Not A Small-Town Girl

----

Under the weight of his brothers’ glares, Austin finally

gave in.

But the entire exchange, the silent

battle of eyes between the brothers,

was crystal clear to both David and

Danielle. However, the two choseéto

preted they didn’t notice, playing

alow the farce for a moment.

Austin cleared his throat. "Um, Danielle, that shiny

ring you’re wearing is really beautiful. Do you like

sparkly things? If you do, we can get you more

anytime."

‘Sparkly things? Austin couldn’t just say it directly?"

Danielle thought.

----

Danielle casually twirled the ring on her finger.

“Austin, do you like diamonds too?"

"Well, | don’t mind them. Just... it feels a bit weird for

a guy to wear them." Austin said, seriously discussing

diamonds with her.

Danielle smiled. "Not at all. If you like them, I’ll design

a diamond bracelet for you."

She had plenty of diamonds, after all. She could

make one for each of her brothers and even for their

parents, as gifts.

Austin’s eyes lit up. He would be the first to receive a

diamond bracelet from Danielle! How exciting!

“Really? Wouldn’t that be a waste of your time?" he

asked, his voice full of excitement.

----

"It’s not a waste. Once | finish the design, I’ll get it

made," Danielle replied, pleased with the idea.

Just then, a few of her brothers’ eyes shot to her.

‘They get it now. Time to ask about the ring.’

“Everyone’s getting a unique design," Danielle added,

trying to ease the tension.

The rest of heNbrothers—including

David grinned. Fo a split second,

they thought they’d be the first to

receive bracelet, but now they.

well, , they had to face the realty that

they wouldn’t be so special after all.

----

Austin, noticing the glances from his brothers,

reluctantly spoke up, hoping to get the focus back to

the ring.

"Danielle, did you buy that ring yourself?” Austin

asked hesitantly.

----

“No. David gave it to me," Danielle answered.

“What? Danielle, if you want a diamond ring, we can

get you one too. You shouldn’t be accepting a ring

from a man like that without reason," Joseph

interjected, his voice heavy with concern.

Danielle shook her head with a smile. "It wasn’t

without reason. He proposed to me, and | said yes.

Isn’t the ring beautiful?"

At that, Matthew nearly spat out his coffee, eyes wide

in disbelief. He proposed? Last night? You said yes?

Elliot, equally stunned, asked, "You agreed to marry

him already? How long have you been back, and this

guy’s already trying to steal you away?"

"Yeah," Danielle said, her cheeks puffed as she

chewed on her bread. “Last night."

----

"| didn’t tell you guys because it happened so

suddenly. | knew you’d all support me, though. You

wouldn’t want to ruin my happiness." David spoke

smoothly, almost too calmly.

Even Danielle, who was eating, paused. She blinked

rapidly, taken aback by how easily David had spun

that conversation. It was impressive.

For amomentmer brothers didn’t

know whetker to express their

happiness.or anger. They didn’t wait

to spoilBanielle’s joy, but at the

samectime, they were angry about

i ee everything was moving.

----

Joseph cleared his throat. "We’re okay with it, but...

what about Mom and Dad? They don’t know yet,

right?"

Joseph’s question shifted the focus to Howard and

Vivian. While the two families were technically

engaged, none of them wanted Danielle to rush into

marriage.

David smiled and continued peeling shrimp for

Danielle. "Your parents will understand. They’ll bless

us. I’m sure of it.”

Just then, the new butler came in respectfully.

“Madam, the person has arrived."

“Great, please bring them in," Danielle said, wiping

her hands and getting up to leave the dining room.