It had been a few days since Anika’s birthday party, but the buzz surrounding it had yet to settle. While the Denovan residence slowly returned to its usual calm rhythm, Colton remained unusually active for someone who had only planned to stay briefly. His official reason for extending his visit was family, but deep down, he carried another purpose—one he had told no one. He was searching.

Years ago, when he was still a boy, the Denovan family had suffered a quiet tragedy: the loss of their youngest child. She was too young to remember, too young to understand. A series of painful events, hushed-up details, and half-truths had buried...