And the Father Is...

"Hello, Tiffany."

"Holy crap! You're my real dad?"

"Yes, I am. Do you mind if I sit down?" Without waiting for her response, Vlad plopped into the seat next to Tiffany's.

"This is your dad?" Wade asked. "Why do you look so surprised? You didn't know he was your father?"

"Not until about two seconds ago."

"No kidding! How'd you manage that? I knew who my dad was since I was born."

"Wade, would you please excuse us? My father and I have a lot of catching up to do."

"Sure," Wade said as he pushed back his chair. "I'll see you later, Tiffany. We'll talk about getting together tonight."

"OK." Tiffany waited until Wade was out of earshot before turning to Vlad. "You're really my father?"

"Are you disappointed?"

"No, well, maybe a little. I thought Tom--" Tiffany stopped when she realized that she was about to start crying. She had been positive that Tom Hartman was her father, so positive that she had allowed herself to love him like he had been her dad. Now that she knew for sure that he wasn't, she felt kind of empty inside. "I guess it doesn't matter. Now that I know you're my dad, will you give me your permission to get married?"

"You want to get married?"

"Yes. Right after I graduate from high school next week."

"What's the rush?"

"Rex--my boyfriend--doesn't think we should wait. Neither do I. I mean, why not? We're in love so why wait?"

"You're very young, Tiffany. I'm not sure about this. I'd like to meet Rex before I give you my permission. Listen Tiffany, don't you think it would be wise for the two of us to become better acquainted before you get married?"

"Why? What difference would that make?"

Vlad shook his head. "Well, this is a big shock for both of us but I'm very happy about it. But I do think that one major shock in your life is enough for now. Getting married would be too much."

"Says you," Tiffany responded. "I'm going to marry Rex no matter what you say. All I need is your permission. I don't need your blessing."

"Let's get something to eat and talk about it," Vlad suggested. "My treat."

"No kidding it's your treat. You've got a lot of making up to do in the treating department, Daddy." Tiffany tried to sound bratty but only managed to sound like a pouting three-year-old.

"I'll do my best," Vlad promised.

Tiffany studied the menu. It doesn't matter who my real dad is. I'm going to get married soon and then I won't need a father. But when she thought about how Tom had to be feeling at that moment, the tears that she had been holding back slowly started to flow.