Oliver had gone up to their room. He stepped into the shower hoping the water would cool his anger and help him think clearly. After a few minutes under the cleansing spray he did feel much better. He knew he had mostly been worried about Shane's safety, but he shouldn't have gotten so upset. Shane had the purest heart of anyone he knew, of course she hadn't meant to make things worse for Maria. He brushed his teeth and pulled on his pajama pants. He was surprised to see the bedroom empty when he stepped out of the bathroom. Where was Shane? He winced inwardly when he realized that she was probably avoiding him. He dropped to his knees next to the bed. As he prayed he expressed his gratitude that Shane was safe, he prayed for patience and understanding and he prayed for Maria. When he finished he felt peace and a strong assurance that everything was going to turn out just the way God intended. He also felt a strong pull to go find Shane.
As Oliver quietly went down the stairs he noticed that Shane had left the hall light on. He peeked into the living room and felt his heart clench when he saw her sleeping on the couch. The light from the hall just barely lit her face enough for him to tell that there were tears sliding down her cheeks. He quickly went over to her and knelt down next to the couch.
"Shane my love won't you come to bed with me?" He asked quietly.
Shane hadn't been asleep but she also hadn't heard Oliver come in and her eyes suddenly opened with surprise when he spoke. She sat up slowly looking into his face.
"I thought when married couples fought the offending party was supposed to sleep on the couch," she stated.
Oliver stared at her for a moment, he almost laughed at her simple logic, he was also slightly relieved that she wasn't simply avoiding him. He wiped the tears from her cheek with his thumb, "Well my dear Shane, that is not how we're going to do things in our home," he said as he stood. She gave him a beautiful smile and he felt his heart lift. He reached for her hands with his and pulled her slowly from the couch. Shane exerted a tremendous amount of effort to not wince from the pain in her knee. Once standing she wrapped her arms around his neck and he slid his arms around her waist pulling her close.
She whispered into his ear, "Oliver I really am so sorry, I didn't mean to make a mess of everything."
"I know love, and I know everything is going to be ok." He held her close for another minute or two then he gently pulled her by the hand and led her up the stairs to their bedroom.
Oliver climbed into bed first, Shane hesitated for a second before climbing in on her side but she immediately felt Oliver's arms reach out and pull her close against his body.
"I wasted too many years without you, I intend to sleep with you in my arms every night that I am able." He whispered into her ear.
"Oh Oliver, I love you so much," Shane said as she snuggled in even closer.
"I love you too my dear Shane," his lips found hers in the dark and he kissed her gently but thoroughly. He lingered a few moments hoping to convey his love for her in these gentle kisses. They were soon both fast asleep in each other's arms.