Grace's eyes sprang open as she took in three little heads with variegated shades of blond hair. Surprised, she stared as she drank in their large oval eyes and pink petal soft cheeks. Standing in perfect symmetry, each one held in her countenance a piece of Laura.

The surge of emotion was far greater than she could have imagined. She was overwhelmed with the loss of her sister, the tragic circumstance that orphaned these beautiful little girls, and the sudden impact of instant responsibility for their welfare.

Charlie moved closer to Alex as her small voice hesitantly broke the silence, "Mommy?"

"No, it's Aunt Grace," Alex told her, staring in surprise at the striking resemblance between her aunt and mother. "You look a lot like our mother," she offered in an attempt to explain.

Grace stood frozen for a few moments longer and then she squatted down and looked at each girl. "I'm so glad to see you again, and I'm so sorry about your mom and dad." Tears came to her eyes and began to roll down her face. She looked at the ground taking a deep breath in an attempt to find her composure. She wanted to appear strong for her nieces hoping they wouldn't feel as afraid as she did.

It was then that Charlie, who was sandwiched between her siblings stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her aunt's neck hugging her tightly. Grace reciprocated feeling that everything was going to work out, although she hadn't a clue as to how.

"Girls, who is it?"

Grace looked up to find Rosa standing in the entrance. For just a moment she stood silent and then she smiled. "You must be Grace. I'm Rosa Aguilar. Please, come in. I'm so sorry about your sister and her husband. This must all be such a shock to you." She led the way back towards the kitchen while the girls followed a few feet behind. "Please sit down. Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"Yes, that would be nice."

Rosa brought two steaming cups of coffee over to the table and sat down across from her. The girls hovered in the doorway at a loss of what to do. Rosa suggested they try to find something on TV. With Alex leading the way, the girls obediently headed for the family room where Rosa and Grace would still be in sight.

"Excuse me for saying this," Rosa began, "but you have a very strong resemblance to your sister."

"Yes, even with our age difference growing up, people always commented on the family likeness. I was quite young when our mother died but I remember how many people would comment on how much we looked like Kate, our mother." She took a sip of coffee and then nodded towards the family room. "I see it in the girls as well. They favor Laura in one way or another."

"How long has it been since you've seen your sister?"

"Almost three years," she replied, sadness vibrating in her voice.

Rosa stood up and patted her on the shoulder. Excusing herself, she headed down the hall, returning with a picture frame in her hands. "I don't want to add to your pain, but you're going to be a big surprise to some people."

"What do you mean?"

Rosa handed the picture frame to Grace. Turning it over, she immediately dropped it on her lap as she looked down at a picture of Laura and Scott.

"That was taken several months ago," Rosa informed her.

She stared at her sister's image. Laura wore her hair in the same style. The length, color, and soft curls were identical. Laura was smiling and Scott had his arm around her shoulders. It was an informal picture, a candid shot taken in the backyard with Laura's Shasta daisies and a glimpse of the ocean in the background. They looked happy. Grace could feel tears welling up in her eyes. Slowly as she studied the photograph subtle differences came into focus. Still, the initial shock even to her, was the impression that she and Laura could be the same person. "I recently had my hair cut. I had no idea it was styled so much like Laura's." She felt a tug on her arm – looking over she found Charlie standing at her side. She automatically reached out and picked up her niece, setting her on her lap. Charlie leaned back and relaxed against her aunt's warm body.

"I better make some lunch," Rosa said as she quickly got up from the table. "The girls had a bad night and I know they will take a little nap this afternoon."

Grace leaned her cheek against Charlie's hair suddenly feeling exhausted herself. She liked Rosa very much and hoped she would stay close to help her with the overwhelming task that loomed in front of her.

She heard the front door open and close. Glancing over at Rosa she was relieved to see her smile.

"It's my son Michael. You spoke with him yesterday."

She tried to turn towards the hall but Charlie had fallen asleep against her making it more difficult to maneuver. Suddenly a tall man with thick dark hair and a concerned expression appeared at the kitchen door.

He looked over at Grace holding Charlie on her lap and a shock wave ran through him. The bronze color drained from his face as he leaned back against the door jam.

"Mijo!" Rosa exclaimed, "This is Grace, Mrs. Graham's sister."

Leaning forward and resting his hands on his legs, he made a deliberate nod. Finally, he straightened up and extended his hand towards Grace. "Hello," he managed to vocalize as he shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you," she responded in a voice that sounded eerily like Laura's.

Michael smiled as he walked into the kitchen. Running his hand through his hair he muttered to himself, "Jesus!"