“She was upset that Jennifer didn’t remember the birthday present she’d given her before she’d left.” Loretta shook her head. “I can see where that would be very disappointing to Carly, but even I didn’t remember what Carly had given Jennifer that year. And Carly thought that Jennifer wasn’t Jennifer because she liked to take baths when she was young and now she’d rather take a shower. They’re all things like that, Hannah.”

“I know. Carly told me. Michelle and I asked her if she could be jealous because Jennifer was back and you were so happy about it.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she didn’t think so, that she really liked Jennifer. It’s just that she doesn’t think Jennifer is her sister.”

“But I know Jennifer is Carly’s sister. I’m Jennifer’s mother and she was my first baby. I didn’t work back then and I was with her all day and all night. Jennifer is back even if Carly doesn’t believe it, or doesn’t want to believe it. I’d know my daughter anywhere!”

“And you don’t think it could possibly be wishful thinking on your part?”

“No. The minute I set eyes on her again, I knew. Oh, she looks different now. A lot of years have passed, but I knew right away. You have no idea what a shock it was when she called and said she was coming home. I was so happy, I rushed right out to the store and I managed to find the fabric that I’d used for her old bedspread. I stayed up for hours making her a new one that was just like the old one for her room.”

“And did Jennifer say anything about the bedspread when she saw it?”

“Oh, yes. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. She said, Mom! My room is just the same as it was when I left! And then she went to the closet, pulled open the door, and started talking about the clothes she remembered from school.”

“And you never had any doubts?”

Loretta dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “Never. I know my own daughter. It’s Jennifer and she’s back with us again.”

“Did you tell Carly all that?”

“I did, but I don’t think it did any good. She told me she likes Jennifer. It’s not that. And she doesn’t think Jennifer is trying to cheat us or hurt us in any way. She just doesn’t believe that Jennifer is her sister and I can’t think of any way to convince her.”

“How about a DNA test?” Hannah suggested.

“Maybe. It would settle the question once and for all. But I worry about hurting Jennifer’s feelings by asking her to agree to the test.”

“You wouldn’t necessarily have to ask her to agree.”