Michael had been riding the high of a very successful heist that evening. He’d just pulled off one of his best one yet, and he was all excitement as he finally got back to his house. He ranted about how well it went, how he was going to make bank here — when the word finally broke through his mind, and he froze.

Pregnant. What? He looked at them, almost to ask if they were serious. Perhaps he’d misheard them. But the look on their face only made him realize; he had certainly not misheard. They were pregnant.

He sunk into a chair, which luckily happened to be just behind him. He likely would’ve fallen on his ass if not. His eyes were wide, mouth agape with wordlessness as he stared at nothing. He was a criminal. A man of no merit. How could he be responsible for a new life? What could he possibly have to teach such a mind?

“Marry me,” he blurted. Despite his own thoughts, a determination grew in his chest, settling on his face. He finally met their gaze. “We’ll have a family.”