Chapter X: On Top of the Sky in the London Eye

Author's Note: All previous warnings (adult themes) and disclaimers apply.

Finally! Shane and Oliver were on the plane en route to Europe! First stop, London!

Oliver was excited to visit the Postal Museum and Shane was looking forward to checking out the National Gallery. Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey were a must. Shane also wanted to go to Covent Garden and Oliver had planned a side trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon to explore Shakespeare's hometown. He had secured tickets to a production of The Taming of the Shrew that was playing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

It was all very exciting, but first Oliver had to survive the 7-hour, 10-minute flight from JFK to Heathrow. 430 minutes. 25,800 seconds. Trapped in a plane, with people. Not being able to rush off to a hotel room with his wife was sheer torture. Oliver had the previous night on repeat in his head and it was wreaking havoc with his composure. He tried counting back from a hundred. He recited the Postal Code of Ethics in his head. He made a mental list of all the state capital zip codes in alphabetical order, backwards. All attempts failed miserably to make him forget, not even temporarily, what happened the previous night. His mind wandered…

Shane teased him mercilessly the day before in New York. He knew he had it coming, since he had played dumb at her attempts that morning to seduce him. But once the phrase "consider me tempted" slipped past her lips after their tumble at Central Park, it was all he could do to rush her to the nearest bed.

Once they were back at the hotel, Oliver had to bring up the sculpture at the MET. Did she really think he looked like that?! She replied, "Of course, Mr. O'Toole, except… you seem to be better endowed in some areas," while she softly ran her knuckles down the front of his trousers.

It was as if a short circuit had exploded within him. He grabbed her wrist and proceeded to devour her in a kiss that had no beginning nor end. Like a man possessed, he stripped off their clothing, and after lifting Shane up in his arms, he dropped her unceremoniously on the bed. He proceeded to kiss her anywhere his lips landed, becoming a tangle of limbs, their torsos flush against each other.

Oliver didn't notice Shane had pulled him to his side so they could face each other. They never lost contact, their hands had been all over each other creating a wild frenzy. He was completely caught up in the rush of heat when his wife's delicate hand found his hip and traveled to his lower abdomen, and then below.

"Shane…" He gasped her name, unable to say more.

"Shhhh…let me…" And she proceeded to elevate his desire to levels he didn't even know existed.

After a few moments of staggering pleasure, Oliver found the wherewithal to include his wife in this delirium of the senses. Slipping his hand down between them, he found her. He moaned against her lips when he felt how ready she was for him.

Her lips moving with astounding urgency over his, Shane was desperate for Oliver. She whimpered as he entered her, and a grunt escaped him as her body enveloped him. The level of excitement both had reached was such that they found their mutual climax shortly thereafter.

Oliver snapped out of his reverie when Shane said, "Oliver, are you feeling sick? You're sweating and you're unusually pale." Shane had made her way back from the plane lavatory, her worried words snapping Oliver out of his daydream.

"No, I'm not sick."

"You even have a blanket on you. Are you sure?"

"Do you really want me to explain what's going on?" Oliver asked, running a hand over his face.

Shane's eyes widened with understanding, her mouth opening trying to form words to no avail. Suddenly, a giggle burst forth and she clapped her hand over her lips, trying to stifle an attack of the giggles that was about to rush out of her. She took her seat next to Oliver and covered her face with both hands, her body heaving as if she were crying, when she was actually laughing so hard, she was close to tears.

"Shane, this is mortifying. Please stop." Oliver couldn't contain himself either, as laughter threatened to erupt, finding the situation completely ludicrous.

"Oh Oliver, I'm sorry…. I never thought yesterday's devious plan would have this sort of repercussion!"

"Well, dear wife, you succeeded. I will never stop your seduction attempts ever again!" He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, needing some sort of physical contact during the long flight.

"It was something, wasn't it? I mean, it only gets better between us, doesn't it?" Shane hooked her arm around his and whispered in his ear.

"You're going to be the death of me." Oliver replied.

"I so hope not, Mr. O'Toole," Shane said, fluttering her lashes and giving him an innocent look.

With an indulgent smile, Oliver asked if she had any ideas on how to pass the time. Shane proposed reading or watching a movie, but when she suggested checking out their wedding website, he preferred that last option. She had uploaded guest messages, pictures and videos on her tablet, and thought they could look at them together on the plane ride.

"I didn't know you had created a website for our wedding."

"It wasn't complicated. I just used The Knot webpage. They have all the templates available. You just plug in your information and whatever pictures or videos you want to include. Great thing is we have a place to store these memories on the cloud and our guests could upload messages, videos, and pictures easily."

"Whatever you say, dearest. You know I didn't understand half of what you said there. I think it's wonderful we can look at this now."

They started flipping through messages their guests had left and couldn't help smiling, chuckling, and even tearing up a little.

Dearest Oliver and Shane, a father couldn't ask for a better son and daughter. You are my favorite people on this earth, and I wish you the utmost happiness. We must go camping when you return, Love, Dad (Joe).

My dear Shane and Oliver, while at the beginning I didn't exactly understand your relationship, it only took a few moments in your company to understand you're perfect for each other. My advice to you… trust, love, and cherish each other…each and every day. I love you, Mom (Sharon).

Shane and Oliver, you are our best friends and our foundation to follow. Our love story wouldn't have happened without the two of you. We are just over the moon you have followed your way to your own happily ever after. Forever the POstables, Rita & Norman

Shaney! & Oliver, from the moment Oliver overheard our conversation at the Grille, I knew you guys would get together some day. Just know that I'm ecstatic I didn't have to transfer Shaney to Seattle. And I wish you all the happiness in the world. Come visit in DC when you can! Love always, Becky

Dearests, I am so beyond happy Oliver finally got his act together and snapped up his beloved Ms. McInerney. Live, laugh, love, and don't waste a moment! All the world's a stage and we are but players. From the bottom of my heart, Theresa Capadiamonte

To my beautiful Shane and the dashing Ovileer, there has never been a more beautiful couple than the two of you. Never stop dancing! It is the answer to everything! Besos y abrazos, Ramon

Dear Oliver and Shane, Love is both patient and kind, as you both are, individually, and with each other. Thank you for your friendship over the years, Oliver. I wish you both the utmost happiness. Shane is certainly your perfect match. Hope to see you both at church when you return! A most affectionate hug, Dale.

You faced the scary, dearest Oliver! How I fretted that you wouldn't be able to get your act together, you tough nut! But love persevered, although I have to say that Shane's patience…well, I don't know if I would've waited that long for you. But alas, she's your match and not me. I love you, you crazy kids. Have an amazing honeymoon and please do everything I would do, and more! My best always, Ardis Parker Pennington Paine.

These were just a few of the numerous messages their friends and family had left on the website. They adored them all and quite a few brought forth some happy tears.

"We are so blessed, Oliver. Not only did we marry the love of our life, but we are surrounded by the most amazing people who love us, too."

"You know, I never thought I was worthy of all this love. Not until I finally started to lower my defenses, with you." Oliver's eyes shone as he looked into his wife's.

"I don't know how a mother could do what she did to you… And Holly, well, let's just say if I see her, I might give her a right hook."

"Shane!"

"I've never verbalized to you how much my heart aches every time I think of how much she hurt you. To make you think that you were not worthy of love… for me that's the worst thing you can do to a human being."

Oliver took Shane's hand and pressed a fervent kiss on her knuckles. "I have you now, and it's not worth it to continue to bring her into our life, even if it's for a moment's conversation."

Interrupted by the flight attendant and the in-flight beverage service, Oliver asked for a club soda with lime, and Shane for a ginger ale. They decided to watch something and settled for a movie, picking out Casablanca from the list of classic offerings. Sheer exhaustion overcame them however, and before Bogart could say, "Play it again, Sam," both had fallen asleep; Shane's head on Oliver's shoulder and his head on top of hers.

Before they knew it, they were landing at Heathrow, and shortly thereafter the happy couple was checking in at the Park Plaza Westminster. After a little rest, a romp on the sheets, a shower, and a strong pot of coffee (not necessarily in that order!), they were ready to start sightseeing.

For both, the next few days blended one into the other amid all the activities planned. They laughed together, pointed out all the things they had seen in movies or tv they now had a chance to see in real life. Both cherished seeing the other one so happy, as Shane was for Oliver when they finally made it to the Postal Museum. Shane could've easily gone shopping to Covent Garden, but she wanted to share all the things that made her husband happy. It certainly was a trip that considered both their tastes and interests. Shane couldn't be more thankful for how solicitous Oliver was, and how much he wanted to please her. She just wanted to do the same for him.

One afternoon they were taking a lazy stroll on Bond Street, window shopping the luxury stores, and Shane's eyes were drawn to a pair of shoes on display in the Jimmy Choo window. Oliver could tell she was drooling over a particular pair and decided to ask her about it.

"It's such a different, beautiful shoe, almost a blend of a pump and a sandal. With the pointy toe, sky-high stiletto heel, and the skinny double straps around the ankle, it's an amazing design," she said with a sigh. "Way too expensive for my budget, but it's okay. I'm sure I can find a similar pair at a discount online shop when we go back home."

"You deserve that and more, my love."

"You have splurged on me way too much on this trip, Oliver, and it's not even over. It's okay. I don't need them. I need you more." She smiled into his eyes, and all was right in the world.

He kissed her lightly, as he took her arm once again and continued their stroll.

A bookstore caught Oliver's eye. It was a tiny store, specializing in early editions of 19th century British writers. When he found a first edition of Great Expectations, one of his favorite novels of all time, he was stunned. Oliver pondered getting the book. It had a hefty price tag, but it was very well worth it for his collection. However, he got distracted by an employee and when he went back to get the book, it wasn't there anymore. Feeling a tad frustrated he let it be. Maybe it wasn't meant for him to have that first edition.

"Shane, I think I might want to track a purchase in one of this bookstore's other branches. Do you want to go to the hotel and I'll meet you there? You can start getting ready for dinner."

Shane was a bit mystified over his request, but she let him be and agreed. "Alright, I'll see you back at the hotel."

That evening they had dinner reservations at the Savoy Grille, a landmark restaurant restored to its heyday of the 1920's by none other than chef Gordon Ramsay. Looking forward to the fancy evening out, Shane chose a deceptively simple, but elegant black wrap-around dress. It's deep vee neckline showed off the watch locket Oliver had gifted her on their wedding day. She twirled it between her thumb and forefinger, smiling at all the lovely memories the locket brought forth. She treasured every single gift Oliver had given her. Every woman deserved a man like Oliver, someone who put so much thought into pleasing their spouse and making them happy.

The rustle of the door opening took Shane's attention from her thoughts. She was happy Oliver was back. She felt lonely without him, even though he had been gone for less than an hour.

Noticing a bag in his hand, she looked at him in the eye and blurted, "No no no no no no no! You didn't!" She immediately covered her face with her hands.

"Can't a husband buy his wife a gift?" Oliver placed the bag on the bed, and gently pried her hands away from her face.

"You're too much! I am so spoiled!" She jumped into his arms and gave him a kiss that had his head spinning in seconds. "Thankfully, I also have a surprise for you."

Shane tore into the gift bag while Oliver cautiously opened his. While Shane had an idea what he'd gotten her, Oliver was speechless over his gift. Shane had gotten him the first edition of Great Expectations.

"How did you know I wanted this?" He asked, still in awe.

"I saw you with the book in your hands at the bookstore. And I was mystified when you set it back. I took advantage of the opportunity, fully knowing this is one of the novels you were missing in your Dickens first edition collection."

Whatever he had endured previously was very well worth it. All these moments were filling his heart with all the love, joy, and tenderness his life had been lacking until she stepped into it. "I am so thankful, my love. This means a lot. Now I want to know how you like what I got you."

"I absolutely adore my new Jimmy Choos, Oliver! In fact, I'm going to wear them tonight! They go perfectly with this dress."

"I never knew shoes could make you so happy."

"You can never go wrong with designer shoes, jewelry, yellow roses, and chocolate." Shane laughed as she shared this particular bit of womanly wisdom.

"Duly noted, dearest wife!" He smiled, took her face in his hands, and gave her a sweet kiss. "I'm taking a quick shower and it's off to dinner."

When they were ready to go, Oliver gave Shane an all-over glance. For the gazillionth time on their honeymoon, he gulped at the vision his wife made. How could a woman be so beautiful both on the inside and out? And how could her hemlines be getting shorter with each passing day of their wedding trip?

"Shane."

"Yes, Oliver."

"That's a very short dress."

"You think?"

"Why are your hemlines getting shorter?"

"Well, Oliver, it's spring, it's getting warmer."

"Your legs are way too distracting."

"Maybe I want to distract you."

"You are succeeding. And I haven't helped matters with those shoes."

"I think they make my legs look great!" She beamed as she took in her reflection in the mirror.

"But I don't want anybody else but me looking at your legs!"

"Oliver, are you going all chauvinistic male on me?"

"Errrrrrmmmm….no…"

"That's good. Because you have to remember something." Shane pulled up on her toes so she could whisper in his ear. "The only one who comes home with me and can touch my legs to his heart's content, is you."

"Goodness gracious, let's have dinner so we can rush back, please."

"By all means, Mr. O'Toole."

And Oliver let Shane take his hand to lead him out into the London night.