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 a proper homecoming

think best," Danielle

go shopping today?" Vivian’s

have an appointment. Rain check?" Danielle hated

Mom!" Vivian grabbed her husband’s arm while he pretended to pout, jealousy written all over his

smoothly, ever the

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

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

you there," Vivian

"Okay," Danielle replied.

contained

he crash so

elderly patient more

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