Hello, POstables! I have finally caught up to where I am currently writing, so chapters are going to be posted less frequently. I am working on the wedding. It's all in my head, it's just getting it out and written down! When I first started thinking of this story, it had 3 parts. The wedding finishes off part 2. I've got a post-wedding story already roughly outlined. Thanks so much for all of your comments and encouraging words through your reviews. It's so motivating and makes me smile! A shout out to my sisters, also SSD fans, who have helped with editing and given helpful feedback. They are the best! As always, thanks for reading. :)
"And then what happened?!" asked Rita eagerly, wide eyes fixed on Shane as she took a sip of lemonade.
"Yes, when did he finally tell you the surprise?!" asked Heather just as eagerly.
Shane, Rita, and Heather were seated around a table at the airport. It was Sunday morning, and Alex's flight had been delayed by an hour, so they decided to get a bite to eat. Shane was describing all of the events from the previous day to her attentive listeners. She had not arrived home until late the night before, so even Heather had not yet heard the details.
After telling the rest of the story, Shane sighed happily. "It was perfect."
"Oh, you two are so adorable!" gushed Rita, "It's like watching a movie, but even better because it's real!"
Heather grinned, "So, four days and you'll be Mrs. Shane O'Toole!"
Shane smiled once more, even though her cheeks were sore from smiling so much. "Yes, so soon." She looked slightly lost in thought. "It feels unreal in some ways."
"It's definitely happening!" exclaimed Rita, absentmindedly rubbing her growing belly. "I'm glad, too. Another month and I may have had to have my bridesmaid dress taken out, again!"
Shane felt a slight rush of unease. "I know everything is set in motion, but there are so many little things to still do this week, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. When will…"
"Oh, we planned for that too!" said Rita as she pulled a clipboard out of her purse. "The must be done that day items are in red. Blue means Oliver has already committed to accomplishing those tasks. Pink are for you. And yellow is just general information, such as you taking work off Wednesday and Thursday." Rita smiled and slid the clipboard in front of Shane.
"We think we got everything, but you'll have to look it over." Heather pointed at Monday night. "We left bowling here because Alex wanted to come, an evening with the whole family. Then Tuesday is your last day of work with ladies night in the evening. Wednesday is reserved for you and Oliver to discuss your vows, run errands, and pack. Thursday is the salon and your rehearsal dinner."
Shane looked over the list, wide eyed.
"Don't feel like you have to keep it this way, it's your wedding week!" added Heather.
"No, it all looks wonderful!" said Shane sincerely. "I cannot believe all the time and effort you have all put into this."
Rita leaned in and gave her a side hug. "We just love you so much. I'm so happy for you and Oliver."
"Me too." said Heather. "I'm so grateful you allowed us all to be a part of this with you." Heather took a sip of her water and then added with a grin, "Thank you for not eloping!"
They all laughed. "We actually discussed it at one point. If we were still waiting until June, it would have definitely crossed my mind again." said Shane, blushing slightly.
Rita noticed the blush and wanted to reassure her, "Once you know, you just want to be together."
"Exactly." agreed Shane.
Rita suddenly leaned in and spoke in a whisper, "I've been meaning to ask you, did you already pick out some...special clothing?"
Shane stared at her blankly for a moment, but then understanding filled her face as she turned a dark shade of red, glancing at her Mom.
Rita's use of the phrase "special clothing" and the look on Shane's face had sent Heather into a fit of laughter. She could not stop. Actual tears were spilling out the corners of her eyes. Once she had composed herself slightly, she said, "Shane, dear, I am aware of the realities of married life."
Rita had never seen Shane look so embarrassed. "I'm sorry! I thought it would be fine to…" Rita started to explain.
Shane had begun laughing herself. "It's alright, Rita. And yes, all taken care of." Shane gave her a reassuring wink.
Rita sighed and smiled. "I think it's so sweet you two decided to wait."
Heather had suspected as much, but didn't know for sure. "Really?" she asked, looking at Shane with admiration.
Shane nodded. "Oliver has strong feelings about marriage and relationships. And as for me, it just felt right. It might seem a little silly, considering...well...but it just felt different this time and…"
Heather cut her off. "It's not silly at all. When you want something to last, you treat it differently." said Heather.
"Oh! That's a beautiful sentiment." said Rita.
"So very true," replied Shane with thoughts of Oliver filling her mind. He was at church right now, probably singing with the choir and...
Heather and Shane's phones beeped simultaneously. It was Alex. "I'm here! Where are you?!"
"Oh, we'd better hurry!" said Heather standing quickly. "She's here! Gate 11."
"There's the bride to be!" Alex bent down to give Shane a tight hug. She glanced at her chair. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm good. How was your flight?" Shane replied, a little too quickly. She could feel Alex analyzing her face and body language, setting her actual words aside. There was a reason Alex had become so good at gambling. She could read people very well. Shane most of all. It used to drive Shane bonkers. She could hide nothing. Her left leg had been too painful to use this morning, and she felt a little worried. Alex could tell something wasn't right.
Alex went along with the shift in conversation, but Shane knew she would be questioned later. "It was interesting. I sat next to an elderly couple on their way back from China. So, this must be Rita!"
Alex walked right up and gave Rita a hug. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Sounds like we'll be matching in a few days." Alex switched to a loud whisper, "But tell me, are the dresses hideous?"
Rita looked shocked for a moment and then realized Alex was partially joking. "Oh, no! They are lovely! Shane has wonderful taste."
"That can't be argued." said Alex with a wink in Shane's direction. "You should see some of her high school photos…"
Shane reached up to playfully whack Alex when their mom walked up, pulling Alex's suitcase behind her. "Now ladies, remember your manners in public."
Alex turned and gave her a giant hug. Shane noticed she was quite emotional as she said, "Hi, Mom." Alex had only been released from rehab the day before, Shane didn't know the conversations they had had, but she knew that their Mom believed in them both fiercely. She always believed Alex could change, even when Shane doubted.
"Hi, baby. I'm so glad you made it." said Heather, meaning far more than making it to Shane's wedding.
Rita glanced down at her phone. "Oh! Norman says he and Oliver are preparing a late lunch for us at Oliver's house. They want to know our ETA?"
"Well, we can leave right away. How long to Oliver's?" asked Shane, looking at Rita.
"Let's see, if we obey all speed limitations, she glanced at Shane who was known to speed on occasion, it should take 12 minutes to get to the highway, plus 38 minutes to Oliver's exit, plus another...oh, wait I forgot the construction. The detour will add another 22 minutes. Add another 10 minutes getting to the car and we should be there by," she glanced at her watch, "by 12:54." Rita looked up and smiled.
"Thank you, Rita." said Shane, proudly smiling.
Alex was staring at Rita. "You are like a human Google."
Rita laughed awkwardly and adjusted her glasses. "I just remember things I read. And see. Almost everything, actually."
"I think it's amazing!" said Heather.
"Me too!" said Shane. "Now, let's get to the car. Food awaits us!"
"Are you already hungry?" asked Heather.
"Oh, I think she has another reason for wanting to get there so quickly. A certain gentleman on your mind, Shane?" asked Alex with a grin as she began pushing Shane's chair toward the parking garage.
Shane smirked, "Perhaps."
"And how is Mr. O'toole doing so close to his impending nuptials?" asked Alex with teasing eyes. She had met Oliver over Christmas and had been impressed by him, and therefore found great joy in teasing Shane.
Rita giggled and they all looked at her. "Oh, I was just thinking about what we've all been through trying not to slip and tell you the surprise this past week. Especially Oliver. He was trying so hard to act normal. I suppose now he will return to staring at you and smiling to himself."
Shane turned slightly pink. "Rita, Oliver is very focused at work!"
Rita chuckled awkwardly and said, "He is definitely focused."
"I'm sure he is." said Heather with a wink in Rita's direction.
Alex started laughing. "Rita, I knew I was going to like you!"
"Why thank you!" said a surprised Rita.
Shane just shook her head and sighed, smiling once again.
Lunch at Oliver's was happy. Oliver and Shane kept shooting flirtatious looks at one another. Alex got to meet Joe and Norman for the first time. Plans were discussed for the week ahead. Things started winding down a bit when Norman and Rita left.
"All right, Crackers. fess up." Alex said as she plopped down with a glass of water and a full plate of dessert onto Oliver's couch next to Shane. "How are you really feeling?"
Shane nervously glanced up as Oliver walked up right behind Alex, following her with napkins and a coaster. She was eating on his best sofa.
He had caught that last question as he placed the coaster on the coffee table. He turned to look at Shane with raised eyebrows, "Is something wrong, Shane?"
Hearing Oliver, Heather turned from her conversation with Joe to stare at Shane.
Shane glanced at the concerned expressions surrounding her, Alex giving her an apologetic look for not using more discretion. "Sorry." She mouthed where only Shane could see.
Shane sighed and put on a smile. It was no use hiding anything now. "I'm okay. I just wasn't able to stand up this morning with my left leg. It was, uh...it was too painful."
Oliver was by her side in two steps. "Is it still hurting? Should we call Dr. Noom and schedule an appointment? I'm sure if…"
Shane placed a hand on his arm to stop him, "It only hurts when I put weight on it. I already called in. I have an appointment tomorrow just before lunch. She said it was likely that all I would need is more therapy, but they would need to do some tests to rule out a few things."
Shane tried to act calm and natural, but in reality she was devastated. Not because she was worried it would never get better, but because she wanted more than anything to walk down the aisle, not roll. And that was seeming very unlikely. Oliver was looking at her with a mix of hurt and concern on his face.
Heather saw it too and spoke as she stood, "Um, Alex, Joe, would you please help me with kitchen clean up?"
Joe stood immediately. "Of course."
"But I'm still eat…" Alex began, but then saw the look on her mother's face. She pasted on a smile as she stood, "I would love to."
Oliver watched them leave and then sat down on the coffee table right in front of Shane, knees almost touching.
"Oliver, I really am okay, I just…" Shane began.
"Were you planning on telling me that you were having pain? Or that you already talked to the doctor?" Oliver spoke calmly, but seriously and the hurt, concerned look was still on his face.
For just a moment Shane had a rise of irritation as her independent nature flared to the surface. "I don't have to tell you everything the second it happens!"
Oliver's face dropped and Shane instantly regretted her hasty words. Of course he was worried. She had nearly died. And they did tell each other everything. If she'd found out in a room full of people that Oliver had seen a doctor about a health issue without telling her first, she would have been hurt too. And probably less gracious than Oliver was being.
She quickly grabbed his hand and softened her tone, "I'm sorry, I was going to tell you if it was something serious, otherwise I didn't want you to worry."
Oliver's face instantly softened. "Shane, it's my job to worry with you." He had emphasized the word 'with' and then paused to collect his thoughts, as he often did when he wanted to be perfectly clear. "Please allow me to do so. Not because you cannot handle things alone, but because I love you. We have become so open and honest with one another and I cherish that part of our relationship."
Understanding washed over Shane.
She smiled and sighed. "It was more about me not wanting to face reality than wanting to keep anything from you."
"Where does it hurt?" he asked tenderly.
"When I get about halfway up, it shoots from my hip to my knee over and over again, until I resume sitting. My leg trembles for several minutes afterwards. I don't know if this leg is going to make a full recovery, Oliver."
"There is still much hope for that, Ms McInerney." Oliver said as he placed his hand on her left knee. "Sometimes things just take time."
Shane grinned placing her hand on his, "Some of the best things take time."
Oliver gave her a knowing smile followed by a tender kiss.
"So, may I come with you to your appointment tomorrow?" asked Oliver.
"Yes, of course, but it really is unlikely to be anything too serious." said Shane.
"I'd like to be with you." said Oliver, giving her a half grin.
"I'd like that too," said Shane, squeezing his hand. "Well, Mr. O'toole. Big week for us, huh? Who would have guessed it?"
Oliver laughed, beaming at her. "A divine delivery, I believe, Ms. McInerney."
"Shane, Alex is struggling with the time difference, you okay if we head back to your place soon?" asked Heather, popping her head around the corner.
"Oh, yes, um…" Shane looked at Oliver, clearly wanting to stay, but also wanting to spend time with Alex too.
He stood and moved behind her chair. "I'll help you to the car." He then leaned down and whispered in Shane's ear. "May I call on you sometime this evening, Ms. McInerney? Perhaps some time on our swing at sunset?"
Shane nodded feeling a surge of excitement and smiled up at him. "That sounds lovely."
