Hearts Ablaze

Chapter 12

The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Emma's bedroom, casting a warm glow across her face. She stirred, blinking awake slowly, a smile spreading across her lips as she felt Liam's arm tighten around her waist.

It had been two weeks since their weekend getaway, and Liam had been spending more and more nights at her place. Emma found herself growing accustomed to waking up next to him, to the warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his breathing.

"Mmm, morning beautiful," Liam murmured, his voice rough with sleep. He pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder. "Sleep well?"

Emma rolled over to face him, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of his tousled hair and sleepy smile. "Like a baby. You're a pretty comfy pillow, Harper."

Liam's laugh rumbled through his chest. "Happy to be of service. Although," he added, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "I can think of a few other services I'd be happy to provide this morning."

Emma felt a blush creep up her cheeks at his implication. "As tempting as that sounds, some of us have a bakery to run. Not all of us can laze about in bed all day, Mr. Fire Chief."

Liam groaned playfully, burying his face in her neck. "Do we have to? Can't we just stay here forever?"

Emma laughed, running her fingers through his hair. "Afraid not. But," she added, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, "how about you come by the bakery later? I'll save you a cinnamon roll."

Liam's eyes lit up at the prospect. "Now that's an offer I can't refuse. I'll be there with bells on."

As Emma moved around her kitchen, going through her morning routine of coffee and toast, she couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Liam had become an integral part of her life. His toothbrush sat next to hers in the bathroom. His favorite mug had a permanent spot in her cupboard. It was as if he'd always been there, filling spaces she hadn't even realized were empty.

The bell above the door chimed cheerfully as Emma entered Sweet Maple Bakery. The familiar scents of sugar and coffee wrapped around her like a warm hug, grounding her. She hummed softly to herself as she moved about the kitchen, prepping for the day ahead.

Just as she was pulling a tray of freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven, the bell chimed again. Emma looked up, a smile already forming on her lips, expecting to see Liam. Instead, she found herself face to face with Claire, her best friend's expression a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Claire! What are you doing here so early?" Emma asked, setting down the tray and wiping her hands on her apron.

Claire fidgeted with the strap of her purse, a telltale sign that she had big news. "I, uh... I need to talk to you about something. Got a minute?"

Emma nodded, concern creeping into her voice. "Of course. Let me just put on a pot of coffee and we can chat."

As the coffee brewed, Emma couldn't help but wonder what had Claire so worked up. Her friend was usually the picture of calm and collected. Whatever this was, it had to be big.

Finally, with steaming mugs in hand, they settled into a corner booth. Emma took a sip of her coffee, eyeing Claire over the rim of her mug. "Alright, spill. What's going on?"

Claire took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. "I'm pregnant."

Emma's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Claire! That's wonderful news! Congratulations!"

But Claire didn't look as excited as Emma expected. She bit her lip, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. "Thanks, Em. It's just... it's complicated."

Emma's brow furrowed in concern. She reached across the table, taking Claire's hand in hers. "Hey, what's going on? Talk to me."

Claire sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's Mark. He... he's not sure he's ready for this. We've been arguing about it for days. I just... I don't know what to do, Em."

Emma felt a surge of protectiveness for her friend. She'd never been Mark's biggest fan, and this wasn't improving her opinion of him. "Oh, Claire. I'm so sorry. Have you talked about your options? What do you want?"

Claire's hand drifted to her stomach, a small smile playing at her lips despite her obvious distress. "I want this baby, Em. I know it wasn't planned, but... I already love it so much."

Emma squeezed Claire's hand, her heart aching for her friend. "Then that's what matters. You're one of the strongest people I know, Claire. If this is what you want, you'll find a way to make it work. And you know Molly and I will be here for you, every step of the way."

Claire's eyes welled up with tears. She let out a watery laugh, wiping at her cheeks. "God, look at me. A blubbering mess before 8 AM. These hormones are no joke."

Emma chuckled, pushing a napkin across the table. "Hey, if you can't have a good cry with your best friend, who can you cry with? Now, how about one of those cinnamon rolls? I hear they're pretty good for growing babies."

As Claire dug into the pastry with gusto, Emma's mind was whirling. She made a mental note to have a serious talk with Molly later. Between the two of them, they'd make sure Claire had all the support she needed, with or without Mark.

The bell above the door chimed again, and this time it was Liam who walked in. His smile faltered slightly as he took in the scene before him - Claire with red-rimmed eyes, Emma's concerned expression.

"Everything okay?" he asked, approaching their table cautiously.

Emma looked to Claire, silently asking permission. At Claire's nod, Emma turned back to Liam. "Claire's pregnant."

Liam's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, that's... congratulations, Claire. That's wonderful news."

Claire managed a small smile. "Thanks, Liam. It's just... it's a bit overwhelming right now."

Understanding dawned in Liam's eyes. He pulled up a chair, his expression serious. "Mark giving you trouble?"

Claire nodded, fresh tears welling up. "He says he's not ready. That it's too soon."

Liam's jaw clenched, a flash of anger crossing his face before he schooled his features into a more neutral expression. "Well, if you ask me, no one's ever really ready. But that doesn't mean it's not worth doing. And for what it's worth, I think you'll be an amazing mom, Claire."

Emma felt a rush of affection for Liam. She reached out, squeezing his hand gratefully. He may have been out of their lives for ten years, but in that moment, it was as if no time had passed at all. He was still the same caring, supportive friend he'd always been.

As the morning wore on and more customers started trickling in, Claire composed herself and headed out, armed with a box of pastries and the promise of a girls' night soon. Emma watched her go, worry still gnawing at her stomach.

"She'll be okay," Liam said softly, coming up behind Emma and wrapping his arms around her waist. "Claire's tough. And she's got you and Molly in her corner. Mark will come around, and if he doesn't... well, his loss."

Emma leaned back against him, savoring his warmth. "When did you get so wise, Harper?"

Liam chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Must be all those cinnamon rolls. They're brain food, you know."

Emma turned in his arms, reaching up to cup his face. "Thank you," she said softly. "For being here. For being you."

Liam's expression softened. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Always, Em. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of customers and baking. Emma found her thoughts drifting to Claire often, wondering how her friend was coping. She made a mental note to check in later, maybe bring over some of Claire's favorite cookies.

As she was closing up shop, her phone buzzed with a text from Liam.

"Dinner at my place tonight? I'm trying out a new recipe. Fair warning: fire extinguisher on standby."

Emma laughed, shaking her head fondly as she typed out a reply.

"Sounds dangerous. I'm in. Be there in 30."

When Emma arrived at Liam's house, the smell of garlic and herbs greeted her. She found him in the kitchen, a dish towel slung over his shoulder, stirring something on the stove.

"Well, well," she said, leaning against the doorframe. "Look at you, Chef Harper. Should I be worried about my job security?"

Liam looked up, his face breaking into a grin. "Hey, beautiful. And nah, your job's safe. This is about the extent of my culinary skills. Hope you like pasta."

Emma moved into the kitchen, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Pasta sounds perfect. Need any help?"

Liam shook his head, gesturing to the small table he'd set up. "Nope, you just sit that pretty self down and let me pamper you for a change."

As Emma settled at the table, a glass of wine in hand, she couldn't help but marvel at how natural this all felt. Liam moving around the kitchen, the two of them sharing details about their day... it was domestic bliss in its purest form.

"So," Liam said as he set a plate of steaming pasta in front of her. "How's Claire doing? Any word from her?"

Emma sighed, twirling pasta around her fork. "She texted a little while ago. Said she and Mark had another big fight. He stormed out, said he needed time to think."

Liam's brow furrowed in concern. "Damn. Poor Claire. She doesn't deserve this stress, especially not now."

Emma nodded, her heart heavy. "I know. I just wish there was more I could do to help."

Liam reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Hey, you're doing plenty. Being there for her, supporting her... that's huge, Em. And who knows? Maybe this is the wake-up call Mark needs to get his act together."

Emma squeezed his hand gratefully. "I hope you're right. Claire deserves to be happy. They both do."

As they finished their meal, the conversation drifted to lighter topics. Liam told her about the new recruits at the fire station, and Emma shared a funny story about Mrs. Henderson's very specific cake order for her cat's birthday party.

Later, as they cuddled on the couch, a movie playing unwatched in the background, Emma found herself thinking about the future. About Claire and her baby, about Molly's upcoming wedding, about her own relationship with Liam.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Liam asked, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her arm.

Emma snuggled closer to him, savoring his warmth. "Just thinking about how much things have changed. A few months ago, I was convinced I was going to be alone forever. And now..."

Liam pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "And now?"

Emma tilted her head up to look at him, her heart full to bursting. "And now I can't imagine my life without you in it. I love you, Liam Harper."

Liam's smile was soft, his eyes filled with an emotion that made Emma's breath catch. "I love you too, Emma Lawson. More than I ever thought possible."

As they fell into a kiss that was both tender and passionate, Emma felt a sense of rightness settle over her. This was where she belonged. This was home.

Later that night, as they lay tangled in Liam's sheets, Emma's head resting on his chest, Liam spoke softly into the darkness.

"Move in with me."

Emma propped herself up on an elbow, searching his face in the dim light. "What?"

Liam reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Move in with me, Em. I know it might seem fast, but... I don't want to waste any more time. I want to fall asleep next to you every night and wake up with you every morning. I want your baking supplies cluttering up my kitchen and your fancy shampoo in my shower. I want it all, Emma. With you."

Emma felt tears prick at her eyes. She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Yes," she whispered against his mouth. "Yes, I'll move in with you."

Liam's answering smile was radiant. He pulled her close, kissing her with a passion that left her breathless. And as they lost themselves in each other once more, Emma knew that this was just the beginning of their forever.

As she drifted off to sleep that night, wrapped securely in Liam's arms, Emma's last conscious thought was of gratitude. Gratitude for second chances, for the twists of fate that had brought Liam back into her life, and for the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibility.

In the quiet of the night, with the man she loved by her side, Emma Lawson felt truly, completely at home.