As with the first two days in this series, Friday and Saturday follow Shane throughout her day. I brought Jewell back into the story for Saturday. All of the other characters belong to the incomparable Martha Williamson. Within the portion on the wedding ceremony there is a paragraph in italics. It relies on or is a play on the words spoken in the movie. Those with frequent viewer miles will recognize them. The very last phrase is a little cheesy but I just couldn't resist. Thank you again for all of your comments. It helps to know what strikes a chord.

Saturday: The Greatest of These

Shane wakes to heavy rain falling outside on this December morning. "And I love….I love you." Words spoken yesterday echo in her memory and put a smile on her face even before she opens her eyes. Yesterday was such a beautiful day. She hopes there will be a reprieve from the weather for the sake of bride and groom. Flooding would be the final blow after all Rita and Norman have been through.

Today feels fresh and new buoyed by love. She decides it is a great morning to preheat the oven and do some baking – homemade banana nut muffins. What more can you do when the morning is cool and the bananas are too ripe? No green blended, protein added smoothie would be made today.

Saturday chores are Saturday chores even when you have a wedding to attend. Shane collects her laundry – separating colors and delicates – and begins to wash clothes. The living room needs dusting. As she works the house fills with the aroma of muffins.

The rain slows to a mist. It is the perfect time to deliver a few muffins to Jewell. Besides, it will give her an excuse to tell her about Oliver. She slips on her raincoat and a pair of tennis shoes and runs across the street.

Bouncing up the steps Shane knocks on the door only to be met by someone other than Jewell.

"Oh, good morning, I'm Shane McInerney. I live across the street. Is Jewell home?"

"Yes, please come in. I'm Jewell's daughter.

A slender younger version of Jewell stands before her. The very attractive woman wears slim cut jeans, ballet flats, a loose golden brown cashmere sweater, and gold earrings. Her short haircut accentuates her big brown eyes.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard…" begins Shane.

"Is that June Bug?" The voice calls from somewhere down the hallway.

"Momma, it's Ms. McInerney,"

"Then that's June Bug," the aged voice replies.

"Oh I'm sorry. Come on back. Momma and her nick names."

"No, it's fine," replies Shane.

The two women make their way down the short hall to Jewell's bedroom. Shane is taken aback to find Jewell in bed propped on several pillows. She looks frail lying there; her usually bright eyes seem weary.

"Come here and sit by me. My daughter thought if she came over she could pester me into getting up. She was wrong," says Jewell.

"Momma hasn't been feeling well. I've tried to get her to go the doctor. She won't listen. Maybe Ms. McInerney can convince you."

"I have a doctor. She even makes house calls and doesn't charge. Uhm, I just need some rest. I think I've earned the right to be tired," Jewell says.

"I brought you some muffins. I made them this morning. They don't compare to your cookies but they're - edible," Shane says, changing the subject.

"That's so nice. They even smell good. Would you take these to the kitchen?" Jewell says, directing her comment to her daughter. "Shane and I would like to talk."

"Yes momma." The respectful daughter takes the muffins and gives Shane a knowing smile.

"I thought she would never leave. She just hovers. Now what's on your mind? Is that handsome young man still worrying you?

"No he is not. I wanted you to know – I wanted you to know that yesterday Oliver told me that he loves me."

"I see. That explains the brightness of your smile this morning. And what did you say?"

"I told him I loved him."

"Good. Now what's he going do about it?"

"He said he's still contemplating that."

"Oh, he's praying about it then."

"I guess he is."

"A good man prayers about things. So does a good woman. In all things with prayer and thanksgiving make your requests known to God?" I suspect you have some requests you are making to the good Lord."

"Thanks to you, I've been making a lot of requests to God lately."

"Don't forget the with thanksgiving part. There is always something to be thankful for. You know I'm thankful for you."

"Oh Jewell, I'm the one to be thankful. I couldn't have made it without you."

"You are going to have to bring that good man by to meet me one day."

"I will."

"Shane, I want you to bring him soon."

"Of course. We can come one day next week. Rita is getting married in a few hours and I have to go. I just wanted to stop by. But I will bring him by very soon. Jewell, you will like him. He knows a great deal more about the Bible than I do."

"Oh we will have a delightful time then," said Jewell.

Jewell reaches for Shane's hand. Her porcelain skin seemed so very young and tender as it is clasped in the older woman's time worn hands.

"Shane, one more thing."

"Yes Jewell."

"I love you."

Shane reached down and slid her arms around the old woman's shoulders, lifting her slightly off her pillows.

"I love you too."

"No you go on. Tell that daughter of mine I think I want one of those muffins."

"I sure will."

Shane makes her way out the door, tears rolling down her cheeks as she returns home. To be loved by someone older and wiser who loves you enough to speak the truth in kindness is a wonderful gift. Images of people she never knew before coming to Denver who love her and love her well fill her thoughts.

"Make your requests known with thanksgiving…." Shane is so grateful. She makes her way to her room with all intentions of getting ready for the big day. She sits on the edge of her bed and takes off the tennis shoes she wore to Jewell's. But that is as far as she gets. The side of the bed isn't far to the floor and it is there she goes on bended knees.

"God, my heart is so full of gratitude that before I go any further this day, I want to thank you. Thank you for Jewell and her loving guidance in my life. Thank you for the people like Hazel and Ramon who knowing them has added even more fun and laughter to my life. God, bless them both. Thank you for Joe, especially that he and Oliver found each other again. Thank you for this crazy wonderful family here in Denver – for Rita and Norman – who have become brother and sister to me. And thank you so much for Oliver. I don't know where to begin. I never dreamed of being loved by someone like him. I never knew anyone like him. He tells me that he is contemplating what to do next. I'm not really sure what that means. Help me to wait patiently and lovingly. God, now I have to get ready."

Now she has to hurry. There is no time to waste. The maid of honor should not be late.

The drive out to farm is a rainy one. Mud puddles beneath her feet and rolling gray clouds overhead fail to dampen her mood or the spirits of those gathered.

Given Rita's parents' spirit of adventure, knack for abandoning tradition, and embracing the unusual, the daughter of Bilbo and Sunny holding a wedding in a barn isn't that extraordinary. Seeing Rita standing there in the perfectly fitted postage stamp of wedding dress, Shane is elated for all this day holds for her dear friend. If anyone deserves an Evelyn Rose gown it is she. And Rita is beautiful.

Now that Oliver has said those three important words she allows herself briefly to think they are closer to having such a day for themselves – hopefully not in a barn. Maybe in the coming year he will ask her to be his wife. She reigns in her thoughts. "Don't rush to judgment. It has only been 24 hours since he said I love you and you're already walking down the aisle. Weddings have a way of doing that to people."

The two have not spoken or seen each other since last night. She looks forward to seeing him, to dancing together, finally to sharing a moment alone. She loves the way he looks in a tux – especially that black bow tie. She brushes the skirt of her dress and thinks about another red formal gown. It was her first Christmas in Denver and the Postal Ball. They both were frozen by painful pasts, struggling to figure out their dance of life.

She loves the thought of dancing with him. It was while practicing a dance routine in the DLO that he first caused her heart to skip a beat. He was pulling her out of a dip and their eyes met scaring them both. "If he wants to dip me tonight that will be just fine." She catches herself giving a little twirl in her dress. "Shane McInerney, behave yourself." She chuckles at herself.

She cannot help but smile. There is no one around to question the reason. She is alone for a few minutes, before a wedding, before dancing with him, before being held in his arms. At the end of this chaotic week there is nowhere else she would rather be. The word for the moment is "anticipation."

The music begins and that is her cue. Last minute check hair and makeup. Get bouquet. Get the bride. GO.

Gabe sings her around the corner and down the aisle. Everything is just perfect. Her thoughts are filled with the goodness of this moment.

If her eyes could speak…. "Alright, here I go. Hi Hazel. Doesn't Ramon look handsome? There's Oliver."

Yes, she makes brief eye contact with him. Her smile involuntarily widens.

Reaching her destination she looks to Norman conveying her joy as much as a smile can. "Oh sweet Norman. You and Rita deserve each other."

And he is there – Oliver - standing there – just across from her. Without a word her face communicates her delight. "Hi. Isn't everything beauti…WHAT THE SAM HILL!"

Those expressive eyes pop. She notices the tie. He notices that she notices and then she notices that he notices that she notices.

He smiles.

Shock. Shane McInerney is shocked.

"Snap out of it. Rita is coming down the aisle. But it's the tie. It's the ugly green tie. It has to be. Wait. Norman could have chosen it. No. Yes. No."

Her thoughts are like whirled peas.

"Baby I'm going to be there whenever you call."

"It must be THE TIE but get your mind on this ceremony, maid of honor," she prompts herself. It is all too wonderful.

The lens through which she views this ceremony now changes. She is no longer just the supportive maid of honor; she may be the next bride. This is no longer a story about someone else. This isn't just about the love of Norman and Rita. It is the story of everyone who truly makes that life long commitment. Her heart affirms every statement made during this sacred service.

Shane McInereny found herself in Denver and found love. She found the love of friends who now feel like family. She found the love of a man – a man of faith – unlike any man she has ever known. She even found the love of God. It has been a thrilling journey. They already keep each other afloat. They rejoice with each other and honor each other. And what they have found is a gift from God.

The ceremony concludes with a sacred kiss and the applause of friends. He offers his arm to escort her from the altar and against her better judgment she asks, "Are you wearing what I think you're wearing?" He does not answer! They turn the corner behind the screen and interrupt a post-wedding kiss between the bride and groom. Hugs and words of affirmation are exchanged and before she knows it the reception is underway.

There is talking and laughing and eating and dancing – with everyone except him. There are professional photos and selfies with everyone; but not one picture of just the two of them.

She knows that he would not even answer her question. She knows that her thoughts have run ahead of the moment. But she cannot believe that he would tease her about this. His face does not imply a joke. She keeps her thoughts in check. But the longer the reception goes the more nervous she becomes. She goes to the bathroom they decorated off the barn office for a moment alone.

"Breathe. Settle down. It is a tie. It is not a proposal. He could say that he is merely contemplating the possibility. Don't count your chickens before they hatch - especially in a barn." A splash of cold water and a little makeup refresher and she is good to go.

She returns to the party and already the crowd is dwindling. She is calm again. Norman's many cousins and Rita's many friends wish them well and make their exits. Bill and Joe disappear. Their exit may have something to do with a cigar and a beer. She realizes that she and Oliver have spent very little time together – almost as if he is avoiding her – again. The last of the guests leave. And as he has several times this week already, he just appears, right there behind her, with her coat.

"Would you like to go outside and give Rita and Norman a moment a alone?"

He helps her with her coat. She wants to lean back into his arms. Instead he steps ahead and opens the heavy door.

The air is cold and damp. It is the kind of night that when you step outside you automatically shiver a little. His arm provides a shield from the night air. And then he turns to face her and takes her hands. From this point on it could have been snowing and she would not notice. She sees only him.

"Don't look at my tie, but look at my eyes and listen to my heart."

She knows what is coming. She was told the story. She is overwhelmed by what takes place before her. She is overwhelmed because she listens to his heart and hears it only calling to her. She listens.

Truth be told she has listened to his heart from the first day they met. She heard its sorrow - being abandoned in a postal museum. She heard what gave it a sense of purpose – delivering lost letters. She heard what it needed – reconciliation with his dad. She heard what made it hope and sing – faith. Oh she had long listened to his heart and loved and cared for every beat.

As if asking were not enough, he goes down on his knees. He humbles himself to honor her and she feels unworthy. Already there is an oneness between them that makes this right. If he falls she would fall with him; should he rise they rise together. He wears a tie he would not deign to purchase – except for her. It is almost more than she can bear. Laugher comes from her acknowledging that he would do the ridiculous for her. She sees the fear and the hope and the love in his eyes. She knows not only the story of this ugly green tie but she knows the story of the man himself. Every woman who truly mattered has broken his heart. Yet he dares to love – to love her – to offer her his heart forever.

This is not an offer with an expiration date. No one night stand – no "as long as it is easy" – no "until I get restless." She will not wake one Christmas and find that he has walked out the door and taken her joy and her faith with him. This is a promise to love her forever. It is true and genuine because he is true and genuine.

There can be only one response. "Yes, yes I will marry you and love you forever."

As if his proposal were not enough, he produces a ring and not any ring - the ring that belonged to his grandmother.

"She was the finest woman I ever knew – until I met you."

She trembles. She trembles not from fear or from the cold. Her body cannot physically contain all that she feels right now. To be overwhelmed by love is one of life's greatest joys.

She looks at him – this wonderful, handsome, incredible, good man.

Taking him by his tie she pulls him to her. This is the moment sealed with a kiss. The fervor of her kiss expresses her heart's desire. Being held by him, holding on to him, sharing desire is their own private celebration. It is an eruption of affection and laughter and joy. Other's who may be waiting or wondering are forgotten for this moment belongs to them and to them alone. There will be a toast and more words of affirmation and affection. There will be dancing and more laughter. But this is their time.

The evening draws its logical conclusion. A giddy bride and proud groom drive away. The supportive best man and maid of honor along with a watery-eyed dad and Joe see the newly married couple on their way – RV, canoe, and all.

Joe takes Shane by the hands and kisses her on the cheek. "And you will be next." She can do nothing but laugh with joy. "And I could not be happier," Joe adds.

"Oh Joe." She chokes back the tears. "Neither could I."

Oliver walks up as Bill watches his only child drive away.

"He is a good man. She is in good hands," says Oliver.

"I know. I know," says Bill, never taking his eyes off the ever-dimming taillight.

"Ollie, I'm gone," says Joe, hugging his son. "I love you and I'm really happy for you."

"And I am so grateful," replies Oliver, not letting go of his dad. "See you tomorrow?"

"Sure, call me." Joe climbs into his truck and pulls away.

Only two remain.

"Well Ms. McInerney, we have a dilemma."

"Oh we do. And what would that be?" replies a surprised Shane.

He closes the gap between them with his every step.

"We did not arrive together and there are two automobiles."

"And how good sir is that a dilemma?"

"It is very late and we are far from the city. How can I escort my fiancée to her home if she has her own car?"

"Mr. O'Toole, you have a fiancée?"

"Oh yes, Ms. McInerney. I most certainly do."

In a split second all she can think is that man can kiss and that she could get accustomed to it - quickly.

"Shall your fiancée leave her car here, possibly get it tomorrow?" Shane replies, leaning her forhead against his.

"Do you need to search the Internet for an answer?" He says with playful gleam.

"No, just your eyes." She whispers in his ear.

He swallows hard and looks to the sky. "I better take you home."

She chuckles as he walks her arm in arm to his car.

It is simple. Neither was ready to leave the other. The ride back together would give them time to talk about - the wedding – the weather – tablecloths – shawls - anything. It gives them a little more time together. For now being the passenger next to the driver is enough. Being near him is enough. It is in keeping with how they love each other. Although they are engaged there are still boundaries they will respect and keep until everything is - signed, sealed, delivered.