Chapter 131

The morning light stretched across the kitchen, wrapping the room in a golden calm. Plates sat half-finished on the table, and the smell of coffee still lingered in the air. Abigail leaned back in her chair, watching Emma as she sat across from her. There was something about her this morning, a quiet radiance that seemed to glow from within. Her hand rested gently on her stomach, her hair falling softly over her shoulder, and her smile was small but full of peace.

“You look peaceful,” Abigail said softly, her voice carrying through the warm quiet. “I like seeing you like this.”

Emma looked up from her coffee, her eyes warm and clear. “I feel peaceful,” she said. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that way. After everything last night, I’m just grateful. Grateful that we’re here, that it’s quiet, that I have you.”

Abigail smiled and set her fork down, leaning forward slightly. “That’s all I want for you. Peace. To feel safe, loved, and taken care of.” She reached across the table and took Emma’s hand, her thumb brushing gently over her skin. “If I can give you that, even a little, I’m happy.”

Emma’s lips curved, her smile soft and knowing. “You already do, every day.”

For a few moments they didn’t need words. The city hummed faintly beyond the windows, the light shifting as the morning moved on. The sound of their coffee cups on the table, the soft clink of a fork against a plate, and the rhythm of their breathing filled the space.

Then Emma’s expression changed, thoughtful and slightly shy. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” she said.

Abigail tilted her head. “What’s that?”

Emma hesitated, then smiled. “I found a doctor.”

Abigail blinked, caught off guard. “A doctor?”

“One of the best,” Emma said proudly. “I’ve been looking for a while, and I found someone who specializes in prenatal care and high-risk pregnancies. I called her office yesterday and scheduled our first full appointment.”

Abigail’s face lit up with surprise and pride. “Emma, that’s amazing. When’s the appointment?”

“Friday,” Emma said, her voice calm but full of quiet excitement. “I made sure it was on a day that works for you so you won’t have to miss class. I want you there when we get all the details—our due date, the heartbeat, everything.”

Abigail’s throat tightened as she took Emma’s hand in both of hers. “You thought of everything,” she whispered. “You really are amazing.”

Emma laughed softly, her cheeks warming. “I just want to make sure we’re ready. It feels like everything’s happening so fast, but I want to do this right.”

Her hand drifted to her stomach, rubbing slow, thoughtful circles. “I can feel them sometimes,” she said quietly. “Tiny little flutters. It makes everything real.”

Abigail’s eyes softened, following the gentle movement of her hand. She reached out and laid her palm over Emma’s stomach, feeling the warmth beneath her skin. “You’re really showing now,” she said in awe. “I can’t believe there’s a little person growing in there.”

Emma’s fingers brushed over hers. “Our little person,” she said with a smile.

Abigail looked up at her, love shining in her eyes. “I can’t wait until I can feel them move too.”

Emma turned her hand over, lacing their fingers together. “You will,” she said gently. “They’ll know your voice, your touch. They already hear us when we talk.”

Abigail smiled and leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Then they must already know how much I love them.”

Emma closed her eyes at the feeling of her lips. “They know,” she whispered. “They can feel it. I can too.”

Abigail kissed her again, slower this time, then pulled back just enough to look at her. “Friday,” she said softly. “We’ll go together. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

Emma nodded and smiled, her fingers still intertwined with hers. “Together.”

They sat like that for a long time, hands resting over the small curve of Emma’s belly, the morning light spilling over them like a quiet blessing. When Abigail finally stood, she moved behind Emma and wrapped her arms gently around her waist. Her hands rested on her stomach as she pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then another just below her ear.

“You’re glowing,” she whispered. “And I love you more every day.”

Emma leaned back into her, smiling softly. “I love you too, baby.”

Abigail rinsed the last of the dishes in the sink. It was one of those rare, perfect Saturdays—no classes, no deadlines, no rushing anywhere. Just them.

Abigail turned off the water and dried her hands, glancing over her shoulder at Emma. “So,” she said, leaning against the counter, “what do you want to do today? We finally have a whole day with nothing planned.”

Emma looked up, her eyes lighting up immediately. “I actually have an idea.”

Abigail smiled, walking over to her. “Oh? You sound way too excited already. What’s up?”

Emma set her glass down and grinned. “I think we should decorate the nursery.”

For a moment, Abigail just looked at her, then her smile widened, soft and full of warmth. “Really? You want to start today?”

Emma nodded, her face glowing with that calm but eager energy that made Abigail’s heart squeeze. “Yeah. We’ve been talking about it for weeks, and I don’t want to wait anymore. The appointment’s coming up Friday, and after that, we’ll know more. But we can at least start getting it ready now.”

Abigail sat down beside her and brushed a hand across her cheek. “I love that idea,” she said, her voice low and fond. “You sure you’re up for it, though? We can take it slow.”

Emma smiled, her hand drifting instinctively to her stomach. “I’m sure. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop. I can picture it already—the colors, the layout, everything.”

Abigail laughed quietly. “Of course you can. My planner.”

Emma rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth lifted. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Not at all,” Abigail said, leaning over to kiss her forehead. “That’s one of the things I love about you.”

Emma gave her a small, bashful smile. “I was thinking something soft. Maybe neutral colors—cream or beige walls, with accents of sage green or pale yellow. Something calm and cozy, not too busy.”

Abigail nodded slowly, already picturing it. “That sounds perfect. A calm space for the baby… and for you.”

Emma’s voice softened. “And for you too.”

Abigail reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You have good taste, mama.”

Emma laughed softly at the nickname, her eyes sparkling. “You’re just saying that because I’m nesting.”

Abigail grinned. “Maybe. But I also know you’ll make it beautiful. You always do.”

Emma leaned forward and rested her head on Abigail’s shoulder. “I can’t believe we’re really doing this,” she murmured. “Decorating the nursery. It makes it feel so real.”

Abigail wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. “It is real. And it’s happening. We’re doing this together.”

Emma smiled against her shoulder, her fingers tracing small circles over Abigail’s arm. “Together,” she whispered.

Abigail tilted her head and pressed a kiss into her hair. “Alright, then. After breakfast, we’ll go check out the room and start making a plan.”

Emma leaned back, her eyes soft. “You know what I’m going to say, right?”

Abigail grinned. “Let me guess. ‘Make a list.'”

Emma laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Exactly.”

Abigail brushed her fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze until their eyes met. “Then let’s make it a good one.”