Nathan noticed a scrap of fabric sticking out from under the blanket. He pulled it free. It was a torn piece of a scarf with delicate hand-stitched edges. He recognized it instantly; Lauren used to drape it over her shoulders all the time.
He pressed it to his face and inhaled. It smelled like dirt and mildew now. But in his mind, it still smelled like her.
“She was here,” he whispered. “Lauren… you were really here.”
Aiden took a cautious step closer.
“If she left… do you think she escaped, sir?” he asked.
“Lauren wouldn’t just run from me,” Nathan answered automatically—then hesitated. “At least… she wouldn’t have before.”
Ranger let out another bark, this time pawing frantically at a stack of boxes. He started digging. Aiden knelt beside him, scooping away dirt and trash with his small hands.
Together, they unearthed a small wooden box caked in dried mud.
Nathan took it with trembling fingers and flipped it open.
Inside was a silver necklace and a folded piece of paper. The necklace was engraved on the back: N & L, their initials. A wedding gift.
But the paper…
The handwriting stole his breath.
Lauren’s.