Forever, My Love
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the SSD characters and canon. All credits belong to the incredibly gifted & talented Martha Williamson, Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Geoff Gustafson, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, & Gregory Harrison. Anything mentioned is for storyline purposes only No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 1
The time on Oliver's pocket watch read 10 PM. He sat at his desk trying to help put clues together for the letter, but he was having difficult time focusing as he couldn't keep his eyes off of his beautiful bride. Sitting at her desk in her wedding dress, he thought she looked like an angel & he still couldn't believe she would be his forever. Things were no different for Shane. She tried getting some research done on her computer but all she could think about was her handsome husband as she fingered the "Forever" necklace he had given her & shared occasional loving gazes with him.
These loving gazes didn't go unnoticed by Rita & Norman. They shared an understanding look as Rita spoke up. "Shane, Oliver?"
Shane looked up from her computer at Rita and smiled. "Yes, Rita?"
Rita smiles back at her friend. "It's been a lot of fun starting work on another dead letter, but it is getting late, and Norman & I should probably head home."
Shane stands up from her desk. "I couldn't agree more, Rita. It was so much fun. I'm sorry we won't be much help over the next 2 weeks."
Rita approaches her friend and places a hand on her shoulder. "Shane. You do not have to apologize. We completely understand. Don't we, Norman?"
Norman gives Shane & Oliver a smile. "Of course, we do. We're so happy for both of you & praying for many blessings in this new chapter."
Oliver stands up from his desk and smiles. "Thank you, my friend." He takes a few steps to stand beside Shane, wrapping his right arm around her waist & sharing a loving glance with her then looks back at Norman. "It means the world to us that you were there to share our special day."
Rita chimes in. "Oliver, we love you both so much & there's no way we would've missed this. It was truly the most beautiful wedding and we've never seen you two look so happy."
Oliver gives his wife a loving smile. "We've never been so happy. It really has been the best day of our lives." He looks back at Rita. "We love you both & will definitely miss you while we're away."
"We'll miss y'all. Don't worry about the letter. Norman, Charlie, & I will take care of everything. You two just enjoy your honeymoon in London & we'll see you when you get back."
"Thank you, Rita. Shane & I know the DLO will be in great hands."
Norman smiles & nods. "We won't let you down."
Hugs were then exchanged between the four friends as Rita & Norman said their goodbyes & made their way out the door to head home leaving the newlyweds in the DLO all by themselves.
Knowing they were alone, Oliver turns to face Shane, gives her a loving gaze looking her up & down, then wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her deeply & passionately.
Shane wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with the hair at the back of his head as she kissed him back with just as much love & passion & soft moans escape their lips.
A few minutes later, they pulled apart from the kiss but kept their arms around each other as they leaned their foreheads together & shared a loving smile. "Oliver O'Toole. I love you so much."
"I love you." Oliver rests his hands on Shane's hips. "Do you have any idea how hard the past 2 hours have been not being able to hold you in my arms & kiss you?"
Shane smiles at her husband. "Yes, darling. I do because it's been hard for me too. All I've been able to think about is being in your arms & kissing you."
There was a short bout of silence as they just stared into each other's eyes with pure love and adoration.
"Shane. Have I mentioned how amazing this dress is? You are so beautiful & truly take my breath away. I just can't keep my eyes off of you."
Tears start forming in Shane's eyes as she places a hand on his cheek. "You're gonna make me cry." She gently runs her hands over his chest. "You're so handsome & I can't take my eyes off of you." She briefly pauses. "This all feels like a dream, you & I married. I've never been happier in my entire life."
"Neither have I, sweetheart." Oliver wraps his arms around her waist & places a kiss on her forehead then looks deep into her eyes. "You make me the happiest man alive." He gently holds her face in his hands and runs his thumbs along her cheeks. "And tonight, I fully intend on showing just how much I love you."
"My darling, Oliver. I can't wait to be with you completely." She runs both hands through his hair & smiles lovingly at him. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, I'm more than ready, my love."
After gathering their belongings, they make their way out to Oliver's car. Being the gentleman that he is, he opens her door & helps her inside then gives her a kiss before walking around to get in the driver's seat.
Taking him by surprise, she turns around in her seat, places her right hand on his cheek, then gives him a passionate kiss which he returns with just as much passion that he can given where they are.
"Ms. McInerney. If you keep kissing me like that, we'll never reach our destination."
Trying to do a little flirting of her own, she strokes his hair & gazes in his eyes. "Well, Mr. O'Toole. If you keep calling me Ms. McInerney, I can't promise that I won't kiss you again."
Oliver smiles back. "Fair enough although I do love kissing you."
She gives him another kiss on the lips. "And I love kissing you."
After sharing a smile, Oliver turns the car on then starts driving to what is now their home where they would spend their first night as husband & wife.
On the way, they held hands on the center console and shared occasional loving glances as they talked about number of different things like the wedding reception & just enjoyed each other's company.
Once they made it home & Oliver parked the car, he went around to open Shane's door & offer his hand which she happily took. She gazed at him lovingly & tried speaking in a southern accent. "Why thank you, Mr. O'Toole." She gets out of the car & places a kiss on Oliver's cheek. "I do believe you are the sweetest man I will ever know."
Oliver gently leans her against the car, places his hands on her hips, and gazes in her eyes. "You are the most amazing woman I will ever know, Shane McInerney O'Toole." He gently grabs her face in his hands and kisses her passionately.
She wraps her arms around his neck & plays with his hair as she kisses him back. "Darling." She gets interrupted by her husband kissing her again. "Oliver."
He leans his forehead and nose against hers. "Yes?"
Still playing with his hair, she starts flirting with him. "Let's go inside...now."
"There's no argument from me, Shane. I'm more than ready to be with you."
After another kiss, they walked hand in hand up the steps to the front door before Oliver reaches in his pocket to pull out the house key and unlock the door. He looks over and smiles as his bride. "Well, here we are, my love. Our home."
She gently takes his hand. "Our home. That has such a nice sound to it. I can't wait for all the amazing memories here. We're going to have a wonderful life together."
"I could not agree more." He doesn't take his eyes off of her. "This is the first night of the rest of our lives & I am so beyond happy I get to spend it with you."
"So am I." Taken by surprise by Oliver picking her up bridal style, she softly shouts his name. "Oliver! What are you...?"
He gazes at her & responds, finishing her sentence. "What am I doing? I'm carrying my beautiful wife over the threshold."
Shane runs one of her hands through his hair. "You are so cute." She briefly pauses getting lost in his blue eyes. "Kiss me, Oliver."
Not another word was spoken as Oliver gave Shane a smile, gently pulled her closer and then pressed his lips to hers giving her the sweetest kiss while carrying her over the threshold into their home and kicking the door closed with his foot.
Heading towards the stairs with Shane still in his arms, she briefly stops the kisses to remind him of something. "Oliver, darling. Don't you need to lock the door? We don't want any intruders, especially on this special night, do we?"
"No, we most certainly do not. I want to spend all night loving you without any interruptions." He momentarily pauses to put Shane back on her feet & with the door now securely locked, he looks back at his wife flirtatiously. "Now. Where were we?"
Giving him the most adoring gaze, she flirts back. "Right here, sweetheart." She gently pulls him in by his jacket lapels for another kiss that increased in passion with every second as they headed to their bedroom.
Once they reached their bedroom, Oliver quickly took his jacket & bow tie then turned his attention back to his wife. As he gently leaned her against a nearby wall, he rested his hands on her hips & continued with his loving, passionate kisses.
The feeling was mutual as Shane kissed him back with even more passion while running her hands through his hair. She could barely get any words out in between the kisses. "Oliver. I love you. So much."
"I love you." He places another kiss on her lips then starts kissing her neck which elicits soft moans from both of them. "Mhmm. Shane. I just can't stop kissing you."
She slightly leans her head back to give her husband more access. "Oh, honey. Please don't stop."
Oliver kisses his wife once again then gently holds her face in his hands. "My dear, Shane. Our special night has only just begun & I already can't get enough of you."
Shane places a hand on his cheek. "I can't get enough of you & I can't wait to spend all night loving you." She takes her shawl & necklace off, placing them on a nearby chair & the dresser then approaches her husband and turns her back to him. "Will you help me out of my dress?"
"I'd be happy to do that for you." He unzips her dress while placing loving kisses across her back in the process.
Oliver's affections send chills down her spine as she gasps in delight. "Oh my goodness. Oliver."
"Was that alright, my love?"
"Darling, that was more than alright. It felt so good! You are so sweet for asking."
He wraps his arms protectively around her waist from behind inside her dress, kisses her shoulders and the rests his right cheek against her left. "Of course. Every day for the rest of my life, I will do everything in my power to protect you & make you feel safe, loved, & cherished because nothing is more precious to me than you. You are my whole world, Shane."
Shane turns around in his arms to face him with tears in her eyes. "Oliver O'Toole. You are the sweetest man. I don't know what I did to deserve you but I couldn't be more grateful you're mine forever." She rests one of her hands over his heart. "You're so precious to me."
"I feel the same. I truly don't deserve your sweet soul but I am so thankful you'll be mine forever."
She smiles at him and speaks up. "Darling, I'm going to go change and freshen up a little bit but I'll be back before you know it."
"I'll be right here, sweetheart." He gently takes her left hand & kisses her ring finger. "I love you."
Shane sweetly places her free hand on his cheek and smiles at him. "And I love you. See you soon."
With that, Shane walks into what is now their master bathroom to change & freshen up. After taking her hair down and brushing it, she changes into a beautiful ivory chemise for their special night no matter how long she'll actually be wearing it.
She soon steps out of the bathroom and smiles seeing her whole world just a few feet away. She takes a moment then speaks softly. "Hi."
Oliver turns around & his breath quickly catches in his throat seeing her walking toward him in just her chemise with her hair down. "Oh my word. Shane." Once she's within arm's reach, he gently takes her hands. "Come here, my love." He pulls her closer and rests his hands on her hips as he lovingly looks her up & down. "You are just." Being left speechless, he takes a moment to gather his thoughts and then starts running his hands through her hair. "You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I am one lucky man."
"Honey, You are too sweet." Realizing what Oliver just said, she asks him a question. "Wait, did I just hear you say you're lucky? Oliver, I thought you didn't like to use that word."
Oliver continues stroking Shane's hair while giving her a loving smile. "Well, I don't normally but when it comes to my beautiful wife, she is the ONLY exception."
Shane's heart melts at Oliver's statement as she looks at him adoringly. "Oh, Oliver. I just adore you and am so happy to be your wife."
"And I'm so happy to be your husband."
Seeing how he was still wearing everything but his tux jacket & bow tie, she starts fingering the buttons of his shirt while giving him a loving look asking for approval.
"Yes, Shane. You may continue. I know you'll take care of me."
"I always will. That's never going to change." She quickly unbuttoned his shirt & slid it off his shoulders letting it fall to the ground before doing the same thing with his pants. Standing in front of her in just his boxers, she looked him up and down lovingly. He was better than she could ever imagine & he would be hers forever. "Wow!" She gently runs her hands up and down his sides then places a few tender kisses on his bare chest. "You are the most handsome man in the world." She runs her hands across his chest. "I just can't take my eyes off of you."
There was a few seconds a companionable silence before Oliver offered his hand. "Dance with me?"
Shane smiles at her husband & takes his hand. "Nothing would make me happier than to share a dance with my husband but there's no music."
"That's alright. I'll sing to you myself. It's something I've always wanted to do."
"Is it really? Oh, Oliver. I would love that."
"I would love to sing to my gorgeous wife." His left arm goes around her waist, resting that hand on the small of her back while he gently holds her right hand with his left against his chest. "Any song requests?"
"No. Whatever song you choose will be wonderful." Shane wraps her left arm around him & starts resting her head on his shoulder.
A few seconds later, Oliver starts softly singing the words from the George Straight classic, 'I Cross My Heart' as they swayed from side to side & just enjoyed being in each other's arms.
After the first verse and chorus, the couple shared a kiss then started leaning their forehead & nose against each other before Oliver continued singing the rest of the song.
Once the song was over, they share another kiss, only this time it's even longer. When they pull apart from the kiss, they stare into each other's eyes with nothing but pure love & adoration.
"Oliver. Thank you for the beautiful song. It was one of the sweetest things you've ever done. You have an amazing voice & I loved hearing you sing to me. Please never stop."
"Of course. I loved singing to you & I promise I'll never stop." He gently holds her face in his hands. "Shane. The words in that song...I mean them from the bottom of my heart because you mean everything to me."
"I know you do. I'm so thankful to have such an amazing, sweet man in my life that constantly makes me feel so loved, not just by his words but by his actions. You are my whole world & I love you with all of my heart."
"I love you, Shane." He runs his fingers through her hair. "More than you will ever know." He starts playing with the straps of her chemise. "Sweetheart. It's time. I can't wait another minute to be with you."
She gently runs her hands over his chest and gazes in his eyes. "Neither can I, my darling." She briefly pauses. "Love me, Oliver." She gently holds his face in her hands. "And let me love you."
Within seconds, their clothes were off & their lips were drawn together like magnets as they spent the next 2 hours showing just how much they mean to each other.
They had given all of themselves to each other and after all the ups & downs they had been through together to get to this point, they were finally & completely husband & wife.
Skin to skin, Shane & Oliver laid in each other's arms reveling in the beautiful moment they had just shared together.
Shane was resting her head on Oliver's chest as she held his right hand with her left and he wrapped his left arm protectively around her while placing a tender kiss on her forehead.
In unison, they share their first thoughts. "Wow! That was amazing." They share a look & chuckle, then lean in for a loving kiss on the lips before Shane places her head on Oliver's chest again.
"Oliver?"
"Yes, Shane?"
"Thank you for making this the best night of my life. You are most wonderful man & I have never felt more loved than I do right now."
"Sweetheart. Nothing makes me happier than getting to spend the rest of my life loving you the way you deserve. You are my whole heart & I will cherish you forever." He brings her left hand to his lips, kisses her ring finger, then props up on his elbow to face her & gaze into her eyes. "You know. This has been the best night of my life too. Thank you for making me feel so special & so loved." He runs his right hand through her blonde tresses. "You are truly the most amazing woman, Shane."
"I know you will but my heart melts hearing you say it." She places her left hand on his cheek. "You make me happier than I ever thought possible & I am so excited I get to spend the rest of my life loving you the way you deserve."
"You make me the happiest man in the world." He gently caresses her chest slightly exposed under the bed sheets. "Have I mentioned how absolutely gorgeous you are? I mean. Wow! You're breathtaking."
Shane runs her hands over his chest. "You're so sweet & handsome." She places loving kisses on his chest then combs her fingers through his hair as she gazes in his eyes. "And you're all mine."
Oliver gazes back. "I'm yours forever."
With them lying down facing each other, Shane rubs her nose against his. "And I'll always be yours." She places her left hand on his cheek, looks deep in her husband's eyes, & reassures her him once more with the words she spoke only one night before. "I will never leave you."
Seconds later, Oliver wraps his right arm around her pulling her as close to him as he could and gives her a very passionate kiss while soft moans escape their lips.
A few minutes later, they started snuggling again. Shane was laying her head on Oliver's chest & holding his right hand with her left while Oliver had his left arm wrapped around her as he gently rubbed her shoulder with his thumb.
"Oliver. May I ask you a question?"
"Of course, sweetheart. You can ask me anything."
"When did you know you'd fallen in love with me?"
He smiles thinking of the moment. "It was 8:30 am on a Monday morning. We were standing in line…"
Completely surprised but so happy about his answer, Shane politely interrupts him. "Are you telling me it was love at first sight?"
"Yes, my dear. Yes, I am. I knew I loved you from the moment we met but I couldn't act on it because of being married." He briefly pauses. "If only I hadn't, then I could've told you how I felt sooner."
"Oh, Oliver. It melts my heart to know it was love at first sight. I wish we could've started our lives together sooner, but you know what I've learned thanks to you?" She briefly pauses. "I've learned that we need to trust the timing. It may not have been as soon as we wanted but I truly believe God brought us together at the exact time it was meant to happen." She leans her head back slightly to look in his eyes. "You were well worth the wait."
"You are seriously an incredible woman, Shane. I feel the same exact way." He sweetly kisses her lips then leans his head against hers as he continues holding her hand & running his thumb over her ring finger. "I also want to say thank you for everything you've done for me over the past few years. I've told you this before, but you saved my life & I couldn't be more grateful." He briefly pauses getting a little emotional. "You make me a better man & I honestly don't know where I'd be without you."
Tears are rolling down Shane's cheeks. "Of course, darling. You mean the world to me. Thank you for everything you've done for me & saving my life. As you know, I had little to no faith when I first arrived in Denver but over the past few years you've helped restore my faith & make me a better woman. I am so grateful & would truly be lost without you."
"It's been my pleasure. You mean everything to me & I am so beyond proud of you. I can't wait to see how you grow in your faith as the years go on."
"With you by my side, I can't wait for that too!" She momentarily pauses. "You know, I don't think I've shared when I first fell in love with you."
"No you haven't but I would love to know."
"Well, I was definitely was attracted to you when we first met but the moment I knew I had fallen in love with you was after Billy & Jennifer had reunited and he was playing the song he'd written her. And my feelings were solidified when you & your dad got lost on your camping trip." A few tears fall from her eyes as she thinks back to that night. "I was so scared I had lost you & I didn't even want to think about living my life without you."
Oliver gently wipes her tears away. "Shane. That was such a wonderful moment & one where I knew I loved you. I was scared that night too but knowing it was you who initiated our rescue still means the world to me. It always will."
"You are my life & there's no way I wouldn't have done everything I could to find you & your dad."
"I have no doubt about that. You know, for a long time, I struggled with my own self worth but over the past couple of years & especially after last night, that has changed. My beautiful Shane, you've taken all my broken pieces, put them back together, and made me believe in forever again." A few tears escape his eyes. "There will never be enough words to express how much your love has meant to me." Facing his wife in bed, he gently rubs her arm. "You're my rock & I am so deeply in love with you."
It's now Shane's turn to wipe Oliver's tears away. "Honey. My heart breaks for everything you went through in your past but like I said last night, none of that was your fault. They were fools & it still makes me so angry how much they hurt you. You're the sweetest, most wonderful man I will ever know & I don't ever want you do doubt yourself again because you are so worth it. I love you more than life itself & will always stand by your side."
"I promise I won't, Shane. You're the most amazing, incredible woman & I'll always be by your side. I can't wait to be in London with you this week! I know we're going to have an amazing time."
"We sure are. I can't wait to spend the next week in such a beautiful country with my favorite person in the whole world. What time is our flight?"
"Our flight is scheduled for a 2 PM departure which means we should be there around 11:30 & leave here around 10:45."
"That's not too early but we definitely need to think about heading to bed since it's around 2 am."
"I totally agree but before we do, I'd love to say a prayer. Would that be alright with you?"
"Of course, Oliver. I would love that."
Lying face to face with Shane, he gently takes her left hand with his right running his thumb over her ring finger & leans his forehead & nose against hers while saying the prayer. "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day you've given us to celebrate our marriage, thank you for the special time we'll get to share these next two weeks on our honeymoon, for all the wonderful memories we'll make as husband & wife, and most importantly, Lord." He gently squeezes her hand. "Thank you for the most precious gift of all, my beautiful Shane." He briefly pauses to kiss her nose. "This amazing woman is the love of my life & I truly can't imagine my world without her. May you continue to bless our marriage from now till forever. In your name, we pray. Amen."
"That was a very sweet prayer. Thank you, Oliver. I feel the same way about you."
Oliver rubs his nose against hers. "Goodnight & sweet dreams, Shane. I love you."
"I love you." She sweetly kisses his lips. "Goodnight & sweet dreams, honey."
A few seconds later, Shane turns over & Oliver snuggles up against her back with his right arm wrapped protectively around her waist as they quickly fall asleep dreaming of their amazing life together.