Chapter 18
The next morning Shane organized a conference call with Becky and Audrey. Anna sat in since it was originally her idea. They brainstormed how they could organize and get the word out in time for the following week. Becky and Shane took point on getting the social media buzz going. Audrey sorted out what staff they'd need involved and Anna ordered Pilgrim costumes for the dogs to be overnighted. Anna was thrilled to see Shane getting enthused about something.
Before long it was time to go to Joe's for lunch. The dogs jumped out of the car to see Joe excited to be reunited with their hiking and gardening buddy.
"This is beautiful, Joe." Anna said.
"It's my little slice of retirement heaven." He answered. "It's good to see you out," Joe said giving Shane a hug. They ate on the deck by an outdoor heater letting the dogs run around.
"How are things going with Leah?" Shane asked.
"Well, she's started coming to garden with me on the days she's not working. Leah isn't big on hiking, but she likes sitting on the boat with the doodles reading when we go fishing. I've gotten to know a lot about antiques, and she's learned a lot about the post office. She really likes the doodles."
"What's not to like?" Shane said laughing watching them rolling down a hill before running up to roll again.
Anna was relieved to hear Shane laugh. She had been so quiet and preoccupied since Anna had arrived. Anna didn't want the preoccupation turning into depression. Joe asked Anna about her job in Virginia.
"It's going well. I've been able to start working remote on and off which has been a nice perk with the company. It's allowed me time to travel a little more this last year. I've been meaning to ask you, besides being close to Oliver, what made you decide to retire here?"
"I've always liked the mountains and it's easy access from here. There's so much to do in Denver but the main draw was being closer to Oliver."
"I'm only a couple years away from when I could potentially retire. I've started thinking about different options. Cost of living on the east coast keeps increasing and most of my friends have moved over the last couple years. The only thing keeping me there is my job."
Surprised Shane asked, "Are you thinking about moving when you retire?"
"I'm considering different options. Alex travels so frequently for her job that she's never home. I was considering Denver long term." As the temperature dropped slightly Joe handed Anna a blanket before wrapping another around Shane.
"Why don't you let Leah and I take you out for a drive Friday? We could show you the different neighborhoods around Denver. She's lived here longer than I have. Also, she's really into local history and could tell you more about the different neighborhoods."
Anna & Shane told him about the plans for the doodles to conduct children's tours at the post office the couple days before Thanksgiving. Joe volunteered to help if they needed any more volunteers. The doodles had worn themselves out and came back to lay by the fire. Anna could tell Shane was fading and mentioned she should probably return to the house to get some work done knowing Shane wouldn't want to admit she needed to go home to rest. Joe helped them get the dogs into the back seat of the car.
Joe put a hand on Shane's shoulder before she entered the car, "You'll let me know if you need anything?"
"Yes Dad." She said cheekily.
He hugged her saying, "I'm worried about you."
More seriously she responded, "I know. I'll be fine." Putting a hand on his cheek, "We both will."
Driving back to the house Shane asked, "When did you start thinking about moving?"
"After selling the house, both of you are grown and moved on with your own lives. I'd like to continue traveling more and Denver is centrally located with the bonus of already having family here."
"It would be nice to be able to see you more often."
Anna worked the rest of the afternoon while Shane slept. Oliver arrived home a little early worried that Shane had overdone it going to his dad's place for lunch. When he arrived home, she was still sleeping.
"How'd today go?"
"She was fine. Had a good meeting with Becky & Audrey this morning. Actually, she started laughing at the dogs rolling down the hill at your dad's house."
Oliver smiled faintly, "I bet that was good to hear."
"Yes. Yes, it was." Anna said knowing he'd understand.
Walking into the bedroom, Raven was on the bed curled up with Shane. Knowing she wasn't supposed to be, she gave Oliver a guilty look before sliding off the bed waking Shane up. Oliver shook his head before leaning over to kiss Shane.
"That's a wonderful way to wake up." Shane said wrapping her arms around his neck. "How'd work go today?"
"All was well. I missed looking over and seeing you working on your computer." Oliver admitted drawing the back of his finger down her cheek before pushing her hair back from her face. "Hearing you laugh with Rita."
"I could always…"
He kissed her again. "Not a chance." He answered. "I did bring a list home from Rita though." Trying to compromise.
They joined Anna for dinner and spent the evening playing a rather competitive game of scrabble.