Christmas Runaway Read online

  What she did know was that her globby-filled eyes were clearly visible to the driver who spent a lot of time watching her in his mirror. His soft smile drove its way directly to the grief in her soul.

  Healing warmth spread throughout, and she greedily clutched at the feeling. Wiggling her stiff shoulders, she eased tense muscles. Then leaned back against the seat and peered out the open window at the sight of the vehicle-filled, well-lit bridge.

  The ocean scent she'd noticed upon her arrival floated through the window and intermingled with the aroma of the overwhelming sweetness from around her neck.

  The leis were gorgeous. A surprise she'd never expected to experience on her tight budget, and therefore, they were greatly appreciated. Gathering them gently in her hands, she lifted them upwards. Stroking their velvety-like petals, she sniffed and enjoyed. Giddy, bubbles of happiness broke into her lingering sadness and something deep inside opened wings of joy. Her spirit lifted for the first time in days.

  Leilani welcomed back her customary happy glow. No way would she feel sorrowful or confused a moment longer. After all, she had a quest, a mission of love. A promise was a promise and her mother had made sure Leilani would follow her instructions to bring her home.

  "Do you have other relatives here on the island from your mother's family?"

  "It's funny you should ask. A letter arrived the day Mother died. It came from her sister who I never knew existed. My aunt’s message to my mother sounded desperate. It said that she's gravely ill and needed her help."

  "This sister lives here in Oahu?"

  "Yes. I often saw the letters from Hawaii, but when I asked my mother about them, she said they were from an old friend. My mother was very secretive about her youth."

  “Will you go and see the woman while you’re here?” His soft dark eyes seemed to glow at her from inside the mirror.

  Without an ounce of hesitation, she answered. “Why of course!”

  Leilani’s interest had been roused. Truth to tell, she couldn’t wait.

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for reading Christmas Runaway.

  If you enjoyed reading this novel, it would be a very kind gesture for you to leave a short, honest review on Amazon.

  Authors thoroughly enjoy knowing that readers like their stories.

  Hopefully, others will read your words and choose to buy the book

  because of your sentiments and that would be real sweet!

  Link to review page.

  About the Author

  Mimi Barbour lives on the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island and fills her days with writing and promoting her work.

  The rest of her day is spent in her garden, doing minimal housework, and visiting with her husband while he cooks their dinner.

  "The favorite part of my job is meeting the characters from each new book. Designing them the way I want and having them act however I think they should. It's thrilling, especially when most of my make-believe folks are so very interesting. They're fun and surprising, and in most cases,

  people I would love to interact with in reality."

  My Contact Page

  My website: http://www.mimibarbour.com/

  Or my blogspot: http://mimibarbour.blogspot.com

  Or follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Mimibarb

  Or on Facebook

  My author page on Amazon

  Have a wonderful holiday season

  and a very Merry Christmas!!!

  Hugs…Mimi