Author's Note: Thank you for reading Oliver and Shane's experiences in and around Holly's return. I'm happy to say Holly is gone for good!
You will note that the ending doesn't follow the canon but that's why it's called fiction right? I do think I stayed in character and I hope you agree.

As always, I do not own these characters. They belong to the brilliant Martha Williamson and are portrayed beautifully by Eric Mabius and Kristin Booth.

Chapter 5

Pink and purple petals of freshly planted flowers fluttered in the soft breeze that blew across Shane's porch stirring up their fragrance. Temperatures had dropped the night before but her small nursery she'd created weathered it well. The artful arrangement of flowers, green plants and decorative pieces was inspired by the Monet paintings she'd studied in college. Her precious swing was the center of attention. Shane was anxious to hear what Oliver thought of the haven she'd created on her front porch. The better part of her morning was spent wrapped in her bath robe, relaxing on the swing, reading her latest computer tech magazine on her iPad and sipping a ridiculously sweet but so delicious coffee. She reluctantly left the swing to get dressed before Oliver arrived. After grabbing a quick lunch she headed back outside to wait for Oliver passing the time reading.

The tread of shoes on the steps stole her attention from her iPad. She raised her head just as Oliver arrived on the top step. Shane allowed herself the indulgence of feasting her eyes on Oliver's 'weekend' look. His choice of an informal blue plaid work shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows exposed well-muscled forearms. He left just enough buttons unbuttoned to give her a hint of what was underneath. It was neatly tucked and belted into a pair of khaki cargo pants that outlined his physique very well she noticed. Very, very well. As much as she loved Oliver in a three-piece suit and pocket square, this new version of him sent a surge of heat radiating through her from head to toe. She touched her hand to her cheek. Certainly their color was as bright pink as the flowers around her. Oh my. Shane thought she could definitely get used to casual Oliver. Shooting him a flirty smile she quipped. "Wow, look at you. Who are you and what have you done with Oliver O'Toole?"

With a shrug of his shoulders Oliver responded. "I'm sorry? You called last evening and requested that I come over and see what I can do about the problem with the swing." Shane had spent the morning speculating which Oliver was going to show up today. Would it be the Oliver who sat with her shoulder to shoulder on the swing pointing out a crocus as the first sign of spring or the Oliver she got on the phone yesterday. After his response it was obvious to her that she was getting DLO Oliver. She looked around the porch expecting Oliver to follow suit. Her lips pressed into a tight grimace trying to hide her disappointment that he was seemingly oblivious to the effort she'd put into rejuvenating her front porch.

Shane could see that her attempt at playfulness fell flat. Oliver may have read the book Getting the Fun back while working on his sense of humor but he clearly needed additional study time. Rolling her eyes she greeted him. "Hello Oliver. Thank you for making time to help." Shane tucked away any hope for an easier repartee. When 'all-business' Oliver was present it was best to let him be him.

Shane startled when Oliver dropped the tool box and it landed on the porch floor with a heavy thunk. The lid opened with a screech as metal scraped metal. Trying to engage Oliver Shane said. "That's an interesting tool box Oliver. I don't think I've ever seen one quite like it."

"Oh, well it was my grandfather's. He was a bit of a craftsman outside of his postal duties and he allowed me to assist him with his projects. When he passed away my grandmother gifted his tool box and tools to me." Oliver excused himself to get a few more things from his car. He returned toting a circular saw and a level. "Ms. McInerney, I may be at this for a while and I anticipate it will get rather messy so I suggest you wait inside so as not to get saw dust all over yourself." Oliver said all of this as he pulled tools from his box not bothering to make any kind of eye contact with Shane.

Mouth poised to object to his dismissal of her Shane thought it wiser to swallow her words. With slumped shoulders she reluctantly retreated inside the house, her heart heavy and her doubts even heavier. Entering the kitchen she dumped the remainder of her coffee down the drain and set about cleaning up the remains of lunch. Stealing a peek out the window she watched as Oliver set about fixing the swing. Her breath hitched as she watched Oliver bend over to check the level. Yes, she definitely hoped there would be another occasion to see Oliver in those pants. The overstuffed couch called to her and she quickly settled into its comfort. Her intention was to pick up where she'd left off on her iPad but her thoughts strayed to Oliver's changed behavior. She thought their early morning time on Saturday had been promising but maybe she mistook his intentions. The buzz of tools cut through the air shaking Shane from her thoughts. Occasionally she heard the phrase "What the Sam Hill?" She giggled the first time he used it. Shane should not have been surprised that Oliver would choose a euphemism rather than a more common expletive. By the third time he used the phrase she popped her head out the door. "Oliver, are you sure there isn't anything I can help you with?"

Oliver turned his head toward her, his jaw clenched and a sharpness to his voice. "No thank you Ms. McInerney, I am perfectly capable of making the necessary adjustments."

Shane rolled her eyes A snarky comment was biding its time on the tip of her tongue but she thought it was best to keep it there. "Okay, but if you need anything I am rather handy with a tool" she joked hoping to lighten Oliver's mood.

Oliver scowled before returning his focus to the task at hand. Shane retreated inside the house still trying to figure out why he was in such a mood today. Maybe she shouldn't have called him to fix the swing. She could have lived with it, or found someone else to fix it. Had she offended him by pointing out the problem? Stretched out on her couch with a pillow under her head Shane covered herself with a throw blanket and let herself drift off. A gentle banging interrupted her catnap. Her sleepy brain couldn't make sense of the sound. The pounding got progressively louder. "Ms. McInerney are you in there?"

Startled, Shane jumped from the couch tossing the blanket. How long had she been sleeping? Running her fingers through her hair she called out "I'm coming Oliver." She stopped at the mirror in the front hall and pinched her cheeks to add a little color. Smiling broadly she checked to make sure nothing was sticking to her teeth. Hand on door knob Shane shook out her limbs throwing off the last remnants of sleep. Opening the door she forced herself to be casual. "How is it going Oliver?"

"I think I have the problem fixed but I would like for you to examine it and confirm that it is to your satisfaction" Oliver stood aside waving his arm and directing Shane to sit.

Shane sat as he requested. She started the swing in motion and after a few back and forths she flashed him a beaming smile and declared it to be perfect. She lifted her brows and bit her lower lip. "Would you like to join me and try it yourself? After all, you did the work. You should reap the reward and satisfaction of a job well done." Shane had no more than extended the invitation when she jumped up. "Hold on, I forgot something." Shane ran in the house and returned with a bottle of Yoo Hoo for Oliver and a kombucha for herself.

An unexpected chuckle released the muscles of Oliver's face that had been tense since he arrived. As they softened the stiffness of DLO Oliver disappeared. "Ms. McInerney, you never cease to surprise me and I hope to someday return the favor." Shane moved to hand him the bottle as he moved toward her. The musky smell of his cologne mixed with sweat made a heady combination and she could have easily puddled to the floor. Instead she stood transfixed as he leaned in, his eyes never wavering from hers. Barely above a whisper he added "someday very soon."

Shane's pulse quickened at his words. Was flirty Oliver back? Eliciting a chuckle from the usually staid Oliver brought her joy like opening a gift on Christmas morning. They stood inches from each other. Shane's eyes danced at the sound of Oliver's laughter. She mirrored his whisper. "I will look forward to it… Mr. O'Toole." He popped the lid from his drink and took a long chug as she moved past him and took her place on the swing. She pushed off with her foot. "I think it's perfect now." She patted the spot next to her as an invitation to take a seat. "Come sit with me."

He glanced up at the ceiling then to Shane before stepping to the swing. Swerving side to side it adjusted to the addition of Oliver's weight. Leaving a few inches between himself and Shane a pensive Oliver took his spot. Shane turned to him and studied his profile. She would never tire of Oliver's face. The muscles of his strong jaw made her weak in the knees and the small cleft in his chin reminded her of Cary Grant who she loved in An Affair to Remember. Oliver's sapphire blue eyes disclosed his emotions without words. How had Norman's grandmother described him? Chiseled jaw, aquiline nose, eyes like an eagle? Shane could not disagree with her assessment. Thoughts of Ardis brought back the horror of the night when she stood in the rain watching and waiting to see if Oliver would drop the letter to Holly in the mailbox. And though she'd challenged him to do it with her 'What are you afraid of?' it didn't prevent her heart from shattering into a million tiny shards as the slot of the mailbox slammed shut. Shane thought she knew grief but nothing compared to the pain she felt that night. Cold rain came down in sheets her umbrella providing little protection. Her brows furrowed and she'd held her breath as she watched him contemplate then flip the letter over and over in his hand until he finally opened the slot and tossed it into the box.

Now, sitting on the swing Oliver had a similar contemplative look to the one he had when he turned and saw her standing and watching him. He was soaked through and after a moment walked past her and into the hospital. Shane remained quiet gently rocking back and forth desperately curious as to what was behind Oliver's return to a somber mood.

He set his drink down on the table that was within arm's reach. Leaning forward Oliver rested his elbows on his thighs holding his hands together in prayer like fashion. Staring at the floorboards he silently licked his lips. A few times Shane prepared herself for his words but he stopped himself. It was obvious to her that the emotional toll of Holly's return had brought Oliver great stress and he was struggling to verbalize what it was he wanted to say. In that moment all Shane wanted to do was wrap her arms around him and tell him everything would be okay but she knew that would not be welcome. She watched him struggle for words. He released a long heavy sigh and she instinctively laid her hand on his arm. "Oliver, are you okay?"

Oliver's jaw tightened and Shane moved her hand from his arm to his shoulder. The material of his shirt was thin enough that she could feel the tension in his muscle. Without a second thought she began lightly massaging it with her thumb just as she'd done on Friday morning. Her eyes remained on him but he kept his gaze diverted from her. A breeze came through raising the hairs on Shane's arms. She kept her breath deep and slow as she remained quiet giving him time to choose his words. Finally he spoke, his voice flat. "I received divorce papers yesterday." His words came out in a low whisper barely audible to Shane's ear. She nodded. It all made sense now. The shift in his demeanor from when she found him putting together the swing to yesterday's abrupt tone on the phone and then today's brusque behavior. Oliver's hands clenched and unclenched. "I expected them I just didn't realize they would arrive so soon. Apparently Holly already had them drawn up before we even had dinner together."

Shane's fingernails dug into her palm as anger flashed through her. She would never understand the games Holly played with Oliver's heart. She had exploited his sense of duty and had taken full advantage of his kindness, his faith and his commitment to always do the right thing. "I'm so sorry, Oliver." Shane swiped away the tear that spilled down her cheek.

Oliver turned and took Shane's hands in his. He kept his gaze on their hands locked together as his thumbs caressed the back of hers. He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. His touch was light as a feather. "But I'm not…Shane." His lips curled into a half smile and his eyes bore into hers.

Shane's pulse ricocheted like a pinball stuck between two bumpers. Had she not been sitting she might have fainted at the sound of her name falling so easily from his lips. He wiped away at the stray tear that trickled down her cheek with his thumb.

Oliver brought her hands to his chest keeping them firmly in his grip. His eyes held hers. "Last summer at the hospital you asked me what I was afraid of. I told you I wasn't afraid to mail the letter and that was the truth." Oliver grasped her hands tighter in his. "I was afraid of what my life would be like should Holly choose to return from Paris and reclaim her position as my wife." Oliver paused and licked his lips. "Even then I knew that my heart was no longer with Holly but I was committed to our vows. I was afraid of what my life would be like with a woman I didn't love."

Shane eyes watered and she fought to keep from crying as she too imagined what her life would be like had she left when she thought Holly was going to stay. She shuddered at the thought of not seeing Oliver every day. Oliver's disclosure that his heart was no longer with Holly sent her hopes soaring. She nodded her encouragement for him to continue.

"Shane, I have, as you once said, been living in limbo for too long. I don't want to be there anymore." Oliver dropped their hands into his lap keeping his grip firm on Shane's hands. His eyes were misty as he looked into hers. "I just don't want to make another mistake."

Again Oliver was letting his past pain take control of his future. Did he see her as another mistake waiting to be made? "Oliver I…"

Oliver put his thumb on Shane's lip silencing her. "Please, let me finish. My heart hasn't been with Holly because it has been with you." Shane's heart pounded and her body shook from Oliver's admission. " I knew it was wrong but I was powerless to control it." Oliver twisted his mouth into a smile as his thumb brushed across Shane's lower lip. "Nothing I did could extinguish my feelings that were developing for you." Oliver brought her hands to his lips and held them there.

Shane's heart cracked open at Oliver's confession. A sob escaped her lips and she reluctantly pulled her hand from Oliver's to wipe the tears that fell unashamedly down her cheeks. Nothing could have prepared her for the reality of hearing the words she'd dreamt of hearing for so long. She put her hand to his cheek. Shane swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat threatening her words. "Oliver, my heart has been yours for such a long time. I would wait for you forever and I promise you we will not be a mistake."

Oliver cradled her face. Shane could smell the Yoo Hoo on his breath. Not even the very best chocolate in the world ever smelled so sweet. Her heart pounded exponentially faster as he closed the space between them. He hesitated for a moment. Shane licked her parted lips. It took every ounce of willpower to keep from pulling him to her. She stopped herself afraid of overwhelming him with the release of months of pent-up, unrequited feelings. The wait, mere moments, was excruciating and her every nerve was on high alert. When his lips finally reached hers she savored the moment not wanting an end to the feel of being connected so intimately. She'd long imagined what kissing Oliver would be like and the realization was better than her wildest fantasy. He was gentle as she knew he would be. His lips teased hers, his tongue darted softly on her lips until she opened them and allowed his tongue to dance with hers. Shane melted into him her hands reaching around to the nape of his neck allowing her fingertips to play with the whisps of his hair.

He inched closer pulling her to him until their knees bumped. Their heads turned in different directions as they learned each other's lips and how perfectly they fit together. Shane shivered and Oliver pulled back. "Are you cold Shane?"

Shane's eyes remained closed afraid if she opened them then poof! she would awaken from the dream. Oliver asked again. "Shane are you cold?"

Slowly she opened them and knew it wasn't a dream but Oliver just inches from her face. His eyes glistened and his lips were red and swollen from their kisses. Shane allowed her eyes to linger on him as she silently absorbed the moment knowing she would never forget the sheer bliss of it. She raised a finger to him and said, "hold on for just a second." She ran in the house and brought back the throw she'd been sleeping under not long ago. Wrapping it around their shoulders she turned back to Oliver. "I'm good now. We can continue."

Shane's lips curved into a smile at the sound of Oliver's chuckle. This time she didn't wait for him to initiate. She grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him to her sharing months of suppressed desire with him until neither had a breath left. She released him and leaned against the back of the swing exuding a peace that had been elusive in her life until now. Oliver's arm reached around her shoulder pulling her into his side. Her head rested on his shoulder. With her foot she put the swing in motion. This time they were together and in perfect balance.

Shane wasn't sure the smile would ever leave her face. She turned to Oliver. "In case I haven't told you Mr. O'Toole, I love my new porch swing."