Shane wheeled herself in to breakfast with a "Good morning, Mom!"

Heather nearly dropped the coffee pot as she whirled around. "I didn't know you were awake! You got out of bed all by yourself?"

Shane smiled. "I thought I'd give it a try. I figured if I fell you'd hear me yell and come help. Just living on the edge a bit."

"Apparently so…" replied Heather, still surprised. What did Oliver say to her last night? "Well you have good timing. Breakfast is ready."

"Great!" said Shane. "I have some DLO work to do first thing this morning."

"Oh?" said Heather with raised eyebrows, "Back to work are we?"

Shane quickly shook her head, "No, you know I'm not quite ready for that yet. I'm just helping with one letter that involves a case I helped with before the accident."

"Oh, okay." said Heather, trying not to show how surprised and pleased she was.

Shane was chatty during breakfast and actually had a second helping of pancakes. When she was almost done Heather slid an envelope in front of her. "Oliver asked me to give you this this morning."

Shane looked curious as she picked up the envelope with her name scrawled across the front in Oliver's handwriting. "Another one?"

Heather shrugged with a smile, "I have no idea what it says, but something tells me it will be as sweet as last time."

Shane opened it and read it aloud. "Roses are red, violets are blue, but none of them are as sweet as you. Please be ready to depart at 5:15 this evening for a surprise destination that is sure to bring a smile to your face and laughter to your lips. Yours truly, Oliver O'toole."

"He wants to take you out! How fun!" Heather said with enthusiasm. "Do you think you are up for that, honey?" Heather asked sincerely, hoping the answer was yes and that this wasn't too much too fast.

"Um, if I nap this afternoon it should be alright. I do feel sleepy in the evenings." Shane furrowed her brow, hoping it wouldn't be anywhere with a lot of people.

Heather patted her hand, noticing her anxiety. "I'm sure Oliver knows that."

Shane nodded. "Well, it's time to work! I'll be in the living room."


Oliver hung up the phone with a smile as Norman and Rita returned from lunch.

"Good news! Shane has already been hard at work this morning and arranged for Dr. Williams to contact James about helping in his office."

"Already? Maybe we should have given her more to do…" said Norman as he glanced at the full bins of letters to sort.

Oliver smiled, "Heather also called to tell me how Shane seemed happier this morning. I believe phase one was a success!"

Rita and Norman gave each other a high five.

"Rita, are we all set for tonight?" asked Oliver.

Rita nodded enthusiastically. "Mmmhmm! It's going to be so much fun!"

"As long as Shane agrees to leave the house." said Oliver slightly worried.

"I think she will." said Norman optimistically.


Oliver and Rita pulled up to Shane's house right at 5:15. They quickly let themselves in and found Heather waiting for them in the living room.

"Hi! I'm sorry to say Shane is still sleeping. She wore herself out today and finally consented to nap around 3 o'clock. I checked on her about 20 minutes ago and she was still out." explained Heather.

"Well, are you ready to go?" asked Rita, "I've got a shirt for you too!" Rita held up the most colorful shirt Heather McInerney had ever seen.

"Oh, uh, I didn't realize I was invited…"

"Oh yes!" said Rita. "It's family bowling night at River City Lanes and you are definitely part of the Postables family!" She handed Heather the shirt. "All the girls match!"

Oliver smiled at Rita's enthusiasm. He was counting on that enthusiasm to get Shane out tonight. "How about I go wake her up and then you both come in and help her get ready?" suggested Oliver.

He quietly opened Shane's door and peered inside. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the light, he could see her there, hugging her pillow and breathing heavily. He smiled as he always did when he saw her sleeping. He walked over and planted a kiss on her cheek, just as she had woken him once before. He placed his hand on her shoulder and nudged her softly. "Shane? Are you awake?"

She sighed and stretched a bit. "Oliver? What are you doing here?"

"Well, it's 5:20, and I've got plans with the most beautiful woman in Denver."

"Oh! I overslept. Maybe we should go another night?"

"Well, we wouldn't want to disappoint the family." he said as he took her hand and helped her sit up.

"The family?" said Shane as she eyed him quizzically.

Oliver grinned. "Mmmhmm. The Postables family. Rita?" he called as he turned towards the door.

Rita came bouncing in wearing her Team Postables bowling shirt. "It's family bowling night!" She did a little twirl and held out Shane's matching shirt. "And I have one for you too!"

Shane couldn't help but smile. "Oh, wow... thank you, Rita."

Shane didn't look quite sold on the idea, so Oliver took off his coat, revealing his own homemade bowling shirt. Shane's hand instantly flew to her mouth, stifling a burst of laughter. She didn't want Rita to think she didn't like it, but that shirt and Oliver did not go together and it was quite amusing.

"All the boys match and all the girls match!" said Rita, excitedly.

"I would love to go, but um...I don't know how I'm going to bowl if I can't stand up…"

"Oh, Norman's already thought of that!" said Rita. "Bowling is now wheelchair accessible!"

Just then Heather walked in sporting her shirt as well. "So, should we get you ready?"

Shane shook her head smiling. "I guess I don't want to miss family bowling night. Who all is going to be there?"

"Oh, myself, Norman, Ramon, my Dad, Bill, and of course you three ladies." He bent down to give her a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room and whispered in her ear, "Thank you for saying yes tonight."

"Are you kidding?" she whispered back. "I wouldn't miss you wearing that shirt in public for anything!" She winked.

He left the room shaking his head and chuckling as the ladies quickly helped Shane get ready.


Shane felt nervous as Oliver helped her into her chair. He held the door as she wheeled herself in. She could feel the stares the minute she entered the building. Maybe she shouldn't have come.

Just then, Ramon walked right up to her exclaiming loudly, "Ah! Finally! The guest of honor! It is so good to see you out and about, Shane!" He then turned to Heather. "Oh, the family resemblance is there. This is, your sister, no?"

Shane grinned, her mother was about to meet Ramon. "Oh, no this is my mom, Heather."

Ramon looked shocked. "No?! You don't say. Well, beauty runs in the family. It is an honor to meet you." He then took her hand and kissed it.

Heather looked extremely awkward. "Uh, it's nice to meet you too, Ramon?" She glanced at Shane with a look that said 'Everything you told me was true!'

Oliver rolled his eyes and met Shane's eyes with a slight shake of the head. "Well, let's find our group now."

"Great idea, Ovilear! This way!" said Ramon as he turned to guide them.

Oliver took over wheeling Shane's chair. She looked up at him and whispered, "Onward, Ovilear!" and simply laughed at the look on his face.

Soon everyone was saying hello. Shane felt herself relax instantly once she was with them all.

Before they started, Norman showed her how to bowl with the small ramp in place for the ball. "See, tilting it ever so slightly this way will change the angle dramatically. I chose a ball for you based on what would work best on the ramp, but you can change it if you want."

Shane paused and looked at him. "Thank you, Norman."

"Oh, it was no problem." he quickly replied.

"Norman, I don't just mean for this," she said, gesturing to the ramp. "You've been such a good friend to me. And to Oliver. You've helped in all of the most important ways. Rita told me what you did at the hospital while I was in surgery. Thank you, Norman." She smiled at him gratefully.

He looked uncomfortable, as he always did when receiving praise. He then simply said, "Well, that's what families do."

"Yes, it is." said Shane with more emotion in her voice than she intended.

Norman just smiled at her, blinking quickly.

Rita walked over. "Are you two ready to start? We have snacks and everyone has their shoes."

"Yes! Let's choose...uh, where is Oliver?" said Shane.

"Oh!" said Rita as she glanced around. "He was just here."

Just then Oliver walked up carrying a shoe box under his arm. Shane wheeled herself over as he proceeded to put on a brand new pair of bowling shoes. He looked up and noticed everyone watching him.

"You bought a pair of bowling shoes?" blurted Shane.

Oliver looked embarrassed. "Well, yes. They matched the shirt. I wanted to complete the ensemble."

Joe gave his son a friendly slap on the shoulder. "Now you just need your own ball and you'll be all set!" He chuckled as he began entering names on the screen.

Everyone began chatting again. Shane leaned toward Oliver and whispered, "You couldn't bring yourself to wear the used shoes again, could you?"

Oliver smirked, "Very observant of you, Ms. McInerney. In my defense, the pair of socks I wore last time was never the same and had to be disposed of."

Shane chuckled. "I really love you."

Oliver looked surprised and furrowed his brow. "Because I bought bowling shoes?"

"No, because you are you." she said as she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Oliver looked at her and smiled, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"Let's choose teams." said Joe.

"Oh, Rita, where's your dad?" asked Shane.

"He had classes to teach at the farm tonight. He said to tell you hello." said Rita.

"Hmm...that leaves us with an odd number." said Joe.

"How about girls against boys?" said Heather casually.

Shane looked at her mom with a grin. Heather was good, very good. Rita was good. As long as Shane could figure out how to aim properly, they could actually win.

"That doesn't seem fair. One of us should be on your team." said Joe.

Heather smiled, her eyes flashed, but her voice stayed relaxed. "We're not afraid of a little competition. Are we ladies?"

"Definitely not." said Shane.

"Nope." smiled Rita. She then leaned over and whispered to Shane, "I actually think pregnancy has made me a better bowler."

"Technically the numbers are even," said Norman as he placed his hand on Rita's belly. She smiled at him fondly, as did everyone else. He was so proud of his baby girl.

"Well," said Ramon, "We have our teams! Let the games begin!"

Oliver spent most of the evening watching Shane. She was smiling a lot. He glanced at the scoreboard with a twinge of embarrassment. Shane was not just beating him, all the ladies were. He had the lowest score of anyone. He looked over as he heard Shane laughing with Rita. It didn't matter if he lost. Not really. Phase 2 was going well.

Just then Joe plopped down beside Oliver. "Looks like us O'toole men are losing it for the men tonight. I guess bowling isn't one of our strengths."

Oliver chuckled. "Yes, I think I'll stick with Shakespeare."

"So, do you think she will be ready by Friday?" whispered Joe.

Oliver's face fell slightly. "I don't know. I hope so."

"Well, even if she's not, she is definitely happy tonight. One day at a time, son. Remember, one day at a time." He gave Oliver a pat on the back as he stood to take his turn.


Shane was extra chatty on the way home. "I didn't think we were going to win, but then Rita with 3 strikes in a row! She was on fire!"

"Your victory was most impressive." said Oliver. "Guess I should retire this shirt. It is clearly bad luck."

Shane's eyes danced with amusement as she gave his free hand a squeeze. "You have to keep it! Wouldn't want to hurt Rita's feelings. Besides, I thought you didn't believe in luck?"

"Only when it comes to bowling. And tie-dye." said Oliver sarcastically.

They pulled up in front of Shane's house. She quickly placed her hand on his arm. "Oh no, Oliver. Let's keep driving, please. I'm not ready to go home just yet."

He looked at her carefully. "Are you sure you're not too tired?"

"A little. But I am itching for adventure! Let's find something beautiful! Something awe inspiring!" exclaimed Shane.

"I already have," said Oliver with a steady look in Shane's eyes.

It didn't matter how long they were together, he could still make her blush. She smiled sweetly. "Do you think we could go somewhere we could see the stars clearly? It's supposed to be a beautiful night.

"As you wish, my love." said Oliver as he put the car in drive. "Who are you contacting?" he asked as Shane busily typed on her phone.

"Just letting my mom know I'll be a bit late." Shane laughed, "I feel like a teenager again. Probably shouldn't tell her I'm with a boy."

Oliver grinned. "I think she'd approve, as long as you are with a gentleman."

"Well, it's a good thing you're one of those." Shane gasped and gripped his arm tightly as they went around a curve. "Sorry. I still, um, I still have flashbacks to...seems to come out of nowhere."

"It's okay, Shane." Oliver wanted to distract her. "Ah, look, we're here." Oliver parked so the headlights shined right on the sign.

Shane raised her eyebrows, "Lookout Point? You know what this place is known for, right?"

Oliver nodded. "I do. You are with a gentleman, however. And this place offers one of the best views of the night sky in Denver."

Shane unbuckled her seat belt. "Hmm...I'll risk it then. Although, I wouldn't mind a kiss or two."

"That could probably be arranged." smirked Oliver. "Should I get your chair?"

"Oliver, I don't think my chair will work well on the rocks." explained Shane.

Of course! Oliver was mentally kicking himself. He should have thought of that before bringing Shane here.

It was as if she could read his mind. "It's okay, Oliver. We still have a great view from the car window."

Oliver glanced out the window and made a decision. He got out of the car and walked around to open Shane's door.

"Oliver, what are you…?"

"I'm going to need you to trust me and grab tightly around my neck." said Oliver.

"Okay…" said Shane, not minding that at all. She could smell Oliver's cologne as he lifted her into his arms.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked as he shut the car door with his foot.

Shane leaned back a bit to look into his eyes. "Very much so." She placed her hand on his cheek and then took the opportunity to steal a kiss.

Oliver smiled and walked over to a nearby bench, setting Shane down carefully. He then took his seat beside her, placing an arm around her shoulders. They both looked out into the night sky, sitting silently together. All Oliver could focus on was the thought of having moments like this over and over again. He glanced over, she looked stunning in the moonlight.

Shane spoke. "Makes you feel like anything is possible, doesn't it?"

"Anything is." said Oliver, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

Shane glanced over at him and then seemed to make up her mind about something. "I don't know if I will ever be able to walk with both legs again, Oliver. I still feel nothing beyond tingling in my left leg."

He interrupted, "You don't know that for sure. It has been less than 3 months…"

Shane took a deep breath. "I don't want to return to work again until I can do so walking. I know what you are all trying to do, and I truly appreciate it, but I've made up my mind."

Oliver's heart sank. "But, Shane...the DLO is completely wheelchair accessible. Not to mention we really need you there. No one can do what you can do. Just ask Norman and Rita…"

She was glad he didn't say it, though he must have been thinking it. What if she could never walk again? Would she never return?

"Well, I'd love to do some work from home, as long as it is approved by my section leader." she said as she nudged him playfully.

He stared at her steadily a moment, as if he were weighing his next words carefully. "That would most likely be acceptable."

Shane breathed a sigh of relief. She leaned in and Oliver wrapped his arms around her tightly. He sat there, completely content with her in his arms, but also troubled at what to do next. One day at a time, he would take it one day at a time.