Chapter 156

Steam rolled lazily through the bathroom, wrapping everything in a warm, misty cocoon. Abigail reached into the shower, letting her hand pass under the hot stream before stepping in. She turned and held her hand out toward Emma.

“C’mon, sweetheart,” Abigail said softly. “Careful with the step.”

Emma slipped her hand into Abigail’s, trusting her completely. Abigail guided her under the stream, and Emma let out a small, pleasurable sigh as the heat hit her skin.

“Mmm… that feels amazing,” Emma breathed, resting one hand against Abigail’s chest to steady herself.

Abigail smiled and brushed a few curls off her forehead. “Long day. You deserve this.”

They stood like that for a moment, letting the water soak into their muscles, washing away any leftover stress. Abigail reached behind Emma, grabbing the shampoo and lathering it in her hands before massaging it gently into Emma’s curls.

Emma leaned her head back into the touch immediately. “You’re spoiling me again.”

“Always,” Abigail murmured near her ear. “Get used to it.”

Emma shivered—not from cold, not from heat, but from the way Abigail’s voice sank into her.

“Keep talking like that,” Emma teased quietly, “and I’m gonna need another shower later.”

Abigail chuckled under her breath and kissed the back of Emma’s shoulder. “Behave, baby.”

“Never,” Emma said with a smirk, eyes half-closed.

Abigail finished rinsing her hair, then carefully washed her arms, her back, her sides—slow, attentive, affectionate. Emma returned the love, her hands trailing down Abigail’s arms, lingering at her hips, playful and soft.

When they stepped out, Abigail wrapped a towel around Emma first, tucking the corner gently at her chest. She brushed her fingers along her jaw.

“You’re glowing,” Abigail whispered.

“That’s just the steam,” Emma whispered back, though she was definitely blushing.

“Pretty sure it’s you,” Abigail teased, kissing her forehead before wrapping her own towel around her waist.

Abigail finished reheating dinner and added a fresh sprinkle of herbs over the mashed potatoes, humming quietly as she worked. The warm aroma of butter, garlic, and seared steak drifted through the kitchen, mixing with the soft glow of the city lights outside.

Emma sat on the counter, towel wrapped around her, one knee pulled up, looking at Abigail like she was the only thing in the room worth paying attention to.

“You stare at me like I’m on TV,” Abigail teased, glancing over her shoulder with a grin.

Emma sipped her juice through her straw, not even pretending to hide it. “Better than TV. Way better. Look at you… all domestic, all stylish, all mine.”

Abigail laughed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Emma shot back, fluttering her lashes dramatically.

Abigail walked closer, grabbed Emma gently by the waist, and tugged her forward until their lips brushed. “I do.”

Emma giggled against her mouth. “Now, go be a chef, baby. I’m hungry.”

“Right after you kiss me properly,” Abigail said.

Emma obliged, cupping the back of Abigail’s neck and giving her a slow kiss that lingered a little longer than either of them planned.

“Okay,” Emma whispered breathlessly. “Go. Food. Please.”

Abigail plated the meal and set it on the island, sitting next to Emma instead of across from her. Their legs pressed together without either adjusting.

Emma cut into the steak, humming softly. “Mmm. This is so good. Why do you cook like you’re trying to wife me?”

Abigail gave her an exaggerated look. “Baby… I already wifed you.”

Emma paused, blinked, then smiled so wide her dimples appeared. “Yeah… I guess you did.”

They kept eating, and after a moment Emma nudged Abigail’s knee under the counter. “So… you wanna tell me about your day? You were glowing when you came home.”

Abigail sighed playfully. “Fine. I ran into Professor Shields again.”

“Did she act weird?” Emma asked, narrowing her eyes like a protective mama bear in a towel.

“Not weird… just…” Abigail scrunched her face. “Suggestive?”

Emma put her fork down. “…Suggestive how?”

Abigail leaned back dramatically. “She suggested I get whipped cream.”

Emma blinked. Once. Twice. “She said that to you?”

Abigail lifted both hands. “I swear.”

“AND?” Emma demanded.

“I told her I already had caramel,” Abigail said proudly.

Emma nearly choked. She covered her mouth and burst out laughing. “Baby, you did NOT—”

“I absolutely did.”

Emma wiped her eyes. “What did she say?”

“Nothing. Just blinked. A lot.” Abigail grinned. “Then you called and told me to hurry home.”

Emma smirked. “You did hurry home.”

“I always hurry home for you,” Abigail said softly.

Emma’s face softened instantly. “You really love me.”

Abigail reached out and tucked a curl behind her ear. “Baby, I adore you.”

Emma’s eyes glistened again, and she pressed her forehead to Abigail’s shoulder. “These hormones are rude.”

Abigail kissed the top of her head. “They’re cute.”

Emma groaned. “Stop making me emotional during mashed potatoes.”

Abigail cut a piece of steak and gently fed it to her. “Okay. No more crying. Just food.”

Emma chewed, then pointed her fork at Abigail with a serious tone that didn’t match her smile. “Tomorrow is our appointment. Promise you won’t let go of my hand?”

Abigail placed her hand on Emma’s thigh, rubbing gently. “I won’t let go for anything.”

Emma leaned into her more, comforted. “I’m nervous.”

“I know,” Abigail whispered. “But we’re doing this together. And afterward… I want to take you for something sweet. Or… something savory. Or whatever your next craving turns into.”

Emma snorted. “Don’t tempt me. I’ll send you back to the store five times.”

“Baby,” Abigail said, lifting her chin and kissing her gently, “I would go a hundred times.”

Emma’s smile softened into something quiet and full. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Abigail whispered, brushing her nose against hers.

After dinner, Abigail stood and began stacking plates, gathering utensils, and moving toward the sink. She rolled her shoulders once, ready to get the kitchen back in shape.

Emma hopped off the counter and floated right behind her, still wearing one of Abigail’s shirts that fell halfway down her thighs. Instead of helping, she slipped her arms around Abigail’s waist from behind, pressing her cheek between Abigail’s shoulder blades.

“You know you’re not helping, right?” Abigail teased gently as she rinsed a plate.

“I am helping,” Emma whispered into her back.

“How?”

Emma squeezed her tighter. “Emotional support. Duh.”

Abigail laughed under her breath. “That’s your excuse?”

“It’s a great excuse. And it’s working,” Emma said, hugging her tighter, her bump pressing softly into Abigail’s lower back.

Abigail set a dish in the rack and leaned back just a little, letting their bodies mold together while she washed the next plate. “You’re lucky I like you,” she murmured playfully.

Emma grinned against her. “Like me? You sure?”

“Love,” Abigail corrected instantly. “I love you.”

Emma hummed happily, swaying side to side while Abigail worked. She didn’t let go once—just hugged her, kissed the back of her shoulder now and then, made soft little noises of contentment every time Abigail leaned into her.

The dishwasher beeped as Abigail shut it and wiped down the counter. Emma stayed attached the whole time like a baby sloth with a crush.

Abigail turned in her arms. “You wanna let go now so I can dry my hands?”

“No,” Emma said, dead serious.

Abigail shook her head affectionately and kissed her.

Just then—
Knock, knock, knock.

The noise startled Emma enough that she finally unlatched herself. “Who’s here this late?”

Abigail grabbed a towel, drying her hands as she made her way to the door. “Probably Megan and Ashley.”

Abigail unlocked the door and cracked it open.

Sure enough, Megan stood there in basketball shorts and a Columbia hoodie, Ashley leaning casually on the doorframe beside her with a food container in hand.

Megan smirked the second she saw Abigail. “Evening, lovebirds.”

Ashley lifted the container like a trophy. “We brought treats.”

Emma peeked around Abigail, eyes lighting up. “What kind of treats?”

“Chocolate chip banana bread,” Ashley said. “Fresh.”

Emma gasped dramatically. “Get in here right now.”

Abigail stepped aside as Emma ushered them in like VIP guests, already eyeing the container as if it might disappear.

Megan laughed as she walked in. “Damn, Emma, didn’t know you’d react like that.”

“She’s pregnant,” Abigail reminded with a smile. “Everything edible is sacred.”

Ashley handed Emma the container, grinning. “Especially carbs.”

Emma clutched the banana bread to her chest. “I feel seen.”

The four of them talked for a long time, the room filled with warm lamplight and quiet laughter. Abigail didn’t even get the chance to sit fully upright — Emma was already pulling her into position with surprising strength for someone so sleepy, hormonal, and wrapped in one of Abigail’s T-shirts.

Emma curled sideways across Abigail’s lap, her head resting on Abigail’s shoulder, her hand clutching the front of her hoodie like it was a lifeline. Every so often she adjusted her position, pressing closer, finding new ways to tuck herself into Abigail’s body as if the world couldn’t reach her there.

Abigail rubbed slow circles on Emma’s back, occasionally kissing her temple when she nuzzled in deeper.

Megan watched them with amused disbelief. “I swear, Abigail. She’s glued to you.”

Emma didn’t even open her eyes. “Be quiet. I’m comfortable.”

Ashley smirked. “That baby already made her extra clingy. I’m telling you — this is upgraded Emma.”

Emma lifted one hand just long enough to flip her off, then returned it to Abigail’s chest. “Shhh. I’m bonding with my fiancée.”

Abigail chuckled quietly, brushing her fingers through Emma’s curls. “You’re spoiled.”

Emma hummed. “By you. And I’ll keep it that way.”

Abigail’s heart fluttered a little at that. She tightened her hold.

They talked about the basketball team, about how Ashley was helping design a new routine for a school showcase, and Abigail chimed in here and there — but Emma was barely involved. She was too wrapped up in Abby, kissing her shoulder every few minutes for absolutely no reason.

Then she did something she only did when she was overwhelmed with affection — she traced the tattoo on Abigail’s arm with her fingertip, slow and gentle, like she was memorizing it again.

“You okay, baby?” Abigail asked quietly.

Emma nodded into her shoulder. “Mhm. Just… I need you close tonight.”

Abigail kissed the top of her head. “I’m right here.”

Emma didn’t answer at first. She just held Abigail tighter, her fingers bunching in the fabric over her heart.

Then she shifted, lifting her head just enough to brush her lips against Abigail’s ear. Her whisper was soft, shaky, and meant for no one else in the world.

“I don’t want you more than a breath away from me tonight,” Emma murmured. “I don’t know why… I just— I need you.”

Abigail stilled for a moment, the tenderness of the confession hitting her deep. She turned slightly and cupped Emma’s jaw, guiding her face up so she could look into her eyes.

“Baby,” Abigail whispered softly, “you have me. Always. I’m not going anywhere.”

Emma’s eyes softened, glossy with emotion, and she kissed her — slow, lingering, full of gratitude and love.

Ashley groaned playfully. “Can y’all keep it PG? My banana bread can’t handle this level of romance.”

Emma broke the kiss just long enough to glare at her. “Leave my moment alone. I’m hormonal, emotional, and deeply in love.”

Megan nearly choked laughing. “Girl, we know.”

Emma buried her face in Abigail’s neck again. “Let me love my fiancée in peace.”

Abigail stroked her hair, smiling against her cheek. “She’s right. Let her love me in peace.”

Ashley stood up and stretched her arms overhead. “Alright, before Emma melts into a puddle or fights one of us for interrupting her cuddle session, we’re heading home.”

Megan got up beside her, grabbing her jacket. “Goodnight, y’all. And good luck at the appointment tomorrow.”

Emma mumbled into Abigail’s skin, “Thanks. Bye. Leave.”

Abigail laughed. “Baby, be nice.”

“I am being nice,” Emma insisted without looking up. “I didn’t throw anything.”

Ashley snorted. “Much appreciated.”

After they finally left, the door shut quietly behind them, and the apartment felt peaceful again — quieter, but full.

Emma slowly pulled back to look at Abigail. “Can we go to bed now? I want to hold you.”

Abigail brushed her knuckles down Emma’s cheek. “I’ll hold you the whole night. Promise.”

Emma’s eyes softened, that emotional shimmer returning. “Thank you.”

Abigail leaned in and kissed her — soft, slow, and absolutely full of love.

Then Emma whispered against her lips, “Stay with me the entire night… don’t let go.”

Abigail kissed her again. “Never.”

Hand in hand, they walked toward the bedroom, Emma still pressed close, still clinging like the thought of distance was unbearable. Abigail kept an arm around her waist the whole way.

Tomorrow was big.
Scary.
Exciting.