Chapter 3

Shane and Oliver enjoyed greeting everyone coming through the reception line at the Balistreri Vineyard. Family, friends from the post office & church, people the Postables had met over the years all arrived to celebrate. After most were done eating, Ramon announced the first dance for the new couple playing 'Moon River.' Shane and Oliver moved onto the dance floor contemplating about how far they'd come from the first time they danced to 'Moon River' the first week they met.

At the beginning of the next song, Oliver went to Shane's mother, "Mrs. McInerney, may I have this dance?" Joe joined Shane on the dance floor. Ramon played Rascal Flatt's 'God Bless the Broken Road' while they were dancing with their parents then opened the dance floor for the rest of the guests.

Later the Postables were dancing to Jack Johnson's 'It's Always Better When We're Together,' when Shane nudged Oliver and nodded her head in the direction of their parents as Ramon started another song.

Joe approached Shane's mother, "Anna, may I have this dance?" They joined the younger crowd out on the floor.

"I can tell your son loves Shane very much."

"They didn't always have an easy path, but they made it," Joe responded.

"Thank you for taking Shane under your wing. Her father wasn't, well, made to be a father."

Joe shook his head, "I can say the same thing about Oliver's mother."

"How long do you think it's going to be before Gryffin or Raven chew up something of Oliver's?"

Joe laughed, "Only Shane could have convinced him to let dogs into their home. She assured me it was the best way to ease Oliver into the chaos that children inevitably bring." Watching her mother, he could see glimmers of Shane's mannerisms and humor. They talked until the end of the dance and went outside to see the rest of the vineyard. They stopped on the way to look at the multimedia display Anna and Shane put together. The couple had asked for donations, instead of gifts, to Safe Haven, a women & children's shelter. They'd put together a slide show with information on the shelter, the shelter's needs, and where the donations were earmarked.

Shane watched them walk outside curiously, "What do you think that's about?"

"I think they're just getting to know each other," Oliver responded his mind on other matters. "Have I told you yet how absolutely beautiful you are." He laid his cheek against hers while dancing moving his hand softly down the open back of her dress to the small of her back. Shane warmed feeling his skin brushing against hers. He whispered in her ear, "Shane, my love, my wife, I'm looking forward to loving you tonight all night."

Shane rubbed her cheek against his before reassuring him, "It won't be long. We can ask Ramon to round people up to start the toasts and cut the cake." She signaled to Rita who went to talk to Ramon.

Joe started the toasts off, "When I met Shane, I knew she'd be good for Oliver, help shake him up a little. Shane you've become the daughter I never had. It's a pleasure watching you bring the unexpected into Oliver's life. Oliver, I wish you well in keeping up with Shane as you never know where she'll take your life next."

Oliver looked at Shane laughing as she good naturedly eyed his father.

Norman went next, "For those of you that don't know me, I have an endless number of cousins. I didn't have a brother until I met Oliver and I found a sister in Shane. I wish both of you the best as you start your new life together. I know you'll find as much happiness as Rita and I have." Shane leaned over to hug Norman.

Shane's mother, Anna, struggled not to cry, "Oliver I've seen you bring joy back into Shane's life. Watching the love that's grown between the two of you warms my heart. I look forward to having you as a son and watching the love between you continue to strengthen through the years. To many more years of happiness. Please don't wait too long on the grandchildren." Shane & Oliver laughed.

Rita looked at them both with tears in her eyes, "From the first time you quit the DLO and Oliver followed you to bring you back, I knew our lives were going to change. Norman and I watched the two of you become friends and then fall in love. You bring out the best in each other. Here's to many more years of joy, laughter and togetherness."

After cutting the cake, Ramon gathered up the single women in preparation for Shane to throw the bouquet. Not moving out of the way quickly enough Ramon found himself in the middle of the group. When Shane turned to throw the bouquet, Ramon unexpectedly caught it. Completely taken off guard Ramon quickly got the dancing going again.

Shane found herself back in Oliver's arms dancing to Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes.' Both thinking about the changes in their relationship since the first time they danced to the song, Shane said, "There's a few more people we need to see, then I was going to change before we leave. "

"Change?"

"Into a travel dress."

Oliver moved his hand on her back gently bringing her closer to him before leaning his head down to her ear. "Shane the day in the DLO I buttoned up that lost wedding dress. Since that day, I've been waiting for the moment I help you out of the dress you were meant to wear as my wife." Shane stopped for a moment not able to breath or move shocked by his declaration and overcome by the same desire.

"Or we could keep dancing instead," Shane said breathlessly. Oliver smiled satisfied slowly dancing with her again not letting any space between them taking pleasure in the feel of her against him.

As they were saying goodbye to guests, Rita asked Shane, "I thought you were going to change before leaving?"

Glancing at Oliver talking to her mother Shane said, "Oh, I changed my mind at the last minute." She gave Rita a hug goodbye before walking over to Oliver.

Joining Oliver Shane heard her mother ask, "You'll take good care of my girl?"

"Always." Oliver responded giving her a hug.

Shane hugged her mother good-bye, "We take care of each other. Have a good trip back home and we'll see you for Thanksgiving."