Chapter 147

The quiet hum of the car echoed softly against the sleek concrete walls as she eased into their reserved spot. The clock on the dashboard glowed 3:32 PM just late enough for the sun to slant gold through the openings above, painting streaks of color across her windshield.

The passenger seat held her treasures: a white box of chocolate-covered strawberries and a small bouquet of blush roses wrapped neatly in paper. The faint aroma of chocolate and flowers filled the car, soft and comforting, making her smile.

She took a slow breath, gathered everything into her arms, and stepped out. Her sneakers clicked lightly against the smooth floor as she crossed to the private elevator. The metal doors slid open, and the faint hum of music played overhead as she pressed the button for the penthouse.

By the time the elevator opened directly into their home, Abigail’s mood had softened into something peaceful. The penthouse glowed with the gentle, amber light that poured through the wall of glass windows overlooking the city. The scent of lavender drifted from the diffuser Emma loved, mixing with the subtle sweetness of the treats Abigail carried.

“Baby?” Abigail called, her voice warm and melodic as it carried through the open space.

“In the kitchen!” Emma’s voice came back, clear and bright.

Abigail smiled instantly. She slipped off her shoes near the door and padded barefoot down the hallway. When she reached the kitchen, she paused for a moment just to look at her — Emma in one of Abigail’s oversized hoodies, hair swept up in a loose bun, glowing in the soft afternoon light.

The moment Emma spotted what Abigail was holding, her eyes went wide. “You didn’t,” she said, already breaking into a smile.

Abigail lifted the white box with a grin. “You asked for them, didn’t you?”

Emma’s laughter filled the space. “You really got me chocolate-covered strawberries?”

“And these,” Abigail said, holding up the blush roses next. “Because I love you.”

Emma’s smile softened, her eyes glistening as she took the bouquet. “They’re perfect. You didn’t have to, baby.”

Abigail leaned closer, her voice low. “I wanted to. You’ve been craving them all day, and I like keeping my promises.”

Emma looked up at her, eyes full of affection. “You’re too good to me.”

Abigail smiled. “You make it easy.”

She set the strawberries down on the counter and kissed Emma’s forehead before reaching for a small plate. “Come on, let’s make this an experience.” She unwrapped the box, revealing two neat rows of glossy strawberries — half milk chocolate, half dark.

Emma’s lips parted slightly. “Oh my God. They’re beautiful.”

Abigail picked one up by the stem and held it out. “Go on.”

Emma took a bite, closing her eyes as she hummed softly in delight. “Okay, this might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

Abigail chuckled, watching her reaction. “Worth the wait?”

Emma nodded and licked a smudge of chocolate from her thumb. “Absolutely.” She picked up another one and held it out toward Abigail. “Here. Sharing is caring.”

Abigail leaned forward, taking a slow bite, her gaze never leaving Emma’s. She wiped a bit of chocolate from Emma’s lip with her thumb, then leaned in to kiss her softly.

Emma smiled against her lips. “You’re spoiling us again.”

Abigail rested her forehead against hers. “Anything for my babies.”

Emma melted into her, laughter bubbling from her chest as she whispered, “You really are the sweetest.”

Abigail trailed a few more kisses along her cheek and temple before pulling back to arrange the roses in a vase by the window. The city skyline stretched behind her, glass towers glimmering under the late-afternoon sun.

When she turned back, Emma was watching her strawberry in hand, love in her eyes.

“I missed you today,” Emma said softly, setting the half-eaten strawberry on the counter.

Abigail stepped close again, slipping her arms around her waist. “I missed you more.”

Emma tilted her chin up and kissed her one more time. “Thank you for my strawberries, baby.”

Abigail smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Always.”

Abigail leaned against the counter, watching as Emma reached for another strawberry. The sunlight filtering through the tall windows painted everything in a soft, golden glow. It caught the highlights in Emma’s hair and the faint smile curving her lips — the kind of quiet, effortless beauty that always stopped Abigail in her tracks.

She smiled and reached over, brushing her fingers lightly down Emma’s arm. “So, what do you want for dinner tonight?”

Emma took another small bite of her strawberry and hummed thoughtfully. “Hmm… I don’t know. Something good, but not too heavy. Maybe pasta? Or tacos. Or—” she paused, laughing softly at herself, “—honestly, I’d eat anything right now.”

Abigail laughed under her breath, stepping closer. “Anything, huh? That sounds like a trap. I’ll cook whatever you want — just say the word.”

Emma tilted her head, pretending to think hard. “Okay, chef. Surprise me.”

“Surprise you?” Abigail teased, looping her arms around her waist. “That’s dangerous. I might just make breakfast for dinner.”

Emma gasped playfully. “You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, I would,” Abigail said, grinning. “Waffles, eggs, bacon — the works. You’d love it.”

Emma’s soft laugh filled the room, and she leaned into her. “You’re lucky I love breakfast food.”

Abigail kissed her temple, her voice low and gentle. “I know.”

They stood like that for a moment, bodies pressed close, the noise of the city a faint hum in the distance. Then Abigail pulled back slightly, her eyes warm. “How was your day, baby? What did you get up to while I was gone?”

Emma smiled, sliding her fingers along the countertop as she spoke. “It was actually really nice. I cleaned up a bit, watched a few music showcases from last year — I wanted to see what kind of stuff the students at the academy are doing. I’m trying to get a feel for what I’ll be teaching once my classes start next week.”

Abigail’s expression brightened. “Oh yeah, that’s right — your first classes are coming up. You excited?”

Emma nodded, her smile widening. “Yeah, I am. Nervous too, but mostly excited. It feels good to be getting back into it. Guitar and piano 101, plus helping with the vocal performance workshops… it’s going to be a lot, but I’m ready for it.”

Abigail leaned on the counter beside her, eyes full of quiet pride. “You’re going to be amazing, Em. Those students don’t even know how lucky they are.”

Emma looked at her, soft and adoring. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Abigail said, brushing her thumb across Emma’s knuckles. “You light up when you talk about it. You were born for this.”

Emma’s heart fluttered a little at that. “You always know what to say.”

Abigail chuckled and kissed her gently. “Only because it’s true.”

Emma smiled into the kiss, then pulled away with a small sigh, rubbing her belly. “I didn’t realize how tired I was until you got home.”

Abigail tilted her head. “You want to eat now, or relax first?”

“Let’s relax a bit,” Emma said. “Maybe sit on the balcony for a while before dinner?”

Abigail nodded, her voice soft. “Perfect.”

She picked up the strawberries and set them on a tray with two glasses of sparkling water, then took Emma’s hand. Together, they walked toward the balcony, where the city stretched out below them in a thousand shades of gold and rose.