OUR BABY

“I think we can sort something out there. You don’t have to worry about that.” I tuck her hair behind her ear. “There's no doubt we’ve got a few issues to iron out, but I want to be with you. The fact that you’re pregnant with my baby is not the driving force, either. It just ends up being a bonus, that’s all.”

“Does that mean…?”

“That I want to raise the baby with you? Yes, I do.” I tilt her face up and kiss her softly. “I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m just asking you to be my girlfriend. Because I want to be with you—would you agree to that?”

“Do you think I can say otherwise when I’m in your arms, and you’re kissing me like this?”

“Okay.” I release her and step back. “How about now? Can you give me an answer?”

“Micheal!”

“What? You said you struggled to give me a proper answer when I was holding you.”

“That’s not…” Lucia groans. “God, you’re an asshole.”

“There is a teenager nearby, Lucia.”

“I’m sure she’s said worse than that.” Lucia regards me thoughtfully. “You really mean i