Chapter 113

Abigail stirred awake on the couch, the apartment dim with evening light. The blanket was still wrapped snugly around her, but the space beside her was empty. For a moment her stomach dropped—until she heard the faint rustle of a bag and the sound of a cabinet closing.

She pushed herself up, rubbed her eyes, and padded barefoot toward the kitchen.

Emma was standing at the counter in one of Abigail’s oversized hoodies, her hair loose and messy from her nap. She had a small plate in front of her with crackers spread thick with peanut butter, a bowl of grapes, and—of all things—a jar of pickles. She crunched into a cracker without hesitation, eyes brightening at the taste.

Abigail leaned against the doorway, watching her with a soft smile tugging at her lips. “So this is what pregnancy cravings look like in real time, huh?”

Emma turned, cheeks puffed mid-bite, and gave her a sheepish grin. “Don’t judge me. The baby wanted peanut butter, grapes, and pickles. All together.”

Abigail laughed under her breath as she crossed the kitchen. “I’m not judging. I’m just trying to wrap my head around that combo.” She slid onto a stool at the counter, resting her chin in her palm. “How’re you feeling?”

“Tired, but better after a nap,” Emma admitted, taking a sip of milk. “Sorry I didn’t answer your texts. I guess I crashed harder than I thought.”

Abigail reached across the counter and brushed her fingers against Emma’s hand. “It’s okay. I was worried for a bit, but seeing you here now—it’s all good.”

Emma’s smile softened, her thumb brushing against Abigail’s knuckles. “What about you? How was class?”

Abigail let out a small huff of laughter, sitting back. “Music Theory with Ms. Shields was… interesting.”

Emma tilted her head. “Interesting how?”

Abigail smirked faintly. “She kept staring at me. Like, really staring. One of the guys next to me even leaned over and said he thought she was into me.”

Emma raised her brows, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “Oh, did he now?”

“Yeah. And then after class she asked me to stay behind,” Abigail continued, the smirk widening. “She literally told me I ‘carry myself differently’ and that it was… ‘captivating.’ Then she panicked, backpedaled, and tried to make it sound professional.”

Emma set her cracker down, shaking her head with a laugh. “Captivating? She actually used that word?”

“Yep,” Abigail said, popping the “p” as she grabbed a grape from Emma’s bowl. “And I texted you about it, but you were knocked out.”

Emma leaned over the counter, her eyes narrowing in playful mock-jealousy. “Well, let her stare. She can think whatever she wants. Just remember—” she poked Abigail lightly on the arm, “—I’m the only one who gets to call you mine.”

Abigail grinned, warmth blooming in her chest. “Trust me, baby, you’re the only one I want hearing that word from.”

Emma smiled back, her cheeks softening as she nudged the plate toward Abigail. “Then here. Share my weird snack and tell me more about your day.”

Emma popped another grape into her mouth, watching Abigail with that soft, patient look she always had when she wanted the whole story. “Okay,” she said, leaning her chin into her hand. “So what else happened today? You’ve only told me about Music Theory.”

Abigail laughed a little, rubbing the back of her neck. “Yeah, it was kind of a day.” She shifted in her seat, propping an elbow on the counter. “After class, I went outside with my guitar. Just needed to clear my head. I was playing one of the songs you love, actually, and for a minute I thought I was just in my own world.”

Emma smiled faintly. “Which song?”

“The one you always make me play late at night—the slow one.” Abigail’s lips curved. “The one that makes you pretend your eyes aren’t getting misty.”

Emma chuckled softly, but before she could argue, Abigail’s expression grew a little more serious. “Anyway, I got that weird feeling—like someone was watching me. And when I looked up… it was Ms. Shields.”

Emma straightened slightly, her brows rising. “Again?”

“Yeah,” Abigail said, nodding. “She was just… standing there. Books in her arms. Watching me play. And she didn’t even look away when I caught her. We just… stared at each other for a second. It felt way too long. Then she gave me this little nod and walked off.”

Emma’s lips pressed into a line, her protective side flickering through. “You’re going to have to nip that in the bud,” she said firmly. “She needs to know you’re unavailable. I already see her trying to make a move on you in the future if you don’t set that boundary.”

Abigail blinked, then gave a small smile, reaching for her hand. “Baby… you don’t have to worry. I’ve got no interest in her. You’re the only one I want.”

Emma softened but didn’t let go of her serious tone. “I know but that’s trouble waiting to happen. You set it straight now, and she won’t even think about testing it later.”

Abigail squeezed her hand, her voice low but certain. “I hear you. And I promise I’ll handle it.”

Emma relaxed a little then, leaning closer, her smile returning, more tender now. “Good. Because I’d hate to have to show up to class and remind her myself.”

Abigail laughed, leaning across the counter to brush her lips against Emma’s cheek. “You’re crazy. But I love you.”

Emma grinned, popping another grape into her mouth. “Love you too. Now, finish telling me about the rest of your day.”

Abigail leaned back with a sigh. “I didn’t think much of it after that, but then Megan showed up. She said she heard me playing and decided I needed to tag along to the gym for practice. You know Megan—she doesn’t take no for an answer.”

Emma laughed under her breath. “That sounds about right.”

“Yeah,” Abigail said with a grin. “I already know most of the team from before, but it was good seeing them in their element. Megan wanted me to sit courtside and watch. Honestly? It was fun. Loud, a little chaotic, but fun. She has this way of making me feel like I belong there.”

Emma softened at that. “I’m glad she’s looking out for you.”

“Me too,” Abigail agreed. “After that, I headed to my Contemporary Literature class. That’s where… I kind of lost it. You still weren’t answering, and I kept checking my phone. Professor Cross noticed and asked me to stay behind after class.”

Emma tilted her head. “What did she say?”

Abigail gave a small shrug. “She asked if I was okay. Said she didn’t want me to miss what was happening in the room because I was too focused on my phone. I told her I was waiting on a text from someone important.” Her eyes softened as she looked at Emma. “That someone was you.”

Emma’s features melted into guilt and affection all at once. “Baby…” she whispered, her hand reaching across the counter to squeeze Abigail’s.

Abigail covered it with her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay. I get it. You were tired. But all I could think about was you. That’s why I rushed home so fast.”

Emma leaned closer, her smile tender now. “Well, I’m here. Safe. And eating grapes and peanut butter crackers like it’s a five-star meal.”

Abigail laughed, shaking her head as she squeezed Emma’s hand again. “Yeah, and honestly? That’s all I need.”