Chapter 132

“Alright,” Abigail said with a grin, sweeping her arm dramatically toward the hallway, “lead the way, designer.”

Emma laughed, taking her hand as they walked together down the hall. Their fingers intertwined naturally, the rhythm of their steps light and easy. When they stopped in front of the nursery door, Abigail turned the knob and pushed it open, letting the morning light flood inside.

The room was bare and bright, the walls pale and smooth, sunlight stretching across the hardwood floors. A few unopened boxes sat stacked in one corner — labeled baby clothes, decor, and keepsakes — quiet reminders of everything waiting to come to life.

Emma stepped inside first, her eyes softening as she looked around. “It’s hard to believe this is going to be their room soon,” she said quietly, her voice full of wonder.

Abigail leaned against the doorframe, her arms folded loosely, watching her with a tender smile. “So tell me, Miss Interior Designer what’s the vision?”

Emma turned to her, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. “Okay, so” she gestured toward the far wall, “the crib will go here. I want it to be natural wood, something simple and light. Nothing too fancy.”

Abigail nodded, stepping inside. “I can see it. And maybe above it… a shelf? For little books, or maybe a name sign once we pick one.”

Emma’s smile widened. “Exactly. I want it to feel personal, not overly decorated. Just soft and warm.”

She walked toward the window next, brushing her hand along the sill. “And I was thinking of putting a rocking chair here,” she said. “So I can sit here at night and hold the baby. Maybe some soft curtains that let the morning light in.”

Abigail came up behind her, slipping her arms gently around her waist. “That sounds perfect,” she murmured, resting her chin on Emma’s shoulder. “Peaceful, just like you.”

Emma laughed quietly, tilting her head back against her. “You’re such a flirt.”

“Only with you,” Abigail whispered, kissing the side of her neck.

Emma turned in her arms, her eyes soft but shining. “For the colors, I was thinking sage green or maybe cream something neutral and calm. No bright pinks or blues, just cozy tones that’ll make it feel safe.”

Abigail smiled, brushing her thumb over Emma’s cheek. “That sounds perfect, baby. Simple and timeless.”

Emma looked around the room again, her hand drifting instinctively to her stomach. “It’s strange,” she said softly. “I’ve been imagining this for so long, but standing in here now makes it feel real.”

Abigail kissed her forehead gently. “It is real. We’re building something beautiful.”

They spent the next several minutes pacing the room together, tossing ideas back and forth a small rug in the center, a dresser that could double as a changing table, soft lighting, maybe a corner bookshelf with plush toys and baby books. Emma opened her phone and started jotting things down in her notes app while Abigail stood back, her hands on her hips, already visualizing how everything would fit together.

When Emma sat down cross-legged on the floor to take a break, Abigail lowered herself beside her, their shoulders touching.

“I think we should do a big fuzzy rug,” Abigail said thoughtfully. “Something cream or off-white. The kind you can sink your toes into.”

Emma smiled, looking over at her. “I love that idea. It’ll make the room feel softer warmer.”

Abigail’s gaze dropped to her belly. “You know, I still can’t believe there’s a little person in there. Half you, half me.”

Emma’s heart melted at the sound of her voice. “I know,” she whispered, covering Abigail’s hand with her own. “Every day it sinks in a little more.”

Abigail leaned in and kissed her softly, the warmth of it quiet and steady. “You’re glowing,” she said when she pulled back.

Emma laughed, a blush rising to her cheeks. “You say that every day.”

“Because it’s true,” Abigail teased, stealing another kiss.

They sat together on the floor, sunlight pooling around them, their hands resting where new life was growing between them. The room was still empty, but it already carried something sacred hope, peace, and the warmth of love that filled every inch of the space.

After a while, Abigail stood and stretched, offering her hand to Emma. “Alright, mama. I think it’s time for a list.”

Emma took her hand with a grin. “Of course it is. You know I love a good list.”

Abigail helped her up, pulling her close for one last kiss before they stepped out of the nursery. “Let’s go make this room perfect,” she said softly.

Emma smiled as they walked hand in hand back down the hall. “It already feels perfect,” she murmured.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, the excitement had settled into something electric and steady. Emma was perched on the couch with her planner open, scribbling down notes and checking off a few things she’d already decided on — paint samples, crib style, rug textures.

Abigail came out of the bedroom in a soft hoodie and jeans, phone in hand, her keys jingling in the other. “Alright, mama,” she said with a grin, “you ready to go make this nursery official?”

Emma looked up, smiling as she slipped her shoes on. “I’ve been ready since breakfast.”

“Of course you have,” Abigail teased. “You’ve got that look — the one that means I’ll be carrying half of Target back to the car.”

Emma laughed, standing up and patting her stomach. “Hey, I’m nesting. You can’t blame me for wanting everything to be perfect for our baby.”

Abigail leaned over, kissing her forehead. “You’re right. And you’re cute when you get like this.”

Emma swatted her playfully, but she was smiling. “Flattery won’t get you out of furniture assembly later.”

Abigail chuckled as they headed for the door. “I wasn’t even gonna try.”

The drive was easy, sunlight streaming through the car windows as soft music played on the radio. Emma hummed along quietly, one hand resting on her belly, while Abigail’s hand occasionally drifted over to squeeze hers at stoplights.

They made their first stop at a large baby boutique — the kind that smelled faintly of vanilla and new fabric. The aisles were bright and colorful, lined with tiny clothes, plush toys, and cribs that made Emma’s heart melt on sight.

“Okay,” Abigail said, glancing around as they stepped inside. “Where do we even start?”

Emma’s eyes lit up as she spotted a display of cribs. “There.”

They spent nearly twenty minutes comparing different styles — modern, rustic, traditional — until Emma stopped at one with smooth lines and a light honey finish. “This one,” she said softly. “It feels warm. Simple but beautiful.”

Abigail ran her hand along the rail, nodding. “It’s perfect. Just like you described.”

They added it to their order and moved on to paint samples. A kind employee handed Emma a booklet full of soft pastel shades, and she flipped through them slowly, her fingers pausing on a pale sage green.

“This one,” she said finally, holding it up. “It’s calm. I can see it with cream accents.”

Abigail leaned in closer, smiling. “I can see it too.”

They spent another hour browsing — picking out a fluffy cream rug, soft curtains, a white rocking chair that Emma immediately loved, and a dresser that matched the crib. Every now and then, Abigail would hold up something silly — like a stuffed giraffe or a mobile shaped like clouds — just to make Emma laugh.

At one point, Abigail came back from another aisle with a tiny onesie that said Mama’s Little Melody. She held it up with a grin. “Look at this one.”

Emma covered her mouth, trying not to tear up. “Oh my God, that’s perfect. We have to get it.”

Abigail smiled, tossing it gently into the cart. “It’s official then. We’re gonna be the cool, musical moms.”

They checked out with a cart full of items, laughing over the growing pile as they pushed everything to the car. The trunk filled fast — boxes, bags, and paint samples tucked carefully inside.

When Abigail closed the trunk, she turned to Emma with a proud grin. “Mission accomplished.”

Emma leaned against the car door, smiling at her. “I can’t believe we just did that.”

Abigail brushed a stray curl from her face. “You mean I can’t believe we didn’t buy the whole store.“

Emma laughed, the sound bright and carefree. “I behaved!”

Abigail stepped closer, slipping an arm around her waist. “You did. And now we’ve got everything we need to start tomorrow.”

Emma leaned into her, resting her head against Abigail’s chest. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

Abigail kissed the top of her head. “Me neither, baby. Me neither.”

They stood there for a moment in the soft afternoon light, the trunk full of dreams behind them, the quiet promise of tomorrow hanging in the air.

When Emma finally lifted her head, she smiled. “How about we grab some dinner on the way home? The baby’s hungry.”

Abigail laughed, opening the car door for her. “Of course you are. Let’s go feed my two favorite people.”

Emma smiled as she climbed in. “You’re too good to us.”

Abigail slid into the driver’s seat, glancing at her with a grin before starting the car. “Anything for my babies.”