Sunshine pushed its way through the curtains of the master bedroom, casting a soft glow in the dim space. It was not terribly bright, but enough light had filtered through to cause Oliver to wake from his slumber.
His arms were wrapped around Shane, and her head lay peacefully on his shoulder. Soon they would be up and bustling about to prepare for their work day, so Oliver savored the moment. He ran his fingers through beautiful blond hair and inhaled the fruity scent from her shampoo as he marveled at the way that she fit so perfectly in his embrace—as if they were made just for each other.
Shane was normally a deep sleeper, Oliver had determined, so he didn't think his slight movements would wake her. He was wrong. In one sudden movement, his wife raised her head and like magnets, her lips found his immediately. She deepened the kiss and he returned her passion. Oliver held her tightly to himself and stole a glance at the clock on his nightstand, knowing that they must be responsible. He grinned with satisfaction at the realization that they had nearly two hours before they were due at the office. That would give them plenty of time together before they actually had to get up and get dressed.
Shane didn't even bother to ask what he wanted for breakfast. With a smile on her face that seemed rather permanent these days, she made their usual preferences and set them on the table.
"Oliver!" she called out. "Breakfast!"
Shane went to the sink and scrubbed the pan she had just used. She knew how tidy Oliver liked his kitchen—his everything, actually—so she tended to clean dishes right away upon their use. As she worked, she felt strong arms ease around her suddenly. She gasped—he had surprised her as she was lost in her own thoughts. However, just his sheer touch was enough to make her gasp even if she had been fully aware of his presence. He squeezed her gently and nuzzled her neck for a few moments and she smiled even bigger, still scrubbing the pan.
"No," he told her, reaching out and softly prying the brush from her hand.
"No?" she asked quizzically.
"No. That can wait. Leave the dirty dishes in the sink."
Shane wiped her hands on a dish towel, then turned a little and mockingly put her hand up to his forehead. "Are you feeling okay?"
"I am perfectly fine. There are more important things than dirty dishes and we are running a tad behind schedule because….well, you know why." He smirked at her flirtatiously. "Leave them and we'll wash them together later. Come sit with me. Eat. You must be starving after skipping dinner last night."
Oliver chuckled a little, planting a quick but sweet kiss on her lips, and she blushed. He took her hand and led her to the table, where he pulled out her chair for her. She sat down, that never-ending smile still spreading across her face and making her cheeks hurt. Oliver took the seat next to her and after saying grace, they enjoyed their brief morning meal.
They didn't have time to linger—those two hours since waking were vanishing quickly. The reluctance to leave other's embrace earlier was now causing them to scurry. Oliver stood at the door waiting for Shane as she retrieved her purse. She appeared from the bedroom, her heels clacking on the hardwoods beneath them.
As they bustled out of the house and down the sidewalk, Shane blurted, "I'll drive, and I've got my door. Let's go!"
"Oh! Alright," Oliver agreed, knowing there was no time to argue.
Shane took her place behind the steering wheel and Oliver hurried around the vehicle, settling into the passenger seat beside her.
"Are you, um—are you missing your independence?" Oliver inquired, a concerned look etched in his face.
"What?" Shane laughed as she turned the ignition, casting a sideways glance at him. "No. I do not miss my independence one bit, Oliver."
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, then exited their driveway.
"I love that you are such a gentleman and always taking care of me the way you do. But I'm perfectly capable of doing my share when it comes to certain things too, like mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, driving the car…. Besides, we are running late, and if we expect to clock in on time, you'd better let me drive. Your driving is just not going to cut it this morning," Shane added with a giggle.
"Are you saying I'm not a good driver?"
"You're a fantastic driver, Oliver. You're just, uh—cautious?"
She gritted her teeth as she accelerated the car and Oliver stiffened a little.
"Relax, Oliver. You do want to be on time, right?" Shane asked, raising her eyebrows at him.
Oliver blew out a breath. "What have you done to me? I've never left the house for work this late before."
"I'm sorry, Oliver. No more early morning rendezvous before work, I promise." She licked her lips, trying not to laugh as she eyed the road ahead.
"Please take that back. I fear it's the only thing that will get me through the day."
"Why, Oliver O'Toole, I thought you loved your occupation."
"I do. But I love you infinitely more," he stated with a wink as she glanced at him.
Shane's heart warmed at the words her husband had spoken to her. Since they said their vows, Oliver had made her feel loved and cherished in a way that she could have never dreamed possible. She was already his, as she had committed a lifetime of devotion to him, yet he did not take her for granted. He took every possible moment to continue "pursuing" her and it made her feel like the most important woman in the world.
And to Oliver, Shane was the most important woman in the world—the finest woman he knew. He cherished her beyond words. As he watched her skillfully maneuver the roadways, he gave a silent prayer of thanks for this vivacious partner at his side.