Author's Note: Sorry for the bit of delay in posting this chapter. But, you know, life happens. I hope you enjoy this next leg of Oliver and Shane's babymoon. As always, my gratitude to Martha Williamson for the characters she has created and to Eric, Kristin, Crystal, and Geoff for their incredible portrayals of Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman!

Chapter 6

The day began with a sense of anticipation as Oliver and Shane looked forward to spending the next few days in County Wicklow, the land of the O'Toole clan, for over eight centuries, according to Shane's research. But the morning that started with great expectations was failing to meet them.

The tension in the car was palpable, and Shane's unease was almost tangible. With her phone in hand, she kept one eye on the route detailed on Google Maps and the other on the road, watching for any roundabouts that might send Oliver into further panic. Her remaining hand clutched the handle hanging above her window.

"Shane, is it necessary for you to hold on as though your life depends on it? I think I am doing an acceptable job driving." Oliver's voice was terse, and his eyes remained focused on the road with his hands precisely in the ten and two positions on the steering wheel.

"Yes, darling, you are. This was just a reflex from that little swerve you made into the other lane as a car was coming from the other direction." She kept her voice calm so as not to stress Oliver any more than he already was. Shane reluctantly let go of the handle but kept her hand at the ready should she need to grab it again. The clerk at the rental car company had given them several driving tips, and yet Oliver struggled to stay in the center of the lane and was either drifting to the left side of the road or crossing the center line. As hard as she tried to keep her comments to herself, her occasional squeals only seemed to spike his nerves and his irritation.

"Shane, I would thank you to not overreact." His head jerked, and he gave her a piercing glare for the quick moment he allowed his attention to be taken from the road.

Shane shot him a sideways glance. "I'm sorry, Oliver, but you might instill a bit more confidence in me if your knuckles weren't white from clutching the steering wheel. I'm sure you'll do better now that we're out of the city."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, darling. It was just a little tricky navigating all the traffic in the roundabouts.

"I have 'navigated' roundabouts with great ease back home."

"I know, but these aren't like the ones back home. These are going in the opposite direction."

The tense words bounced around the interior of the car like a shuttlecock in a badminton match.

Shane exhaled sharply. "Can we change the subject?"

"I think that's a wise idea." The edginess of Oliver's voice was softening, but his words were still clipped.

"I think we're both hungry. We didn't have breakfast this morning since we had to pick up the car. I've found a cute place for us to eat, but it would require you to step out of your comfort zone."

"My comfort zone? What is that supposed to mean?"

Shane reached out and placed her hand on Oliver's thigh, offering a reassuring touch to help keep him calm. "Nothing, Oliver. It's just that you are a creature of habit when it comes to food and, well, a lot of things. You like your ham on rye. We all have our favorites, but we are on vacation. It wouldn't hurt for us to be more adventurous.

Oliver glanced at Shane's hand resting on his leg and sighed as if yielding to her suggestion. "So, where is this food adventure you've found for us?"

Shane's face lit up as Oliver's warm and gentle tone returned. He even removed his hand briefly from the two o'clock position to grab her hand that still rested on his thigh and give it a quick squeeze before returning it to the steering wheel.

"It's called The Happy Pear, and it's in Greystones, so not much farther. Tripadvisor gives it four and a half stars."

"What kind of adventuresome food do they have?"

"Uh, well, it's vegetarian and vegan." She said it quickly and then waited for him to say something, anything. As the silence stretched on, the more uneasy she became.

One eyebrow shot up, and his lips pressed firmly together into a thin, straight line. "I suppose vacation is a favorable time to experiment with something new."

Shane continued to watch him intently. She couldn't resist the temptation to smooth the hair over his ears, her hand coming to rest on the back of his neck, her fingertips delicately brushing against his skin.

"Shane, if you don't stop touching me, we may end up on the wrong side of the road, in a ditch somewhere."

Shane chuckled. "I'm sorry, I just find adventurous Oliver irresistible."

They drove along the coastline, eventually stopping and finding a bench where they could stop to appreciate the expansive view. Holding hands, they found comfort in listening to the waves lapping at the shore. Breathing in the fresh, crisp sea air was both relaxing and invigorating. Following an occasionally tense drive, the tranquil setting provided exactly the respite needed to soothe any frayed nerves.

The Happy Pear was a place that lived up to its name. A large mural of a pear tree against a bright blue background was painted on the side of the building, making it easy to find in the middle of the town center. The back courtyard would have been lovely on a warmer day, but the air was cool, and the chill from the breeze blowing in off the Irish Sea could quickly find its way into your bones. The friendly vibe was immediately felt as they were greeted the moment they entered. They quickly found a table, having arrived between the breakfast and lunch crowds. They studied the menu that hung above the counter.

"Everything sounds great, doesn't it, Oliver?" Certainly, her husband could find something to his liking, she thought. "Oooh, look, they have fudge brownies for dessert."

Oliver chuckled. "Do you want to forget lunch and just skip to the brownie?"

"Oh, no!" Shane's eyebrows lifted. "I'm eating for two. I need more than a brownie." She lightly patted her stomach. "I'm very proud of you, Oliver. I know this isn't what you would probably choose, but if the food is half as good as it smells, it should be fabulous."

Oliver pushed his chair back from the table. "Well, let my culinary adventure begin." He left Shane at the table and went to the counter to order for them.

It was only a short time until their food was brought to the table. Shane eyed the lasagna on Oliver's plate. The layers of vegetables were bathed in a sauce that filled the air with an irresistible aroma. It was topped with the perfect crust of melted cheese, prompting her to rethink her order. Her Buddha bowl looked much like one of her salad bar science experiments, more a mix of everything they had in the kitchen. But once she took a bite, she knew she'd made the right choice. While the combination of rice, potatoes, dahl, and kimchi might not sound like it went together, it all combined to create a treat for her tastebuds. Adding in chunks of crusty sourdough bread and the hunger pangs that had been gnawing at her most of the morning were satisfied.

She observed Oliver intently as he took each bite, taking his time with his meal. "So, how is it?" She asked hesitantly, expecting an honest but not-so-positive review.

Oliver put down his fork and wiped his mouth with his napkin. "It's delicious, good enough to be on the menu at Montaldos," he admitted. "Do you want to try a bite?"

Shane's eyes lit up. "You don't mind?"

"Shane, I offered, so of course I don't mind. Besides, you've been staring at my plate ever since it arrived at the table."

"Ha ha, very funny." She didn't need to be offered twice and wasted no time digging her fork into Oliver's lasagna. As she brought the fork to her mouth, the cheese stretched out in a long, gooey strand. The earthy flavors of the peppers, spinach, and mushrooms layered between sheets of perfectly cooked al dente pasta combined into the perfect bite. The sauce was a creamy combination of bechamel and marinara and was like velvet on her tongue. "Oh my gosh, you're right, Oliver. Maybe we should suggest this to Ramon for his restaurant."

Oliver folded his napkin and placed it next to his plate, then excused himself from the table. He returned with a thick slice of chocolate brownie, topped with a shiny chocolate glaze and sprinkled with dried raspberries. "For you, my love, I had them cut it large."

She grinned like a child getting an extra cookie for dessert. "Do you want to share it with me?" she asked.

"No, I'm okay. Besides, I would hate to get between a pregnant woman and her serious chocolate." His lips twisted into a playful grin.

"Okay, don't say I didn't ask." With a shrug of her shoulders, she portioned off a big bite of the fudgy confection and indulged in the dense, gooey texture that was slightly chewy on the edges. The chocolate flavor was intense, even a little bitter, but the sweetness of the chocolate glaze balanced it. In between mouthfuls, she posed the question. "Oliver, are you finally going to tell me where we're staying for the next few days?"

Oliver chuckled. "I suppose I've piqued your curiosity to its fullest extent, and I will need your assistance with directions, so I guess I have no choice. We are staying at Powerscourt Hotel."

Shane pulled out her phone and quickly typed in the name. "Oh wow, Oliver. It looks beautiful."

Oliver extended his hand across the table. "Nothing but the best for you, my love."

As Shane rested her hand in Oliver's, the familiar shiver shot through every limb, causing the tiny hairs on her arms to stand on end. Oliver's jaw tightened, and his eyes grew darker, never leaving Shane's, causing her stomach to flutter. His thumb glided over her knuckles slowly, his gaze holding hers.

"Shall we go, Ms. McInerney?"

Shane felt her body temperature rise as he uttered his pet name for her. "I thought you'd never ask, Mr. O'Toole."

The drive from Greystones took them through the lush, green rolling hills of County Wicklow's scenic countryside. Oliver appeared much more relaxed behind the wheel as Shane fed him directions. As they got closer to the vast Powerscourt Estate, she caught glimpses of the expansive grounds through the trees that edged the property.

Shane's jaw dropped. "Oliver, this feels like something out of a movie." The grand hotel, though built less than twenty years ago, was classically designed with intricate details that allowed it to blend in with the other historical buildings on the property.

They were greeted by a top-hatted valet who helped with their doors and luggage. The main lobby was as grand as anything Shane had ever seen. It was a beautiful blend of traditional elegance and modern design. The dark wood-paneled walls could have overwhelmed the space, but they were offset by a large wall of windows at both ends. A chandelier hung from a large medallion set in the coffered ceiling. Jewel tones of teals and purples covered the velvet couches and chairs, as well as the rugs that covered the travertine floors.

If the lobby left a lasting impression, their suite took luxury to a whole new level. The traditional style exuded an elegance that was more in line with Oliver's taste than hers, but it was undeniable that it possessed a timeless charm. She was drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a view of the gardens below, surrounded by the woods they'd driven through upon their arrival. She was about to comment, but her words were cut off when Oliver pulled her close to him, wrapping her in the strength of his arms and pressing his lips firmly against hers. Startled by the sudden move, she quickly settled into the comfort of being in his embrace, her hands naturally gravitating to the nape of his neck. The alluring scent of his cologne only served to deepen her attraction.

Shane woke an hour later, a satisfied smile on her face as their plush feather mattress molded to her, enveloping her in a cocoon of cotton candy softness. Hearing Oliver's soft breathing as he lay next to her soothed her like being wrapped in a favorite blanket in front of a roaring fire. She reluctantly disentangled herself from him, careful not to disturb his slumber, and softly tiptoed her way into the opulent marble bathroom. She took notice of the large, luxurious bathtub, making a mental note for later.

She took a quick shower and heard Oliver's groggy yawns as he began to rouse. She dressed in black leggings with an elastic waist to accommodate her growing middle and paired them with a tan cashmere sweater, silk scarf, and comfortable black walking boots.

Shane sat on the edge of the bed, running her fingers through Oliver's tousled hair, gently tugging him closer, and pressing her lips to his with a lingering, affectionate kiss. "Did you have a nice nap, Oliver?" She smiled slyly.

"Mmm, hmm, it was just what I needed," he winked.

Oliver grabbed Shane's hand as she swatted at his arm and pulled her on top of him. With her hands resting on Oliver's chest, she lifted herself, their eyes catching as their breaths mingled in the space between them. The option to stay in bed with Oliver was enticing, but she also wanted to get outside and explore their surroundings. She kissed him once more before scrambling back up to the side of the bed. "Come on. I thought it would be nice to take a walk around the grounds. There are some beautiful gardens."

Oliver propped himself up on the pillows. "That's a wonderful idea. And later, I made a reservation for us to have afternoon tea. I thought it might be fun to compare tea at Powerscourt to tea at the Brown Palace. Our reservation is for four o'clock."

"That actually does sound like fun," she tossed a pillow at him. "Now, you need to get up so we can get some exercise."

"I thought we already did," he smirked.

The warm blush crept up her cheeks as her husband not-so-subtly alluded to their earlier activities.

Twenty minutes later, they were strolling down one of the many trails offered on the expansive property. The perfectly manicured gardens were bursting with dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, and several flowers she couldn't name. Their vibrant purples, reds, and golds added texture and classic beauty to the landscape.

Shane's arm looped through Oliver's. The warmth of his hand covering hers always brought her a sense of peace. As they strolled, the path curved around the elegant hotel and led them toward the grand Powerscourt Estate, which stood in the distance. Oliver's quiet was unusual for her man of many words. "What are you contemplating, darling?" She asked gently.

His head turned in her direction, a warm smile softening his features. "Oh, I'm not sure I am contemplating anything in particular. I seem to have myriad thoughts running through my O'Tooley head."

Shane laughed. "Would you like to share any of them?"

"Between our honeymoon and this trip, I am recognizing the tremendous restorative power of taking time to get away and relax."

She shot Oliver a side glance. "Oh yes, Mr. O'Toole." She burrowed closer into his side. "Relaxing is always restorative." A smirk played on her lips as she sensed Oliver's shudder in response to the deliberate, seductive rhythm of her voice.

Their path took them past a yard-sized chess set. "Oliver, do you plan to teach our son to play chess?"

"I haven't thought about it much, but yes, I would like to share that with him. "And what about you, my love? What do you want to teach our son?"

"How to hack into computer systems?" Her laughter bubbled up, and she relished the moment Oliver joined in her amusement. "Seriously, though, Oliver, I will be happy if he grows up to be just like his father," her eyes twinkled, "maybe a little more modern version. But seriously, you are a good man, Oliver O'Toole, and I can't imagine a better role model for our son than you."

A smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, my love. If I am that, it's because you inspire me to be better every day."

They walked up the steps of the Italian Garden that led to Powerscourt House. While the estate originated in the thirteenth century, the house was built in the eighteenth century and had undergone several renovations. A series of shops inside attracted Shane's attention, most notably the Avoca store with its beautifully woven blankets.

Oliver kept a tight hold on her hand, steering her away as she tried to veer off into the shop. "Shane, we will be in Avoca tomorrow to see the mill, and I am sure you will have plenty of opportunities to shop there."

Shane faked a pout. "All right, Oliver." She followed closely behind him as they wandered through the mansion, peeking into various rooms and admiring their unique characteristics. The sound of their footsteps echoed as Oliver gently guided her into the ballroom with the soaring two-story ceiling, lined on either side by carved marble columns. It had been meticulously restored following a fire in the 1970s, but despite the renovations, the grandeur of the space remained true to what Shane imagined was its original splendor.

Adrenaline rushed through her veins as Oliver took her into his arms and started dancing her around the floor.

"Oliver, what are you doing?" Shane's loud whisper commanded his attention. "We shouldn't even be in here."

"I'm feeling rather brazen today. We are in a ballroom, on a dance floor, and no one is dancing. It seems a terrible waste." The corners of his mouth quirked up.

Shane shook her head at Oliver's reasoning. "If that's the case, then we need some music." Shane pulled out her phone and pulled up her Oliver playlist, which held every piece of music they had danced to since the beginning. Soon, the gentle, flowing melody of Moon River filled the air. "Our first dance, Oliver."

He held her hand, the other one firmly around her waist, pulling her much closer to him than he had that night in the bar. "I remember you asking me to dance. The look on your face told me I wasn't going to get away with refusing you." His cheek rested against hers. "Even in the beginning, I found you irresistible."

They moved and twirled, following the steps they'd learned so long ago. Shane arched her back and extended her leg as Oliver lowered her into a dip. It didn't matter how many times they danced. A familiar rush of sensations swept through her, sending every nerve into overdrive as he lifted her to stand beside him. Her eyes flitted back and forth between the deep blue pools of his gaze and the inviting curve of his lips. She shook with anticipation as his lips tenderly brushed hers. So enthralled with each other, it took a moment for them to hear the clapping coming from the distant end of the room. Both of them spun around to find a small group of people continuing to applaud them.

Shane twirled away from Oliver, still holding his hand, and did a little curtsy toward the crowd of onlookers. She glanced at Oliver, his face beet red and fidgeting nervously with his collar. She rested her delicate hand on his chest, and as she leaned in, her lips barely brushed his ear. She whispered, "It seems I'm not the only one who thinks you are an excellent dancer."

Her compliment didn't seem to assuage his embarrassment. He rolled his eyes and motioned for her to head to the exit, which required them to walk past the group of tourists. Thankfully, they were now engaged in listening to the tour guide's history of the ballroom.

Once outside, Shane burst into laughter. "Are you okay, Oliver?"

"I am fine. I don't think their attention was on me, anyway." he lifted her hand to his lips. "They were most certainly as mesmerized by you as I was."

A shy smile played on her lips. "That may be, Mr. O'Toole, but I was completely captivated by you." She didn't even bother to glance at her surroundings for onlookers but brought Oliver into a tender embrace, her arms tightening around him as they kissed. Her fiery passion for Oliver, which was always smoldering just below the surface, was ignited.

Oliver quickly caught his breath. "Ahem. We should be heading back to our room so we can get ready for tea."

Tea at Powerscourt Hotel was definitely a different experience from the Brown Palace, but equally delicious. Instead of the historic ambiance of the Brown, the Sugar Loaf Lounge at Powerscourt was a bright and inviting space with a wall of windows bathing the room in the late afternoon light. Oliver and Shane sat together on a small settee at a cozy table overlooking the lush and showy gardens.

1892 Darjeeling was missing from the list of teas, but they did have a Darjeeling Gold that Oliver found well-balanced with a floral top note. Shane selected Fruits of Paradise. The tea was smooth, with a light and refreshing taste. Its infusion of several tropical fruits gave it a natural sweetness, reducing her need for sugar to only two lumps.

The three-tiered tray of traditional afternoon tea delicacies balanced sweet treats and savory bites. Shane was a bit more daring in her selection, choosing mango chicken with pickled grapes on brioche bread. Oliver, always the traditionalist, selected the egg salad.

Wiping his fingers on his napkin, Oliver offered. "I dare say this egg salad easily rivals the Brown Palace's. What about yours, Shane?"

"If someone offered me a pickled grape, I would likely refuse them, but it really offers a nice tang to offset the sweetness of the mango." She popped the remains of the morsel into her mouth.

They both tried the smoked turkey and brie with cranberries and tasted the Irish soda bread.

It was the beautifully presented confections that made Shane's eyes dance. "I know I'm supposed to limit sweets, but these are making my mouth water. I'll do better tomorrow. Today, I will treat myself," she said as several pieces of chocolaty goodness made it onto her plate.

Oliver's eyes shone as he watched his wife loading her plate. "You are so beautiful when you get excited. Your eyes shine like a kid in a candy store, and your smile could light up the darkest room."

"Are you teasing me, Oliver O'Toole?" She countered with feigned indignance.

"Never, my love. I only hope you look at me the same way you look at those sweet treats," he joked as he added a buttermilk scone and lemon curd to his plate.

"I save all of my best looks for you, darling."

As the elevator doors slid shut, Oliver backed Shane against the wall. Her breath grew shallow as he cradled her face in his hands, brushing his thumb softly against her bottom lip. His intense gaze felt like it could pierce through her soul, and when he finally leaned in to kiss her, she felt her world stand still. What began with sweet tenderness quickly deepened, becoming more urgent and demanding, leaving Shane wrapping her arms around Oliver's shoulders to steady herself.

"I hope you don't mind that I made it an early evening. We could use some downtime after a busy day," Oliver said with a raspy voice.

"That is a brilliant idea, Oliver," She leaned in close, letting her lips lightly graze his cheek. "Speaking of downtime, did you notice the tub in our bathroom?"