Author's Note: Wow! Sometimes, a story sends you on a path of discovery. This one has certainly done that for me. Shane's surprise for Oliver is finally coming to fruition. There's also been some chatter in the FB group about a particular subject. The timing of that created the perfect opportunity for me to address it. Let me know if you figure out the subject. I hope you enjoy the continuing babymoon.

As always, thank you to Martha Williamson, who created and owns the characters, and to Eric and Kristin for making them so memorable.

The locations used in this chapter are all real…so if you choose to Google any of them (as I typically do), I hope you will find that I've done them justice.

Chapter 9

Shane's bottom lip was pinched firmly between her teeth. She expected Oliver to give her the same playful taunting that she'd given him on the first day he'd driven the rental car. It had looked so easy from her perch on the passenger side. Her eyes darted from one side mirror to the other, making sure the car was centered in the lane. The first stretch of road from Powerscourt to the main road was most tricky as it zig-zagged until they got to the main road.

"Shane, are you sure you don't want me to drive?

Oliver's voice was gentle and full of concern, as it usually was. "I'm fine, Oliver. I've got this." She wasn't about to let him think she wasn't perfectly capable of managing the drive, but she had to admit, it was trickier than she expected.

Thirty minutes into the drive, she reached over and gave Oliver's hand a quick squeeze. "Thank you, Oliver."

"For what?"

A warm smile crossed her face. "For not giving me a hard time about my driving."

Oliver chuckled lightly. "Well, there were a couple of close calls back there, but I must admit, you are doing an excellent job."

Shane wriggled in her seat and straightened her back. "Thank you, darling. I've been watching you for the last couple of days. You've gotten much more proficient."

From the corner of her eye, she noted the smirk of satisfaction cross his lips. "Thank you, my love. Now, will you tell me where we're going?"

"Nope," she quipped. "Let me just say I think I've found something you're going to find fascinating."

"Hmmm, fascinating? I can't imagine anything more fascinating than you."

Butterflies danced in Shane's belly as Oliver's words made her giddy. But then, Oliver had been making her feel giddy from the day they met. She felt it at the coffee cart the moment he echoed her 'theoretically.' Then, she followed Andrea's voice, turned the corner, and found him standing there, holding the coffee she'd bought him. She couldn't hold back her smile when she saw him. He wore a three-piece suit, was incredibly handsome, and smelled divine. This time, it was their simultaneous use of the word 'theoretically' that flipped the switch on a connection that, in spite of some challenging roller coaster periods, grew over time and could not be turned off.

"You are a charmer, Mr. O'Toole."

"There is no one I want to charm more than you, Mrs. O'Toole."

His gaze bore into her cheek with the intensity of a searing laser, making it difficult for her to concentrate on the road ahead. "Oliver, are you trying to distract me on purpose?"

"No more than you did to me yesterday."

"Touché." She laughed.

"How long is our drive?"

They'd been on the road for forty-five minutes. "We have another hour or so."

"That's taking us quite off track from our next destination, isn't it?"

They were expected in County Clare by the end of the day.

"Don't worry, Oliver. I think you'll find this is well worth it. We'll have plenty of time to get to this elusive destination you won't tell me about."

"Have I piqued your curiosity, Shane?"

"You know you have, and I think you get some kind of pleasure from that."

"I take pleasure in knowing that, after all these years that we've known each other, I can still surprise you."

Her lips gently lifted into a smile. "Fair enough. Oliver, do you remember the first time I drove your Jaguar?"

He laughed. "How could I forget it?" I didn't realize my car could make such a noise. I can still hear it when I close my eyes at night," he chuckled.

She swatted at him and pursed her lips. "In my defense, I may have been sidetracked as I took off."

"Sidetracked by what?"

"You, Oliver. I was worried about you, not sure to what end Sylvia would go to find Vivien's grandson."

"You were worried about me?"

"Yes, Oliver. Even then, I recognized something special in you. I wanted you to be safe."

"Hmmm," Oliver steepled his index fingers and brought them to his lips. "I thought I was the only one who was in love at first sight."

"I didn't say I loved you. I said I wanted you to be safe."

Oliver leaned back in his seat. "Well, then, when did you know you loved me?"

"Let me think." She took her time answering him even though she knew the answer. "By the end of my first week, I realized I could love you. After we helped free Charlie and reunite him with Kelly, I knew there was no way I could leave you and the DLO."

"What do you mean you knew that you could love me?"

"Oliver, you were married. I had to keep my feelings in check out of self-preservation." Shane didn't let herself think about those early days in the DLO too often. Some of them were very painful. Reliving them brought unnecessary heartache. When she did let her mind drift to the past, she chose to focus on the positive memories.

"I'm sorry, Shane," Oliver said apologetically.

"Oliver, you have nothing to be sorry for. That's all behind us. What is ahead of us is what's important." Shane's voice brightened. "Would you like me to tell you when I knew I was hopelessly in love with you?"

"Hopelessly? And when would that be?"

"Do you remember when Billy played the love song he'd written for Jennifer in the hospital lobby?"

"I do. It was a difficult but very satisfying case."

Shane's voice was gentle. "He started singing the song about life being hard and maybe there's a why for all the sorrow. Then he sang the line, I wake up every morning 'cause you believe in me. Our eyes connected for a moment." She glanced at him and saw the soft smile on his face. "You turned away, but I couldn't tear my eyes from you." She paused and took a deep breath. "It was then that I knew. I was hopelessly in love with you, Mr. O'Toole." She chuckled softly. "I had to walk away so you wouldn't see me crying."

The road ahead became distorted as tears blurred her eyes. She blinked them back and took a deep breath to recenter herself.

"And the rest, they say, is history." He said as he wove his fingers through the soft waves of her hair that fell over her shoulder. As his thumb gently brushed away the last of her tears, she leaned into his tender touch.

"Yes, and we have more history to make." She turned her head and kissed his palm.

They drove in silence for a few miles before she summoned the courage to broach the topic that seemed to annoy Oliver. "Darling, there's something I was hoping we could discuss." Her words came tentatively.

Oliver returned his attention to Shane's hair, winding her waves around his finger. "What is that, my love?"

"This is serious, Oliver, and I can't concentrate when you're playing with my hair." She said it light-heartedly and flashed him a smile.

"Okay, fine. What do you want to discuss?"

Shane took a deep breath. "How long are you going to continue calling me Ms. McInerney in the office?"

Oliver chuckled as he watched his wife. "I've wondered how long it would be before you revived that subject."

"Oh, good, then you're expecting it and have had time to think about it."

"I don't know if I would say that. But here we are, so let's discuss it."

"From the very beginning, I was always Ms. McInerney. Over time, your use of the name became more flirtatious than professional."

"It did not. I was always very professional."

"Oliver, I distinctly remember you saying to me, "I think it's more important than ever to keep things professional at work. But come tomorrow night, I fully intend to call you Shane, Ms. McInerney. "

Shane echoed every inflection Oliver used that day. His words were etched into her mind, and she remembered the surge of thrill that ran through her when Oliver unabashedly flirted with her in the DLO.

"It may have sounded professional to you, but it made my knees wobble."

"I thought you liked it when I called you Ms. McInerney."

"Oh, I do, Oliver, but now only in particularly private moments." Her voice flowed like honey and was just as sweet as she winked at him.

She noted the blush creeping up Oliver's neck. "Ahem, how much further before we get to this surprise you're keeping from me?"

"Don't change the subject. We have enough time to put this issue to rest. Why don't you call me Mrs. O'Toole at work? You haven't had any problems calling me that during our holiday."

Shane patiently waited as Oliver remained silent. She knew he was carefully considering his response.

"I just think it's important to keep our work and professional lives separate." Oliver was speaking with his hands, something he did when he was at a loss for words.

"So you've said." Annoyance laced her words. It was the same argument he'd made many times. "But, Oliver, in our line of work, it's impossible not to be affected on a personal level from time to time. We've all had it happen." She kept going before Oliver could respond. "Can you honestly tell me that you didn't get personally involved in Gabe and Hattie's case?"

He nodded. "That was a unique situation."

"Oliver, all of our cases are unique. I can name any one of a dozen where we got personally involved." She glanced at her husband, hoping to read his expression.

"What about a compromise? I will call you Mrs. O'Toole in the DLO, but when we are outside of the office, I will continue to refer to you as Ms. McInerney."

"No, Oliver. I'm sorry, but that's not a compromise I can live with. Are you embarrassed for people to know I'm your wife?"

"You know I'm not." His indignation rang clear. "I just don't think it's anyone's business whether we're married or not."

"I agree. I'm not asking you to introduce me as your wife, Oliver. Just as Mrs. O'Toole."

Oliver looked at her with raised brows. "Is it really that important to you?"

Shane reached over and gave Oliver's hand a quick squeeze. "Yes, Oliver, it really is."

"Shane, you know, I'm an old dog. I don't always learn new tricks so readily."

"Don't sell yourself short, Oliver. You've learned lots of new tricks lately." She flashed him a teasing grin.

"Yes, well. Ahem. That's different." Oliver casually swept his hands over his slacks, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. "Okay, Shane. I will do my best to begin calling you by your married moniker before, after, and." He hesitated for a brief moment. "During work hours."

"Thank you, darling."

"But please be patient with me as I become accustomed to the change."

"I can do that, Oliver." She wondered if Oliver could see the smile that spanned her face.

Shane checked the GPS for directions. Then she silently prayed that she hadn't taken them hours out of their way, only for Oliver to be disappointed by their destination.

Shane found a spot on the street and deftly maneuvered the car into it.

"There it is, Oliver." She watched as he stopped, his hands behind his back. He rocked on his heels, his eyes never leaving the church they stood before. It was another example of neo-gothic architecture, having been built in the 1880s as a Methodist church. Slate grey stone was paired with white limestone. Arched doors were painted a bright fire engine red. The ornate iron hinges supported the door, while the grand windows were elegantly arched and made from intricate stained glass.

Oliver furrowed his brows. "We're here to see another church?"

Shane slipped her arm through Oliver's. "No, Oliver, look there." Shane guided his view to a small sign mounted to the building. It was no longer a church. Instead, it was now The Irish Museum of Time.

Shane's eyes remained fixed on Oliver. Astonishment was on his face as he looked wide-eyed. "Well? What do you think?"

It took him a moment, but finally, he asked. "How did you find this place?"

Shane not only took great pleasure in surprising Oliver but also that she'd planned such a unique excursion. "I did my research before the trip. When I saw this, I knew I had to figure out a way to get here."

"I'm so glad you did." Oliver pulled Shane into his arms, their mouths coming together for a kiss that, if they were in private, would undoubtedly lead to more. "You are a woman of many facets, Shane O'Toole, and your thoughtfulness is one of them. Thank you."

"Mmmm, you can thank me later tonight, Mr. O'Toole." Shane drawled as her eyes blazed. Then, she kissed him, keeping herself in check but making sure he understood her implicit message. Oliver let out a soft groan as she slowly pulled away, assuring her that he did.

Shane chuckled. "Come on, let's go see what the Irish Museum of Time is all about." Shane had seen enough pictures during her research that she knew Oliver would be overwhelmed, maybe even more so than he was when they visited the Long Room at Trinity College. She kept her eyes fixed on him, anxious to see his reaction when they first walked inside.

She wasn't disappointed. Oliver's eyes lit up, like a child running down the stairs on Christmas morning to find Santa had left a shiny new bicycle or, in Oliver's case, a shiny new pocket watch.

The first thing they experienced was the quiet ticking that surrounded them. None of them were in sync, making the ticking more of a constant buzz, almost white noise.

Shane checked her watch. "Oliver, it's almost one o'clock. I wonder if they'll all chime at the same time."

"That would be something. Rather noisy, I imagine."

Considering the building's age, it was, as they had seen elsewhere on their travels, another example of the old and new working together in perfect complement. The soaring ceilings made of rich mahogany beams and panels gave the room a spacious feel, while the tall windows flooded the space with natural light. The white walls reflected that light, transforming what could feel dark and cave-like into a bright and airy space.

Glass and brass display cases and fixtures added a modern element. But the main attraction was the astounding number of timepieces of every age and type, visible wherever they looked.

"Oliver, I don't know what to look at first. It really is quite extraordinary. I planned this excursion for you, but I'm enjoying it just as much."

A soft smile tugged at Oliver's lips. "Do you really mean that?"

"Yes, Oliver." She spoke with firm conviction. "I began appreciating the artistry involved when I needed to have your crank repaired. It was nothing short of a miracle that he was able to repair it as quickly as he did."

"Our crank," he corrected. "And now the O'Toole family clock will continue to tick for another one hundred years." He patted Shane's stomach. "Passed along to this little guy."

Shane's eyes sparkled as Oliver spoke about the baby, making the impending arrival feel even more tangible. "I love that idea, Oliver." Their fingers wove together as they moved together.

They were first drawn to the wall of grandfather clocks, which illustrated the evolution of Irish clock-making. Oliver was fascinated by the progression of technology as he moved slowly from clock to clock. Shane noticed more than once that he held his hands firmly behind his back, she assumed to keep himself from touching them.

"Is it driving you crazy that you can't touch them, Oliver?"

"Yes, but it also reminds me of our clock at home. I hope my father is keeping it wound, even if it is covered to protect it from the construction."

"Would you like me to text and remind him?"

"No, no. I don't want Dad to think I don't trust him."

"Fair enough." She opened her mouth to say more but was drowned out by countless chimes originating from innumerable clocks, each one setting off its unique pattern before striking one o'clock. She pulled out her phone, pretending to take a video of the clocks, but, in truth, she was covertly catching Oliver's expression as the choir of chimes rang out in unexpected harmony.

He finally spoke when the last chime had rung. "That was magnificent. Wasn't that magnificent?"

"Yes, darling, that really was something special."

They continued through the museum, moving slowly to ensure they saw everything. They paused occasionally, reading information plaques and studying the details of each grouping of clocks.

The upper level of the museum featured groupings of clocks from other countries, but it was the remarkable collection of pocket watches that drew Oliver's attention. Each was etched with a one-of-a-kind design. Even Shane found herself mesmerized by the beauty of each piece.

Each new exhibit held a story, and they took their time discovering each one. Finally, after they'd heard the choir of chimes two more times, Shane knew they needed to hit the road. They were going to County Clare, still about two hours away. She hated to pull Oliver away from the experience, but she also knew he wouldn't want to be on the road after dark. It was hard enough to drive in daylight.

Shane was more than happy for her husband to drive. She really wanted to close her eyes for a quick nap but didn't want to leave Oliver to navigate on his own, even with her GPS. She felt the warmth of his hand covering hers, and she played with the gold band secured on his left hand.

"Thank you, Shane, for today. That was quite unexpected."

"It was my pleasure. You've done so much for me. I wanted to do something for you." She leaned her head back against the soft leather of her seat.

"Well, now it's my turn for the unexpected. Will you do me a favor and put an address into your phone without wikiing it?"

She laughed. "Of course, Oliver. But why are you so secretive?"

"For the same reason you were secretive about the museum. I want to witness the expression on your face when we arrive." He flashed her a wry smile, one side of his mouth lifting. "Now, why don't you close your eyes for a while? I'll be fine."

"Are you sure, Oliver?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Well, maybe for a few minutes. Don't let me sleep too long, or I won't be able to sleep tonight."

Oliver's voice was low and sultry. "That wouldn't be so bad, would it?"

The intensity of his gaze made her acutely aware of the heat that constantly simmered between them but could boil over at any moment. "No, darling. It would not." She responded in a whisper as her eyelids grew heavy and finally closed.

Oliver gently placed his hand over Shane's, squeezing it several times before she stirred. She blinked, allowing her eyes to adjust to what remained of the daylight.

"Thank you, Oliver. I needed that. How much further do we have to go?"

"We have about ten, maybe fifteen minutes to our destination."

"What! Oliver, I told you not to let me sleep so long." She tried to sound bothered but couldn't deny she really enjoyed her nap. "I'm sorry. I feel bad that you had to do the drive without someone to talk to."

"Don't worry. It gave me plenty of time to think about what to do later tonight when you can't sleep," he said with a smirk and a wink.

Her pulse quickened as she parted her lips to reply to his apparent suggestive remark. Before she could, Oliver veered left and guided the car through a set of iron gates. Beyond the gates, a winding road led them through a lush, green landscape. Shane kept glancing from one side of the road to the other, not sure what to expect. She saw something but wasn't quite sure what it was. Once they were over the last rise in the road, the impressive facade of a castle came into view, rising majestically against a backdrop of trees.

"Oliver, what is this place?"

"This, my love, is Dromoland Castle. It was originally built in the twelfth century and then rebuilt in the nineteenth century when it was managed by none other than, drumroll please, The McInerney family, headed up by Sir Edward McInerney." Oliver's chest puffed, and he jutted his chin, a satisfied smile overtaking his features.

Shane's jaw dropped. "Oliver! You're kidding, right?

"I am not kidding."

Tears sprang to her eyes, touched by Oliver's efforts to make every experience memorable in some way. "I can't believe you found a place with a tie to McInerneys."

"You, my love, are not the only person who can do research."

"I know, but I don't know how you could have found this without using the internet unless you spent hours at the library." Shane had an inkling of how Oliver managed to pull this off.

Oliver smirked. "I must admit, I may have had some help from my dad."

"Aha! The truth comes out."

Oliver laughed. "When I told the travel agent we wanted to visit County Clare, she suggested the castle. It was my dad who did the research and found the connection to the McInerneys. It was definitely a divine delivery."

Shane's first impression of the interior of Dromoland Castle was that it was a step back in time. The coffered ceiling featured richly colored, highly polished panels, creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere. Two Medieval Suits of Armor stood on guard on either side of an ancient desk. The floor and some of the walls were made from gray limestone, which likely was a reproduction of what was used in the original castle. The large rug covering the floor softened what could be rather cold. The color scheme of deep burgundy and antique gold, along with the elegant tapestries hanging on the walls and luxurious brocade drapes on the windows, all added to the authenticity of the room.

"Oliver, it's unlike any place I've ever stayed."

"Is that a good thing?"

"It is, Oliver." Shane linked her arm with Oliver's and placed a quick peck on his cheek. "You are certainly a man of surprises."

"I'm glad you think so. I may still have one or two up my sleeve."

While the bellhop took their suitcases to their room, Oliver suggested they look around the hotel a bit. "Let's give him time to get the bags settled," he said.

They discovered the part of the hotel where events were held. Shane peeked her head in and pulled it back out quickly. "I think they're setting up for a wedding.

A set of stairs leading to a lower level was nearby. As they descended the steps, several family crest flags, suspended from the ceiling, came into view.

Shane stopped in her tracks, gasping. "Oliver! Look!"

Oliver's eyes followed the direction of her finger.

They were both rendered speechless, their jaws dropping in amazement as they looked up. The first flag captured their attention. The background was white with three red lions, each positioned one on top of the other. Along the top of the flag was the name 'McInerney.'

Shane pulled out her phone with shaky fingers to get a picture. "Oliver, would you take the picture?" She handed him the phone, but after a moment of him fumbling with it, she took it back and managed to take a selfie of herself and the flag. "Is this one of your surprises, Oliver?"

"I wish I could take credit, but I'm just as stunned as you are." He wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Maybe another divine delivery?"

They found the elevators, and once the doors slid shut, Shane closed the distance between her and Oliver, drawing him to her. Their blue eyes locked in a silent but charged exchange. Shane brushed her lips lightly against his. The second kiss was a surrender to a deep, intense passion ignited by her desire and matched by his. She felt his lips curving into a smile. She pulled back, her eyes narrowing as she met his.

"What's so funny, Mr. O'Toole."

"Nothing, my love. I was thinking. I may need to thank Hazel when we get home."

Shane slugged him playfully on the shoulder. "Seriously? You were thinking of Hazel while we were kissing?"

"She is the one who suggested the 'babymoon.'" If it hadn't been for her, I wouldn't be standing in this elevator, in a medieval castle in Ireland, with my beautiful and irresistibly seductive wife kissing me in a way that sends shivers up and down my spine." His voice was low and husky.

"Good answer, Mr. O'Toole," she smirked. She leaned into him, bringing her lips to his again for another long, luxurious kiss that continued until the elevator dinged the car's arrival on their floor.

Oliver unlocked the door to their suite and ushered Shane through. Their bags were already in the bedroom. The suite included a library wall that wrapped around a fireplace. Flames danced and warmed the space. "Yet another incredible suite. You are spoiling me, Oliver."

"And it is my pleasure to do so."

Her hands caressed his arms as she gazed into his eyes. "Maybe we should check out the bedroom."

She shuddered as he leaned in, his warm breath on her skin. "Don't you want to get settled and have some dinner first?" He murmured.

Shane ran her hand up and down Oliver's torso. "There's time for that later. Right now, I'm ready to collect on the thanks you promised me earlier today. After all, I had that long nap in the car, and I'm wide awake."

Footnote: Can you believe the part about the family crest flag? Talk about pennies from heaven. I was suitably thrilled when I made that discovery.