Dinah—Tommy Singleton

Dinah Singleton’s biological relationship with Thomas Singleton is confirmed by blood work, even as Michael Downey believes Dinah is his daughter. The revelation separates biological paternity from the bond that shapes Michael’s actions: he does not know the test results, and Zoë Boehm questions whether learning them would change how much he cares about Dinah.

Biological Paternity

Howard tells Zoë that blood work has been done and identifies Dinah as Thomas Singleton’s child. His statement presents the result as definite, not as a suspicion or a claim awaiting confirmation. The evidence therefore establishes Thomas as Dinah’s biological father, although the conversation does not describe the test or explain when it was conducted.

Michael’s Belief

The revelation contrasts with Michael’s understanding: Zoë says that he thinks Dinah is his. When she later repeats that Howard said Dinah was not Michael’s, she also makes clear that Michael does not know this. The story thus preserves an important distinction between what the reader and Zoë have been told and what Michael believes.

Meaning of the Relationship

Zoë asks whether the difference in paternity matters, and argues that even if Michael knew the truth, he might not care about it. Her exchange frames fatherhood here as more than a biological fact: Michael’s belief that Dinah is his and his actions on her behalf remain significant regardless of the test result. The evidence does not establish whether he later learns the truth, leaving that contrast unresolved.