Lucy Greenwell

All of Michelle's detective work to check Jess's conclusions is possible even though Jess's biological parents haven't done their DNA.

All of Michelle's detective work to check Jess's conclusions is possible even though Jess's biological parents haven't done their DNA.

These databases are now so big, Michelle's able to use other people's DNA profiles to narrow a search right down.

These databases are now so big, Michelle's able to use other people's DNA profiles to narrow a search right down.

And at that point, it doesn't take much to fill in the blanks.

And at that point, it doesn't take much to fill in the blanks.

These days, it's very hard to stay hidden.

These days, it's very hard to stay hidden.

Is it generally the case that finding out big gaps in your family using DNA leads to happy endings?

Is it generally the case that finding out big gaps in your family using DNA leads to happy endings?

Lewis's long-term partner is Debbie.

Lewis's long-term partner is Debbie.

She's a slim woman with light brown hair tied back in a ponytail.

She's a slim woman with light brown hair tied back in a ponytail.

We're sitting in her daughter's kitchen as the sun streams in the back window.

We're sitting in her daughter's kitchen as the sun streams in the back window.

Debbie starts slowly, like she's not used to being the one doing the talking, and she tells me how she found out about Jess.

Debbie starts slowly, like she's not used to being the one doing the talking, and she tells me how she found out about Jess.

Debbie and Lewis have been a couple since they were in their teens.

Debbie and Lewis have been a couple since they were in their teens.