My long-awaited response to jt's challenge to end the ShOliver suspense in 200 words or less!

"Miss McInerney, I'm afraid there is an aspect of our relationship about which I should have been more candid," he began, putting the porch swing in motion once more.

Shane, who had been quite content nestled into the crook of his shoulder, raised her head slightly to admire his profile as he continued to speak, attentive.

"I often think back to the evening I built this swing- few times in my life have I ever felt such purpose or clarity. Your birthday was coming- I needed a gift, you needed a swing-it was all so simple. I wanted to give you something close to your heart, because, I think, even then, you were so close to mine," Oliver pondered aloud, realizing he was slightly straying from his original point.

He turned his head slightly to find himself nose-to-nose with Shane, who didn't so much as move a muscle. Oliver swallowed hard, only to find the words fell off his tongue as if asking for more butter at Montaldo's:

"I loved you then, and I love you more now," he declared, a sweet smile gracing his lips.

"And I love you, too," Shane replied, closing the distance.

The End :)