"Let me see! Oh, Hazel, it's beautiful!" exclaimed Rita.

"Thanks! I can't believe this is actually happening!" squealed Hazel as she thrust her hand in front of Shane's face.

Shane smiled, "It is gorgeous. I'm so happy for you!" It looked like a ring Shane would have chosen for herself, but she loved the ring Oliver had given her, and what it represented, even more.

Shane and Rita had taken Hazel for a celebratory meal at the Mailbox Grille. It was April 21st, her birthday, and Lester had proposed to her on the sorting floor that morning. He called an 'emergency safety meeting' so everyone would be there. It was a perfect proposal for Hazel. Oliver only rolled his eyes once when Lester said that 'if you love someone, you should let everyone know and not get all engaged in secret' with a glance in Oliver's direction. Everyone cheered, even Andrea. It was the perfect way to start a Monday.

"I was just so surprised! Well, not completely because Lester is terrible at keeping secrets, but wasn't it just perfect?!" Hazel paused to take a bite of food. She giggled, "I guess I don't have to explain that to you two. You've both already had your perfect proposal moment."

Shane and Rita both smiled, each thinking of when they got engaged.

Hazel kept talking. "We're thinking July 8th because Lester's mom will be back from…"

"That soon?!" interrupted Shane. Her tone had been sharper than intended and Rita glanced at her with raised eyebrows. She quickly softened her voice, "I mean, do you think you'll have enough time to plan everything?"

Hazel nodded, "Oh yes! I started planning when we started dating. Lester said he couldn't think of a reason to wait. And I couldn't really think of one either." Hazel shrugged and then stood abruptly. "Oh, there's Lester! I gotta go. We're spending the rest of the day together for my birthday. Thank you for lunch! I'll see you tomorrow."

Shane and Rita said goodbye and watched Hazel leave with Lester.

"They go really well together, don't they?" said Rita.

"Mmmhmm." said Shane, as she pretended to be really interested in her salad.

"Shane," said Rita, "what's wrong? It sort of seems like…"

"It's the timeline." blurted Shane. "I want to be married. And time seems to be standing still. Hazel is planning such a short engagement and I feel slightly...jealous." It stung a bit to admit that out loud.

Shane could've said more, but Rita gave an understanding nod. Shane had been spending so much time with Oliver, but no matter how good their days were, every night meant he went to his house and she to hers. It seemed harder and harder each time. It was time to really be married, and the thought of waiting another month seemed unbearable.

"I felt the same way about Norman and I." Rita smiled to herself. "But all the waiting was worth it. And you know what Oliver always says…"

"Trust the timing." said Shane with a grin.

Rita hugged her best friend, thinking of a surprise that was merely days away. "It will seem like nothing when you look back later on. It'll be great, you'll see!"

Shane sighed, Rita's optimism rubbing off on her like it always did. "I know. Only 40 days to go!"

Rita clapped her hands together, "Oh! I can help you make a paper chain countdown if you want! I had one before Norman and I got married."

Shane chuckled, "I really love you, Rita!"

"Aw! I love you too! Oh, look at the time! We better get back to the DLO. Looked like it was going to be a busy day."


Oliver pushed Shane's chair out of the bowling alley doors. Monday night had officially become family bowling night. The ladies had won, again. They were at four in a row.

"You know, this ensemble is starting to grow on me." said Oliver as he glanced down at his tie-dye bowling shirt.

"Really?" smirked Shane. "Perhaps they sell tie-dye suits?"

"Well, let's not get carried away." mumbled Oliver, causing Shane to laugh out loud. "I love your laugh." he added, sincerely.

Shane smiled as he carefully helped her into the car and stored her wheelchair in the trunk. It had become so automatic, his thoughts wandered once again to the surprise that was only 5 days away. He was lost in thought as he climbed in next to Shane.

Shane sighed, "I really hope Alex can come for the wedding."

"Why wouldn't she be able to make it?" asked Oliver. Alex had already arranged to fly in on the 27th to have extra time with Shane and be there for the rehearsal dinner.

Shane stared at him for a moment, not saying anything.

"What is it?" asked Oliver innocently.

"Alex is in rehab. Mom still hasn't heard if she will be able to make it with how strict the program is. Any of this ring a bell?" Shane asked in a concerned tone.

Not again. Oliver mentally chastised himself. He was so consumed with the new plans for the wedding, he kept saying the wrong thing in response to Shane about the old wedding plans.

"Oh yes, of course. I meant, I hope she will be able to come too." Oliver could feel Shane analyzing him as he drove and was bracing himself for her response.

Shane grabbed his free hand. "Are you okay? You've been forgetting a lot of wedding details lately. I know the last few months have been stressful, but…"

He squeezed her hand back, "Shane, everything is fine. I promise."

"Are you sure? Because you just missed the turn to take me home." Shane inquired, with a steady gaze at Oliver.

Oliver felt his face grow hot. He swallowed and tried to act normal. In keeping this surprise a surprise, he had done his best not to directly lie, but tell as much of the truth as he could. "I've just been thinking about the wedding a lot. I'm excited." he said, flashing her a smile.

Shane sighed,"Me too."

Oliver stopped the car in front of Shane's house. He glanced at his watch. "It's 9:15. Would you like to swing for a bit?"

Shane nodded, a little tired. "I would."

Oliver pulled her chair out first, but instead of placing her in it he scooped her up and took her directly to the porch swing. She loved when he did that. Her body had felt so restricted since the accident, but in Oliver's arms she felt light and free. She watched him as he locked up the car and brought her chair over, not acting inconvenienced in the least.

"Thank you." she said as he sat down and put his arm around her. This was her favorite place to be. Shane remembered hearing an older couple talk about how they knew they were in love when it didn't really matter where they lived or what they did professionally, they just wanted to walk the road together. That's how she felt about Oliver. She just wanted to be on this swing next to him at the end of each day.

"When I was assembling this porch swing, I envisioned us sitting here together, but never in tie-dye bowling shirts." said Oliver, lightheartedly.

"Me either," said Shane with a small smile, "but then again, there are a lot of things that I never imagined would happen, happening now." She glanced up at him with a look that he understood. He put his arms around her and leaned down for a kiss.

Shane then relaxed in his arms and they began swinging slowly, staring at the stars.

"I'm glad we're happening." Shane mumbled sleepily.

Oliver once again swallowed hard to steady his voice. "I am too."


"Norman, did you say they are talking about changing the stamp price again?" asked Shane.

Norman nodded affirmatively, "Mmmhmm. A two cent increase!"

"Last time they opted not to," contributed Rita, "so we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Shane sorted the last few letters she was holding and wheeled herself near where Norman and Rita were still sorting mail. Rita was munching on what Norman called 'second breakfast.' Her belly was growing bigger everyday.

"Rita, that flower dress is so pretty on you. Is it new?" asked Shane.

"Oh, thank you! Yes, I've had to start wearing maternity clothes. Much more comfortable!" replied Rita.

"Rita, I was thinking we should have your baby shower at the beginning of July. Not too close to your due date, but that would give me plenty of time to prepare after our honeymoon. I feel like June would have been better timing, but you know there is this wedding happening that I probably shouldn't miss." Shane winked and smiled.

Norman started coughing awkwardly. He was horrible at keeping secrets and so whenever Shane brought up the wedding he started acting strange.

Rita began patting him on the back as if he were choking and hurriedly said, "That's okay! July works for me!"

Shane looked confused, "Norman, are you okay? Is there something you'd like to talk about?" He had been acting so strangely lately.

He spoke quickly, "Nope. Everything's fine."

Shane glanced at him and then at Rita. Both were back to sorting mail and were suddenly very attentive to their work. She was about to say something about their odd behavior when Oliver walked in.

"Good morning, everyone. It's a fine day to be a part of the US postal service. One of our carriers was recognized in the news for helping a child retrieve their new kitten from a tree." Oliver set the article down on the table.

"Oh! That's wonderful!" exclaimed Rita, picking up the article to read, relieved to have something else to focus on.

"Any other news from the meeting?" asked Shane.

"Yes, actually. Andrea will be staying with us for the next 6 months."

Silence followed this announcement. Along with surprised glances all around.

"Oh. Really?" said Shane. "Well, that's...uh…"

"Shocking?" said Norman.

Oliver nodded. "The new supervisor that they have chosen for the Denver branch will not be available until then."

"Ya know," chimed in Rita, "I was thinking about Andrea the other day. Maybe she needs some extra kindness. Maybe we could get donuts or something as a thank you for filling in for us here."

They all smiled at Rita. She always found the good in situations and in people.

Oliver nodded, "I think that's a fine idea, Rita. We'll spread the word and plan on a mini celebration during our lunch hour. All in favor?"

All hands were raised. Oliver nodded again, pleased with his team.

Shane wheeled herself over to Oliver's desk. "Hi!" she said warmly. "Are you excited for tomorrow?"

Oliver had a moment of sheer panic. Did she know?! "Tomorrow?" he said uneasily.

Shane gave him a look that she had given him many times lately, "The William's vow renewal. 4:00 o'clock. You're my plus one. At least I hope so…"

"Oh, of course! Very excited." assured Oliver. "I'll pick you up at 3:30?"

Shane flashed him a smile, "It's a date!"

Shane looked perplexed as she wheeled herself back to her desk. She glanced over her computer at Oliver, Norman, and Rita. Something strange was going on. They all seemed to be hiding something, and she intended to figure out what it was.