I cannot thank you enough for reading and reviewing this series. You comments were truly appreciated. It means a great deal when you pick up on some things that move you in some way, cause you to smile or are some throwback to an episode that we enjoyed together. Here is the conclusion to the series inspired by Shane from To The Altar.

Epilogue: Seeing Face to Face

He is about to say something about being punctual and not missing another reservation at Montaldo's when he sees how much this means to her.

"Certainly. I assume it won't be an extended visit."

"Oh no. Her name is Jewell."

The newly engaged couple had enjoyed the perfect weekend and now the perfect Monday. Sunday morning Oliver rose early and went to church – per usual. Shane who was physically and emotionally spent slept late and called Becky to tell her good news. After a relaxed dinner at Joe's house the two called Shane's mom and Alex. Oliver held her hand as she made the call. It was brief but positive.

Even Monday at the post office was - well – wonderful! Shane was beaming. Co-workers noticed. Everybody noticed! Sharing the DLO with no one except each other made the day more special. Sometimes even a large room is only big enough for two joyful hearts.

Serious conversations about wedding plans and marriage would come soon enough. But today they savored the moment. Oliver invited her to join him for a quiet, romantic dinner at Montaldo's after work.

Mondays at Montaldo's was different. The restaurant featured a pianist who played only love songs from the 30's and 40's. There was no floorshow but couples could still dance. It was less formal – coat and tie were not required. They offered a special "quiet evening" a la carte menu. Choose your entrée, share your side dish and dessert.

Yes, it was a bit lavish but in the event having someone ask for your hand outside a barn wasn't romantic enough this evening should help the celebration. The only problem was a pineapple.

"Why would someone try to mail a pineapple in an oversized envelope – even one lined with bubble wrap?" grumbled Shane.

Shane lifted the ripped and mangled package from the cart only to have its contents drip on the skirt of her winter white dress that she wore to work.

"Oliver, I don't want to go to Montaldo's smelling like fruit punch. Do you mind if we go by my house so I can change? It won't take a minute."

And it did not take a minute. It took ten. She couldn't decide what to wear. Finally she appears wearing a royal blue dress that shows off her sparkling eyes all the more. Its flared skirt is perfect for dancing.

Nevertheless "if you give a mouse a muffin…."one thing will lead to another. The quick stop by Shane's to change clothes led to her next request.

"Oh, can we run across the street for just minute. I have someone I want you to meet. Her name is Jewell Moorefield."

Not really waiting for his reply, Shane is already making her way. Oliver picks up his pace to catch her. This is where his concern for missing dinner yet again begins.

Shane rings the bell and waits for her friend to answer.

"I want to tell her about our engagement. She is wonderful. We will have to come back one day so you two can talk about faith. She knows all about the Bible."

Jewell's daughter opens the door. Jewell's green dress is draped over her arm. In her joy, Shane really isn't paying attention and turns back to Oliver as she makes her introduction.

"Dr. Edwards, I'm glad that you are here. I would like for you to meet my fiancé, Oliver O'Toole."

A man steps up behind Jewell's only daughter and puts his hands on Eliza Moorefield Edwards shoulders. The two men make eye contact.

"Shane," Oliver says softly.

"May we see…" Shane begins, suddenly realizing that Jewell's daughter has been crying.

"Liz, what's wrong? Where's Jewell?" Shane asks, looking in the direction of the bedroom.

"I'm glad you are here. Lewis and I were coming to tell you. Shane, momma - passed last night. We were here to take care of a few of her things." Liz is the picture of composed heartbreak.

Oliver slips a supportive arm around Shane's shoulder bracing her stand. Shane cannot speak.

"We are very sorry for your loss," says Oliver.

"But I just talked to her Saturday. I wanted her to meet…Oliver." Shane now struggles to maintain her own composure.

"She began slipping away Saturday night. We took her to the hospital. All of us were with her," she says bravely forcing a smile. "She said she was just ready to go home. She died peacefully Sunday morning around eleven."

Oliver takes his handkerchief and gives it to his love.

"I'm so sorry. She was an amazing woman and a great friend," says Shane with tears streaming, visibly shaken by the news.

"Oh, I almost forgot," says Liz.

The grieving daughter goes to the bedroom and returns with a letter.

"I found this in her Bible this morning. I believe it is for you."

The envelope has Shane's name written on the front. She lifts the flap enough to see the folded lined tablet paper. Shane recognizes the paper from the notepad that Jewell kept with her Bible.

"Thank you. Whatever she wrote I will treasure it. Just as I have treasured her."

The two women embrace and share their mutual sorrow.

"Is there anything we can do," says Oliver.

"No we appreciate your stopping by." The two men shake hands. Oliver places his hands on Shane's shoulders as they turn to leave.

"Please let me know – whatever arrangements are made. If you don't mind, I would like to be there."

"Certainly, momma would be glad."

Instead of offering her his arm, Oliver keeps his arm around Shane's dropped shoulders as she leans against him. A labored walk replaces the bounce in her step that took her across the street.

Oliver doesn't bother to stop at the car. He knows this is no time for a celebratory dinner out. They climb the porch steps, unlock the door, and reenter the house. The tears that fell quietly in public turn to sobs.

"Come here." He holds her close, gently kisses the top of her head, as he cradles her in his arms. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry sweetheart. Go ahead and cry."

When the wave of the initial heartache subsides, Shane regains her composure.

"Why don't we stay in tonight? I could prepare something for us."

Shane smiles at the thought of him cooking.

"Don't laugh Ms. McInerney. You would be surprised at what I can do with the humble egg."

"I used my last egg making muffins. I took some to Jewell on Saturday," Shane says through sniffles.

"Aren't you glad that you did?" says Oliver, guiding her to the couch.

Shane nods.

The two sit down. Shane rests her head on Oliver's shoulder. She is secure in the embrace of his arm. The two sit quietly. He leans his head against hers.

Shane realizes that she still has the envelop in her hand. She sits up straight.

"I would like to read this now."

"Do you want some privacy?"

"No. No. I want to read it together."

Shane unfolds the common 6x9 stenographer's paper and discovers three pages. The former schoolteacher's cursive writing is almost textbook legible. She thinks how difficult it must have been for her to pen this letter with hands gnarled by age and arthritis.

Sunday, November 29

"I went over last Sunday."

Dear June Bug,

Oliver looks a bit puzzled at the salutation.

"That's my nickname. I'll explain later." Shane smiles.

Dear June Bug,

I was so glad to see you today. We had a lovely time together. We always do. I am sorry your young heart was heavy.

Realizing that she is caught Shane says, "I may have told her that I was worried about…."

"Us? Me?" says Oliver. With raised eyebrows but gentle smile.

Shane nods.

I am certain that you have nothing to fear. You have fallen in love with a good man whom the good Lord has delivered into your life.

Oliver squeezes Shane's shoulder. The two smile at each other taken by the affirmation of their relationship and the faith already expressed.

Love takes time and patience and understanding. This is your time to be patient and understanding. Some days it will be his turn to be patient and understanding with you.

That's the way it was for my Bill and me. I treasure the memory of the life we shared. A part of me died with him that awful day in Vietnam. When I lost Bill, I knew that by the grace of God I would marshal on. I had the joy of watching our children grow and marry and even have children of their own. But not a day went by that I didn't miss Bill. You will understand that is what happens when you and your good man become one flesh.

Becoming one is a powerful mystery that both parties must be willing to enter into, to sacrifice for. Love your good man well Shane. Love him and treasure him and cherish your time together.

Her voice begins to break too much and she hands the letter to Oliver.

Look at each other when you talk to one another. Listen with ears to understand when he speaks. Hold each other's feelings with respect. Be sure to celebrate and be thankful together for each precious moment, grateful for big things and things that are small.

I have grown weary, weary to my bones. I pray the time of my passing is near. Certainly as the Apostle Paul said, "to live is Christ but to die is gain." If you are reading this letter, do not grieve for me. Do not seek the living among the dead. I am not here. I am raised. I do not have arthritis. I am not alone. I am with Bill and our grandson, William III. I am with the saints who have gone before me.

Many things happen in this life that we don't understand. Remember that Scripture you were reading to me last Sunday from I Corinthians 13. Don't miss this part. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

My dear Shane, now I see my Savior face to face. Now I know as I am known by Him. And I testify that love never fails. The Lord God never fails.

Until that day,

Jewell Moorefield

P.S. I thought you might like my recipe for sugar cookies. Sugar cookies are good for the soul. Bake yourself and that good man of yours some and smile when you remember me. June Bug, I love you.

Oliver holds her close as tears flow quietly now.

"I feel I missed a great opportunity," he says, his own eyes misty with emotion.

"She was wonderful. She brought me sugar cookies when I first moved in. We would sit and talk. We even sat in the swing sometimes and talked. She liked the swing.

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Yes, I am. I really am. I'll miss her but I get it."

"Get it?"

"It's all about faith, hope and love, Oliver," Shane says suddenly rising from the couch.

Her quick leap to her feet startles Oliver so that he stands with her. "Where are you going?"

"To freshen my makeup. We have a dinner reservation to keep."

"Are you sure?"

Wiping away the last teardrop her eyes and face now smile. Shane answers his question.

"Oh yes, I am loved by the most wonderful man. Jewell said so. Tonight I want to sit across the table from you – face to face. And I want to listen to you talk and understand. And I want to tell you how grateful I am for what we have. And I want to celebrate what we have found. And I want to dance."

"You do? We may be late." His expressive face reveals that his heart heard every word and he is amazed by her as he steps closer to her.

"That's alright, Jewell says, 'Better late than never.'"

"Really and what else does Jewell say?" asks Oliver taking Shane's face in his hands.

"Oh Mr. O'Toole, marry me and we will have plenty of evenings to share those stories."

"Ms. McInerney, I look forward to those evening together."

He searches her face as if to memorize every inch.

"I do too. I do….," begins Shane.

But before she can finish, his lips meet hers with a welcomed, loving kiss.

Dear Readers,

I built this series around I Corinthians 13. I knew from the outset that if I took the passage to its logical conclusion that this was where I was headed. However, I became attached to Jewell and had trouble losing her. I hesitated and even tried a rewrite but I knew this was how it should end. Still I wouldn't blame you for being ticked with me. Thank you again for your critiques. Noticing the little things helps me know if they are meaningful to the reader. I hope you didn't find this conclusion too sad but rather an affirmation of faith, hope and love and the promise of eternal life.