Hi, POstables! Thank you for your patience waiting for the wedding chapters. My sweet medically fragile daughter has been having some rough days with extra seizures. On top of that, we are in the middle of purchasing a home/moving. I've discovered writing is huge stress reliever for me though, so part 3 of this story will be coming at some point. :) Thank you so much for reading and for the many thoughtful comments.

Song Credit: I Get to Love You by Ruelle

PS: {I hope you enjoy this chapter! I got a little teary eyed writing this one. So grateful to Martha Williamson for giving us these characters.}


Shane heard the first notes of 'Clair de Lune' start to play. She smiled up at Joe.

"Almost time." he said, smiling as well, "Oliver and Norman should be entering any second."

Shane sat there patiently, waiting for the signal from Rita that Oliver was out of sight. Rita popped her head in the door. She gave a smile and a thumbs up and quickly took her place back in line.

Joe pushed Shane's chair out into the hallway as Alex placed her walker in position for Shane to stand. She winked at Shane and walked through the doors herself.

Rita was next. She smiled at Shane and entered.

Shane took a deep breath. She was so excited and happy and nervous, all wrapped into one. She couldn't stop smiling.

The music shifted and she heard everyone stand. Shane grabbed her walker and raised herself up.

"You okay?" asked Joe as he took his place by her side.

"I think so." whispered Shane.

Joe nodded. "You look straight at me if you need help, okay?"

"I will," promised Shane.

Two ushers opened the doors and Shane and Joe stepped inside the chapel.


Oliver walked up the aisle, along with Norman, and took his place at the front. The music had begun to play, adding to the euphoria he was already feeling. The sun was shining through the stained glass windows, giving the church a heavenly glow. The room was packed. The bride's side, the groom's side, and what Norman had referred to as the 'Postables side'. Oliver had invited many of the letter recipients whose lives had been touched by Shane's presence in the DLO. They had, after all, played a part in this day.

The doors opened and Alex walked in, followed closely by Rita. Oliver smiled politely at each as they took their place at the front. Norman grinned at Rita, remembering their wedding. Suddenly the music changed and everyone stood.

Oliver felt his heart skip a beat. Shane came into view and he gasped quietly, loudly enough for Norman to notice. Time seemed to stop. He took in every detail. Her dress was perfectly flattering and he had never seen her hair quite like that before. She was stunning. He was surprised to see her walking, but what stood out to him most was her steady gaze and smile in his direction. The rest of the room seemed to disappear. All he could see was her, his bride.

About halfway down the aisle, the smile stopped and Shane paused walking and looked down at her leg. Even from a distance, he could see her shaking. Oliver felt a jolt of worry. The church was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Shane looked at Joe and nodded. He quickly looked at Norman and nodded as he put one of Shane's arms over his shoulders to help support her weight. Oliver was half a second away from running to her side when Norman quickly walked right past him, straight to Shane, supporting her other side. Rita handed her flowers to Alex and placed a fancy chair directly across from Oliver.

Once stabilized, Shane looked up and gave him a reassuring smile. He could almost hear her thoughts: Relax, Oliver. Everything is just fine. Oliver let himself take a deep breath. Heather was weeping softly as they passed and when they made it to the front, the entire congregation seemed to sigh in relief.

Oliver held her hands as Shane lowered herself carefully down into her chair. He then took his seat in a similar chair straight across from her, knees almost touching.

The pastor stepped into place and the ceremony began. "Welcome friends and family, here to witness the joining together of Shane and Oliver. As many of you may know, they have already faced much together before coming to this moment. It is truly an honor to be officiating today, and in many ways, to be witnessing a miracle. As we celebrate their union, we also celebrate the gift of marriage and the sacredness of this holy contract. As they tie their hearts together before God this day, we pray that they will feel the blessing of heaven."

Shane kept looking at Oliver as the pastor spoke. He looked dashing in his tuxedo and tie, and she noticed the yellow rose in his lapel. He sat tall, completely confident in his course of action. He had a small smile, but his eyes were full of joy. She felt calm, but also elated as she met his gaze. If she could have seen her own countenance, she would have known the same joy filled her own eyes.

As the ceremony progressed, there were many in the congregation with wet eyes. Rita was an absolute mess and Norman was blinking rapidly. Heather was quietly letting the tears roll and Alex was smiling with glistening eyes. Joe had a big grin on his face.

It was time for their vows. Oliver went first. He cleared his throat and began, "As I contemplated what I should say at this moment, I struggled to find adequate words to convey my true feelings." Oliver paused and grinned slightly, "And we all know that when an O'toole cannot think of what to say, he turns to Shakespeare to do it for him." Shane laughed along with the rest of the congregation. "I borrow his words when I say 'I would not wish any companion in the world but you.' My dear Shane, I promise you this day my loyalty, my devotion, my love…" Oliver paused to compose himself, "my friendship, my life. With a promise to live with integrity and a fixed determination to always contribute to, and not hinder, your happiness." Oliver smiled warmly. "I promise you forever, Shane, today and always."

Shane had not even tried to stop the tears that had rolled down her cheeks as Oliver spoke. She dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief she'd accepted from Rita. There was a pause as Shane attempted to compose herself. She chuckled through her tears, "I probably should have gone first." There was a ripple of laughter and Oliver smiled at her encouragingly.

Shane took a deep breath, "Oliver O'toole, the day I met you I never, ever thought you would be the man I would someday marry." Shane paused, eyes softening, "But I was wrong, and I am so very grateful for that." Shane took a deep breath, "A part of me still wants to pinch myself, just to make sure that this is real. You are everything I never knew I wanted. I promise you today and tomorrow and everyday after, that I will always choose us, through the ups and downs, as we navigate this life together. I am thrilled to spend my days with you, to witness you living your dreams, to dream together, to laugh together, to grow together," Shane paused and looked at him tenderly, "...to love together. I am so grateful that I am the one that gets to love you."

Oliver was blinking rapidly. He looked at Shane and softly said, "Thank you." where only she and the pastor could hear.

"Would you please take each other by the hand." said the pastor.

Shane's hand slid into his and Oliver gave it a light squeeze, which Shane returned.

Oliver went first. "This ring is a token of my love, and a symbol of my commitment to you and to God, to love you always. With this ring, I thee wed." Oliver slid the ring onto Shane's finger.

"This ring is a token of my love, and a symbol of my commitment to you and to God, to love you always. With this ring, I thee wed." Shane then slid Oliver's ring onto his finger. He glanced down at his hand and then up at Shane, his eyes shining, and smiled at her with so much adoration, Shane thought she would burst.

The pastor smiled, "It is my privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. Oliver, you may kiss your bride."

They both leaned in as Oliver placed a hand tenderly on Shane's cheek and gave her a soft kiss. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back with exuberance, causing laughter and clapping from the congregation.

He then helped Shane stand to face the congregation. She was struggling to do so, even with assistance, so Oliver grinned and scooped her up in his arms.

The pastor smiled, "May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. O'toole! May God bless your marriage, and may your life together be joyful." Everyone stood and clapped. Oliver, with a happy smile, carried Shane back down the aisle, directly to the car that would take them to the luncheon at the Brown Palace. She whispered in his ear, causing him to laugh out loud.

Rita whispered to Norman as they made their way back down the aisle after Oliver and Shane, "That was absolutely beautiful, Norman!"

Norman nodded, smiling. "It's nice seeing friends so happy, isn't it?"


The luncheon had been strictly for the wedding party. Oliver and Shane had wanted time with those they loved most before the chaos of the reception. It had been absolutely delightful.

The reception started at 3:00PM. By the time Oliver and Shane arrived at 3:15, a crowd had already begun to gather under the white tent. Oliver pushed Shane's chair down the path they had walked together once before. He paused at the sign that read, "Friends and Family of Oliver & Shane O'toole." There was a white tent with tables and chairs, a dancing area, two fountains, food tables with lots of chocolate, and yellow and pink flowers everywhere. Every detail was perfect. Shane had planned this. Oliver was impressed.

He leaned down and asked, "Is it just as you imagined it, Shane?"

She looked up at him with a smile, "It's better."

Oliver caught the deeper meaning. She wasn't just talking about the decor. He squeezed her shoulder lightly.

Shane and Oliver sat in a special place reserved for them under the tent. Their wedding party sat with them. Guests formed a line to congratulate the bride and groom and sign the guestbook. Family, friends, and letter recipients slowly made their way through the line.

Oliver sat with Shane's hand in his. She talked and smiled and hugged almost everyone. It was an honor to sit beside her in such a setting.

There was a short break in the line and Heather and Alex went to get drinks for everyone. Oliver had his hand on Shane's knee and Shane wrapped her arms around his arm and laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh.

He glanced down. "Are you doing alright, Shane?"

"Mmmhmm," she said, "I don't see how life can get more beautiful than this," she then looked up at him, "but I know it will."

Oliver smiled and leaned in to kiss her. She was his wife now! He had never felt this happy, this complete in his life.

Shane noticed something different in Oliver's kiss. It gave her butterflies and she kissed him back thoroughly.

Alex cleared her throat and with a sly grin said, "Would you two like to take a lemonade break?" She stood there, holding out two cups.

They both chuckled. "Thank you, Alex," said Shane.

"Well, O'Toole, you finally tied the knot!" said Lester as he and Hazel walked up to give their congratulations.

Oliver smiled lovingly at Shane, even Lester could not ruffle him today. "Yes, I did."

"It was a beautiful ceremony!" said Hazel. "I couldn't stop crying. And Shane, your dress is amazing! You looked like an angel in the church light!"

"That she did." said Oliver.

"Thank you, Hazel." said Shane, "You are too kind."

"Well, we're planning an outdoor weddin'." said Lester. "So…"

Oliver and Shane were trying to decide how to respond to that when Alex stepped in, "Have you two seen the dessert table yet? Best brownies I've ever had!"

"Oh really? Let's go get some!" said Hazel, pulling Lester along with her. "Bye you two!" she said with a giggle as they walked away.

Oliver looked at Alex appreciatively.

Even though the sun had not gone down quite yet, the lights began to come on.

Heather walked up, "Well, it's almost 6:00! Nearly time for your first dance!"

Heather had been smiling or crying all day and you could hear the excitement in her voice.

"Oh, of course," said Oliver, looking at Shane, "Are you comfortable with standing?"

"I'd like to try." she said, placing her chin on his shoulder and smiling up at him.

He gave her hand a squeeze. "Okay."

Alex had heard this little exchange and quickly disappeared. She found Ramon, who was in charge of the music. "It's time!" she said, "Everything ready?"

He gave her a wink and a smile. "It is." He handed her a microphone. "Let me know when you are ready."

Alex quickly took her place in front of the dance floor. "Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, it is time for the bride and groom to have their first dance together. Oliver and Shane, we're going to need you over here."

A crowd began to gather. Oliver wheeled Shane over and then helped her stand in the middle of the dance floor.

"I'm afraid we won't be able to do our traditional dance, Oliver." said Shane. "I'm not even sure if I can stand for the entire song."

He looked down at her and smiled affectionately, "Well, I'm not switching dance partners now."

Alex suddenly spoke into the microphone, "Oliver, Shane wanted to surprise you tonight with a special song she picked out for you."

Oliver glanced down at Shane with raised eyebrows. She just grinned up at him.

"When Shane asked me to sing today, she said that this particular song perfectly portrayed her feelings for Oliver. As I practiced for today, I realized not only how lucky you are to have my baby sister, but how lucky she is to have you as well. This one's for the two of you." said Alex, with a bit of emotion in her voice.

The music began to play and Alex began to sing. Oliver and Shane began to carefully dance together.

One look at you

My whole life falls in line

I prayed for you

Before I called you mine

Oh, I can't believe it's true sometimes

Oh, I can't believe it's true

I get to love you

It's the best thing that I'll ever do

I get to love you

It's a promise I'm making to you

Whatever may come your heart I will choose

Forever I'm yours, forever I do

I get to love you

I get to love you

The crowd was silent as they watched the couple slowly spin on the dance floor. Oliver was clearly supporting most of Shane's weight. She was beaming up at him, holding on tightly to stabilize herself. Oliver looked down at her, something about the song and the look in Shane's eyes made him feel as if they were entirely alone.

The way you love

It changes who I am

I am undone

I thank God once again

Oh, I can't believe it's true sometimes

Oh, I can't believe it's true

I get to love you

It's the best thing that I'll ever do

I get to love you

It's a promise I'm making to you

Whatever may come your heart I will choose

Forever I'm yours, forever I do

I get to love you

I get to love you

Rita watched with tear streaked cheeks. Norman reached over and took her hand. They could all feel it, the love between Oliver and Shane seem to fill the air around them.

Shane suddenly began to shake as the chorus continued. "Oliver, I can't…"

Without a word he scooped her up in his arms. Shane grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck.

And they say love is a journey

I promise that I'll never leave

When it's too heavy to carry

Remember this moment with me

I get to love you

I get to love you

I get to love you

Oliver registered the meaning behind the song lyrics. He suddenly saw the last few years play through his mind. The hard stretches, the twists and turns, the moments that shifted his course ever so slightly. He thought of Shane's accident, of the soul stretching that had transpired for both of them. He could see clearly, perhaps for the first time, how the bitter had prepared him to enjoy the sweet. Experience had changed him. Those changes had led to life with Shane. Gratitude filled him. He found himself in awe of it all.

The song ended, bringing the happy couple back to reality. Oliver stopped spinning and looked into Shane's eyes. She smiled and placed her hand on his cheek. As their lips met, the crowd erupted in applause and whistles.

Ramon continued to play a mix of old and new music, matching the tastes of the bride and groom. They cut the cake and mingled. Shane threw her bouquet, which was caught by Hazel. There was much laughter. Occasionally Oliver and Shane would get separated, but they were like two magnets, always ending up back together, hand in hand. It was all so beautiful, just as Shane imagined it would be.

Finally, it was time to leave for the night. Oliver pushed Shane down a path lined with lights. Bubbles filled the air. Wedding guests cheered and whistled.

Norman and Rita, Heather, and Joe stood at the end of the line. Oliver paused and hugged them all, as did Shane.

"It was a beautiful wedding." said Norman to Oliver.

Oliver smiled, "It was. Thank you, my friend. We'll see you in a few weeks."

Norman nodded.

Rita hugged Shane tightly. "I love you! I'm going to miss you so much!"

"I love you too . We'll send you a postcard, old school style." said Shane, looking at Oliver.

"Yes, we promise." assured Oliver.

"That sounds lovely!" said Rita.

Heather helped tuck Shane's dress carefully into the car around her.

"Thanks, Mom," she said.

"Of course. You take care of yourself. And rest that leg! I'll see you in a few weeks. Love you, baby." said Heather.

"I love you too." said Shane.

Joe gave Oliver a tight hug as they stood on the opposite side of the car. "You take care of your wife, son."

"I will." Oliver promised.

"You take care of you too." said Joe.

Oliver nodded. "Thanks, Dad."

Oliver climbed in the car and Heather closed Shane's door.

Oliver looked over at Shane and smiled warmly, "Let's go home."

Shane smiled with shining eyes. "Together."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it tenderly. "Together."


Oliver stopped the car and unbuckled his seat belt. "Well, here we are." He smiled at Shane and opened his door.

Shane looked at the house and got a reflective look on her face. They were home, in every sense of the word.

Oliver quickly walked around to Shane's side of the car, buttoning his jacket as he went. He opened her door, "You ready?"

Shane nodded happily. Oliver scooped her up in his arms.

"Welcome home, Mrs. O'Toole." he said as they crossed the threshold.

Shane kissed him and then rested her forehead on his. "I like the sound of that."

Oliver carefully set Shane down in a chair in the front room. He went to turn on a lamp and it wouldn't turn on. He tried a light switch next.

"Uh oh." he said out loud.

"Uh oh?" asked Shane, curiously.

"Uh, I believe we currently do not have electricity. I vaguely remember a letter warning of a temporary shut down for 24 hours." said Oliver, clearly concerned.

"Oh." said Shane.

"Perhaps we should relocate to a hotel instead?" asked Oliver.

"Hmm, do you have any flashlights? Or camping lanterns?" asked Shane.

"Oh, um, I believe I have only one flashlight, no lanterns, but I do have a large supply of candles." he responded.

"Well, candles should work, right?" asked Shane, encouragingly.

"Yes, but Shane, are you sure you don't want to go…." began Oliver.

"No, I want to be here for...for our first night together." Shane felt her cheeks glow pink and was glad Oliver couldn't see her face clearly.

He smiled to himself. "I'll go get your chair and our belongings from the car, then we can light a few candles."

"Sounds good to me." smiled Shane.

Oliver placed several candles around the living room and kitchen. He finally blew out the last match and then turned to look at Shane. She was just sitting on the couch, watching him, looking beautiful.

"What is it you are contemplating, Ms. McInern...I mean, Mrs. O'Toole?" asked Oliver with smiling eyes.

Shane laughed at the slip up, "I was just thinking that as fun as it was surprising you with a song today, I recall that you once told me you had also picked out a song for us. And I'm just wondering what song that happens to be?"

Oliver grinned. "You remembered." He stood and walked over to the record player and selected a record from the box. The music began. It was a classic. 'Can't Help Falling in Love' began to play clearly.

He walked over to Shane and held out his hand, "Dance with me?"

Shane's brow furrowed slightly, "I'd love to, but my leg is telling me otherwise." Shane looked down and slightly rubbed her left leg.

Oliver furrowed his brow slightly. He bent down on one knee, took her hand, and placed his other hand on her left knee. "I was so surprised when you began walking down the aisle today. Are you feeling alright?"

Shane grinned, "I made it farther than I thought I would! I'm okay, just a little sore. It was worth it." She was touched by his concern.

"Perhaps I could carry you while we dance?" suggested Oliver.

Shane smiled, "I would love that."

He scooped her up as if she were weightless. She loved that feeling. Her body often felt so restricted, but not when Oliver held her. He began swaying to the music.

"Your arms have got to be getting tired from holding me so much today!" exclaimed Shane.

Oliver shook his head slightly and spoke softly, "My arms will never get tired of holding you, Shane."

Shane let the feeling of being loved wash over her as she laid her head on his shoulder and hugged him tightly around the neck. Suddenly, Oliver began to sing softly. "Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you."

Shane sighed happily. She was his, and he was hers. "I'm ridiculously happy, Oliver. I love you."

Oliver swallowed hard, "I love you too, my Shane."

He stood there, holding his bride in his arms, music playing, candle light flickering, in the home that they now shared. He grinned. All was right with the world.