"Okay, lean in. Uh-huh, just like that. Okay, everyone smile!" said Shane as she took a photo of the Dorman's, along with Bill. Rita held their new little one in her arms with Norman and Bill on either side, each with an arm around her.
Rita carefully passed the baby to her father's arms and Shane kept snapping photos and recording video clips.
"Hello, little one." said Bill with admiration in his eyes as he looked down at his granddaughter who happened to look a lot like her mother. She had dark hair, like Rita, with Norman's eyes, and perfect little lips.
"Have you chosen a name?" asked Oliver. He couldn't stop staring at the baby in Bill's arms. He was quite certain he'd never been this close to someone so small and so new to this world.
Rita smiled up at Norman and squeezed his hand, giving a small nod. She looked tired, but was absolutely glowing.
Norman held Rita's hand in both of his and cleared his throat, "We've decided to name her Rose Sunshine Dorman."
"Oh!" said Shane, clapping her hands together, "It's perfect."
Bill had tears pooling in his eyes as he handed Rose to Norman and then leaned down to give Rita a kiss on the head. "Your mother would have loved that."
Rita smiled up at him.
"Would you like to hold her, Oliver?" Norman asked as he stepped towards the couch where Oliver was sitting next to Shane. "You are the only one that hasn't had a turn yet."
Oliver suddenly looked very uncomfortable, "Uh, well, I don't really know how to...what I mean to say is, she is so small and appears to be very fragile..."
"It's easy, just be sure and support her head." encouraged Norman as he passed Rose into Oliver's arms. "Rose, this is your Uncle Oliver."
"Okay." said Oliver as he sat stiffly with Rose in his arms. "Hello, Rose. It's nice to meet you."
Shane looked at him with glistening eyes. She took a few more pictures.
Rose began to fuss a bit and Oliver instinctively began to bounce her slightly while saying a soft "Shhhh…" sound. She calmed right down.
"You're a natural!" said Shane with a big grin on her face.
Oliver smiled at her and then looked back down at the baby in his arms. He was already smitten. "She's perfect." He then looked up at Norman and Rita. "Congratulations, my friends."
They all stayed a short while longer and then left to allow Rita to rest and the new parents to have some alone time.
Shane hugged Rita tightly. "You are incredible."
She hugged Shane tightly back, "Thank you for being here."
They all said their goodbyes and Oliver and Shane left to return to the DLO and close up for the day.
Shane talked as they began their drive. "Oliver, you should have seen Norman! Rita was planning on an epidural, but there was no time and Norman kept reassuring and helping her in the best ways. It was so intense and happened so fast, but Rita was amazing! And the look on both their faces when the doctor placed Rose in Rita's arms. I'm so glad I was there!"
Oliver smiled. They both went silent for a few minutes, pondering the day's events.
Shane sighed and surprised Oliver with the emotion in her voice as she began to speak. "Oliver, if we can never…" she paused, unable to say it. Oliver took her hand and squeezed it tightly. "Well, if we can't, I'm so grateful we get to be such a huge part of Rose's life. Rita literally referred to me as 'Auntie Shane' and it felt so good. I feel so lucky." Shane laughed, "I am at risk of spoiling her greatly."
Oliver chuckled. "I am as well." He squeezed her hand once again. "You are remarkable, sweetheart. Do you realize that?"
Shane blushed slightly and changed the subject. "It feels odd to be going back to work after such a significant day."
Oliver nodded, "Yes, however, we must continue to do what we do best."
"We deliver, and not just babies." finished Shane with a smile.
Oliver grinned, "Yes, God may yet use us today to set in motion a miracle or two."
Shane's face lit up, as if remembering something. "Miracles! Oliver, Andrea! Rita and I left without...Oh! I hope it went well with Peter!"
"It looked like it was going just fine from where I was standing," said Oliver.
Shane began to laugh.
"What is it?" said Oliver, surprised by her reaction.
"Norman in the tree," said Shane. "Rita knew he was there the entire time!"
Oliver grinned, "He could not be dissuaded."
"That's a good thing! Can you imagine if you two hadn't been there?! I would have held Rita's hand as she delivered Rose under a tree!"
"That would have been very memorable." said Oliver, feeling grateful Norman had absolutely insisted they follow their wives at lunchtime, just in case.
Shane sighed as they pulled into the post office parking lot. "Well, back to work, Mr. O'Toole?"
"Yes, Mrs. O'Toole." Oliver glanced at his watch, "However, it is already 4:30, we really just need to put things in order and then we can go home." He glanced at Shane, a smile forming on his face.
"What was that face for?" asked Shane, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Nothing." said Oliver, suddenly acting very nonchalant.
"Okay." said Shane, not believing him for a second, as she turned to get out of the car.
"Oliver…what is going on?" asked Shane, observing the excited smile on Oliver's face that he had been unable to contain the entire drive home.
Oliver grinned widely, "I don't know what you mean, dear."
"Hmm…right..." said Shane, smiling at his excitement while feeling very perplexed. She kept glancing at him suspiciously and Oliver seemed to be enjoying it thoroughly.
They pulled up in front of their home. Shane scanned the front of the house, but there was nothing out of the ordinary.
They went inside. Everything looked normal there as well, minus the look on Oliver's face.
Shane looked at him and laughed, "You are acting like a kid at Christmas! But if you won't tell me why, I suppose we should make dinner."
Oliver chuckled and quickly said, "Not necessary tonight. Dinner will be delivered shortly."
Shane raised her eyebrows at him, but he only continued to grin, his eyes clearly amused. "Okay then...I guess I'll go and freshen up a bit before dinner."
"That is a great idea!" Oliver exclaimed, a little bit too enthusiastically.
Shane raised her eyebrows once again.
Oliver suddenly looked flustered "Not that you don't already look absolutely lovely...I just meant…"
Shane smiled as she walked towards him. She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I love you." She chuckled, "Even when you leave me feeling absolutely confused. I'll be back in a few minutes." Shane turned with her walker towards their bedroom.
Oliver waited until she was out of sight and quickly went outside to make sure everything was ready. He looked around, pleased, and then heard the doorbell. Dinner, right on time.
Shane took off her earrings and placed them on the hooks in her jewelry box. She slipped off her shoes and sighed. She really wanted to put on leggings and a hoodie, but she opted for comfy pants and a blouse she knew Oliver liked. She didn't want Oliver to surprise her with something and not be 'properly attired.'
She smiled as she touched up her make up, reflecting on the day. She thought of Oliver and Norman, and their attentiveness to Rita today. Of Bill and the look on his face when he looked at Rita holding his first granddaughter. Her thoughts then turned to Joe, her father-in-law, who had become a father to her almost immediately. She had an abundance of good men in her life. They were such a contrast from what she had previously known. She felt grateful for them and for her change in perspective.
Shane went to leave the room and made the decision to leave her walker and use her cane instead. It was difficult, but she was determined. She slowly made her way down the hallway. She could hear jazz music playing quietly and something smelled amazing.
She turned the corner and Oliver was standing by the back door, the same silly grin on his face, waiting.
"Hi." she said, flashing him a smile. She then noticed candle light outside. "Are we dining outdoors?"
"We are indeed." Oliver confirmed. "But first I'm going to need you to close your eyes and allow me the honor of carrying you."
Shane looked at him quizzically. She tried to imagine walking with her eyes closed. It was probably too soon. "Okay…"
Oliver scooped her up into his arms as effortlessly as usual. She closed her eyes tightly and felt him step outside.
"Okay," he whispered, "you can look now."
Shane opened her eyes, not knowing what to expect. She grinned. There sat their porch swing, draped in twinkle lights and surrounded by candles. A small table had been set up in front, dinner ready to eat. A window had been left open, leaving the music quietly playing in the background. The entire backyard was also aglow in small lights, creating a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere. It was perfect.
"When did you do all this?" Shane asked surprised and clearly pleased.
"Well, I had a lot of help from my Dad. And your Mom." explained Oliver. "Shall we eat before the food gets cold?"
Shane nodded and they sat down on the swing together. She sighed contentedly as she took in the scene around her and the company beside her. She used her legs, both of them, to rock the swing slowly as Oliver dished up plates.
Shane smiled to herself. Their swing. So many memories wrapped around a piece of furniture. This swing represented hope. Hopes and dreams. So many fulfilled. She thought of another dream, a small person nestled right beside…
Shane's thoughts were interrupted by a loud squeak.
Oliver paused and looked up at the top of the swing. "Hmm, must have shifted something around when it was moved. A simple fix."
Shane smiled as another squeak filled the air. "Well, at least we know you can fix it. So, your Dad and my Mom helped, huh? Interesting."
Oliver was still staring at the swing, debating whether he should immediately retrieve his toolbox or wait until they finished dinner. He brought his attention back to Shane.
"Why is that interesting?" Oliver asked.
"Well," said Shane carefully, "you don't think they'd ever...?"
Oliver looked slightly bewildered. It took several seconds for him to register what Shane was implying. "Oh! Most likely not." said Oliver with confidence.
"How do you know?" said Shane, surprised at his reaction.
"My Dad informed me, as we were assembling the swing, that your Mom had introduced him to a friend of hers. She was apparently convinced they would be compatible. Clarice? Yes, I believe that was her name." explained Oliver as he handed Shane her dinner plate. "Our parents are simply good friends."
"Oh! " said Shane, as the swing squeaked once again. "I know Clarice. She volunteers with my mom at the community center." Shane looked thoughtful, "Actually, I think she'd be very compatible with Joe. I'm surprised I didn't think of it first!"
Oliver laughed, "He already took her out for coffee and they apparently hit it off."
"Really? That's wonderful." Shane sighed, "I wish I could find someone nice for my mom. She deserves it."
"Does she want to find someone?" asked Oliver.
"She'd never say so. She hasn't seriously dated anyone since my dad left, but if it was the right person at the right time..." said Shane with a shrug.
"Yes, timing is important." added Oliver, with a smile at Shane signifying he was no longer only talking about her mother.
Shane smiled back at him knowingly, "Some things are just meant to be." She took a bite of food, it was delicious.
Oliver sat silently, eating and thinking.
"Oliver?" said Shane.
"Hmm?" he said, turning to look at her.
"We should bring Norman and Rita dinner for their first few days home. I bet my mom would love to help as well." said Shane.
Oliver smiled, "That's a wonderful idea."
Oliver continued to make eye contact and grin at Shane.
"What?" she said, smiling back at him.
"I struggle to find adequate words to express my current feelings," said Oliver. "Except to say, I am very happy with my company this evening."
Shane grinned and squeezed his hand, "Me too. Thank you for bringing our swing home."
"Of course," said Oliver with a nod as he slipped an arm around Shane and leaned in for a kiss. The swing squeaked once again, interrupting the moment. Oliver sighed and Shane laughed.
He cleared his throat and stood. "Please excuse me, Mrs. O'Toole. I must retrieve my tool box."
"She said she wanted you to come with me next time. No further explanation was given." explained Shane.
Oliver's brow furrowed as he walked next to Shane through the doors of the Denver post office. It was half way through September, the Dorman's had been on leave for nearly 6 weeks. Shane had opted for her cane this morning, as she often did lately.
Shane had had a therapy appointment the day before and Dr. Noom had requested that Oliver be there for her next appointment in a few days. Oliver was paranoid that something may be wrong, mostly because Shane seemed uneasy as well.
"And nothing out of the ordinary happened at your appointment?" asked Oliver.
Shane sighed, they had already discussed this the night before. "Nope. I thought I was making great progress. It's probably nothing serious."
Oliver felt that she was trying to convince herself. Shane was usually confident and optimistic, but he could tell she was nervous.
"I'm sure everything is fine and…" Oliver began.
"Oliver, look," said Shane, putting the matter aside for now.
Oliver turned to see what Shane was looking at. Andrea and Peter were walking towards them with a group of people, mostly children.
"A field trip?" suggested Oliver.
Shane shook her head, "I don't think so. Look, it's Stephanie!"
Stephanie made eye contact with Shane and waved, causing the entire group to walk their direction.
"What are you doing here?" Shane asked Stephanie.
Stephanie smiled, "We're here for a tour! You see, Peter is my brother."
Shane and Oliver each had an expression of the dots connecting in their head.
"Oh! So that's how you know Andrea! And Peter is your brother that you mentioned was coming to visit!" exclaimed Shane.
Stephanie nodded.
"What a small world!" exclaimed Oliver.
Andrea laughed, "Peter, this is Oliver and Shane, two members of our DLO team. They were instrumental in returning your missing package. And they have become dear friends."
Peter immediately held out his hand to Oliver and then to Shane, "Thank you. You have no idea how much your efforts mean to me, to us." He placed an arm around Andrea.
Oliver smiled, "Missing parcels find their way when the timing is right. We simply make ourselves available."
Shane smiled at how proud Oliver was of what they do. She loved that about him.
"We'd like you both to come to the wedding," said Andrea. "A small ceremony this Friday, held by our tree at Washington Park."
Shane looked slightly surprised. "This Friday?"
Andrea nodded, smiling. She looked at Peter, "We saw no reason to wait."
"Exactly." agreed Peter. "We've missed a lot of time already. And as we all know, life is short. I'd like to spend the rest of mine with this pretty lady."
Andrea blushed.
"Well of course we'll be there!" announced Shane, giving Andrea a hug.
"Uncle Peter, can we go see the big machines now?" asked a small boy next to Peter.
Peter laughed, "That we can, Miles. I promised, didn't I?"
Miles nodded emphatically.
"It was nice meeting you folks. We'll be seeing you again soon." said Peter cordially.
"I'll bring wedding invitations by the DLO later today." promised Andrea.
Everyone said their goodbyes and Oliver and Shane made their way to the DLO.
Shane spoke first. "That was so exciting!"
"It's nice when our work brings happy endings," said Oliver.
"I don't think I'll ever tire of what we do here, Oliver." said Shane. "It's amazing how a letter can completely change the course of someone's life. And more often than not, more than one life."
Oliver nodded in agreement. "We have once again witnessed the power of words on paper."
Shane paused and smiled affectionately, "Oliver, I truly admire your dedication to your work."
Oliver looked surprised, "Why, thank you."
They arrived at the DLO and found Norman and Rita sorting mail, Rose strapped to Rita in a baby carrier.
"Hello." said Oliver, "I thought you two were not due to return to work for another two weeks." said Oliver.
"Yes," agreed Shane, "what are you doing here? Not that we aren't pleased to see you!"
Rita glanced at Norman, "Well, I was going a bit stir crazy and Norman mentioned Rose had not officially visited the DLO."
"Outside the womb." added Norman.
"Right. So we thought we'd come for a visit, but you two weren't here and we saw there was mail to sort…" continued Rita.
"And Rose is much calmer here than at home. She's a bit fussy in the mornings. Also in the afternoons. And now that I think about it, also the evenings. So here we are." said Norman with a shrug.
Shane took notice at how tired they both looked. "Well, we don't mind if Rose helps too!"
"It seems like she finds the sound of mail being sorted soothing." added Rita excitedly.
"A true Postable!" exclaimed Oliver. "And, if I might add, it's a wonderful day to be a Postable!"
Rita cocked her head to the side, "How so?"
Shane explained about Andrea and Peter and the connection with Stephanie.
"Such a small world!" said Norman.
"I'm sure the wedding will be lovely!" exclaimed Rita.
"I'm sure it will," said Shane. "But for right now, may I hold Rose? I know it's only been a week since I saw her last, but she looks as if she's doubled in size already!"
"Oh, of course!" exclaimed Rita, and then in a baby voice, "You've been missing Auntie Shane and Uncle Oliver, haven't you Rose?!"
"I'm sure everything is fine, sweetheart. And if it is not, I'm here." Oliver said as he rubbed Shane's back with one hand. They were sitting in his car in the doctor's office parking lot. Oliver couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Shane so agitated.
"She could have just told me why she wanted you present. It's a little bit ridiculous!" said Shane with a sigh, "Well, let's go in and get this over with."
Normally this building filled Shane with hope and optimism. Physical therapy represented healing and progress, but today she would rather be anywhere else. Her biggest worry was that she had hit a wall and that walking independently would be unattainable.
Oliver checked his watch as he opened her car door, "We have approximately three minutes to check in and still be on time."
"Great." said Shane, not really caring about their promptness this morning.
She used her cane and walked slowly into the building with Oliver by her side. Heather McInerney sat just inside the door, surprising both Shane and Oliver.
"Oh good...your doctor asked me to be here today, but she wouldn't say what for. Is everything alright?" asked Heather as she stood and gave Shane a side hug.
Oliver and Shane looked at one another and a question passed silently between them. Why would Dr. Noom ask Heather to be here, unless it was bad news?
"I'm...I'm not sure," replied Shane. Her mind was on overdrive.
"Shane?" said a nurse to the nearly empty waiting room. "Your team is ready to see you now."
The nurse was smiling big and Shane couldn't tell if it was out of politeness or if she was actually a bit excited. Her 'team' consisted of a nurse, two physical therapists, and Dr. Noom.
"Okay," said Shane as she squared her shoulders and walked to the back room, Oliver and Heather close behind.
The nurse gestured for them to sit in three chairs facing one other chair. Dr. Noom came in and greeted them, taking the fourth chair. The nurse stood there smiling and Shane's therapists were busy prepping for what appeared to be a normal day of therapy.
After initial greetings, Dr. Noom wasted no time. She struck Shane as someone who was in high demand in the medical community, and was therefore as efficient as possible.
"You may be wondering why I asked your husband and mother to be present today." she said, looking at Shane and smiling.
All Shane could manage was a slight smile and a nod in response, her heart beating fast.
"Well, they have both been incredibly supportive of you, right from the beginning of your recovery. I thought you'd like them both to be here when you take your first unassisted steps." said Dr. Noom.
Shane stared at her blankly, trying to register what she was saying. The relief washed over her. There was nothing wrong. Almost simultaneously, a feeling of panic had begun to rise in her chest.
Heather had immediately gasped and looked at Shane, eyes already threatening happy tears.
Oliver swallowed hard and put on a reassuring smile as he removed his arm from around her shoulders and took her hand in his.
Shane squeezed his hand tightly as she stared at Dr. Noom. First steps? As in multiple? She thought of the few times she stood without any support, but she didn't think she was quite ready to walk.
Shane attempted to find her voice. "Um, I don't think I'm ready to...are you sure?"
Dr. Noom smiled, "Julie told me after your last session that she thought you were ready. She is rarely, if ever, wrong."
Julie, Shane's favorite physical therapist, smiled from across the room.
Shane gave a forced laugh, "I may be the one exception."
"No problem there." said Dr. Noom. "If it's too soon, we'll try again another time. But Shane, I've been doing this for many years. Most people are physically ready before they are mentally prepared. After our assessments and team meeting, we could see it was time."
"Okay," said Shane, before she had time to talk herself out of it. "I'll try." She felt her heart racing and hands shaking as her mom gave her a side hug with words of encouragement that she barely heard. Oliver helped her stand and walk to the middle of the room. She leaned heavily on her cane with each step, trying to imagine not having it there to lean on. She wanted to walk again, more than anything! But was it actually possible?
Oliver was outwardly composed, but had been inwardly irritated. How could they surprise her with something like this? He had felt her grip his hand tightly and saw the look on her face. He felt the need to defend, to protect. And then she had said she would try. He glanced sideways as they walked and although he could sense her anxiety, he also saw a fire of determination in her eyes. He felt a warmth fill him. This happened often and the only way he could explain it to himself is that his love and admiration for Shane was growing once again.
"Oliver," said Dr. Noom, "We'll have you stand here, across from Shane, so she has a goal to walk towards." He nodded and reluctantly let go of Shane's hand as she grabbed on to the stability bars she'd used many times before.
Oliver stood across from her and found himself smiling. His feelings must have found their way out of his eyes and across to Shane because she gave him that smile, the one that she saved just for him. There was so much meaning behind it, more than words could possibly convey. The warmth filled him once again. He thought of everything she had been through, how far she had come in such a short time.
"You got this, honey!" said Heather, cheering from the sidelines.
"Okay, Shane," said Julie, "Walk along with the stability bars and then when you reach the end attempt to walk toward Oliver." She turned, "Oliver, your challenge is not to reach out and help too soon. Wait until she is in that square on the floor."
Oliver swallowed hard and nodded, nearly as nervous as Shane. He looked down at the floor. Three steps. Three full steps. That's how far she had to go.
"Remember Shane, your right leg is still stronger and will try to take over, but when you have to lift that leg, your left has got to step in and do it's part." explained Julie. "Take your time."
Shane took a deep breath and looked down at her legs, giving her body an internal pep talk. She then began to move, gripping the stability bars tightly. When she reached the end and it was nearly time to let go, she looked up at Oliver. His eyes locked with hers and she knew he believed she could do it. She thought of all the times before she'd silently gathered strength from his confidence. He believed in her and in a higher power that was helping them both. She took a deep breath and let go of the bars.
Instantly Shane felt muscles engage in a way they had not for many months. She struggled to steady herself, nearly falling simply trying to stand without any support.
Oliver's hand had twitched when she looked as if she may fall, but he had held his ground with a look from Dr. Noom.
"Good." said Julie, once Shane had stabilized. "Now, left leg first."
Shane leaned heavily on her right leg, her stronger leg, as she brought her left leg forward. She later described it to Oliver as if she was dragging lead through sand. Her muscles protested, her heart rate increased rapidly, but finally she lifted her leg slightly and brought it forward a few inches.
"Great!" said Julie excitedly, moving in to stand closer to Shane, the other therapist on her opposite side. Shane was frozen. Julie spoke softly, "Allow your left leg to support you, Shane. It's stronger than you think it is."
They all heard Shane take a deep breath as she shifted her weight and lifted her right leg off the floor, moving it forward several inches. Baby steps.
Heather clapped. She couldn't help it. Oliver stood there grinning, wanting to embrace Shane, but trying to be patient.
Shane almost fell as she took her next small step, but she recovered and kept going. She felt as if she were dragging her left leg along, but she was moving forward!
She finally made it to Oliver. As the room burst into applause, Shane placed her arms around his neck and he lifted her off the ground in an embrace. Oliver noticed she was shaking from the effort and then realized she was also sobbing.
"I did it." she whispered in his ear.
A lump rose in Oliver's throat, "You did."
After a minute he lowered her down to the floor carefully. She turned to face everyone, leaning heavily on Oliver's arm, smiling through tears.
"Very good, Shane," said Dr. Noom, her own eyes glistening. "I have to leave for a scheduled surgery. Julie will fill you in on the therapy plan going forward." She stood to leave, stopped and turned, then gave Shane an unexpected hug. "Congratulations." she whispered. She then turned and left.
"Wow," said Julie. "I've never seen her hug anyone."
"You must be her favorite!" exclaimed Heather.
"Well," said Julie, "Shane's injury is complex. The chances of her recovering this well were slim. But with the new treatments and therapy, Dr. Noom can help a lot more people like Shane." Julie paused, "I think you gave her hope."
"It's really a miracle," said Heather.
"We believe in those," said Shane as she looked up at Oliver.
Oliver grinned, "Yes, we do."
