Sallie's POV
The moment the message popped up, Todd went completely still. He glanced my way as I worked on his wounds, whispering, "Sallie..."
I looked up, catching sight of the text on his phone screen. Something flickered in my chest as I raised my hand, still sticky with ointment and blood. "Todd, could you open it for me?"
Todd hesitated, then his mouth curved upward. He tapped the voice message, and a man's smooth voice filled the air. "Sallie, my dad's birthday falls on the 3rd next month.
"You've been asking to meet my parents, right? I'd like to introduce you to them properly that day.
Will you give me this opportunity? There's something really significant I need to share with you on that special occasion."
The man's warm tone and loaded words felt like a deliberate tease of something left unsaid.
Todd's grin vanished instantly, something dark flashing in his typically bright eyes.
I didn't catch Todd's shift in mood, too busy processing the message from Lionel.
