Hopeful In Hawaii: Small Town Romance in Double Creek, #4

By Regina Walker

Amelia Metcalf books a trip to Hawaii to escape the pressure from her mom and friends to be in a relationship. But after a series of misadventures and encountering some colorful characters along the way, she begins to question if the trip was a mistake. Just as she's about to call it quits and head back home to her bakery, she meets Devon Reed, a handsome stranger who ignites a spark in her.

Devon, a former corporate employee who left it all behind to pursue his dream of running a food truck, is at a crossroads in his life. Despite his challenges, he's drawn to Amelia's zest for life and contagious enthusiasm.

As the two explore the beauty of Hawaii together, they find themselves falling for each other. But with Amelia living in Oklahoma and Devon rooted in Hawaii, can their vacation romance survive the distance? Find out in this heartwarming tale of unexpected love and the journey to find where one truly belongs.

Don't miss any of the heartwarming Double Creek love stories: Pursuing the Paramedic, Picking Pears with Piper, Yielding in Yellowstone, Hopeful in Hawaii, Fall and I'll Catch You, and Miracle Inn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regina Walker
• Release date: Aug 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215120101

Regina Walker

Regina Walker crafts compelling characters facing some of life's hardest challenges. Her heart's desire is to always point toward Jesus through the way her characters face challenges, relationships, and adversity. Regina is an Oklahoma import, although she was born and raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. She likes to curl up on the couch and binge-watch crime shows with her hard-working husband. When she's not wrestling with a writing project, she can be found wrangling their children, riding their horses, or working around their small hobby farm.

Book preview

Chapter One

Amelia thought she had planned the perfect vacation after an ugly breakup. Her beloved bakery, Frosted, was in the care of her two trusted employees. Her flight was booked, her bags were packed, and all she had to do was drive to the airport in Oklahoma City.

Her mother told her three times to leave early, and as Amelia stood beside her car, staring at a flat tire, twenty miles from the airport, she wondered if her mom’s warnings were a bad omen.

Dialing the number for roadside assistance, Amelia leaned against her bumper and watched the traffic rushing toward her. A small red car dodged in and out of the lanes to get around other vehicles, crossing the white line at one point. Amelia moved away from her car, into the grass on the shoulder of the busy interstate.

Are you in a safe location? scratched a female voice across the line.

I guess that depends on what you consider safe. I’m broke down on the side of the highway, Amelia said.

What seems to be the problem? the woman asked.

I have a flat tire, Amelia said.

I’m pinging your location, one moment. The line sounded dead for several long beats. It will be two hours to get someone to your location.

I don’t have two hours. I’ll miss my flight, Amelia said.

You can call your own provider and pay directly for your services. Some or all of the fee may be reimbursable, but it depends on your policy, the woman said.

An army green Jeep that looked like it’d never been off the pavement pulled up behind Amelia. Two men in their mid-twenties, about Amelia’s age, hopped out.

Need help, doll? The driver asked as the two walked over.

I think help has arrived, Amelia said into the phone and then ended the call. I got a flat on the way to the airport. It’ll be two hours before they can get someone out here.

That’s ridiculous, the driver said.

We’ll get it changed for you, the passenger from the Jeep said.

Both guys were dressed in jeans, and the driver wore a bright red shirt. I’m Russell.

Amelia. She stuck her hand out, shaking his. I owe you big time. I have a bakery in Double Creek. If you ever need a cake or cupcakes or a special dessert, I’ll take care of it. She pulled a business card out of her back pocket and handed one to Russell, then another to the passenger.

And your name? she asked.

I’m Phil, he said and then shook her outstretched hand. I’ll grab the jack from the Jeep, Russ.

Russell walked up to Amelia’s driver’s side door, popped it open, and hit the button for the trunk. She yanked her duffel bag out of the way and then Russell lifted the guard up and pulled her spare tire out.

Lucky for you, doll. Your spare has air in it, Russell said.

Do they go flat in there? Amelia asked.

All the time, Russell said. It’s a good idea to have it checked a couple of times each year.

Phil carried the low-profile jack over and lowered it down with a grunt. The jack clattered as it hit the ground. Phil shoved it under the car, then laid down so he could see where he was putting it. Finding the frame, he put the jack in place, and then Russell broke the lug nuts loose.

Ready? Phil asked, inclining his head toward the jack.

Yep, Russell said.

Phil pumped the jack handle and the car lifted into the air.

Where are you headed? Russell asked Amelia, who watched their every move.

Hawaii. Why she laughed, she had no idea, but it was a loud laugh, and she covered her mouth. After a bad break up, I decided I needed to do something for me.

And so you decided to go to Hawaii? Phil turned his head and gave her a perplexed look.

I mean, it’s been six months, but yes. I decided I needed a vacation, and that it was okay to go by myself, Amelia said.

I think it’s great, Russell said. After removing all the loosened lug nuts, he pulled the wheel off the car, dropped it to the side, and then shoved the donut into place. Have you ever driven on one of these? He looked at Amelia, his expression serious.

No. Why? Amelia twisted a strand of her dark, straight hair around her finger. Is there something tricky to it? She eyed the smaller tire and wondered if it would feel weird when she was driving.

You can’t drive on it for more than fifty miles, and don’t exceed fifty miles per hour, Russell said.

Sure, that’s no problem. I just have twenty miles to the airport. I guess I’ll make sure to figure out the tire problem before I drive home when I get back, Amelia said.

Do you live far from here? Phil asked.

Down in Double Creek. Amelia jutted a hip out, rocking her weight to one side.

Russell hoisted the flat tire into her trunk. You’ll probably want to put your bag in the backseat, so it doesn’t get dirty.

You need to fix that flat before you drive all the way to Double Creek, Phil said.

That’s fine. I’ll figure it out when I get back. Right now, I just want to get to the airport, board my flight, and go to Hawaii. I want to forget about all my problems for a while, Amelia said.

Are you really going alone? Russell asked, standing just a couple of feet from her, and looking at her with intrigue.

I’m really going alone, Amelia said.

Come on, Russ. Let the lady get to the airport, Phil said.

Yeah. Get on to the airport. Russell winked at her and then turned away, heading toward the Jeep.

Thanks for stopping, guys. You saved my tail today, Amelia said before jogging up to her driver’s side door and hopping into her car.

image-placeholder

Thankful the last twenty miles of her drive, the trip through security, and finding her gate went without a hiccup, Amelia stood in line to board her plane.

Okay, okay, we’re going to get this vacation started, Amelia muttered to herself as the line stepped forward.

A woman standing alone in front of Amelia turned, glanced at her, and smiled. She wore a bright, striped shirt and a big hat. Hey. I’m Paula. Where are you headed?

Hawaii. Taking a little vacation, Amelia said.

By yourself? Or meeting someone there? Paula tipped her chin down and to the side, wiggling her eyebrows at Amelia like she knew something.

By myself, Amelia said without expression.

Oh, that’s a shame, Paula said. She put her hands on her hips, swinging her big bag around as she turned her body to get a better look at Amelia. I met a man on the internet. We are meeting in Hawaii for the first time. I’m pretty sure I’m going to marry him.

Amelia fought the urge to roll her eyes, but she huffed a loud breath. My boyfriend broke up with me. I thought I knew what our future held, turned out it held lies, deceit, and another woman.

Paula didn’t resist the urge to roll her eyes. She pushed her hand through the air as though she was pushing someone away. Forget him and find a new man. There are plenty of them out there.

Amelia took a deep breath and feigned a little shrug like she didn’t care. I really just want to get away. Hit that refresh button. I have a bakery in my hometown. I love my community. I don’t need to be with someone to be fulfilled.

Paula with the eye roll again. Sure, whatever you say. Life is more fun with a boyfriend.

Looking away, Amelia muttered, Unless he runs off with a girl from work.

Excuse me? Paula’s head wobbled side to side, making the sides of her enormous hat flap.

On the plane, ladies, a flight attendant called.

Amelia widened her eyes and leaned forward, encouraging Paula to turn around and walk.

What did you say? Paula asked, not moving.

Let’s go, lady, a guy behind Amelia grumbled.

I’ll go when I’m good and ready, Paula said.

Amelia peered around Paula and the flight attendant waved her forward. She stepped around Paula and walked toward the jet bridge. It doesn’t matter. It’s time to get on the plane.

Amelia read her seat assignment, nodded her head in thanks to the flight attendant, and walked down the narrow hallway. Stepping onto the plane, a surge of excitement coursed through her veins, and Amelia almost skipped down the aisle. Nothing is getting me down. I’m going to have the best time this week, she said to herself as she sunk into her seat and held her purse in her lap.

What could beat a window seat on the way to Hawaii?

Nothing.

Paula was about to walk past when she stopped, looked at Amelia, then at the end of the seats. She shoved one bag in the overhead and then plopped into her seat, holding a bag on her lap. Looks like we’re sitting together. Are you going to spend the whole time muttering or will you have a real conversation with me?

I was hoping to nap on the way, Amelia said.

It’s okay. One flight. All the way to Hawaii and then I’m free.

That’s boring, Paula said in her nasally voice. We need to find you a companion for your trip. You know, there are services and such. You can rent a boyfriend for the week. But it’s probably cheaper to just go down to the beach and find a man. Did you bring a two-piece? Please tell me you brought a two-piece.

Amelia blinked hard and tried to shut out the voice in her head, the one that wouldn’t shut up. It was his voice, and the things he said the day he packed his bags. Calling her a prude and telling her he didn’t understand why they couldn’t try living together before getting married, or why they couldn’t try other things.

I waited a year for you to see reason, to lighten up, but I’m done waiting, Amelia. I’m going to be with someone who wants me, he said as he shoved his clothes into a duffel bag.

But I do want you. I thought we agreed about waiting until marriage? I thought we were going to get married, she stammered.

He stared at her and laughed. Did I ever ask you to marry me?

We talked about it. All of the time. She laid her hand over her heart to slow its wild pace.

You talked about it, Amelia. I just listened. I’d say it’s not you, it’s me... but I don’t want to lie to you. It’s totally you, he said.

Amelia cradled her forehead in her hand, pressing her thumb and middle finger into her temples and holding back the tears. She didn’t bring a two-piece. She’d never owned a two-piece.

Prude.

Earth to Amelia. Paula waved her hand in front of Amelia’s face. Did you even pack a swimsuit?

I brought one, yeah, Amelia said.

Oh gosh. You are such a sap. You’re coming to Hawaii to wallow in self-pity because of this break up aren’t you? Paula shook her head and clicked her tongue. "That just won’t do. You definitely need to find a male friend for the trip and have fun." Paula wiggled her eyebrows up and down again to add to the meaning of her words.

I can have fun without a boyfriend, Amelia said.

That’s the spirit. He doesn’t need to be a boyfriend. Paula’s laugh was boisterous and a bit annoying.

"I’m going to try for that nap