Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 19-1

Howard and Vivian believed it was only right that the younger generation was respectful of their elders.

They kept bugging Danielle, reminding her over and over, "You gotta bring a gift when you visit Logan tomorrow. Don’t show up with your hands empty."

Danielle met her parents’ eager looks and finally gave in. "Fine, I’ll do it." She figured it could be a follow-up visit. After all, she had gotten the Crimson Lily as a gift, and David did drop a ridiculous amount of cash for that surgery.

David exchanged a few more niceties with Howard and Vivian before he got up and made to leave. "I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, Miss Darling. Please excuse me now."

Vivian stood up as well. "Are you leaving already? Come by anytime, but don’t worry about bringing any gifts."

David responded lightly in his deep voice, "It’s just a token of my appreciation. Not a big deal."

"Danielle, please see David off," Vivian instructed.

Danielle didn’t see why she had to do so. She still seemed to think that David’s visit had nothing to do with her.

Still, she obeyed her parents’ instructions and saw David to the door, even waiting for him to get into his car. David, however, continued to stand at the door, staring at her intently.

He finally spoke again. "Miss Darling, I don’t think we have exchanged contact information yet," he said as he took his phone out and handed it to her.

Danielle took her phone out as well, and the both of them saved each other’s contact information.

"See you tomorrow, my fiancée," David said in a slightly raspy voice, but his eyes shone brilliantly.

Danielle was taken aback. She hadn’t agreed to the marital arrangement.

Howard and Vivian watched the exchange with their mouths slightly agape. It seemed like David had taken a liking to Danielle after all. They imagined the two might tie the knot before the end of the next year.

Their feelings of elation were soon replaced by dread. They had only just reunited with their daughter and were unwilling to part with her again so soon. The Darling brothers shared the same sentiment.

Audrey stared angrily at Danielle. Her hands were clenched so tightly that her fingernails dug into her flesh.

Howard’s attention soon turned to the small mountain of gifts. He asked Danielle hesitantly, "Danielle, about those gifts..."

"I’ll take care of it," Danielle answered. She hadn’t expected to gain a fiancé upon her return. David was difficult for her to read, and she had a hunch things were about to get even more complicated.