be calling this late?

"Hello?"

"Hello, Oliver?"

"Shane? Is everything okay?" Oliver said with concern.

"Oh yes, I'm fine! We just have 15 minutes until curfew and I wanted to hear your voice."

Oliver smiled. "I miss you, too. Sometimes June seems very far away, doesn't it?"

Shane smiled too. "Yes, it does. I've been so focused on the wedding, but my conversation with Rita tonight made me realize how much we have to look forward to. We have a lifetime of memories ahead of us." Shane paused, "I'm so grateful we will get to experience everything together."

Oliver could hear the emotion in Shane's voice. He felt so much admiration and gratitude for this woman, for her friendship and love, and for her ability to make him want to be as good as she thought he was. "You are my light, dear Shane. I love you."

He could hear the smile as she spoke, "I love you too. So much. Good thing we're getting married!"

Oliver chuckled, "Yes, a very good thing."

Shane's voice suddenly switched to serious, "No changing your mind, okay?"

Oliver paused, trying to come up with strong enough words to express how he felt. Only one word came to mind, "Impossible."

He heard her sigh and he knew she was smiling. "Goodnight, Oliver. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, my Shane. Tomorrow."