(AutumniaSalem helped with this suggestion (idk where their comment went but they did make one))

*Texas's POV*

Me and Cali are having breakfast... but I can't keep this one question off my mind...

"Cali?" I say.

"Mhm?" California responded, focused on his food.

"I was just wonderin... do you want children?" I ask. California chokes on his food. After a while of coughing, he looks up at me.

"Children are a huge responsibility! I-I... I don't know if I... well... ok look, I want children... I just don't know if I'd be the best dad," California said.

"I'll be there to help you! We can learn how to be good parents!" I exclaimed hopefully. California nodded.

"But... how will we get a child? Adoption? A surrogate? Who will the surrogate be? Having a baby is a lot to ask of a woman," California said.

"You can still ask! C'mon, please?" I exclaimed. California smiled.

"Ok... I'll see if Nevada wants to surrogate... but... even still, I need some time to think... maybe I'm not ready to be a father," California said. I nod understandingly. No matter how bad I want to be a dad, I can't force California into it. Being a parent is a big commitment, and I don't want him to be one if he doesn't feel ready.

I go to the store later that day... and I guess because I've been thinking about it a lot, all the baby stuff just pops out at me. Especially Minnesota and Wisconsin, arguing over who's turn it was to hold their baby. And Washington, with his pregnant wife British Columbia, happily picking out baby clothes. And Georgia, picking out a '1' candle to put on her sons birthday cake. And I see Russia and China with their teenage son, arguing over which chips to buy. When I get home, I realize I forgot to even get anything.

"Texas, are you ok? What was on your mind?" California asked.

".... having a child...," I say. California smiled.

"Well then, I think you'll be glad to hear that Nevada's willing to surrogate for us," California said. I tear up, a huge grin growing on my face. I wrap California in a hug that he happily returns.

"We're gonna be the best fathers ever, right?" I say.

"Damn straight," California said.