Wedding Week - Friday

Chapter 21 SKUNKS

"We can't get married there tomorrow. What are we going to do?" Rita asked devastated the church they were meant to be married in was taken over by skunks. They were standing in the hallway of the Brown Palace Hotel after reuniting Jessica & her mother.

Oliver and Shane gazed at each other having just told each other they loved one another. They both wanted the time to revel in the moment but knew they needed to be there for Norman and Rita. It was going to take a massive amount of work to switch venues before the next day.

Oliver looked at the couple uncertainly asking, "How do you both feel about getting married at the Kelser Farm in the educational center?

Shane sighed a little skeptical but knew they didn't have many options. "It is officially finished."

Norman and Rita looked at each other before Rita replied. "It doesn't matter where it happens as long as we're able to get married and be together." Norman nodded in agreement.

Shane gave Rita a hug before taking charge. "I'll call the Kelser's to make sure there won't be any problems moving things last minute. Rita, call your dad and make sure there's not a reason we can't fit everyone in the barn. We'll need to call Joe and ask him to find a place to rent chairs and tables in time to deliver them for tomorrow then meet us at the Kelser's. It's going to be a long night."

Before they all stepped back to make their phone calls Norman looked at Shane and Oliver gratefully. "Operation Skunks is a go."

"Oh, no, no, no." Shane shook her head emphatically, "Norman work on the name while we're making calls."

Oliver shook his head laughing. "I'll pull the car around so it's ready to go when you're done with your calls."

It was a long night as they all worked tirelessly to move the wedding to the Kelser Farm. When they arrived the Kelser women jumped in to help unpack, decorate, and keep everyone replenished with food and drinks as they worked. Abby enjoyed all the activity excited about seeing her first wedding. Joe noticed Oliver and Shane exchanging looks across the barn from each other throughout the evening. Their eyes regularly searching to find the other. Joe could tell something had shifted and the awkwardness had passed. After bringing in the last load of chairs, Joe walked in to see Shane leaning against the wall as she was sorting through tablecloths. Nudging Oliver Joe gestured to Shane, "She's almost asleep on her feet. I don't think she should be driving herself home."

Oliver watched Shane yawning, "We've gotten a lot done we can finish up in the morning. I need to check in with Norman then I'll drive Shane home. She's had a couple late nights in a row." He went to speak to Norman who was helping Bill maneuver a cow who was obviously not ready to leave. "Norman?"

"Arabelle keeps stealing the decorations. She won't leave them alone." Norman was huffing as he was pushing from behind and Bill was pulling from the front. Arabelle was not moving as she was still chewing on a bow Bill was trying to retrieve while attempting to get her to move. Joe trying not to laugh at the struggle came over to help. Norman was thrilled to take a break not exactly in his element with the cow.

"Are you on your way out?" Norman asked.

"Yes, Shane's exhausted. We'll be back in the morning to help finish.

Norman had noticed the looks between them as well. "So…things with Shane they're going well."

"Yes. Yes, they are. Earlier at the Brown Palace I told her I loved her."

Norman grinned, "Well that's great." He looked puzzled, "When did you manage that?"

Oliver shook his head, "Right before you started exclaiming about skunks."

Norman winced, "Timing…Yikes."

"We neither one will ever forget the moment." Oliver replied with a rueful grin. "The important thing my friend is you are getting married, and everything is still on schedule."

"It's hard to believe this time tomorrow I'll no longer be single, and that Ramon was the one to marry us," Norman said incredulously.

Keeping in mind some of their previous conversations, "Everything ready for the honeymoon with the Starcruiser?"

"It's all gassed up and ready to go. The canoe is strapped on with extra lifejackets." Oliver smiled knowing Norman wasn't overly thrilled with the gift of the canoe given his inability to swim.

"I'm sure it will be fun." Oliver said reassuringly. They finished going over the schedule for the big day and Oliver turned back to find Shane. Putting a hand on her shoulder Oliver said, "It's time to wrap up. We need to get some sleep and can pick things up in the morning. I let Norman know we were leaving. I'll drive you home."

Shane smiled at him grateful they'd have some time alone together. Settling into the car Shane said, "Thank you for driving me home."

"My dad was afraid you were going to fall asleep on your feet. It's been a long day."

"It's been a great day." Shane replied reaching her hand across the seat towards him while looking at him tenderly.

He lifted her hand kissing the back of it and rubbing it against his cheek before returning his hand to the wheel, "It's been a memorable day."

"You can say that again." Shane said laughing. "Cows, skunks…I love you's. That's quite a mix."

"My favorite part being the last bit. Moving the cows wasn't easy." Oliver admitted chuckling.

Shane giggled, "Oliver you're wearing a suit. You weren't exactly dressed for the occasion. I think Suki is going to end up attending the wedding. Abby said Suki was stubborn the first time we were out at the farm. I about died laughing when Norman started trying to move her and Suki just sat down wanting to watch everything that was going on in the barn."

"Well, I didn't expect to end up moving cows when I started out this morning. I'm amazed we got an entire wedding shifted to a different location."

"I'm glad everything worked out. It could have been a disaster." Shane sighed, "They belong together. I didn't want to see that disrupted."

"They do belong together."

"How's Norman handling his impeding nuptials?" Shane asked.

Oliver grinned, "Overall well. Although I think he's still concerned about Ramon, the canoe, and driving the Starcruiser around."

"That thing is a beast." Shane agreed laughing softly.

Arriving at Shane's house, Oliver walked her to the door unlocking it for her and stepping inside as she took off her coat. "I wish I could stay for a little while, but we've got another long day tomorrow." Leaning back against the door, he took her hand gently pulling her into his arms having waited all day to hold her.

"I know," Shane sighed regretfully sliding her arms around his neck. Oliver leaned down finally able to hold her, to kiss her, the way he'd wanted to earlier in the day when he'd told her he loved her. Savoring the moment, her hand drifted along his neck leisurely playing with the tips of his hair before her hand meandered further into its thickness. Oliver pulled her close wrapping his arms around her, running a hand slowly along her back, while the other hand dove into her hair. Their lips met not holding back now they were alone. They lingered neither one wanting to let go. When they finally broke apart, Shane leaned her forehead against his. "I love you Oliver. So much." It was refreshing to be able to express her feelings after holding back for so long.

A hand still stroked her hair with the other holding her against him. "Shane…I was so afraid…of making a mistake with you…of rushing things." He sighed trying to explain why it took him so long to express how he felt. Cupping her face with his hands, "I love you…I love being with you." He couldn't resist taking her lips again before slowly letting her go.

She brushed a hand against his cheek in understanding. "Every time you cared; your world fell apart. This time it's different. We're different together." She sighed. "Oliver it's late. Will you call me when you get home? Let me know you made it safely." He nodded her fingers brushing against his lips as he stepped away.

When Oliver reached home, he changed sitting down to call Shane. "Hello, my love. I made it home."

Shane smiled at his greeting. "Thanks for calling."

"I didn't want you to worry." Oliver could tell she was already half asleep. "Sleep well Shane."

"Goodnight Oliver. Love you." She replied sleepily before turning over still smiling as she fell asleep.