Epilogue: All's Well that Ends Well
Spice Meter: 3 flames
It was Saturday and Shane and Oliver decided to have a lazy morning. They were cozied up in the living room, wearing their comfiest loungewear, and Zorba the Greek was playing on the TV in the background. Shane was comfortably settled against Oliver, her cup of steaming skinny vanilla latte in her hands. She took Oliver's arm and wrapped it around her. She looked at him, her eyes glittering.
"Pray tell, my love, what are you thinking?" Oliver chuckled. He was still learning his wife's idiosyncrasies, but he had gotten pretty good at deciphering her facial expressions. He could tell she was up to something, or at least thinking of something mischievous.
"Just these first few months of marriage have been quite the ride," she said, a smile of satisfaction on her pretty face.
Oliver was silent for a couple of seconds pondering her words. "We've certainly had our share of surprises! Not to mention, there were at least a couple of times I feared for my life when I fell over your shoes in the foyer."
"Oliver, you should've feared for your life the few times I crash landed on the toilet in the middle of the night!" She glared at him sternly.
"I trust we've both learned our lessons?" Oliver lifted a brow.
They gave each other unyielding looks but ended up bursting into laughter.
Shane exhaled audibly, composing herself after the fit of giggles. She laughed so much tears ran down her face. She wiped them away, counting her blessings. Not everyone had the sort of camaraderie she had with her husband.
As they cuddled and watched the movie, Flynn and Valentino decided to grace them with their presence. Flynn settled on Oliver's lap as he often did nowadays. Oliver accepted this reality and opted to have a lint roller in every room of the house. He refused to move while Flynn was on his lap, sometimes to Shane's frustration. In turn, Oliver had to accept that Valentino was Shane's shadow. If Flynn was going to be on dad's lap, Valentino had to respond in kind, and mom's lap was all his. Shane absentmindedly scratched Valentino's head. He was in seventh heaven.
Shane grinned. Their lives had changed so much since adopting the fur babies, but she wouldn't have it any other way. If people only realized how rich your life could be when you adopted a pet… more rescues would find a forever home.
"Oliver, I don't know if I ever properly thanked you for agreeing to adopt these two crazy hairballs."
He chuckled, while he gave Flynn long petting strokes. "I can't imagine life without them now. Mr. Peabody certainly knew what he was doing when he bequeathed his pets to us."
"Oh indeed!" Shane replied. "And of course, there's how Valentino brought Dad and Vivianne together."
"My love, I think it was more your doing than the dog's…" Oliver pursed his lips and his eyes crinkled, awaiting his wife's reaction.
She looked at him sheepishly. "I might have done a little thing or two… BUT, for the record, I wasn't going to force anything. If Dad and Vivianne didn't hit it off, that would've been it!"
"I hope you wouldn't have forced anything!" Oliver exclaimed.
Shane responded by punching him in the shoulder. "You know me better than that!"
When Flynn and Valentino decided they'd had enough of sitting on their respective laps, Oliver took advantage of the opportunity and pulled Shane close, nuzzling her hair. It smelled like almonds and coconut and so totally like her. He thoroughly enjoyed the times he could hold her close like this and enjoy the feel of her in his arms to his heart's content.
Shane, feeling so loved and cherished, let herself bask in the glow that came when she was encased in her husband's arms. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, letting herself fall into a contemplative mood.
"There's something I have to confess," Shane said. Oliver was mystified as to what sort of confession it could be. She didn't sound like she was sorry for anything, but rather like she just wanted to impart some news.
"What is it, my love?" he asked, as he played with her hair. Oliver rather liked twirling her curls over his fingers. He found himself wondering if Shane had those same curls when she was a little girl. Hmmm… he didn't really know what she'd been like when she was younger. Maybe when he next saw Sharon, he could ask her to share some childhood stories of Shane. He was sure she must have been an adorable little angel as a young girl.
"I found your list," Shane said hurriedly, interrupting his train of thought.
"What list?" He asked absentmindedly.
"The bucket list."
"Oh." Realization dawned on Oliver.
"Yes, the list of things you want to do with me," Shane's smile was radiant.
"What am I going to do with you and your curiosity, Shane?" Oliver tried to give her his sternest look.
"Love me?" She gnawed her lip and looked at him through lowered lashes.
Oliver just held her closer. "How about if I promise to love you even more?"
"That certainly would be lovely. Although I have no idea how you can love me more than you already do!" Her loving, blissful gaze was almost Oliver's undoing. Thankfully she kept talking! "The upside to this, Oliver, is that I might create a list of my own." That twinkle was back in her eyes. Oliver couldn't help but grin.
"Oh, and I am sure you won't share the content of that list with me, right?" Oliver stated.
"You've got that right, Mr. O'Toole," Shane melted into the circle of his arms as their lips met in a sensual, unhurried kiss. By now they knew each other's nuances when they embraced… Shane could feel Oliver's breath catch every time she opened her mouth to his. When she touched his chest, he instinctively deepened their kisses. And Oliver could tell the moment Shane let herself go completely… it was a tiny shiver that ran through her spine, which he could feel under his hands when he touched her torso.
They gentled their kisses but stayed within each other's hold.
"I've loved these past few months, even with their ups and downs," Shane said, after a few moments had passed.
"I'd have to agree," Oliver said, choosing his words as he gathered his thoughts. "I do prefer the ups, though," he grinned ruefully. "We've done so much! We moved into a new house. We adopted the furballs… Oh, and that wonderful escapade to Breckenridge. That was a magnificent surprise, my love…" Oliver's voice trailed away, remembering that beautiful weekend, and he started thinking that maybe it was time for him to plan another romantic getaway.
"Oh, and I have been loving our tango lessons! Franco is something, isn't he?" Shane started to giggle.
"Don't get me started," Oliver groaned. He had learned to deal with Franco's exuberance. He would never tell Shane, but he was actually growing fond of their dance teacher. "That reminds me, we have class this afternoon."
"Oh yes! I'm so looking forward to that! Franco said something about going to a milonga soon," she said happily.
Shane was so excited Oliver didn't want to tell her he had qualms about the Argentinean dance party. Would Franco insist on showcasing them? He guessed he'd have to get over it…after all, he did vow that all he wanted was Shane's happiness. If Franco suggested a showcase and that was what Shane wanted, he'd give it to her.
Oliver noticed Shane got lost in her thoughts once again. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Just happy, Oliver, and very appreciative. Thank you for making me co-president of the Foundation. That certainly was a tour de force moment," Shane grinned. She didn't want to relive the Lydia Dos Santos episode, but she had to admit she was very pleased with its conclusion.
"You deserve it, my love. You've shown that your professionalism and efficiency stretch out beyond the realm of the DLO. I do recognize that for a second there, I had some misgivings about Stephan, but he's done an incredible job! Tying in my great-grandfather's writing with his art collection, plus the history of the family, all while restoring the house to its former glory… I'm simply thrilled beyond words."
"I'm so pleased you're happy, Oliver. I took your passion project to heart. To see it come alive little by little has been a truly fulfilling experience," she added, as she reached for the cup of coffee she had left neglected on the side table. "I can't wait for the grand opening!"
Oliver looked at Shane and his smile was brilliant, sharing in her excitement. As always, he was in awe of the woman he was blessed to call his wife. She was everything a man could want… Shane was kind, intelligent, sensible, industrious, inquisitive, pure-hearted, and fiercely loving… all wrapped up in a beautiful package.
"Now you're the one who's contemplative, darling," Shane said, as she stretched an arm and started playing with her husband's hair. It was ruffled and messy. Shane loved lazy Saturday mornings, their leisurely coffee routine and talking about life in general. These times had become her favorite time of the week.
"I was just thinking some wonderful things about my wife," he said, with an endearing boyish expression.
With a cheerful sigh, Shane took a sip of her coffee and glanced at the TV screen. Oliver followed her gaze and saw Anthony Quinn performing the famous Zorba dance sequence. "That kind of looks like fun…" Oliver said idly.
"Maybe if we go to Greece some day, you can attempt it after a couple of rounds of ouzo," Shane's lips curved impishly.
Oliver returned his gaze back to his wife and started to mentally plan a future vacation. His lips quirked in that way of his when he was up to something.
"You're planning something, aren't you?" Shane asked, fully knowing the look on her husband's face.
Wanting to sidestep Shane's question, and keep her curious nature in check, Oliver changed the subject. "I was just thinking I still find it pretty amazing Dad has found love."
Shane grinned, thinking about Joe. Oliver effectively distracted her. He knew his father's love life was one of her favorite topics! Shane was so happy for Joe and fervently hoped he'd propose to Vivianne soon. She very much wanted to plan a wedding! "Vivianne is wonderful, isn't she?"
"That she is… very intelligent, but so down-to-earth. I'd say she suits Dad very well."
"Do you think they'll get married?" Shane asked, a twinkle in her eye.
"Well, I hope he makes an honest woman of her! It's obvious they skipped a step in their relationship."
"You're all about the steps, aren't you Oliver?" Shane had to smirk.
"Shane, there's a reason there are steps, and guidelines, and…" Oliver didn't finish his train of thought because Shane quickly leaned over and gave him a heart-stopping kiss.
Oliver admitted he loved it when Shane caught him off guard. He luxuriated in their kiss, letting himself fall backwards on the sofa with Shane on top of him. She was wearing her Flashdance style sweatshirt and he thought she looked quite fetching in it. Her exposed shoulder was tantalizing, and he loved to slide his lips over it. His hands found their way underneath her top, noticing she wasn't wearing a bra; not even one of the skimpy, soft bralettes she favored while they were in the house. Their kisses were gentle and sweet, but turned passionate as Oliver filled his hands with the swell of her breasts. In the mood for more, Oliver was ready to slide down Shane's yoga pants when her cellphone rang. He winced.
"Shane, you really must do something about that ringtone. It's appalling how shrill it is!" Oliver pointed out.
It was mildly ironic that Oliver would have such a reaction to Shane's ringtone. After all, it sounded like the rotary phones he favored!
"I know, I know, I've been meaning to change it, but I keep forgetting! I'm so sorry…! Oh, look, it's Mom!" Shane exclaimed. She gracefully broke apart from Oliver and sat cross-legged on the sofa. She quickly answered the phone and greeted her mother. The first few seconds of the conversation Shane was all smiles, but a few minutes later her happy expression started to melt, and a worried, almost frantic look took over. "Ok, Mom, yes… talk to you soon, right…haha!" Shane laughed half-heartedly. She ended the call and put her face in her hands. "Oh no no no no no no no no!"
"My love, what is it? Is something wrong with Sharon?"
"No, nothing's wrong with Mom. She just told me that Alex left out-of-the-blue to find herself at an ashram in India. She feels alone, so she wants to come to Denver for an open-ended stay."
"That's not bad. I'm a bit perplexed about Alex, but it's a good thing Sharon wants to come for an extended visit."
"Oliver, she's staying with us."
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My dear gentle reader. During this whirlwind that's been the first few months of Oliver and Shane's marriage, I've reiterated time and time again their love is one for the ages. I'd go as far as saying theirs is a love supreme, one that will be talked (and written) about time and time again!
It's been fun, hasn't it, witnessing their first months of marriage? This Author would have to say "Yes" and point out it would be difficult to pick just one beloved moment. I always think the last happenstance is my favorite! Although the Brazilian chickie situation wasn't it… but what do I know… at least that fracas set up some incredibly romantic ShOliver moments!
Instead of rehashing the past, why don't we look towards the future? We have Sharon's visit to look forward to. This Author is quite positive there will be more dancing soon. Wouldn't it be fun if the whole gang got together for a tango dance party? I can only chuckle, picturing NoRita attempting the Latin dance while Franco assesses them with his intense look. The mental picture of Norman's reaction to Franco has this Author in stitches!
Also, will Oliver make it a point to check off the items on the list of things he wants to do with Shane? He was pondering a trip to Greece… Maybe a supersized Valentines celebration? Oh, I get giddy just thinking about all the possibilities!
While all these sentimental moods end here, their love supreme shall continue, my dearies. So please, do not agonize your little hearts out. This Author shall be back! Until next time… Toodles!
THE END
A/N: It's been quite a ride for me as well. Never did I think, when I started watching SSD at the beginning of the year, that it would change my life so much. I have made wonderful friends and the dreams of a long-ago bookish teenager came true: not only am I writing, but people are reading me! SSD became the inspiration, and Rhonda Wronski was the key person who gave me the push to share my writing. I can't believe that what was a short story exploring Shane and Oliver's wedding night became Contemplations. And I am certainly mind-blown a sequel ensued with Sentimental Moods. Rhonda, you're not only my editor, you have been my cheerleader since day 1. I love you with all my heart, and I want you around for the rest of my writing endeavors!
As key as Rhonda was for Contemplations to see the light, Veronica Fernandez was instrumental during the crafting of Sentimental Moods. Vero, you have been my savior in sleepless nights, have helped ease instances of writer's block, and simply said: you're my SSD bestie. There's so much of you in Sentimental Moods… I will forever cherish all the time spent plotting and talking about our beloved characters. We birthed Flynn and Valentino, Vivianne, and even the vilified Lydia together! Collaborating on this story with you, Vero, has certainly been one of the best times of my life. I am honored that I can also call you my friend!
Thank you to all of you who have read, commented, reviewed, posted, shared, and supported my two SSD stories. This isn't the end, just a short pause for the moment. There are just too many stories to tell!