Raven took a breath to collect herself. "First, I wish to say I will understand if you say no, as it is no simple thing I ask, but I would hope you think about it before you refuse," she said.

The rest came out in a rush. "I wish to have a baby, a child of my own blood, and I would like you to be the father. I would neither demand nor expect any commitment from you, and you may have as large or small a role in the child's life as you wish."

Surprise?