My Biological Father Left Us When I Was Three – Then Reappeared on My 17th Birthday to Outshine My Stepdad With His Present

"Look at you."

I couldn't move.

"Happy birthday, son."

Son.

Fourteen years without a birthday card, and suddenly I was son.

His smile faltered.

"I know I've got explaining to do."

"Fourteen years of it."

Mom said my name softly.

But he nodded.

Then his smile returned.

"But I figured today wasn't the day for excuses. Today's for you."

He put his hand on my shoulder.

I almost pulled away.

"Come outside."

"You'll see."

He led me toward the driveway.

That's when I saw the bow.

A huge red one.

Underneath it was the brand-new black car he'd arrived in. For a second, I genuinely couldn't understand what I was looking at.

"Happy birthday."

I stared at them.

"That's mine?"

"Paid for."

Mom came onto the porch.