In "The Gathering" by Kelley Armstrong, a character expresses surprise when confronted with the news that her father is trying to arrange her marriage to a boy named Daniel. This unexpected revelation prompts a sarcastic reaction, suggesting that offering a new truck as a dowry might make Daniel more inclined to agree to the arrangement. The conversation highlights the daughter's wit and the humorous tension between her and her father regarding this serious issue. The father’s remark about his daughter’s response indicates a pattern of miscommunication or misunderstanding within their relationship, emphasizing the complexities of familial dynamics.

"What did I miss?" she said. "Dad's trying to marry me off to Daniel." I looked at him. "You know, if you offer him a new truck for a dowry, he might go for it."

"Apparently, I said the wrong thing," Dad told Mom. "Again."