Chapter 130

Morning light filled the bedroom, spilling softly across the sheets. The city outside was just beginning to stir, but inside the condo, everything was calm and still. The soft hum of the refrigerator and the quiet rhythm of their breathing made the silence feel peaceful.

Emma woke first. The air was cool against her skin as she shifted under the blanket. A small smile tugged at her lips as memories of the night before returned to her, a mixture of laughter, closeness, and warmth. She stretched, brushing her fingers over her stomach, and let out a content sigh before sitting up.

Abigail was still asleep beside her, one arm draped across the pillow where Emma had been. Her hair was a soft mess, her breathing deep and steady. Emma smiled before slipping quietly out of bed. She grabbed one of Abigail’s oversized white shirts, which hung loosely on her frame, and made her way into the kitchen.

The condo was filled with the soft, early light of morning. Emma moved quietly, turning on the coffee maker before pulling out eggs, bread, and fruit. The sound of the whisk against the bowl and the gentle sizzle of butter in the pan gave the space a sense of rhythm. She hummed to herself, a tune that matched the peace of the moment.

She was lost in her routine when she felt a familiar warmth behind her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and a chin came to rest on her shoulder.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Abigail said, her voice still husky from sleep.

Emma smiled and leaned back slightly into her. “Good morning yourself. You scared me for a second.”

Abigail chuckled softly, her breath warm against Emma’s neck. “You weren’t in bed, so I came looking for you.”

Emma turned her head, their cheeks brushing. “I’m right here. Making breakfast for my girl.”

Abigail smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her neck. “You’re too good to me.”

Emma laughed quietly. “I try.” She turned in Abigail’s arms and met her eyes. Abigail leaned in and kissed her cheek, then her jaw, and finally her lips. Each kiss lingered a little longer than the last, and Emma melted into her without even thinking.

When they pulled back, Emma grinned up at her. “Baby,” she said playfully, “you might want to put something on before breakfast burns.”

Abigail raised an eyebrow, pretending to look innocent. “Oh yeah? Why is that?”

Emma gave her a teasing look. “Because you know I get distracted easily, and you’re not exactly helping.”

Abigail smirked and kissed her again, quick and soft. “Maybe that’s the point.”

Emma laughed and nudged her gently with the spatula. “Not before food, miss temptation. Go get dressed, and then we’ll talk about distractions later.”

Abigail raised her hands in surrender, though her grin didn’t fade. “Fine. Food first. But only because it smells too good to let it burn.”

Emma laughed again as Abigail turned and walked down the hall toward the bedroom. She shook her head with a smile and went back to the stove, flipping the eggs and buttering toast. The smell of breakfast began to fill the kitchen, warm and familiar.

By the time Abigail came back, she was dressed in sweats and one of Emma’s hoodies. She slipped behind Emma again, resting her hands on her hips and leaning in close. “Smells amazing,” she said softly.

Emma smiled over her shoulder. “You mean me or the food?”

Abigail grinned. “Both.”

Emma laughed and leaned up to meet her lips for one more soft kiss before nodding toward the table. “Come on, before it gets cold.”

They sat together by the window, plates steaming and coffee cups warm in their hands. Their fingers brushed as they ate, small smiles passing between them. The morning light wrapped around them like a blanket, quiet and golden.