Chapter 28

The week of Christmas was full of last-minute preparations. Cassie & Phoebe helped with the Dear Santa project as well as keeping track of the doodles for the events they were attending. Shane had gotten them both hats for the week. One said, "Doodle Wrangler" and the other said, "Santa's Elf." The two teenagers coming and going with the dogs intermittently added to the festive atmosphere around the DLO which drew even more staff from other offices to stop in for a break. Oliver could tell Shane was enjoying all the activity. The day of the Christmas Ball they worked through lunch to finish everything in time for the evening.

Norman and Oliver arrived at the Christmas Ball early. Shane and Rita had left work earlier to get their hair done and were meeting up with them at the Ball. Oliver saw them first. When Norman saw Oliver's slow smile of appreciation, he turned to look. Shane and Rita entered both wearing new dresses that hugged their figures. "Norman my friend, when you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love."

"Shakespeare?" Norman asked.

"Marcus Aurelias."

As the women approached Oliver said, "Ladies you both look lovely tonight."

"You two look quite handsome yourselves." Shane said running a hand down his arm. They collected food and drinks before finding a place to sit. After finishing their dinner, Norman asked Rita to dance. Shane sighed leaning towards Oliver, "These crazy kids grow up so fast these days. Remember when Norman was afraid to dance with her. Now they're beating us to the floor."

Oliver chuckled shaking his head. "Why don't we join them." Oliver stood putting his hand out to take her out on the floor. They spent the rest of the evening dancing. When they got home, Oliver let the dogs out while Shane got ready for bed. Getting a drink in the kitchen she found him putting on a record. "Oliver?"

"One more dance?" He asked putting his hand out.

"I'm a little underdressed." Shane said smiling thinking they were an odd picture her in 'Have a Merry Doodle Christmas' pj's and him still in his tux his untied bowtie hanging around his neck.

"You're stunning whatever your attire." Oliver said seriously. Billy Joel's 'She's Got A Way About Her' started playing. Oliver pulled her close and tired Shane laid her head on his chest. Moving slowly together more swaying then dancing, Oliver breathed in her perfume that lingered from earlier in the evening.

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
She's got a way of pleasin', mmh
I don't know what it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway

She's got a smile that heals me, mmh
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way of talkin', mmh
I don't know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walkin'
Anywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around
She's got a way of showin', mmh
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on goin'
She's got a light around her, ooh
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around, ooh, oho
She's got a smile that heals me, mmh
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way about her, mmh
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway, hey

"Tonight, was quite enjoyable," Oliver said rubbing his cheek against the top of her head.

Shane picked up the ends of his bowtie using them to pull him closer to kiss him. "It was a lot of fun, but it's time to turn in party animal. We still have a lot to do tomorrow."

Oliver smiled turning off the album and following her to finish getting ready for bed. By the time he joined her she was fast asleep. Wrapping an arm around her he worried that she'd taken on too much over the week.

Waking her the next morning with coffee in a 'Look at me moving to Denver' cup, Oliver wished he could let her continue sleeping. Rubbing her eyes, "Surely you're joking. Didn't we just go to sleep?" Shane asked not even reaching for the coffee.

"It feels that way. I already took the dogs out and let you sleep longer. I'm afraid it's time to get up."

"I'm up. I'm up." She said sitting up and taking the coffee.

"Merry Christmas Eve," Oliver said kissing the top of her head.

Arriving at the DLO, Norman and Rita were already in the middle of finishing off projects. They all worked until early afternoon. Since Oliver was singing at the Christmas Eve Service at church, Shane and Oliver left to eat an early dinner and take care of the dogs. As Joe and Leah joined Shane in a pew, she hugged them both. Since it was her first Christmas Eve service she'd attended since she was a child, Shane was happy they were accompanying her. The choir sang several Christmas songs throughout the service. After the pastor gave his sermon Oliver, Dale and two other choir members stepped forward to sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Knowing Shane Joe leaned over to Leah asking if she had any Kleenex before handing one over to Shane who smiled wryly at him while she teared up listening to Oliver. After the main part of the service was over the choir members left the choir loft to sit with their families for the candlelit portion of the service. Sitting down Oliver slid his arm around Shane's shoulders. Everyone sang Christmas hymns while candles were slowly lit across the sanctuary. Watching the light slowly moving through the crowd, Shane felt a blanket of peace wash over her. After the last candle was lit, the congregation sang Silent Night before blowing out their candles.

While Oliver returned his choir robe, Shane spoke with Joe & Leah sorting out when they were coming for breakfast Christmas morning. "You're sure I can't bring anything?" Leah asked.

"Just bring yourselves and relax. We're looking forward to having everyone over after the marathon the last month has been. Working for Santa definitely keeps you busy during December." Oliver joined them just in time to hear Shane's last comment.

A little girl walking by heard her as well. Tugging on Oliver's jacket she asked, "Does she really work for Santa?"

Oliver leaned over glancing around furtively, "Shh. It's supposed to be a secret. Mrs. O'Toole needs to work a little harder at keeping secrets. You don't want to get her in trouble with Santa, do you?" Joe was having a hard time not snickering.

"No." Looking at Shane, the girl said, "My mom says practice makes perfect. You should really practice on the secret keeping thing."

Duly chastised Shane answered, "I'll work really hard on it this next year." After the girl walked away, "Thanks for the save Mr. O'Toole."

"Anytime Mrs. O'Toole." Oliver said magnanimously as they started towards the door.

Joe couldn't contain it anymore and started laughing. "If only that child knew what kind of secrets Shane keeps." Leah looked at Joe curiously wondering what he was talking about. "We'll see you kids tomorrow morning," Joe said taking Leah's hand as both couples parted getting swept away in the crowd exiting.

Shane turned the Christmas music down low in the car on the way home. "You all sounded great tonight. The candlelight part of the service was beautiful. It's been such a long time since I sat through one."

"It's been a few years for me as well. The last few years I tended to work late Christmas Eve. I thought it was important to spend Christmas Eve as a family this year. Start developing our own traditions." Shane reached her hand over in the middle of the seat and he weaved his fingers between hers holding on until they reached home. They got a few things ready for the next day. After taking the dogs for a walk, Shane made some of the advent calendar tea she'd gotten Oliver. Knowing the next day would get hectic, they curled up on the couch with their tea reading the story of Jesus' birth together in the bible before going to bed.