Claimed but Never Marked
"I've got your birthday surprise all set. After this mess settles, let's start trying for a pup, yeah?"
I didn't say a word. Just stared out the window, watching the city lights smear past like a bad memory.
We pulled up to the beach just as Sam's phone lit up.
He answered, voice all soft and glowing with quiet happiness.
But a few seconds later, his brows pinched, and his tone slipped into something unsure.
I barely glanced at him. My heart had been numb for a while now.
"If you need to go, just go," I said.
He wavered. "Any, I—"