Chapter 157

Sunlight crept slowly into the bedroom, brushing over the blankets in soft golden streaks. Abigail woke first — she always did — her senses sharpening before her eyes fully opened.

The first thing she felt was Emma.

Emma’s leg thrown over hers.
Emma’s arm snug around her waist.
Emma’s face pressed into her chest like she was trying to merge into her.

Abigail smiled sleepily and stroked her fingers through Emma’s curls. “Good morning, baby.”

Emma didn’t move at first — just tightened her hold and let out a soft little whine.

“Mmm… no,” she mumbled. “Morning is canceled.”

Abigail chuckled quietly. “We have a big day today.”

Emma slowly blinked up at her, eyes puffy with sleep, curls wild from the pillow. She looked adorable — and nervous.

“It’s the appointment,” Emma whispered.

Abigail’s expression softened. “Yeah… it is.”

Emma shifted, sliding even closer until their noses brushed. “Lie with me for one more minute.”

Abigail wrapped both arms around her. “Take all the minutes you want.”

Emma sighed into her chest, letting her breathing steady out against Abigail’s skin. After a long moment, she pulled back slightly, brushing her thumb along Abigail’s jaw.

“I’m scared,” she admitted softly. “And excited. And… scared.”

Abigail kissed her forehead. “You’re not doing this alone. I’ll be holding your hand the whole time, remember?”

Emma nodded, swallowing thickly. “I know. I just… want everything to be okay.”

“It will be,” Abigail whispered with certainty.

Emma leaned up and kissed her softly — the kind of kiss given in quiet morning light, when the world felt fragile but full of hope. She rested her forehead against Abigail’s.

“I love you.”

“I love you more,” Abigail whispered back.

Emma smiled weakly. “Help me get up. If I stay in your arms any longer, I might cry for no reason.”

Abigail sat up slowly, pulling Emma with her and kissing her temple again. “Crying is fine, baby. Hormones or not.”

Emma gave her a look like don’t start, then cracked a tiny smile.

They got out of bed, Emma yawning dramatically while rubbing her bump. “Sheesh… I’m really showing now.”

Abigail slid behind her, wrapped her arms around her waist, and rested her hands gently on her belly. “I think you look beautiful.”

Emma melted into her. “You think that about everything I do.”

“Because it’s always true.”

Emma rolled her eyes but smiled so hard her dimples came out. “C’mon… help me get dressed before I cry again.”

While Emma got herself dressed slowly, Abigail made breakfast quietly and intentionally — something light, something comforting. Eggs, fruit, toast, and a smoothie just how Emma liked it.

Emma appeared in the doorway wearing leggings and one of Abigail’s hoodies, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “Baby… you made all this?”

“Of course,” Abigail said, setting a plate in front of her. “We’re celebrating today.”

Emma sat, placing a hand over Abigail’s as she set down the fork. “I really do love you.”

Abigail leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

They ate together, Emma nibbling slowly while Abigail watched over her like she was the most precious person on earth.

When breakfast was done, Emma stood and slid into Abigail’s arms again, burying her face in her neck. “Don’t let go today.”

Abigail held her close. “I won’t.”

“Even if I get emotional?”

“Especially then.”

“Even if I squeeze your hand too hard?”

“I hope you do.”

Emma breathed out a tiny laugh. “Okay. We should get ready to leave.”

Abigail grabbed her keys and her backpack for class later. Emma grabbed her purse and linked their fingers immediately.

“You ready?” Abigail asked softly.

Emma took a slow breath and nodded. “As long as I’m with you.”

Abigail kissed her forehead and opened the door.

“Then let’s go meet our baby.”

The morning sun was soft and bright as they pulled out of the garage. Emma sat in the passenger seat, her hand wrapped tightly around Abigail’s. She kept rubbing her thumb anxiously over Abigail’s knuckles, her knee bouncing just a little.

“You okay?” Abigail asked gently.

Emma nodded, though her voice trembled. “Yeah… just nervous. This is real.”

Abigail brought their joined hands to her lips and kissed her knuckles. “It’s okay to be nervous. I’m right here.”

Emma exhaled slowly, leaning her head against the window as the city passed by. Abigail kept her other hand on the wheel, but every so often she gave Emma’s hand a squeeze — wordless reassurance.

When they pulled into the clinic parking lot, Emma paused before getting out, taking a few steady breaths.

“You ready?” Abigail whispered.

Emma nodded again, this time firmer. “With you? Always.”

Abigail helped her out of the car, kissed her forehead, then wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked inside.

The reception area was warm and softly lit, decorated with pastel colors and gentle artwork. A small fountain bubbled in the corner, adding a calming sound.

Emma squeezed Abigail’s hand again as they approached the counter.

The receptionist smiled brightly. “Good morning! Name for the appointment?”

“Emma Carter,” Emma said, her voice quieter than usual.

“And is this your first prenatal check?”

Emma nodded.

“Wonderful — congrats to you both,” she said, typing quickly. “Go ahead and have a seat. The ultrasound technician will call you in a few minutes.”

Emma clutched the paperwork but immediately turned to Abigail, pressing close. Abigail rubbed her back soothingly as they walked to the waiting area.

They sat side by side on a cushioned bench, their hands intertwined.

Emma leaned her head on Abigail’s shoulder. “My heart is racing so fast.”

Abigail kissed her forehead. “Mine too.”

Emma paused. “Are you nervous too?”

“A little,” Abigail admitted, brushing her thumb along Emma’s cheek. “But more excited. I want to see our baby.”

Emma’s eyes softened, filling with emotion. “Our baby…”

Abigail rested her hand over Emma’s growing bump. “Yeah.”

Just then, the door opened and a nurse stepped out.

“Emma Carter?”

Emma inhaled sharply.

Abigail stood first, holding out her hand. “Come on, baby.”

Emma stood, gripping her hand like she never wanted to let go. “Promise you won’t leave my side?”

Abigail kissed her cheek. “Not for a second.”

They followed the nurse into a dim, peaceful room. Soft music played quietly in the background.

Emma sat on the exam table, her hands trembling slightly. Abigail stood beside her, rubbing her thigh gently.

The technician entered, smiling warmly. “Hi, Emma. And you must be Abigail?”

Abigail nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Wonderful. Today we’ll take a look at your little one for the first time. You ready?”

Emma nodded nervously.

The technician handed her a blanket to drape over her legs, then applied warm gel to her stomach. Emma flinched and laughed nervously. “Oh… that’s warm.”

Abigail kissed her hand. “You’re doing great.”

The technician placed the wand against her skin.

For a moment — silence.
Just the soft hum of the machine.

Then—

A tiny, rhythmic sound filled the room.
Fast. Strong. Beautiful.

Emma gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Is… is that—”

“Yes,” the technician whispered softly. “That’s your baby’s heartbeat.”

Emma’s eyes filled instantly, tears spilling over. Abigail’s breath hitched as she squeezed Emma’s hand tightly, her own eyes glassy.

“Oh my God…” Emma whispered, voice breaking. “Abigail… that’s our baby.”

Abigail leaned down and kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her temple — everywhere she could reach. Her voice trembled. “I hear them, baby. They’re strong. That’s our baby.”

The screen showed a tiny shape — small, but undeniably alive, undeniably theirs.

Emma covered Abigail’s hand with both of hers. “We made that…”

Abigail nodded, tears sliding down her face. “Yeah, sweetheart. We did.”

The technician smiled softly. “Everything looks healthy so far. Strong heartbeat. Good measurements.”

Emma sobbed softly — not out of fear, but relief, joy, wonder.

Abigail immediately wrapped both arms around her shoulders, holding her close as the wand continued its work.

“You okay?” Abigail whispered.

Emma sniffed, nodding as she leaned fully into her fiancée. “I’ve never been happier.”

Abigail kissed the crown of her head. “Me either.”

The technician printed a few pictures, wiped the gel gently from Emma’s stomach, and handed Abigail a small stack of glossy images.

“You can take those home with you,” she said warmly. “Your doctor will be in shortly.”

Emma reached for Abigail’s hand again the moment they were alone. Abigail held her tightly, brushing her thumb over the back of her hand, grounding her.

When the door opened again, a middle-aged woman with calm eyes and a gentle smile stepped in. She wore a white coat and held a tablet in her hands.

“Good morning, Emma. Abigail,” she greeted. “I’m Dr. Renford.” She sat down on a rolling stool, turning to face them both. “How are we feeling after that first ultrasound?”

Emma breathed out shakily. “Emotional.”

Abigail added softly, “In the best way.”

Dr. Renford smiled knowingly. “That’s usually how it goes. Well, I’m happy to tell you everything looks excellent.”

Emma’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Really?”

“Yes,” the doctor said, tapping her tablet. “Baby has a strong heartbeat, perfect placement, and good measurements for where you are in the pregnancy. Right on track.”

Abigail squeezed Emma’s knee gently. Emma wiped her eyes, laughing weakly. “Sorry. I’m crying again.”

Dr. Renford laughed kindly. “Please, don’t apologize. Ninety percent of first ultrasounds end in tears — happy ones.”

Emma sniffed. “Okay, that makes me feel better.”

Dr. Renford continued, “Based on the measurements, you’re right around twelve weeks along.”

Emma’s breath hitched, her hand flying to her mouth as fresh tears slid down her cheeks. “Twelve weeks… oh my God.”

Abigail kissed her temple, her smile soft and full of awe. “We’re really doing this.”

Dr. Renford gave them both a moment before continuing.

“Now,” the doctor continued, “I want to talk about vitamins, routine care, and what to expect over the next few months.”

Abigail straightened a little, attentive. Emma grabbed her hand again and held it with both of hers.

“First,” the doctor said, “prenatal vitamins.”
She reached into a drawer and placed a bottle on the counter.

“These contain folic acid, DHA, iron, and other essentials for early pregnancy. I want you taking one every day — preferably with food to avoid nausea.”

Emma took the bottle gently, turning it over in her hands like it was fragile. “Okay. Daily vitamins. Got it.”

“Your iron levels may dip later in pregnancy,” Dr. Renford continued, “so we’ll monitor that. But these should help maintain everything you need.”

She tapped another note on the tablet.

“Next, I want you to focus on hydration — at least 80 ounces of water a day. And gentle movement is good, as long as you’re listening to your body.”

Emma nodded. “I can do that.”

“And cravings?” the doctor added with a playful smile. “Totally normal. Just try to keep balance. If you want pickles at midnight, that’s fine. Maybe add a little protein with it.”

Emma blushed. “Oh… I’ve definitely already had some weird cravings.”

Abigail laughed softly and kissed the side of Emma’s head. “She’s not lying.”

The doctor tapped her screen. “Everything so far shows a healthy pregnancy, and I’m very pleased with today’s results.”

Emma let out a shaky laugh that turned into a soft sob. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I keep crying.”

“That’s the hormones,” the doctor teased gently. “And the relief. And the joy. It’s all normal.”

Abigail kissed her cheek. “Baby, you’re perfect.”

Dr. Renford stood. “I’ll give you two a moment. Stop at the front desk afterward to schedule your next visit.”

When she left, Emma immediately sagged into Abigail’s arms. Abigail wrapped her tightly, holding her like she was the most precious thing she’d ever carried.

“Baby… everything’s good,” Abigail whispered into her hair. “You and the baby are perfect.”

Emma nodded against her shoulder. “I was so scared… and now… I’m just… happy. And relieved. And still a little scared.”

“You’re allowed to feel all of that,” Abigail said softly, kissing her temple. “And you’ll never go through any of it alone.”

Emma sniffed, brushing at her eyes. “Thank you for being here. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“You’ll never have to,” Abigail murmured, cupping her face gently.

Emma melted into the touch, eyes soft. “Okay… we should go check out before I start crying again.”

Abigail laughed and kissed her forehead. “Too late.”