I was speechless. “My father? But Mom said…” My mind raced. Why had Mom lied to me? Why didn’t she tell me that Steve was my father?
Steve explained, “I don’t know what Melissa told you, but the truth is, she disappeared when I was about to start aviation school. I only found out about you through a mutual friend years later.”
Determined to get answers, I immediately called my mom. “Mom, why didn’t you ever tell me about Steve? Why did you keep this from me?” I asked, putting her on speakerphone so Steve could hear.
After a brief pause, Mom’s voice quivered as she began to speak. “Courtney, I’m so sorry. When we were young, Steve wanted to become a pilot. When I found out I was pregnant with you, I knew that if he found out, he’d give up his dreams. I couldn’t let him do that, so I left without telling him. I thought I was protecting everyone, but I see now how much it’s hurt us all.”
Steve’s face crumpled as he listened. “Melissa, I loved you. I would have done anything for you and our child. Why didn’t you trust me?”
“I was scared,” Mom replied. “I’m sorry, Steve. I’m so sorry.”
I was overwhelmed. My mom had kept this secret for years, and now, here was Steve—a stranger who suddenly felt like family. I had to process this whirlwind of emotions while still trying to make it to my crucial meeting.
When I mentioned the investors, Steve’s expression shifted. “You’re going to LA? What’s the meeting about?” he asked. I explained how I was presenting a major project that could lead to a promotion. Realizing the stakes, Steve quickly offered his help. “We can’t let you miss that meeting,” he said. “I know those investors well.”
He revealed that he had once flown their private jet and swiftly made some calls on my behalf. Within an hour, I found myself in a luxurious conference room, and the meeting went even better than expected—the investors were impressed, and I secured the funding for my project. Later that day, my boss called to offer me the promotion I’d been hoping for.
As I left the meeting, Steve greeted me with a proud smile. “You did it!” he exclaimed. I hugged him tightly, feeling a sense of belonging and completeness that had been missing for so long.
The following week, Steve came to visit my home and meet my mom. It was an emotional reunion filled with tears, laughter, and a renewed sense of family that had been lost for years. That night, as I lay in bed, I marveled at how a routine flight to LA had led to the discovery of my long-lost father. It felt like something out of a movie, but it was my reality. I couldn’t wait to see what the future held.