Chapter 105

Morning After

The soft glow of morning filtered in through the sheer curtains, turning the bedroom into a hazy watercolor of gold and cream. Abigail was the first to stir, her body heavy and warm, her head still resting against Emma’s chest. She lingered there for a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of Emma’s heartbeat beneath her cheek. It was grounding, a reminder of everything she never wanted to lose.

She shifted just enough to press a featherlight kiss to Emma’s collarbone, then trailed lower to brush her lips against the curve of Emma’s belly.

“Morning, little one,” Abigail murmured, her voice husky with sleep. “Your mom’s still dreaming, but I’ll hold it down for us.”

Emma’s lashes fluttered, her lips curving into a smile even before her eyes opened. “Talking to my stomach again?” she teased, her voice soft and lazy.

Abigail grinned, kissing her bump once more. “Not your stomach—our baby.”

Emma reached down, her fingers threading gently through Abigail’s messy curls. “You’re ridiculously sweet first thing in the morning. Do you know that?”

“Mm, only for you,” Abigail whispered, leaning up to steal a soft kiss from Emma’s lips. Emma kissed back with a sleepy hum, her hand sliding to cup Abigail’s jaw.

When they pulled apart, Emma chuckled, “You’re also heavy. My chest is suffocating.”

Abigail flopped dramatically to the side, laughing. “Fine, fine. I’ll move before I squash both my loves.” She tucked herself against Emma’s side again, nuzzling into her shoulder. “But I’m starving. What do you say we make breakfast before I start gnawing on the headboard?”

Emma laughed outright at that, pushing up onto her elbows. “Alright, but I’m picking pancakes.”

Abigail stood at the skillet, humming softly as she poured batter into neat circles, her curls bouncing with every little movement. Emma leaned against the counter, still in one of Abigail’s oversized shirts, sipping orange juice while her eyes lingered on her girlfriend like she was the only thing worth watching.

“Abby?” Emma said quietly.

“Yeah, baby?” Abigail glanced back, spatula in hand.

Emma’s lips tugged upward. “Last night, when you said it was just us and the little one… that meant everything to me.”

Abigail set the spatula aside and crossed the kitchen in a few steps, slipping her arms around Emma’s waist. She pressed her forehead to Emma’s and kissed her slowly, tender and deliberate.

“I meant every word,” Abigail whispered when they broke apart. “Friends will come and go, but you? You’re it. You and our baby. That’s home.”

Emma’s eyes shone with unshed tears. She tilted her chin up for another kiss, softer this time, full of gratitude. “I love you,” she whispered against Abigail’s lips.

“I love you more,” Abigail murmured back, stealing one more kiss before returning to the stove.

They ended up at the nook with a stack of golden pancakes dripping in syrup, turkey bacon crisp on the side, and a bowl of sliced fruit between them. Emma insisted on whipped cream, and Abigail insisted on stealing half of it with her finger just to smear a dot on Emma’s nose.

Emma gasped and swatted at her, laughing as Abigail leaned over to kiss it away.

Between bites, Emma finally spoke, her tone shifting softer. “We probably need to start thinking about groceries… and maybe a list for baby things too. I haven’t even felt them move yet, but I don’t want to wait until the last minute.”

Abigail raised her fork like a toast. “Shopping trip. We’ll handle it. Your cravings, my snacks, baby stuff. Easy.”

Emma smirked, sliding her foot along Abigail’s leg beneath the table. “You make it sound simple.”

Abigail caught her hand across the table, kissing her knuckles before answering. “Because with us, it is. We figure everything out.”

Emma’s heart swelled, warmth spreading in her chest as she whispered, “You’re too good to me.”

Abigail leaned in across the table, syrup still on her lips, and kissed her slow, sweet, and unhurried. “Nah,” she whispered against her mouth. “Just good enough.”