Chapter 128

The condo door clicked shut behind them, shutting out the noise, the flashing lights, and the tension of the night. The warm, quiet space of the living room felt like a different world compared to where they had just been. The soft glow from the lamps washed everything in calm amber light.

Emma went straight to the couch, her hand still holding Abigail’s as if she didn’t want to let go. She eased down slowly, the exhaustion showing in her eyes, and rested her head on Abigail’s shoulder. Abigail followed close, settling beside her and rubbing gentle circles over her thigh, her touch grounding them both.

Across the room, Ashley couldn’t stay still. She paced back and forth, her sneakers squeaking faintly against the floor. Her jaw was set tight, her eyes full of fire that hadn’t burned out yet.

“I should’ve knocked her out,” Ashley muttered, shaking her head and running her hand over her braids. “She cornered you, Abby. Put her hands on you. And she thought she could just walk away? Nah. That’s not okay.”

Megan, sitting on the arm of the couch, reached out and caught Ashley’s hand as she passed. Her voice was calm and even. “Baby, breathe. It’s done. You got to let it go.”

Ashley stopped for a second, glancing at Megan before looking back at Abigail and Emma. Her voice cracked just slightly. “I’m trying, but all I can see is her face. The way she looked at Abby. The way she thought she could get away with it. And Emma…” Her voice faded, her throat tight.

Emma looked up from where she sat. One of her hands rested over her belly, protective and soft. Her expression gentled as she met Ashley’s eyes. “Ashley,” she said quietly, “thank you. For being ready to stand up for me when I couldn’t. You didn’t have to, but you did, and that means a lot.”

Ashley froze, the anger in her expression flickering before it faded. Her shoulders lowered as she let out a shaky breath. “Of course, Em. You’re family. Always.”

Emma smiled softly. “I know. But I also need you to know you don’t have to fight to prove it. You being here, caring about us, that’s enough. I already know you’ve got my back.”

Ashley dragged a hand down her face and sighed. Finally, she sat down beside Megan. Megan slipped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close without saying a word. Ashley let herself lean into her, her head falling against Megan’s shoulder, the last of her anger easing away.

Abigail looked around the room at all of them, her voice low and steady. “We’re safe now. That’s all that matters. She’s gone, and we’re home.”

Ashley nodded, her voice quieter now. “Yeah. I just hate that it even got that far.”

Emma nodded too, her tone calm but firm. “It happened, but look at us. We walked out together, came home together, and we’re all okay. That’s what counts.”

For a while, the room fell silent except for the hum of the city outside and the quiet rhythm of their breathing. The storm had passed, and the only thing left was relief.

Abigail leaned her head against Emma’s, her fingers still tracing lazy circles along her leg. Across from them, Megan and Ashley sat close, hands laced together, their eyes half-closed in the soft light.

Megan looked over at Ashley, brushing her thumb along her knuckles. “Let’s head home, baby. We all need some sleep. We can talk about everything tomorrow, when we’ve all had time to breathe.”

Ashley nodded, though her jaw was still set. “Yeah. That’s probably best.” She stood and gave Emma a small, tired smile. “I’m glad you’re okay, Em. You call me if you need anything. I mean it.”

“I know,” Emma said softly, returning the smile. “Thank you again. Both of you.”

Megan leaned down, hugging Emma gently before squeezing Abigail’s shoulder. “You two get some rest. We’ll check in tomorrow.”

After one last exchange of goodnights, Megan and Ashley slipped out, the door clicking quietly behind them.

The condo fell silent again, the soft hum of the city the only sound. Abigail turned toward Emma, who was sitting quietly on the couch, her hand rubbing slow circles over her stomach.

“I’m going to go take care of my girl,” Abigail said softly. Her tone was warm, full of love and promise. She held out her hand, and Emma took it without hesitation.

They walked together to the bathroom. Abigail turned on the water, steam slowly filling the air as the scent of their soap began to drift through the room. Emma stood behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her chin on her shoulder.

“Thank you,” Emma whispered against her skin. “For everything tonight.”

Abigail turned, cupping her face gently. “Always, baby. You’re my everything.”

The shower was quiet, the water washing away the tension of the night. There were no words—just the comfort of being together, breathing the same calm air, feeling safe again.

When they finally stepped out, the mirror was fogged over and the room smelled faintly of lavender and warmth. Abigail handed Emma a towel, wrapping her own around herself. She helped Emma dry off, brushing a few damp strands of hair from her face before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

They left the bathroom hand in hand, wrapped in towels, the glow of the bedroom light soft and golden. It was quiet again, the kind of quiet that meant peace. Abigail led Emma to the edge of the bed and whispered, “Let’s get some rest.”

Emma nodded, smiling faintly. “Best idea you’ve had all night.”

Abigail laughed softly, leaning down to kiss her again before pulling her close.