Chapter 19-1
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. Donât show up with your hands empty."
Danielle met her parentsâ eager looks and finally gave in. "Fine, Iâll 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. "Iâll pick you up tomorrow morning, Miss Darling. Please excuse me now."
Vivian stood up as well. "Are you leaving already? Come by anytime, but donât worry about bringing any gifts."
David responded lightly in his deep voice, "Itâs just a token of my appreciation. Not a big deal."
"Danielle, please see David off," Vivian instructed.
Danielle didnât see why she had to do so. She still seemed to think that Davidâs visit had nothing to do with her.
Still, she obeyed her parentsâ 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 donât 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 otherâs contact information.
"See you tomorrow, my fiancée," David said in a slightly raspy voice, but his eyes shone brilliantly.
Danielle was taken aback. She hadnât 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.
Howardâs attention soon turned to the small mountain of gifts. He asked Danielle hesitantly, "Danielle, about those gifts..."
"Iâll take care of it," Danielle answered. She hadnât 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.