Page 28 of Her Surprise Vacation Date

“Are you okay with me calling myself your boyfriend?”

Hope takes a moment to search my face, her expression thoughtful. “I think so. I mean, I was this close to kissing you, and kissing’s not something I do with just anyone. I do want us to be more, Shaney. What that’s going to look like, though, I’m not sure yet. Especially with us living in two different states and possibly having to do long-distance, and oh my goodness”— she gasps—“what is your sister going to think?! I don’t know how I’m going to tell Ames that I fell for her little brother!”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.” My tone is lighthearted, but I can’t help feeling slightly hurt. “Is it so hard to believe that you could be interested in me?”

“Of course not! That’s not what I meant, Shaney. It’s just that Ames has always watched out for you. She’s kind of been like your second mom. She had so many opinions about the girls who liked you in junior high, how so-and-so wasn’t good enough for you or didn’t deserve to have your attention. I used to think that whoever ended up with you would have to be a nun.”

I crack up laughing. “A nun?! I’m not sure you understand what nunhood requires.”

“You know what I mean. Someone saintly and practically perfect. I’m so not those things, and Ames knows it. Sheknows each and every one of the silly and foolish things I’ve done the past twenty years. I’m not even close to being good enough for you.”

“What are you talking about?” I draw her into my arms and rest my chin on her head. “You’re perfect for me. Amelia will think so, too. You’re her closest friend. Just the fact that you’ve put up with her all these years is proof that you qualify for sainthood. You have nothing to worry about. If anything, she might not think I’m good enough foryou.”

“Oh, please.” Hope pulls back enough so I can see her eyes roll. “Don’t even try to be modest, Mr. I Can Make My Biceps Dance. You’re like the ultimate catch, and not just for your looks. Your inside is as impressive as your outside. But me? I can’t even tell when I’m being scammed.”

“Hey, look at me.” I tilt her chin up until our gazes lock. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’re not only beautiful, you’re kind and funny and encouraging. You see the best in people and make such an impact on their lives—just look at Adam Jr. I bet he was a handful in class?—”

“Oh, you have no idea!”

“—but he said you’re his favorite teacher. You made a huge impact on him, just like you do for everyone you meet.”

“I don’t know about that…”

“Trust me. You’re hope personified. I came on this trip not expecting much, but it’s only been a day and I have so much more hope than when I started. As soon as I saw you at baggage claim, I couldn’t wait to spend time with you. I’ve been having the time of my life in Solvang, and it’s all because of you, Hope.” I brush a lock of her red hair from her forehead. “If I could, I’d call in sick and spend the rest of the week here with you if my sister would let me.”

Hope gasps. “Oh no, Ames’s birthday gift! I’m not done shopping for her yet! I still need to find nineteen things thatare meaningful to her.” Sighing, she adds, “So much for being a good friend. I got so carried away enjoying my time with you, I totally dropped the ball on that.”

“Hey, I’m making a new rule. You are no longer allowed to bash my girlfriend. She doesn’t give herself enough credit and grace as it is. Only nice, supportive comments will be allowed from now on.” I give the tip of her nose a playful tap. “Anyone not following this rule will have to answer to me. You hear that, O’Connor?”

Hope’s eyes fill up with tears that she quickly blinks away. “That might be the most romantic thing any guy’s ever said to me. See, that’s exactly what I was talking about, that you’re too good for me?—”

“Sh.” I place a finger to her lips. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that and give you another chance since it takes more than a few tries to break a habit.”

Her eyes grow watery again, but this time she lets the tears fall down her cheeks. “Thank you, Shaney. You’re exactly the guy I didn’t know I needed and never thought I’d actually meet. Where in the world did you come from?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure you’ve met my parents…”

She bursts out with a laugh, a sound that makes my heart soar. If I have the chance to make Hope smile every day for as long as I live, I will be the happiest man alive. Who knew I’d find my other, better half on this vacation I hadn’t planned or wanted to attend? Here I’d been thinking I’d meet someone at my church’s singles event tonight,notmaking things official with Hope this morning at an ostrich farm of all places! It’s moments like these that show me what a good sense of humor the Lord has.

“If you’ve gotten your fill of ostriches, we can go grab an early lunch, then finish up shopping,” I suggest. “I could go for another Æbleskiver.”

“You read my mind! I definitely want another Æbleskiver. Oh, hold on, my phone’s ringing.” Hope pulls her cell out of her pocket. “It’s your sister! How do I tell her about us?”

I reach for her hand and lace my fingers with hers. “Put it on speaker. I’ll tell her.”

Hope answers the call, her expression wary. “Hey, Ames, what’s up? Are you feeling okay?”

My sister’s voice comes over the line like a freight train going full speed. “Hope Elizabeth O’Connor, you met a guy in Solvang, and you didn’t tell me about it?!”

CHAPTER 15

Hope

“As your older sibling,I will always protect you from getting hurt. I’ll start by warning you not to annoy me.” ~Unknown

My heart’s pounding in my chest and my palm grows so sweaty, I’m afraid my phone will slip out of my hand and meet its doom in the Ostrichland dirt. Shane must notice my predicament because he quickly plucks the device from my fingers, then pulls me to his side. I find solace in his warm, broad chest and breathe a little easier when he puts his arm around me. Make that a lot easier since he smells so amazing. The comfort he provides is almost enough to make me forget that I don’t have an answer to Amelia’s question. How in the world do I tell her about me and Shane?

I look up at him and shrug helplessly.

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