Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 4-1

Dawn painted the sky when Vivian spotted her daughter on the stairs. Her face softened. "Sweetie, you should sleep in-it’s so early."

"I’m used to early hours," Danielle replied. She’d actually been up since five handling business matters, but her mother didn’t need to know that.

"This is your home now. You’re the Darling heiress- your time is your own," Vivian said gently. She and Howard had spent last night weeping in the study after learning the details of their daughter’s hardscrabble life.

"Let’s have breakfast," Vivian said, leading Danielle to the dining table.

The table resembled a five-star buffet, groaning under platters of various dishes-enough to feed an army.

"Try whatever catches your eye," Howard urged fondly. "We weren’t sure what you’d like."

"I’m not picky," Danielle assured them simply.

acceptance. "Everything’s official now-you’re legally our daughter, Danielle," Howard said. "We’ll host

you think best," Danielle

don’t we go shopping today?" Vivian’s

have an appointment. Rain check?" Danielle

husband’s arm while he pretended to pout,

added smoothly, ever the

had only acknowledged her brother, Joseph, leaving them afraid she blamed them for failing to

of sadness melted away the moment their daughter called them "Mom" and "Dad," replaced now by beaming

there," Vivian insisted as Danielle prepared to

"Okay," Danielle replied.

barely contained panic as doctors

Charrington-how did he crash so suddenly?" someone

the elderly patient

a doctor