Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris With Love

Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe and Geoff Gustafson explore the mystery of true love when they return for a new duty to deliver in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris With Love.” The Postables, Oliver (Mabius), Shane (Booth), Rita (Lowe) and Norman (Gustafson), explore the mystery of true love as they deliver divorce papers to one couple the same day Oliver’s missing wife reappears.

Poppy Montgomery guest stars as Oliver’s wife, Holly.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered For Christmas

With a duty to deliver every last letter before Christmas, the beloved quartet of post office detectives—Oliver (Eric Mabius), Shane (Kristin Booth), Rita (Crystal Lowe) and Norman (Geoff Gustafson)—are working around the clock to redirect Santa’s mail just as Oliver runs into his former Sunday school teacher (Marion Ross). When they receive an emotional last-minute plea not meant for Saint Nick, but instead written to God, they must delay their own travel plans to make sure one little girl doesn’t lose her Christmas joy—something Oliver and Shane are also struggling to find as they each face painful holiday memories. With a little guidance from a mysterious post office volunteer, Jordan (Rob Estes), the Postables are more surprised than anyone to discover they’ve been a part of more than one miracle on this Christmas Eve.

Episode 110: “A Hope and a Future”

Celebrating Rita’s win at the Miss Postal Delivery pageant, Oliver, Norman, and Shane decorate the DLO with balloons and streamers. As Rita walks in the team bursts into song and cheers. Rita gushes but insists that she’s still the same person and doesn’t want to be treated differently. And to prove her point, she presents the team with a big dusty box full of lost letters. Given her recent accomplishment, Oliver deems it only fitting that Rita chose the first letter. As luck would have it, Rita selects a “NIFTS” letter. With only two words on the letter, it’s clearly a personal note that was Never Meant For The System, “NIFTS.” The letter reads:

“Dear Pastor Thomas,
You don’t know me but I’ve heard you’re a good man. And that’s why I’m asking for your help. I don’t know what else to do. My Sweet Joshua has a heart condition and needs medical care I can’t give him. “Please, Pastor Thomas, get him the help he needs so he can have a hope and a future. And tell him how much I love him. I can only pray that one day he will be able to find it in his heart to forgive me for what I’ve done.”

Written on a shelter bulletin, the unsigned letter captivates the team so much that they don’t notice Norman walk away. As they discuss possible scenarios for the abandoned Joshua, Norman offers a detailed explanation of the adoption process. Puzzled, Shane asks why he knows so much about adoption. It’s then that Norman reveals he was adopted at age 8. At 16, his adoptive parents convinced him to sign up on the National Adoption Registry and a year ago he received a letter from a family member. Unsure if he was ready to read it, Norman only now musters the courage to read the letter. It turns out the letter is from a very eager Ms. Ardis Parker-Pennington-Paine, Norman’s biological grandmother.

In the mean time, the DLO team locates the shelter where the lost letter originated. The current pastor vividly remembers that night 30 years ago when, as a child, he stumbled across the letter and baby Joshua. The pastor says that eventually Joshua was taken by child services and also had his heart condition treated. After being taken in by a local adoption agency, Joshua’s whereabouts became a mystery. The pastor is able to provide the team with a card from the adoption agency. Later, the lawyer for the agency agreed to contact Joshua, but stipulated that any further contact would be up to Joshua.

At Mailbox Grille, the team eagerly awaits the arrival of Norman’s grandmother Ardis. As the doors burst open, an elegant woman makes her entrance. The vision of Ardis Parker-Pennington-Paine captivates all of the Postables. Ardis immediately heads for Oliver and begins to comment on his stunning good looks. Slightly uncomfortable, Oliver politely directs Ardis toward Norman, and the two share a long overdue embrace. Shortly after, Shane gets an email from Joshua requesting a meeting for the following day. Overcome by a sense of accomplishment, Oliver remarks, “We’re bringing families together right and left this week!

Fresh with encouragement from his grandma, Norman presents Rita with a gift he’d had tucked away. The gift, an “unsquashable” stuffed crab, is a unique reminder of Norman’s unwavering faith in her. At the same time, Oliver and Shane return, slightly down, from their meeting with Joshua. As they talk about the meeting, Rita catches a glimpse of his picture and immediately recognizes him as a state championship winning soccer coach. It turns out that Joshua is actually a twin and Rita’s photographic memory just gave new life to the investigation. When Oliver and Shane meet Joshua’s twin brother Matt, they learn that he still lives with his birth mother. The news of his twin hits Matt hard while his mother struggles to explain her situation. Oliver does his best to comfort mother by telling her that Joshua’s heart condition was been treated and that he is very successful.

Back at the Mailbox Grill, Ardis, Rita, and Shane sit and talk over a cup of coffee. As they talk, Ardis suffers what appears to be a heart attack. She is rushed to the hospital where the entire DLO team gathers. While she will need surgery, as luck would have it, her surgeon is none other than Joshua. Somehow, before the successful surgery, Ardis managed to make a few choice phone calls. One call, to Joshua’s twin Matt, convinces him to show up at the hospital. As Matt talks to a nurse his eyes glance past the DLO team and onto his twin brother. The two immediately know who the other is. The two men sit together and begin to make up for lost time. As they talk, their mother, who also received a call from Ardis, shows up at the hospital. She slowly walks toward her sons, happy that they have been able to meet. Joshua stands up, walks toward her, and stammers, before falling into her arms and sharing a long awaited embrace.

While Joshua has found it in his heart to forgive his mother, Oliver must now confront his feeling towards his wayward wife. While trapped in the bank vault with Shane, Oliver began to compose a letter to his wife Holly. Earlier, while looking for a pair of tweezers in Oliver’s desk, Shane stumbled upon the unsent letter. Shane assures Oliver that she didn’t read the letter, but she can’t hide her feelings about the situation and about him. Unsure if the letter is begging Holly to come home, or if it will signal the end of their marriage, Shane challenges Oliver to conquer his fear and mail the letter. So, standing in the pouring rain, Oliver makes his choice and drops the letter into the mailbox.
The Postable’s sense of satisfaction is short lived. When Oliver and Shane meet Joshua he says the letter means nothing and that his mother isn’t the woman who threw him away. Meanwhile, Norman and Ardis enjoy some long overdue quality time while touring a local cave. During the tour, Ardis reveals that Norman’s mother tragically died two years before. Later, during lunch, Norman talks about his feelings for Rita. Ardis encourages him to live life without regrets and tell Rita how he feels.

Fresh with encouragement from his grandma, Norman presents Rita with a gift he’d had tucked away. The gift, an “unsquashable” stuffed crab, is a unique reminder of Norman’s unwavering faith in her. At the same time, Oliver and Shane return, slightly down, from their meeting with Joshua. As they talk about the meeting, Rita catches a glimpse of his picture and immediately recognizes him as a state championship winning soccer coach. It turns out that Joshua is actually a twin and Rita’s photographic memory just gave new life to the investigation. When Oliver and Shane meet Joshua’s twin brother Matt, they learn that he still lives with his birth mother. The news of his twin hits Matt hard while his mother struggles to explain her situation. Oliver does his best to comfort mother by telling her that Joshua’s heart condition was been treated and that he is very successful.

Back at the Mailbox Grill, Ardis, Rita, and Shane sit and talk over a cup of coffee. As they talk, Ardis suffers what appears to be a heart attack. She is rushed to the hospital where the entire DLO team gathers. While she will need surgery, as luck would have it, her surgeon is none other than Joshua. Somehow, before the successful surgery, Ardis managed to make a few choice phone calls. One call, to Joshua’s twin Matt, convinces him to show up at the hospital. As Matt talks to a nurse his eyes glance past the DLO team and onto his twin brother. The two immediately know who the other is. The two men sit together and begin to make up for lost time. As they talk, their mother, who also received a call from Ardis, shows up at the hospital. She slowly walks toward her sons, happy that they have been able to meet. Joshua stands up, walks toward her, and stammers, before falling into her arms and sharing a long awaited embrace.

While Joshua has found it in his heart to forgive his mother, Oliver must now confront his feeling towards his wayward wife. While trapped in the bank vault with Shane, Oliver began to compose a letter to his wife Holly. Earlier, while looking for a pair of tweezers in Oliver’s desk, Shane stumbled upon the unsent letter. Shane assures Oliver that she didn’t read the letter, but she can’t hide her feelings about the situation and about him. Unsure if the letter is begging Holly to come home, or if it will signal the end of their marriage, Shane challenges Oliver to conquer his fear and mail the letter. So, standing in the pouring rain, Oliver makes his choice and drops the letter into the mailbox.

 

Episode 109: “The Treasure Box”

It’s the night of the finals for the Miss Special Delivery pageant as Norman quizzes Rita on her postal history. As he does, Shane sits and unwraps an old and disheveled parcel containing a wooden puzzle box. A centuries old tradition, puzzle boxes can only be opened through a series or movements. The first compartment of the box opens easily and contains a note that reads:

“Here it is. And remember, wherever you keep your treasure, that’s where your heart will be, too. And that’s the real secret.”

Norman quickly solves the riddle box puzzle revealing a safe deposit box key. A little research reveals that the key originated at the Mountain High Bank. And, as luck would have it, the bank is around the corner from the Brown Palace hotel where the Miss Special Delivery Pageant is being held. While Norman and Rita prepare for the pageant Oliver and Shane head to the bank to finish the delivery. With the bank so close, Oliver and Shane should have plenty of time to make it to the pageant.

At the bank, Shane and Oliver meet Jason, the temp safe manger who’s preoccupied with his phone. Jason is able to tell Shane and Oliver that the safe deposit box they are looking for is delinquent and scheduled to be opened, and have its contents auctioned off. Jason takes Shane and Oliver to the vault so they can inspect the safe deposit box, but while they are in the vault, the bank alarm is triggered causing an immediate lock down. As the giant vault doors seal, all cell service and access to the outside world are closed off. The only contact with the outside world is via the emergency red phone that rings in an empty bank.

Trapped in the vault, Oliver and Shane frantically debate their next move. From his new employee training last week, Jason remembers that in an emergency, the vault seals for 12 hours. Jason also remembers the vault holds about 13 hours of air. With 3 occupants, that leaves 4 hours of air before they begin to suffocate. In the dire situation, Shane paces nervously while Oliver sits down to compose what may be his final letter.

Meanwhile, Rita and Norman arrive at the pageant. Surprised at Oliver’s tardiness, Norman says that Oliver is normally as reliable as “a mule delivering mail bags to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.” Unaware of Oliver and Shane’s predicament, Rita heads off to the stage while Norman waits. In the lobby, Norman overhears a bank patron describe the alarm and evacuation. Hearing the conversation, Norman to put two and two together and concludes that Oliver and Shane are somehow still trapped inside.

Back in the bank vault, Jason opens the safe deposit box. In the box is a stack of letters wrapped in ribbon. With nothing else to do, they open the letters and begin reading. The first of the letters is dated “January 2, 08.” The letters, written from Jonathan and Katherine, are a chronicle of one couples love story. As they read, we learn that Jonathan is a sports writer who covers baseball while Katharine works at the Brown Palace hotel in Denver. The letters chronicle their growing a love that, despite great distance, flourishes via the written word.

Oliver and Shane have finally read all but three of the letters. Enchanted with the story, Shane explains that she must know how Jonathan and Katherine’s story ends. Oliver picks up one letter and reads…

“Sweet Katherine. Sometimes in the night when I’m on the road – in another town – in another room, I hear a train whistle blow outside. I never know where it’s going, but I always lie there, imagining it is headed West to the Rockies, to Denver, to you. And I bless that train as it rolls by. You are the best person I have ever known, even if we have shared little more than a kiss and our hearts on a few pieces of paper. But I have run out of words to express my love and I am running out of road. The road ends where you are, dear friend, dear lady, my love. Will you marry me?”

The response, which Shane reads, is not what anyone could have expected. Instead of a love letter, Shane reads a form letter from Katherine’s employer. The writer, who identifies Jonathan as Katherine’s fiancé, says it is his sad duty to inform Jonathan that Katherine is seriously ill with a rare for of pneumonia. Enclosed is Katherine’s final letter..

“My dearest Jonathan. With the few breaths I have left I want to speak words of love. All we’ve ever shared have been words, but they have been good words and true words. And now I am sending every letter you wrote to me back to you, so that even if we cannot be together in this life, the words we created together can be kept somewhere side-by-side. Dying is hard, my love, but not hopeless. And as I walk through the valley of the shadow, I fear nothing but the thought that I may have left only one word unspoken. Yes. Yes, I will be your wife. Perhaps not in this life, but in your heart forev…

Devastated, a teary eyed Shane searches for another letter or any sign of what happened. Saying she doesn’t know how to pray, she begs Oliver to pray that Katherine survived. Suddenly the emergency phone rings. On the other end of the phone, an Norman and Rita literally jump for joy at having located the lost Postables. Within a few moments, a bank security guard opens the door, freeing Oliver, Shane, and temp vault manager Jason.

Now free, Oliver and Shane track down the recipients of the puzzle box and the letters. As they approach the home, they hear what they think are Jonathan and Katherine in the midst of an argument. They knock on the door and present the box and letters. It’s then Jonathan explains that he is “Jonathan Walker IV” and his great-grandfather wrote the letters. It turns out the box and letters are a wedding gift handed down from generation to generation. The gift includes the message that “the secret to true love belongs somewhere in the letters.” As Jonathan acknowledges his turn in the tradition, Oliver recommends Jonathan and his wife read the letters out loud, together. The experience is not lost on he and Shane as they share an understanding glance, recognizing their own transformation after reading the letters.

Back at the pageant, it’s down to the final question and answer round. Tied for first, Rita steps up to the podium for her final question. The question, “Name thirteen US Government-approved modes of mail transport,” initially has her stumped. She thinks back and remembers Norman’s earlier comment about “A mule delivering mail bags to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.” And with that, Rita clinches the title and is crowned Miss Special Delivery!

Episode 108: “Dark of Night”

While at lunch with visiting supervisor Rebecca Starkwell, Shane gets a double helping of embarrassment. Rebecca reveals that during their last lunch, Oliver overheard everything the two friends said, including Shane’s personal feelings about Oliver. Mortified, Shane is hardly prepared for Oliver’s sudden arrival at the café. Looking for insights on a strange package, Oliver tracked Shane down to her lunch date. The package contains a copy of “The Bible” and was sent directly to the DLO. Inside the Bible is an un-mailed letter which had been used as a bookmark for the last 10 years. The letter reads:

“Dear Michael,

I can explain everything. It’s not what you think. I don’t blame you for walking out, but I can’t let them operate on me unless I know if I die, at least you have the truth.

It’s true Michael, you’re not Abby’s father. Do you remember the night before we got married? It started as just one last girls’ night out. I don’t remember everything, Michael, but I know he said he was going to kill me. Except, he didn’t. But that night, I wanted to die just the same. I decided that I was never going to tell a soul what happened. So, I made it through the wedding with lots of make-up and champagne. A few days later, I saw his face in the Denver City Press. He’d used a gun to assault a kindergarten teacher three days before me. They caught him for that and he went to prison for life. But even though he’s been in jail all this time, I can’t stop thinking about him… There’s always Abby to remind me.

I thought a thousand times about not going through with it. But I couldn’t. Because in the end, it didn’t matter who her father was. All that mattered was who her father was going to be. It’s true, Michael; you are not Abby’s father. But you are and you will always be her daddy. Please forgive me. And if you can’t, I understand. But I have always loved you and I’ve been blessed to be your wife.

Love,

Melissa.”

As it turns out, the author is the now deceased wife of the Denver District Attorney, Michael Wheeler. Ten years ago Michael’s wife Melissa and their daughter Abby were in a horrific rafting accident. When doctors told Michael that his daughter would lose a kidney he immediately offered to donate his. The subsequent blood tests revealed that he was not Abby’s father. He confronted Melissa, who was also being treated in the ER, but before she could explain, Michael stormed off. Melissa would die from her injuries and fearing that she would never have an opportunity to explain, wrote the letter to her husband.

When the letter arrives, a decade later, Michael is working on a speech with his campaign manager, his daughter Abby. Upon picking up the letter he immediately recognizes the handwriting as belonging to his wife. He immediately takes an early lunch and heads to her gravesite to read the letter. What Michael doesn’t know is that Shane has taken a personal interest in the case. She follows Michael to the graveyard and watches as he breaks down reading the letter. Shane is still there when, in a fit or rage, Michael screams out “I will kill him!” Shane runs back to the DLO and tells the team that she thinks, having read the letter; Michael Wheeler is now out for revenge.

The news puts the entire team in a panic. Adding more tension to the situation, Shane hacks into the Denver City mainframe in order to confirm her suspicion. In real time, Shane tracks Michael’s internet activity. Shane watches remotely as Michael learns that his wife’s rapist, Carl Brackner, might get released on appeal. Fearing the worst, Oliver and Shane present their findings to Rebecca Starkwell, in the hopes she can direct them on an appropriate course of action. Rebecca outdoes herself, turning the DLO into a Special Task Force dubbed “The Postables!”

The Postables barley have time to let their promotion sink in before they run to the courthouse to intercept Michael Wheeler. Shane already discovered that Michael closed all of his bank accounts and put a power of attorney in his daughter’s name. At the security checkpoint, Michael manages to slip his briefcase past the guard without inspection. Michael, now tailed by the Postables, makes his way into the courtroom, while an unassuming Rita sits next to him. From the outset, it appears the legal maneuvering will see a rapist set free. Fortunately, the Postables have Rita’s photographic memory on their side. As the judge prepares to rule, Rita cites pertinent case law to the prosecutor giving him the legal ammunition he needs to ensure that Carl Brackner stays in jail. While the lawyers wrangle with the judge, Olvier makes an impassioned plea to Michael, begging him to give them a chance to help make things right. Michael relents, and as he does, Oliver presents him with vital information about his daughter’s health.

As a result of the accident 10 years ago, Michael’s daughter Abby has been undergoing treatment for damage sustained by her kidneys. Without a suitable donor, her options for treatment have been exhausted. The only remaining option is for Michael to confront his wife’s rapist and convince him to donate his kidney. At the prison, Michael confronts the man who ruined his and his wife’s life and is also the father of his daughter. Assuming that Michael is just another victim’s family member looking for closure, Carl tells him to just get on with his condemnation. When Michael tells him that he has a daughter, Carl initially balks at the accusation and request for his kidney. Michael implores him to do something good that matters. Michael asks “How many guys in here ever get that?” The monster, Carl Brackner, relents and Abby’s life is saved.

Given the special circumstances surrounding the mission, the post office throws a celebratory reception to honor the Postables. Norman, still relishing being part of a special task force, arrives dressed live a Secret Service Agent. Imbued with confidence, he even offers to buy Rita a drink. With the entire branch on hand and Rebecca Starkwell at the podium, the Postable team each receives a distinguished service award on behalf of the branch. But what’s more, the Post Master General of the United States has instructed Rebecca to confer upon each of them the highest honor given to a US Postal Worker, The Dark of Night Award.

Episode 107: “Something Good”

A new day at the DLO brings a spirited conversation between Oliver and Shane on the definition of “fun.” When Oliver suggests an upcoming weekend seminar on the future of home delivery is the epitome of fun. While Shane snidely responds that, in her mind, the dance classes she and Oliver took were fun. That was until Oliver suddenly decided to stop. That, Shane points out, is a perfect example of disappointment. Needing a break in the awkward exchange, Oliver points out that it’s time to get working on parcels in from the small, unattached items bin.

Filled with items from mailboxes or that fell out of unsealed packages, the unattached items exist “in an odd state of melancholic unbelonging.” Near the top of the box the team finds a CD with a note on the case:

“R.J., play this NOW. It’s a hit and this guy’s a star!
Trust me,
L.H.”

Hoping to learn more, the team has no choice but to open the case and listens to the CD. It’s a studio recording, and while no one recognizes the artist, it’s immediately clear this is someone’s love song. With nothing else to work with, Oliver suggests that Shane head out with Norman to meet Norman’s cousin Serge, “The Pawn Shop King.” Awkward and a little unnerving, Serge has an uncanny mental music database. He immediately recognizes Linda Hawkins, the lead singer of a well-known rock band, as the female backup. With that, it seems they’ve found the “L.H” who wrote the note, but the male lead singer is still a mystery.

Shane is able to contact Linda and, as it turns out, she remembered recording the demo at a nearby studio. The male lead, whose name she can’t remember, had real talent and a personality to match. As she recalled, the song was a sure fire hit and she hoped he would send the demo to her agent. She also reveals that she’d invited him to party with the band that night, but he never showed up. She assumed his girlfriend didn’t want him partying with a rock star. When Shane asks why she thought that, Linda says’ “Nobody writes a song like that about nobody.” Hoping to help out the aspiring musician, Linda passes along the address to the studio where they met, hopeful that Shane and the DLO team can track him down.

Shane and Norman go back to the DLO office to update the team on what they’ve found. As they walk into the office, they catch Rita, in the midst of a Miss Special Delivery pageant photo shoot. Part of a feature in an upcoming issue of “Mail Monthly” magazine, the photo shoot is being run by a dear friend of Shane’s, Rebecca Starkwell. Thrilled to have run into each other, the two friends head off to lunch to catch up. As they chat, the conversation turns to Shane’s co-workers, specifically Oliver. As Shane talks about Oliver’s quirks, her face lights up, revealing that her feelings for him may not be strictly platonic. The two are so wrapped up in their conversation that neither notices Oliver, who’s sitting just in earshot of their entire conversation. However, as she makes her way out of the restaurant, Rebecca turns the corner and sees him sitting at a table by himself. He apologizes for not making his presence known and Rebecca promises to keep quiet about seeing him. She also tells Oliver that his wife was crazy for leaving him.

In the meantime, armed with the information about the studio, Norman and Rita head out in the hopes of tracking down their mystery musician. At the studio, the studio manager, Jennifer Becker, immediately recognizes the CD as belonging to a former employee named Billy. She remembers that Billy was a struggling musician with a hard to pronounce last name. He’d been working at the studio part-time in exchange for recording time. Jennifer didn’t have his address, but she assures Norman and Rita that he would never have just lost something so important. She also said that while he didn’t have much, Billy did own a vintage motorcycle and guitar, a ’52 Gibson J45 that Jennifer still has at the studio. Forlorn, Jennifer says that it’s been a year since Billy recorded that track and that after leaving that night, he never came back.

Back in the DLO office, the team researches vintage motorcycles owned by “Billy’s” with strange last names. Shane locates a likely record registered to a “Billy James Antonopoulos.” She also learns that the motorcycle was involved in a crash over a year ago and that in the aftermath, the driver was admitted to the hospital and never left. The team head to the hospital and find a young man sitting at table playing checkers with a woman who identifies herself as his sister Kelly. While this is the Billy the team is looking for, he looks confused as Oliver hands him the CD. His sister explains Billy suffered a traumatic barn injury in the accident and that as a result, he’s lost his memory. It’s been a difficult recovery and it’s obvious that Billy is pining for something greater than his music. Just a few days before, Billy asked Kelly if he’d ever been in love. The question broke her heart, because she thinks he was.

Not wanting to upset Billy further, the team leaves the hospital. But on the way out, they begin rehashing the situation, and with the picture now clearer, Shane develops a hunch that Jennifer, the studio manager, may be the woman Billy wrote about in his song. She and Rita go to the studio and ask Jennifer in person. As it turns out, she and Billy were more than just friends. She reveals that on the last night she saw Billy, he confided to her that he had written a song for her. She goes on to say that night, Billy wanted to skip the party to be with her, but that she encouraged him to go a make the most out of the opportunity. He gave her a peck on the cheek and left and that was the last time she saw him. She’d always assumed Billy had gotten his big break and resolved that his leaving was the best thing for him.

Now, with all the pieces in place, Shane races back to the hospital with Jennifer in tow. When they arrive and Billy and Jennifer’s eyes meet, he says that he knows he should remember her. The moment immediately convinces Billy’s sister that Jennifer is the girl Billy wrote the song for. Wanting to help, Jennifer hands Billy his guitar saying, “You always said when you played it…it reminded you of who you are.” Starring at Jennifer, Billy begins to strum the guitar strings. As Billy plays, flashes of his past life come to him and the song he wrote for Jennifer flows from him. Sensing their work is done, the DLO team slips away and allow Billy and Jennifer to share the moment they’ve waited for.

Episode 106: “The Future Me”

A loud screech rips through the post office as the voice of the new Branch supervisor, Glynis Rucker, echoes though the PA system. Ears still ringing from Glynis’ announcement, the DLO team is hardly ready for the arrival of the perky carrier, Kimmi Cooper. Kimmi picked up an undeliverable letter on her route and decided to personally deliver it to the DLO office. Kimmi is also keenly interested in meeting Rita, her rival for the title of Miss Special Delivery. Shane quickly realizes Kimmi’s ulterior motives and moves quickly to shoo her out of the DLO office.

In the meantime, Oliver is turning over a new leaf after his emotional confrontation with Shane. After spending a night house cleaning, he’s unable to stop throwing away items from his past. That also includes the bin of lost letters from Paris, which he had been clinging to in hope that one letter would be from his wife. He attempts to reassure the team that he’s fine saying, “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature’s delight. I stand before you, delighted.” Rita and Norman are not convinced, but the team is content to move forward and investigate the letter Kimmi dropped off.

The letter was found in the drawer of an old school desk. The delivery address was torn away and the forever stamp on the envelope means the letter could have been written yesterday or 7 years ago. Upon closer inspection, it appears that a young female wrote:

“Dear Mrs. Richards, Do you remember me? I hope so. My favorite color is purple. I hate math (it makes my head hurt). And I love stars. But more than anything, I looove flowers. Please tell me that you love flowers, too. I will be very sad if you don’t. But you know that, so why am I telling you? You were a beautiful bride. I know that’s true because your dad told me you were the most beautiful bride he had ever seen. Even Bobby said that the flowers in your hair made you look like an angel. You’re so lucky to have Bobby. He is sooooo handsome. I’ll bet all your friends are jealous. Remember to be nice to Bobby. Don’t be bossy. He just wants to take care of you. And try to get along with everyone, even when they say stupid, mean things. Just be happy. Oh…and I hope you’re dancing under the stars with flowers falling down. Because when I close my eyes, that’s how I see you.

Love,
Ellie”

After confirming the address of the furniture shop where the letter was found, Norman heads to the store for his first ever solo investigation. His absence gives Shane an opportunity to press Oliver about the distance that’s arisen between them. Oliver insists that nothing’s changed, but as Shane moves to brush a crumb from his shoulder, he reflexively pulls away. Fortunately, Rita walks in at that very moment, offering a much-needed break from the awkward situation. And as luck would have it, Shane has some important information for Rita.

Shane has learned that Kimmi Cooper is a “branch hopper,” someone who moves from branch to branch in a quest to become Miss Special Delivery. This information brings out the fighter in Shane, who is now determined to make sure Rita represents the branch in the pageant. But, as she talks with Rita, she learns that there may be a bigger problem ahead. The other contestant is the daughter of the new branch supervisor, Glynis Rucker. Glynis is a hardnosed supervisor who runs a VERY tight ship. And her daughter, Vivinee, has been dreaming of becoming Miss Special Delivery since she was a kid. What’s more, Glynis has it quite clear that she’ll squash anyone who gets in her way!

Back on the trail of the investigation, Shane and Oliver track Bobby Richards to a local flower shop. Bobby, who has Down syndrome, immediately recognizes the handwriting as that of his co-worker and girlfriend, Ellie. Bobby calls Ellie from the back of the shop for an explanation. Embarrassed, Ellie, who also has Down syndrome, explains that the letter was written to her future self as part of an assignment in high school. Ellie re-reads the letter, laughing and enjoying the walk down memory lane. She says she’s dreamed of marrying Bobby since they were teenagers and as soon as her parents give the ok, she will. As Ellie comes to the end of the letter her mood turns angry and she demands to go home. When Ellie gets home it becomes clear why she hasn’t gotten married. Ellie immediately confronts her father, revealing the deep-seated tension between a young woman wanting to be free and her father who won’t let go.

After what’s clearly been a long day. Shane joins Rita for a drink. At the bar, they discuss strategy for the Miss Special Delivery Pageant. As they discuss Rita’s talent, her flawless memorization of the 2014 Postal Handbook, Glynis Rucker shows up. Vivinee is also at the bar and is giving a show stopping singing performance. Seeing the competition up close, Shane decides they need to take drastic action. So with makeover on her mind, Shane gives Rita a sexy new look. Her new look leaves Norman and Oliver speechless! But the team quickly pulls themselves together when Ellie’s father shows up looking for details from the letter. Ellie and Bobby ran away to get married and the families are desperate to find them.

As it turns out, the wedding Ellie pictured in her letter was an exact description of her parents’ wedding. After a day of frantic searching, Ellie and Billy are finally found and while they did get their marriage license, they didn’t fill out a date. The couple refuses to get married until Ellie’s father gives his support. But unable to let go, Ellie’s father refuses to concede. Ellie storms off giving Billy the opportunity to confront Ellie’s father. Billy challenges Ellie’s father to confront his misconceptions about his daughter. Seeing that he, and not her disability, is responsible for holding Ellie back, he finally yields. In the same barn her parents were married, Ellie and her father walk down the isle. The spirit of the occasion also puts a crack in wall between Oliver and Shane. As the wedding winds down, Oliver asks Shane if she remembers the steps from their ill-fated dance. Shane says that they can give it a try. She takes Oliver’s hand, and the two dance together under the stars.

As luck would have it, the stage is also set for the finals of the Miss Special Delivery pageant. Norman, Oliver, and Shane anxiously wait for Rita to appear. When she does, they are shocked to see the plain old Rita and not her new sexy persona. Rita explains that she wants the judges to see the real Rita. But before she heads to the stage, Norman gives Rita one tip…to be like his favorite bug, the tree lobster. Its hard exoskeleton makes it virtually “unsquashable.” Despite Glynis’ threats to squash her, Rita stands “unsquashable” and proudly represents the DLO team in the Miss Special Delivery Pageant.

Episode 105: “The Edge of Forever”

A melancholy mood follows Oliver and Shane make their way into the post office. While Shane clearly felt their friendship was developing into something more, Oliver still clings to hope that his wife will someday return to him. The misread signs have led to an uncomfortable state in their relationship, made only worse by the Rita and Norman’s clumsy attempts to dance around the topic. However the team gets a welcome and much needed reprieve in the form of a large cardboard box containing a large manila envelope and an urn.

After the initial shock, Oliver inspects the envelope and sees the name “Maggie” written on the front. On the back is a note that reads, “This envelope has been included at the request of and by prior arrangement with the deceased.” Certain that quick database search will reveal the recipient, Shane clicks away at her laptop for any claims pertaining to “ashes” or “urn.” Her search yields nothing so Oliver opens the manila envelope and finds a single sheet of paper and two stamped envelopes. The envelopes are addressed to a Caitlyn Atkinson and another for a Vanessa Doherty. The single sheet reads:

“Dear Maggie, The time has come and here I am. I’m enclosing both letters for you to mail as soon as you receive this. After all we shared, you’re the only one I trust with them. Thanks for being there when it mattered most. And thanks for keeping your promise.

Your friend,
Carrie.”

Meanwhile, while looking for a misplaced stamp, Norman stumbles across Rita’s application for the Miss Special Delivery Pageant. Having spent days filling out the application, Rita’s hit a wall trying to determine a talent. Shane and Norman desperately try to come up with ideas for Rita’s pageant talent. Oliver suggests that she use her photographic memory to recite a speech by the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin. The idea gets a cool reception with the DLO team. The brainstorming session is interrupted when Caitlyn and Vanessa arrive to claim the urn.

Prior to their arrival, the team was able to learn that Caitlyn and Vanessa are sisters and that the urn contains their mothers remains. While both are eager to retrieve the urn, they are insistent that it not be given to the other. Both women arrive within moments of each other and immediately begin bickering in ways that only family can. As the sisters argue over who should get the urn, Oliver points out that the original box containing the letters and urn were sent to “Maggie” and since neither of them are her, he cannot give the urn to either of them. Instead, he opens one of the letters and reads it allowed:

“Dear Caitlyn and Vanessa,

You are each receiving a copy of this letter. They were mailed for me by someone you probably don’t remember, but she was a good friend to us once when we needed one. By now I imagine you are wondering what has happened to my ashes and that each of you believes you should be the one to decide where my final resting place should be. And, if you fulfill my last wishes, you will. Do you remember the silly little tradition we used to have when you were children and Daddy and I would have a sort of treasure hunt on your birthday? We’d been such a happy family before. You loved each other so much that I could never imagine you would ever be anything but best friends. But, as we learned, terrible things happen whether we can imagine them or not. All a mother wants for her children is for them to be happy and to have each other when she is gone. But for the last thirteen years I’ve watched two little girls who seemed inseparable grow farther and farther apart. When I got sick, I realized I might never live to see you two be the sisters you used to be, but with this little treasure hunt, at least I will die hoping. So, here it is; go on this treasure hunt together. May it lead you both to me. And, I hope, back to each other.

I love you so much.

Mama.”

While neither Caitlyn nor Vanessa can remember Maggie, they both agree to take part in one final treasure hunt.

The first clue in the treasure hunt leads the two women to a mountain campsite. As they get out of the car and look at the lodge they immediately know where they are. The last time the sisters were at the campsite was 13 years ago when their mother brought them to celebrate Vanessa’s birthday. The culmination of the trip was to be a special hike to find a point called the edge of forever. Unfortunately the hike never happened. As the girls and their mom headed out for their hike, they stopped at the lodge. On the television, they saw the news that the flight their father had taken home was one of the planes that crashed on September 11th.

As memories flood back, the situation becomes too much for Vanessa and she storms off. While Caitlyn runs off to search for her, Oliver and Shane sit down to talk. Emotions reach a fevered pitch as Oliver tries to explain his decision to end their dancing. As a “married man” Oliver says that their partnership was “ill-advised.” Shane counters, telling Oliver that she did an online search for his wife and was able to learn that Oliver’s wife signed a 3-year lease for an apartment in Paris. Oliver fumes at the invasion of privacy while Shane insists that she only wanted to help her friend. Oliver responds, telling Shane she presumes too much by assuming they are friends.

While the emotional turmoil of the occasion has slowed the progress of the treasure hunt, the arrival of Maggie puts everything back on course. Maggie, who owns the camp and was there on that tragic day, explains that several months before, Vanessa and Caitlyn’s mother came and asked her to hold the next set of clues until the sisters arrived. Maggie pulls the letter from a cookie jar and reads it out loud.

“A treasure waits for you to find, but only if you leave behind whatever each has in her heart that kept two sisters so long apart.”

It’s then that the sisters reveal the inner guilt and self-blame each felt over their father’s death. The moment reveals to both of them that now, they are all they have. The final lines of the letter implore the two sisters to disperse their mother’s ashes together; to take the hike they never got to and find the edge of forever. As the sisters walk through the forest they come upon a breathtaking clearing where mountains rise above the valley. As Caitlyn and Vanessa open the urn and prepare to disperse the ashes, they realize they should say a prayer. Shane looks to Oliver, saying as a man of faith he would be the perfect person to deliver a final prayer. As the two sisters join hands and disperse their mother’s ashes, Oliver speaks:

“Whenever I have sorrow, Whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow and I know… He watches me.”

Episode 104: “The Masterpiece”

In preparation for their upcoming dance recital, Shane selects a hip new song for she and Oliver to perform to. Her choice does not go over well with Oliver, sparking a lively debate between them. Their bickering is interrupted by Cora Brandt who, enthralled by Rita’s novel, exclaims that Rita is her hero and that her novel is a sure fire best seller! Still unaware that he’s the love interest of Rita’s novel, Norman seems more occupied by a package jamming the DLO’s mail chute. After jumping into action, Norman retrieves a tattered package with a letter sticking out.

The letter reads:

“Dear Dad. It’s hard to believe it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other when we used to be together every day. I’ll never forget the day I realized that I loved being your son, but I would never be the son you wanted me to be. If this sounds like an apology, it is. I’m sorry I’ve let so much time go by. I just wasn’t ready. But my life has changed so much and I’m starting to appreciate why you wanted so much for me. I’m sending this gift to you to prove that I finally made it. It’s my way of saying that, despite our differences, the best part of you lives in me, and the best part of both of us is my gift to you. Love, Danny.”

With a little research, the DLO team learns that the package and letter were sent to Henry Barrett 3 years ago. Shane and Oliver then track Henry to the address listed on the package. When they arrive, a neighbor informs them that Henry lost his home and business after a bout with cancer. Henry now lives, works, and spends most of his time at a local bar. Shane and Oliver meet Henry at the bar where they learn that Henry and his son Danny haven’t spoken since Danny ran off to college. Henry, who owned and ran an auto repair shop, had a falling out with his son when he revealed that he was going to New York to study art instead of taking over the family business. The two men argued, and Henry told his son, “You’re not an artist. You’re just a kid who doesn’t have the guts to face the real world.” Danny stormed off and swore he wouldn’t speak to his father again until he had made a name for himself. A decade later, the two men still have not spoken to each other.

In order to learn more about the situation, the DLO team opens the rest of the package. Upon opening the brown wrapping paper, the team finds a beautiful painting. Assuming the piece was one of Danny’s, they take the piece to a gallery where they learn that Danny was a promising painter who exploded onto the New York art scene before tragically losing his life in a fire. The team also learns that the painting is one part of a 3-paneled triptych. Shane researches the piece and discovers that in its entirety, the piece tells the story of Danny’s past, present, and future. In the final panel Danny sent to his father, Danny painted a small figure in the corner. Upon closer inspection, it becomes obvious that the small figure is a baby. With this information in hand, the team has to tell Henry that he has a grandchild, but first they have to tell him that his son is dead.

Before the team talks to Henry, the saga of “Renita Hayweather, Frontier Duchess” needs to be addressed. At the expense of actually supervising, Cora is completely entranced with Rita’s novel. What’s more, as Cora gets deeper into the story, it become obvious that the novel is a fantasy representation of Rita’s actual infatuation for Norman. For her part Cora attempts to help Norman realize what’s going on, but his innocence and naiveté keep him blissfully unaware. As Cora reaches the last page of Rita’s book, she makes one final attempt to help Norman see how Rita feels about him. While well meaning, Cora’s efforts only reveal the enormity of Rita’s heart. And while Norman remains completely unaware, Cora consoles Rita by telling her not to worry about anything, because she is magnificent.

With the final page turned on the Duchess, Shane and Oliver head off to find Henry. As any father would be, Henry is devastated to hear of his son’s death. But hope springs eternal and Henry is buoyed by the prospect of meeting his grandchild. It’s then that Shane decides to set up an online meeting between Henry, his daughter-in-law, and his granddaughter. As Henry and his daughter-in-law Sarah talk, the 2 other pieces of Danny’s final triptych hang in the background. Henry offers to send the last piece back, but Sarah counters, asking him bring the painting when he comes to meet his granddaughter.

While Henry and Sarah get acquainted, Oliver and Shane revel in a job well done. But the mood immediately darkens when Oliver tells Shane that he is pulling out of the dance recital. Despite all their hard work and the obvious chemistry between them, Oliver reveals that he only intended to take a few lessons. Oliver then goes on to confide in Shane that his ex-wife had given him the dance lessons as a gift several years earlier. Oliver believes that his reluctance to take the lessons contributed to his wife’s decision to leave him. What’s more, it is Oliver’s hope that someday his wife will return to him and he’ll be able to dance with her. Shane holds back her emotions, saying simply, “We were good together.” Olive returns to the DLO office and sits down at his desk. Looking at his calendar where he has written “our anniversary,” Oliver tears off that date and crumples it in his hand.

Episode 103: “Soulmates”

With Theresa Capodiamonte’s sudden departure, the DLO team regroups and welcomes their new supervisor, Cora Brandt (Della Reese). Unlike Theresa, Cora is less interested in the unique way lost letters are delivered. Cora decrees that from now on the team is “swinging for the fences,” and if a recipient can’t be found by the end of the day then the letter is to be shredded.

Among the lingering stack of lost letters is a large box with what appears to be copies of a manuscript. Upon closer inspection Cora is able to make out the title, “Renita Hayweather: Frontier Duchess” by Rita Haywith. As the team looks at Rita in shock, Rita proclaims Theresa Capodiamonte told her to be bold and courageous so she decided it was time to let her friends in on her secret. Cora sits down and begins reading the manuscript. As she begins reading the romantic tale of Renita Hayweather and Mr. D’Lorman, Cora thrusts a lost letter into Oliver’s chest.

Examining the water-damaged letter, Oliver discerns that the letter’s origin is Evergreen Colorado. Written on ledger paper, there appears to be a faint logo in the left hand corner of the letter. While the logo is damaged and provides no extra clues, the letter itself is fairly legible and reads:


“Dear Marie,
It was incredible seeing you again. But I have to be honest, it was painful too. You spend all those summers and holidays with your best friend and then she just disappears, well, it’s a hard thing to get over. I’ve always believed there was a reason I saved your life that day. I thought it was so we could spend the rest of it together. Then four days ago, you walk back into my life as if the last ten years had never happened. Please, Marie. Please don’t get married next Saturday.”

Soon the team learns that the Marie in the letter is a microbiologist working for the World Health Organization. Marie spent her childhood vacationing with her family at ranch in the mountains of Colorado. While there, Marie met a young boy named Sam. Sam, the son of a cowboy, and Marie became friends and eventually fell in love over the years. Sam even saved Marie’s life when she slipped on a trail, nearly falling to her death down a steep ravine. But as time went on, Sam and Marie lost touch and their love faded into distant memories. But all that changed when Marie came back to the Ranch.

In the time since Marie and Sam went their separate ways, Sam went from cowboy to owner of the ranch. During a WHO conference at the ranch Marie and Sam reconnected. In the middle of their reunion Marie dropped a bombshell, telling Sam that she was engaged. Although devastated, Sam couldn’t abandon his love for Marie, so, he wrote her a letter, telling her how he really felt. Sam sent the letter but never heard back and 8 years passed before the letter made its way to the DLO team.

As the team works to track down Marie and Sam, another mystery is vexing members of the team. Shane has noticed that Oliver seems oddly preoccupied, taking strange calls and even, on occasion, wearing cologne. Oliver confides to the team that he has been taking dance lessons. And with a student showcase approaching, Oliver is increasingly concerned about his partner, 85-year-old Louise, who ran into a former flame and eloped to Mexico. In desperate need of a new partner, Oliver asks Shane to step in.

After tracking down Marie, the DLO team attempts to deliver the letter to her. As they approach her home, they see a seemingly happy Marie alongside a handsome man and bouncing a small baby. The team presumes Marie married and they decide not to disturb her life with a letter from her past. They return the letter to Sam who is understanding and appreciative of their efforts. He tosses the letter into a fire and prepares to move on with his life.

But all is not as it seems, upon further investigation, the team discovers that Marie and her husband divorced and the family man they saw her with is actually her brother. With the letter destroyed, the team relies on Rita’s eidetic memory to recite Sam’s loving words to Marie. Hearing the letter makes Marie realize that even though she was married, Sam was always her true soul mate. Marie and Sam reunite at the ranch bringing their generational love together again. As they embrace, Sam reveals that he had spent all these years building a cabin for the two of them to spend their lives together. As the sun sets on the mountains, Marie and Sam gaze off at their new home and new life together.