Chapter 122

The sound of the doorbell chimed through the penthouse, followed by a quick knock. Ashley jumped up from the bed, grabbing her phone and wallet as she hurried to the door. A few minutes later, the smell of hot pizza and fried food drifted through the apartment, making Emma’s stomach growl even as she lay back in the bath.

“Food’s here!” Ashley called, her voice carrying into the bathroom. “Are we eating at the table or in here?”

Emma smiled to herself, closing her eyes for a beat. “Bed!” she called back.

Ashley laughed, amused but not surprised. “You got it, boss.”

Emma listened as she moved around the bedroom, the crinkle of bags and boxes being set down filling the space.

When things quieted, Emma lifted her head. “Ashley?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you help me out of the tub?” she admitted softly. “I’m feeling a little weak.”

Ashley was at her side in moments, crouching by the tub with concern in her eyes. “Of course. I’ve got you.”

She slid an arm under Emma, steadying her as she rose carefully from the water. Goosebumps pricked across Emma’s skin as the cooler air hit her. Ashley reached for a thick towel, holding it open so Emma could step forward. She wrapped it around her shoulders, drying her gently before grabbing the robe she had laid out earlier.

“Here,” Ashley said, slipping the robe around her and fastening the tie snugly. “Better?”

Emma nodded, leaning against her with a grateful smile. “Much better.”

With one arm still steadying her, Ashley guided her just a few steps from the bathroom into the bedroom. The scent of pizza, fries, and wings was stronger now, the bags spread neatly across the bed with napkins and drinks already set out.

Ashley gave her a reassuring smile. “Alright, Momma and baby, dinner’s waiting.”

Emma laughed softly, easing down onto the mattress with Ashley’s help.

Ashley spread the food across the bed like a feast—pizza box open, fries and wings in their cartons, a burger unwrapped neatly on a plate. She passed Emma her root beer and then flopped onto the other side of the bed with a grin.

“Alright,” Ashley said, grabbing the remote. “You pick a movie while we eat. Dealer’s choice.”

Emma tapped her lip thoughtfully, then smirked. “Scary movie.”

Ashley shot her a look as she handed over a slice of pizza. “Seriously? With all this food? You’re trying to make me choke.”

Emma laughed, leaning back against the pillows. “It’ll be fine. Besides, scary movies make food taste better.”

Within minutes, the opening credits rolled, shadows flickering across the walls while the two of them dug in. Emma balanced a plate on her lap, alternating between fries and wings, while Ashley tackled her own slice of pizza.

Halfway through her root beer, Emma glanced sideways at her friend. “I really appreciate you coming over, Ash. You didn’t have to rush up here, but… it means a lot.”

Ashley swallowed her bite, her eyes softening. “Hey, don’t even mention it. Anything for my god baby—or niece or nephew.” She gave Emma a playful side-eye with the last words, her brows lifted like a silent question.

Emma nearly choked on her fry from laughing. “Oh my God.” She covered her mouth, grinning wide. “Of course. We were going to ask you guys. You and Megan were already at the top of the list.”

Ashley’s grin widened, satisfaction lighting up her face. “Good. Because I would’ve been very offended if you didn’t.”

Emma shook her head, laughing as she reached for another fry. “You’re ridiculous.”

Ashley only smirked, turning her eyes back toward the glowing screen as the movie crept forward.

The movie played on in the background, but Emma’s appetite finally slowed. She pushed her plate aside with a sigh, her stomach full and content. “Okay,” she murmured, stretching her arms, “I think the baby and I are officially done.”

Ashley chuckled, eyeing the mountain of leftovers. “Yeah, no kidding.”

“Can you put the rest in the fridge for me?” Emma asked softly, already tugging the blanket back over her lap.

“Of course.” Ashley stood, gathering the boxes with practiced ease. She carried them into the kitchen, the faint sound of the refrigerator door opening and closing filling the apartment before she returned.

When Ashley climbed back onto the bed, Emma shifted, laying her head across Ashley’s lap. She wrapped her arms loosely around her friend’s leg like it was a pillow, her eyes already fluttering closed.

Ashley smiled down at her, smoothing her fingers gently over Emma’s hair. “There we go. Just rest.”

The penthouse was dim when Abigail finally stepped inside, her bag sliding from her shoulder onto the entryway bench. She slipped her shoes off quietly, the faint glow from the bedroom guiding her steps. The scent of pizza still lingered in the air, making her smile despite the worry that had tugged at her all day.

She paused at the bedroom door, the sight warming her chest instantly. Emma was curled up on the bed, her head resting in Ashley’s lap, arms wrapped around her leg like it was the only pillow she needed. Ashley sat still, stroking Emma’s hair with gentle patience, her eyes flicking up when she saw Abigail in the doorway.

“Hey,” Ashley whispered, careful not to wake Emma. “She ate, had a bath, and passed right out. She’s okay.”

Abigail’s shoulders loosened with relief. She stepped inside, lowering her voice. “Thank you, Ashley. Really. For everything today.”

Ashley gave a small smile, her hand stilling in Emma’s hair.

Emma stirred then, lashes fluttering as she reached blindly toward the sound of Abigail’s voice. Her fingers brushed Abigail’s arm, and she whispered with her eyes still closed, “Hey, baby daddy… we missed you.”

Abigail leaned closer, her chest aching at the tenderness of it. Emma’s lips found hers in a sleepy kiss, warm and unhurried. She kissed Abigail again, humming softly into the contact, unwilling to let her go.

“I missed you,” Emma murmured between kisses, her voice low and drowsy but certain.

Abigail smiled against her lips, returning the kiss just as gently, her hand cradling Emma’s face.

“I ate everything,” Emma added, her mouth brushing hers with another quick kiss. “Ashley got me whatever I wanted… she’s a good friend.”

Abigail kissed her forehead softly, brushing her hair back. Before she could respond, Ashley chuckled and shook her head as she stood.

“Your girl’s hard not to love,” she said gently, her eyes lingering on them for a moment before heading toward the door.

Emma stirred again, her voice sleepy but sincere. “Bye, Ashley… you’re the best ever.”

Ashley smiled back, her tone soft. “Night, Em. Rest up.”

Emma shifted sleepily against her, nuzzling into her neck. Her voice was soft but certain when she whispered, “Can you take care of me now, Daddy?”

Abigail’s chest tightened, her arms pulling her closer. She kissed her hair, her voice low and steady. “I’ll take care of you in every way. Just tell me what you need.”

Emma tilted her face up, eyes still heavy with sleep but full of trust. “I want you. I need you. Just… give me what I want and need.”

Abigail’s hand slid gently along her back, her lips brushing her forehead. “Yes, ma’am,” she whispered with a smile. “Always.”

Their mouths found each other’s, slow and lingering at first, then deepening with every kiss. Emma hummed softly into it, her hand curling into Abigail’s shirt as if to keep her close. The world outside the bedroom faded, leaving just the warmth of their lips, the steady rhythm of their hearts pressed together.

When the kisses finally softened, Emma sighed against her mouth, content. Abigail pulled her close, wrapping them both in the blanket as they shifted to lie down together. Emma’s head rested against Abigail’s chest, her breathing already slowing.

Abigail kissed the top of her hair and asked quietly, “Do you want to put on another movie, or just go back to sleep?”

Emma’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Sleep. I just want to sleep with you.”

Abigail smiled, tucking her in closer. “Then sleep it is, baby. I’ve got you.”

And with Abigail’s arms wrapped securely around her, Emma let herself drift off, safe and warm in the only place she ever wanted to be.