Chapter 108

The alarm buzzed earlier than usual, its shrill hum cutting through the quiet of the penthouse. Abigail groaned and rolled over, but before she could even think about smacking the snooze button, she caught a whiff of something warm and comforting—coffee. Freshly brewed.

Her eyes blinked open to find Emma standing in the doorway, hair still sleep-mussed but her smile soft and steady. She held a steaming mug in both hands, the scent filling the room.

“Morning, college girl,” Emma teased, her voice still husky from sleep. “First day vibes?”

Abigail sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. “Vibes, nerves… and the fact that my brain isn’t awake yet.”

Emma crossed the room and handed her the mug, then leaned down to kiss her temple. “That’s why I made this. Two sugars, splash of oat milk. Just how you like it.”

Abigail took a sip, the warmth sliding down her throat. She closed her eyes and hummed. “Marry me.”

Emma laughed, brushing her hand across Abigail’s cheek. “You’re already stuck with me, coffee or not.”

As Abigail swung her legs out of bed, she noticed something sitting neatly by the door: her backpack. Zippers closed, papers tucked in, her new laptop already slipped inside. A neat little pencil case poked out from the side pocket, along with a reusable water bottle she didn’t even remember packing.

“You—” Abigail turned to Emma, eyes wide. “You packed my bag?”

Emma shrugged like it was no big deal, but her cheeks were pink with pride. “Of course I did. I know you’d be too busy freaking out this morning, and I wanted you to start the day feeling ready.”

Abigail stood and walked over, setting the coffee down on the dresser before pulling Emma into her arms. She kissed her slowly, savoring the way Emma melted into her. “You spoil me.”

Emma kissed her back, then pulled away just enough to rest a hand on Abigail’s chest. “I just love you. And I wanted your first day to feel good.” She dropped her gaze, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “Besides… it’s the least I can do since you’ve been taking care of me nonstop with this little one.” Her hand slipped instinctively down to her stomach.

Abigail’s eyes softened. She bent and pressed a kiss just above Emma’s bump. “I’m always going to take care of you. Both of you.”

Emma carded her fingers through Abigail’s hair, her throat tightening with emotion. “Go rock your first day. We’ll be right here waiting when you get home.”

She padded toward the bathroom, stripping off her sleep shirt on the way. “Shower time,” she mumbled, glancing back at Emma who was leaning against the doorway, sipping her tea with an amused little smile.

“Don’t take forever,” Emma teased. “You’ve got a big debut in Music Theory 101.”

Abigail smirked, turning the shower knob and stepping under the rush of hot water. “It’s Music Theory I, thank you very much,” she corrected, voice muffled by the steam.

Emma’s laugh followed her in.

When Abigail came back out, hair damp and curls clinging to her face, Emma was already laying clothes out on the bed: a pair of clean joggers, a soft gray T-shirt, and her favorite sneakers set neatly beside them.

“You picked my outfit?” Abigail asked, tilting her head.

Emma shrugged, playful. “First day of college energy. Casual but cute. You’ll fit right in.” She stepped closer, brushing a damp curl from Abigail’s forehead. “Besides, you look good in anything.”

Abigail kissed her quickly, then tugged the shirt over her head. “I knew I kept you around for a reason.”

“Uh-huh,” Emma said, rolling her eyes affectionately.

With her bag over her shoulder and her coffee mug drained, Abigail stood by the door, sneakers laced and ready. Emma hovered like she didn’t quite want to let her go, but her smile was warm.

“Okay, so you’ve got Music Theory I at 9:00,” Emma said, ticking off the schedule on her fingers, “and then Music History at 1:00. That gives you time to grab lunch or hang out between classes.”

“Or nap in the library,” Abigail joked, though her grin softened when Emma stepped up and straightened her bag strap.

Emma pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You’re gonna crush it.”

Abigail glanced down, placing her palm gently against Emma’s belly. She bent and kissed it softly. “Bye, little one. Be good to Mama while I’m gone.”

Emma’s breath caught, and her hand rested on top of Abigail’s. “We’ll be waiting.”

With one last kiss to Emma’s lips, Abigail headed out the door, nerves buzzing but softened by the thought of her family waiting for her at home.