A Valentine's Day like no other.
Everyone is looking forward to Valentine's Day, but not everything goes according to plan. But the POstables don't forget that Valentine's Day is also send messages of love and affection to family, friends, all those who made their lives special. This story is inspired by the movies From the Heart and The Vows We Had Made. The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.
Saturday, February 12, 2022.
O'Toole family home.
"Mom. What are you doing? I thought you were taking a nap." Shane remarked , while she descended the stairs.
"No, I couldn't sleep. I was looking at that old photo album. And look what I found, your very first Valentine's Day card, when you were in second grade, the one from Joe Cook." Sharon smiled.
"And he punched me in the shoulder in the playground, I remember that. He had written in big letters, Happy Valentine's Day. Daddy didn't want us to touch his princess." Shane laughed."
"You know what, your father would be thrilled that you married Oliver." Sharon says as Shane wiped away her tears.
"You're right...Do you think Oliver will still be sending me Valentine's Day cards?"Shane asks.
"Possibly... And why don't you send him a card, too." Sharon remarked, smiling.
Just then the front door rang and Shane rushed to open it. She didn't recognize Hazel immediately, because her face was hidden by a huge bouquet of red roses.
"Hi Shane. And here's to you... This year you'll get all your Valentine's Day cards, and even a bouquet of flowers. But I don't understand why Oliver didn't just give you the card and the flowers. It's easier." Hazel exclaimes.
Shane rushed to open the envelope, while Hazel, curious, discreetly raised her eyes above the bouquet of flowers, to read the card too.
Dear Shane,
On a Monday in June, at 8:30 in the morning, I fell in love at first sight.
A love at first sight for you.
In weightlessness, in cyberspace,
I fell in love with your eyes so blue.
It was not a dream, you were indeed an angel.
It was you, the only one I was waiting for,
You, who recovered the missing leaves of my life,
You, who freed my fears, learned to love.
You offered me your love and your heart forever.
You and I, continue we both this beautiful journey of love,
To dancing, for eternity
Happy Valentine's Day, my Shane.
Oliver.
"Oliver is so adorable... You know Hazel, there is so much gratification, opening the mailbox, and reading beautiful cards, written from the heart." She smiles.
"That's right...Have a nice day with your mom." Hazel exclaimed with a smile before leaving.
Shane, surprise, se retourna vers la maison et vit sa mère regarder par la fenêtre, puis éclata de rire.
"So, it looks like you've been spoiled this year." Sharon remarked after Shane went inside.
"Indeed. Speaking about romance, did you ever think about...you know..." Shane began as she put the roses in a vase.
"Marry me again? No, I didn't. I knew how much your father's departure had affected you. I didn't want to put you both through that. I preferred to focus on my two lovely daughters and keep sending them Valentine's cards." Sharon smiled.
"That's sweet of you. So for Monday, you?" Shane asked.
"Your mother has it all planned out. I'm going to the Valentine's Day party, which is at the Mailbox Grille. Ramon is taking care of everything."
"You're going with Ramon!" Shane exclaimed.
"No! Ramon is handling the party. It was Joe who told me it would be fun to go. Well, I'm going to leave you and go home. Say hello to Oliver for me. I'll call you later!" Sharon exclaimed , humming before leaving.
It was 7:00 p.m. when Shane was rereading her Valentine's cards over and over again. Suddenly, she heard keys being turned in the lock, then stood up with a smile.
"Honey, I'm home!" Oliver exclaimed as he walked home.
He took off his coat, and turned to Shane. He smiled, then walked over to her, and hugged her.
"Good evening Oliver, I missed you. Did you have a good day with your dad?" Shane asks.
"Good evening my love. Yes, a great day with Dad. I know you like me to spend time with him. And I appreciate that. I've been looking forward back home to see you." Oliver says, before kissing her.
"Perfect. I received from a gentleman a beautiful love card and flowers. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart."
"My pleasure . And that gentleman managed to cut out a perfect heart this time." Oliver smiled.
"He did ! " She laughs." Your words touched me so much, Oliver. I can't wait until we have our romantic dinner at Montaldo's, on Monday." Shane whispered before kissing him.
Monday, February 14, Dead Letter Office.
"Are you okay Shane? You seem distracted this morning." Rita remarked with a smile.
"I'm just contemplative. I'm really looking forward to tonight!" Shane exclaimed.
"Glad you're feeling happy because last time it was something like this. No, Valentine's Day is... It's about romance, and there's nothing romantic about me and Oliver... Chemistry does not a romance make, Rita. Don't end a sentence with a preposition." Rita said, mimicking Shane's voice.
"Rita, please, stop it, you're too funny!" Shane bursts out laughing
"My pleasure. I'll bring the certified returns to Oliver and Norman, in the terminal annex" Rita said before picking up a box and then Shane's phone rang.
"Okay... Yes, Shane O'Toole... What?" Shane exclaimed into the phone.
"Shane is everything all right?" The postal detective asks, after returning to the DLO.
"Oliver... Montaldo's just called. Their walk-in cooler has broken down. They had to cancel all their reservations for today and tomorrow and..."
"There is a time for everything." Oliver added,
"Oliver, darling, you look really relaxed. You realize this is our first Valentine's Day, married to each other. I really wanted it to be something unique. Where are we going to spend the evening?" Shane asks, disappointed.
The postal detective thought for a moment and then smiled.
"How about we go to the place where it all began?" Oliver suggested.
Mailbox Grille.
"Oliver! When you said where it all began. I was thinking about coffee." Shane said.
"I thought it would be nice to come here. The Mailbox Grille is a familiar and traditional place." Oliver remarked.
"Norman, Rita? What are you doing here?" Shane exclaimed as her friends arrived.
"We had a table reservation at Montaldo's, so here we are." Rita replied.
"We should all have gone to dinner at a fancy taco truck." Norman added.
Everyone laughed.
"That's great, we are together. A POstables Valentine's day, wow ! The ambiance and the decor. Everything is really nice here. Ramon is the king of entertainment." Rita remarked while a jazz band finished playing..
"Oviler, Rita, Shane, Normando, my dear friends. Welcome to the restaurant of love!" Ramon exclaimed.
"This isn't the restaurant of love, it's the Mailbox Grille." Norman said.
"Love is cooked every day, Normando. Please. I've reserved the best table for you four.I'll be your DJ tonight." Ramon added as he led them into the restaurant, into a table.
"Shane, is that your mother dancing?" Rita asks, pushing up her glasses.
"Yes, it's her, the queen of Tango! Wait, to see her dance disco, she loves the 80s. "Shane said.
"She is really impressive !" Norman exclaimed.
"And I'd be happy to teach you some steps. Good evening everyone!" Sharon exclaimed as she arrived.
"Here's tonight's menu, pick what you want, I'll be back later. For the drinks, you can serve yourselves directly at the counter." Ramon explains as he handed them the menus.
"Hi kids! Nice that you're all here." Joe said as he arrived.
"Dad, will you go with me to get some Arnold Palmer and cocktails ?" Oliver asks.
Joe followed his son.
" Weren't you supposed to be at Montaldo's?" Joe asks.
"Nothing happens by chance, Dad. We only have to trust the timing."Oliver smiles.
"To be able to spend the evening of Valentine's Day with my son is a miracle. I love you son." Joe smiles.
"I love you too, Dad." Oliver whispered.
During dinner everyone told stories and laughed.
"Now I would like to make a toast. Because Valentine's Day is not only about romance, but it's also about celebrating different kinds of love, like friendship and family. I love you all and wish you all the happiness." Sharon states.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" Everyone exclaimed as they toasted.
Some time later, Ramon took control of the DJ decks.
" I love this song. It's time for Disco! Joe, are you coming with us?" Sharon asks, getting up, followed by Rita and Norman.
"Sure. I feel like I'm 20 years younger. Glad to be teaching these dear children about real dance." Joe replied .
"So, Shane, I hope you're not too disappointed." Oliver asks, after they had left.
"You're kidding! Look at Norman's funny dance. Valentine's with the POstables family, is a really great moment." She replied with a long smile to the postal detective.
"Good. I have a last surprise for you, at home. If you're not too tired, of course."
"Ooh.I can't wait." Shane exclaimed.
O'Toole family home.
"Is it romantic enough?" The postal detective asked as Shane walked down the stairs into the living room.
"Wow! A nice fireplace, soft jazz music, candles, chocolates, and a gentleman, yes, it's really romantic. I guess it's the end of the evening you were expecting, Mr. O'Toole." Shane replied with a wink.
The postal detective held out his right hand and they began to dance.
"That's right, only with you.". He whispered in her ear."Why this long smile, Miss McInerney?" The postal detective asks, smiling.
"I was thinking about my lost Valentine's cards in that box...Come to think of it, it was really funny. "She laughed." By the way, I'm sure you've received a lot of Valentine's Day cards, in your life." Shane remarked with a wink..
"Not, really." He replied with a small smile.
"Really? Even when you were with her ... She never...
"Never...My grandmother was the only one who sent me handmade cards. " Oliver relates.
" Because she loved you so much. Oliver, you taught me the power of words. And tonight, I would like to share mines with you." Shane smiles.
"What do you mean?" Oliver asked as they stopped dancing and his wife went to a drawer.
"Well...I never sent a Valentine's card. You're my first and only Valentine." Shane said, handing him an envelope.
"It's handmade... It's..." Moved, Oliver couldn't find his words.
"Just open it." She smiled.
Then, he opened the envelope to read the card.
Dear Oliver,
I've been thinking that Valentine's day isn't only a way to celebrate the multi-faceted nature of love as defined by the greeks. This Valentine's day might present the perfect opportunity to say how much I love you. My heart belongs to you today and always. You make me smile and happy. You are everything to me and I can't imagine life without you by my side.
Happy Valentine's day, my dear Oliver.
Shane O'Toole.
"I know I'm not as good with words as you are. But I... Oliver, is everything okay?" Shane asks, surprised.
" I've never received a beautiful card like this. ... I love you Shane, I love you." Oliver whispered.
"I love you too." Shane whispered in her turn.
They both smiled for a few seconds and then, they kissed tenderly for a long time, celebrating they first valentines day married.
The End.
Author's note : Thank you all for reading this story. Have a nice day. :)