Sherri began to round off questions. "Where ya from, how old are ya, ya pregnant?" she asked without thought, her sharp eyes locked onto Kayla.

Kayla straightened up, her voice steady but soft. "I'm from Richmond, I'm 18, and no ma'am, I'm not pregnant."

Tamera arched a brow, arms still crossed. "Whatcha want with our brother?"

Kayla hesitated, glancing at Tank before answering. "Umm, I don't want anything... I just like spending time with him."

Tank, who had been leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, didn't like the way they were interrogating her. He could see the nerves creeping into her expression, the way she fidgeted slightly under their scrutiny. That didn't sit right with him.

"Aight, that's enough," he said, his voice firm. "It's early, and I need to get ready for my day."

Terrance Jr. chuckled, shaking his head. "Not you kickin' us out."

Tank didn't smile. He deadpanned, his expression flat, making it clear he wasn't playing.

Sherri sighed, side-eyeing him. "Mmhmm, we goin'... for now." She turned to Kayla, her eyes still assessing. "We'll be seein' more of you, I'm sure."

Kayla nodded quickly, feeling like she had just survived an interview she hadn't prepared for.

One by one, they filed out, though Tamera and Tanya lingered a second longer, exchanging glances before following the rest of the family.

Tank shut the door behind them and locked it. "You good, lil' bit?" he asked, turning to Kayla.

She let out a long breath. "I think so."

Tank pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back. "They just nosy. Don't let 'em shake you."

Kayla rested her head against his chest, realizing just how deep she was getting into this.

Tank continued to hold her as she looked up at him.

"So, I'm your girlfriend?" Kayla asked, her voice light but curious.

"Yup," Tank said without hesitation. "Your mine, ain't cha?"

Kayla smiled at that, warmth spreading through her chest. She tried to pull away from his hold, but his grip tightened just enough to keep her close.

"Whatcha doin'?" Tank asked, his deep voice laced with amusement.

"Nothing... you said you had to get ready," Kayla reminded him, tilting her head up at him.

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't got shit to do today, but they wasn't 'bout to interrogate ya." His tone was firm, letting her know he wasn't playing when it came to her.

Kayla's heart swelled at that. "You protect me so good," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to his chest.

Tank ran his fingers through her braids, his touch gentle. "Always," he promised.

Kayla sighed against him, feeling safe in a way she never had before. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over them. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere. Like she had someone who truly cared.

Tank tilted her chin up with his fingers, looking into her eyes. "Ya hungry?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Kayla nodded. "A little bit."

"C'mon, let's eat. I ain't lettin' my girl starve."

Kayla smiled at that—his girl. She liked the way that sounded.

Back at Sherri's house, the family gathered in the kitchen, still buzzing from what had just happened. Sherri stirred her coffee, her lips pressed in a firm line as she sat at the head of the table. Tamera, Tanya, and Georgia, Terrance Jr's wife sat nearby, all exchanging glances, while Terrance Sr. leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest.

"I ain't never seen Tank act like that," Tamera said, shaking her head. "That boy kicked us out like we was strangers."

"He was protectin' her," Terrance Jr. pointed out, smirking as he took a sip of his orange juice. "Ain't never seen him like that with no woman before. I think he serious."

"Serious or not, who is this girl?" Tanya asked, folding her arms. "Eighteen? From Richmond? And she just popped up outta nowhere? Somethin' don't sit right with me."

Sherri exhaled, tapping her spoon against the side of her mug. "I don't know nothin' 'bout that girl, but I know my son," she said firmly. "And if he hidin' her from us for weeks, there's a reason."

Terrance Sr. nodded. "Boy ain't never been secretive like this before. Not even when he was out there bein' wild. Now, all of a sudden, he got a whole girlfriend livin' with him?"

"Right," Tamera agreed. "And he actin' real possessive, too. The way he was holdin' onto her, the way he shut us down? That ain't Tank."

"He wouldn't claim no woman just to claim her," Terrance Jr. pointed out. "Tank don't do relationships, so if he say she his, he mean it."

Sherri sighed, rubbing her temple. "I ain't sayin' I don't trust my baby, but I need to know who this girl is. Where she come from, what she want with him. Tank's got a big heart, and if he's protectin' her, it's for a reason."

"So what we gon' do?" Tanya asked. "Just let it be?"

Sherri set her mug down, her eyes sharp with determination. "Nah. I ain't pressin' too hard just yet, but I'ma find out." She leaned back in her chair. "That girl's hidin' somethin'. And I intend to know what."

Tank sat back in the booth, his long arm draped over the back of Kayla's seat as he sipped his sweet tea. He didn't have a single care in the world as he dug into his All-Star Special, stacking extra bacon on his plate. Across from him, Kayla poked at her waffle, clearly still rattled from the interrogation earlier that morning.

"Eat, lil bit," Tank said, nudging her plate closer to her. "Ain't no reason to be nervous."

Kayla sighed, looking up at him. "Tank, your mama and sisters don't like me."

Tank smirked, cutting into his eggs. "They don't know you yet," he corrected. "They just protective, that's all."

Kayla bit her lip. "They were staring at me like I stole something."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "That's just how they is. They gotta feel you out first." He took a sip of his drink before adding, "But you mine, so they gon' have to get used to it."

Kayla glanced down at her plate, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her nerves. She liked hearing him say that.

Tank reached over and stole a piece of her waffle, popping it in his mouth like he owned it. "And besides," he continued, chewing, "ain't nobody gon' say nothin' too crazy. They know better."

Kayla huffed, shaking her head at him. "You really don't care, huh?"

"Nope," he said easily, leaning back. "Not 'bout what they think, nah. Long as you good, that's all that matter to me."

Kayla studied him for a moment, his calm, confident energy easing her worries a little. He really did make her feel safe, like nothing could touch her as long as she was with him.

She finally picked up her fork and took a bite of her food, glancing up at him. "You really going to protect me no matter what, huh?"

Tank met her gaze, his light brown eyes steady. "Always."

The afternoon stretched lazily on as Tank and Kayla lay in his bed, the soft hum of the television filling the space between them. Tank was sprawled on his back, his arm resting behind his head, watching whatever show caught his attention. Kayla, on the other hand, was curled up beside him, her legs tucked under the covers, a copy of Beloved open in her hands. The light from the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.

Outside, the farm was alive with the familiar sounds of nature—chickens clucked in the yard, the goats bleated as they wandered across the fields, and the distant moo of a cow echoed in the background. The noise was comforting to Kayla, a gentle reminder that she was far away from the chaos she'd left behind.

Every now and then, she'd glance up from her book, catching a glimpse of Tank, his eyes fixed on the screen. He seemed so at peace, so content in this space, and it made her feel the same way—safe, calm, and at home.

Occasionally, the shrill laughter of Tank's nieces and nephews rang out from somewhere on the property, their voices carefree as they played. It was a sound Kayla hadn't realized she'd been missing, the playful noise of children.

Kayla turned a page in her book, her mind partially focused on the words but also on Tank's steady presence next to her. She had to admit, she enjoyed the silence they shared, the unspoken understanding between them. It wasn't often she got to just... exist, without the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Tank shifted beside her, his hand finding hers under the covers, and he squeezed it lightly. "You good?" he asked, his voice low, almost gentle, despite the roughness it usually carried.

Kayla nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah," she said, her voice soft. "Just... getting lost in the book."

Tank chuckled, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "I see that." He tilted his head toward the window, where the sound of children playing grew louder. "They're out there runnin' around like crazy."

Kayla peered out the window, her gaze softening as she watched the children—Tank's nieces and nephews—chasing each other, their laughter carrying across the property. "They're so full of life," she mused.

Tank nodded, his eyes following the children for a moment before he glanced back at her. "Yeah, they got that energy. But it's good. It's nice, you know, having all that around. Family. It makes everything feel more... grounded."

Kayla smiled, the thought of family hitting her differently now. She hadn't had that feeling, not like this. "I think I like it here," she admitted, looking back at Tank.

"Good," Tank said, his voice warm, his gaze steady. "'Cause you're a part of it now. All of it."

The words were simple, but they carried so much weight. Kayla felt the tension in her shoulders ease just a little bit more as she settled deeper into the bed, her book momentarily forgotten. She was starting to believe it too—she belonged here.

And as the hours slipped by, with the sounds of the farm and family filling the air, Kayla realized that maybe, just maybe, she'd found a place where she could be at peace.

As the evening set, Sherri made sure to call Tank, telling him and Kayla they were coming over for dinner. Kayla was nervous as she dressed in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. Tank stood behind her as she applied lip gloss, his deep voice settling any nerves she had.

"Everythin' gon' be fine, lil bit. I ain't gon' let my folks disrespect ya," he murmured, his hands finding her waist as he stood close behind her.

Kayla nodded, though the thought of him going to war with his family for her made her uneasy. She didn't want to come between him and his people. But the way Tank was looking at her in the mirror, she knew there was no point in arguing. He was solid.

As they arrived at his parents' house, the smell of home-cooked food hit Kayla instantly, making her stomach tighten with hunger. Miss Sherri had cooked a feast—fried catfish, cornbread, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and peach cobbler sitting off to the side.

"Miss Sherri, you need help with anything?" Kayla asked, polite as ever.

Sherri, taken aback, paused for a second before nodding. "You can help finish settin' the table, baby," she said, watching Kayla with interest.

Kayla did as she was told, moving around the dining room as Tank's sisters, Tanya and Tamera, tended to their children. Meanwhile, his brother Terrance Jr. and his brother-in-laws, Fred and Frank, pulled Tank aside into the den, their eyes full of questions.

Uncle Gene was already there, sitting back with a beer in hand, amused by the whole ordeal. "That boy always been like that," his deep Mississippi accent rang through the home. "Y'all 'member when he was datin' that girl, Darling? We ain't even know 'bout her till they was damn near six months in. Y'all just baby the boy."

Tank's pops actually nodded in agreement, thinking back. "True enough, Gene. He was real quiet 'bout that one."

"That don't mean he should be hidin' his relationship now," Aunt Mary, Gene's wife, chimed in, her smooth Georgia drawl cutting through the conversation.

"Hush, woman," Uncle Gene dismissed her, shaking his head. "Everybody in here don't tell every lil' thang 'bout they partner to the family. And truth be told, they shouldn't have to. Y'all nosy as hell."

Fred smirked, nodding at Gene. "I mean, he got a point."

"Exactly," Gene continued, taking another sip of his beer. "That boy grown. He drivin' all 'round the country, handlin' his business. Beside, if she the reason he slowin' down and stayin' local, y'all should be glad. 'Cause when he on the road too much, y'all be bitchin' and groanin' 'bout that too," Gene finished, shaking his head at the group.

Tank just stood there, arms crossed, letting his uncle take up for him. He knew his family meant well, but he also knew he didn't owe them every detail of his life. Kayla was his business, and if they had a problem with that, they'd just have to deal.

The men fell silent for a moment, taking in Uncle Gene's words. Terrance Jr. finally let out a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Aight, Unc, I hear ya," he said. "Ain't sayin' the boy gotta tell us everything, but damn, he had us thinkin' he was livin' like a damn monk out here. Now we see he got a whole woman tucked away."

Tank smirked, unfazed. "Ain't nobody tuckin' nobody. I just ain't see no need to make no big announcement. We been good."

Fred and Frank exchanged looks before Fred leaned in. "So, what's the deal with her? You serious or what?"

Tank gave them a deadpan look. "Would I bring her here if I wasn't?"

That shut them up.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Sherri was still eyeing Kayla as she moved around, setting plates and making sure everything was in place. The girl was quiet, polite, and clearly nervous. Sherri didn't know what to make of her just yet, but she was watching.

"You cook, Kayla?" Sherri asked out of the blue.

Kayla looked up, startled for a second before nodding. "Yes, ma'am. My mama made sure I knew my way around a kitchen."

Sherri hummed, folding her arms. "Mm-hmm. That's good. A woman oughta know how to put a meal on the table. You ever make fried catfish before?"

Kayla nodded again. "Yes, ma'am. My mama always seasoned hers real good, let it sit a bit before frying it up in a cast-iron skillet."

That made Sherri's eyebrow lift slightly. "Cast iron, huh? Well, least I know ya got some sense."

Tamera, who had been listening from the other side of the room, smirked. "You nervous, huh?" she asked Kayla bluntly.

Kayla hesitated, then exhaled. "Yes," she admitted honestly.

Tanya, who had been holding her baby, snorted. "At least you honest."

Sherri sighed, finally pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Ain't nobody tryin' to scare ya, baby. We just protective 'bout ours. Especially this one." She tilted her head toward the den where the men were.

Kayla swallowed, understanding. "I get it."

Sherri studied her for another second before nodding. "Good. Now go call them boys in here. Food ready."

Kayla felt Tank's presence before she saw him. He came up behind her, his hand grazing her lower back as he leaned down to murmur in her ear. "You good?"

She nodded, meeting his gaze. "Yeah."

"Come on then," he said, grabbing her hand as he led her to the table.

The family gathered around, filling their plates, laughing, talking, and watching Kayla. She wasn't used to all this attention, but with Tank's hand on her thigh under the table, his presence steady beside her, she felt herself relax.

Sherri piled Kayla's plate high, her Southern hospitality showing. "You need more of that, baby?" she asked, offering more of the fried catfish.

"No, ma'am, I'm good, thank you," Kayla said with a soft smile. She wasn't used to such kindness, and it made her feel like she belonged, even though the feeling was still new and a bit foreign.

"Y'all don't mind if I say grace, do ya?" Tank's dad, Terrence Sr., asked, his voice gruff but gentle.

"Go right ahead, pops," Tank said, sitting back in his chair.

Terrence Sr. closed his eyes, bowing his head, his voice deep and steady as he gave thanks. "Lord, we thank you for this meal, for our family, and for bringing us all together tonight. We ask that you bless this food, and bless the ones who prepared it, and that you guide us in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen."

"Amen," everyone echoed, and the room felt a little warmer after the prayer, the initial tension dissolvin

Uncle Gene took a sip of his drink before looking at Kayla. "So, you the one keepin' my nephew settled, huh?"

Kayla blinked, unsure how to answer.

Tank answered for her. "She ain't keepin' me nowhere. I'm exactly where I wanna be."

Gene smirked, shaking his head. "Mm-hmm. Boy done fell for somebody, I see."

Tank didn't respond to that, just kept eating, his hand still firm on Kayla's thigh. And Kayla, she just focused on her plate, feeling her cheeks warm at what Uncle Gene said.

Tamera shot her a warm smile from across the table, but Kayla could tell the questions weren't done. She'd seen how her eyes shifted to her and Tank when they'd walked in, and now that the meal was underway, she couldn't shake the feeling that the questions were just waiting to be asked.

"So, Kayla," Tamera began, her voice softer than before, "how'd y'all meet? Tank's not one for... sharing much." Her eyes flicked to Tank, teasing him a little.

Kayla glanced at Tank for a brief moment before answering. "We met a while ago in Atlanta," she said carefully, staying close to the story Tank had told them. "We've just been spending time together, getting to know each other."

Tank smiled, his hand gently squeezing her thigh under the table, his silent way of telling her he was proud of her handling the situation.

"You two seem real sweet together," Tamera said, her eyes flicking between the two of them before she returned to her food.

Gene chuckled from the other end of the table, his drawl still thick. "I knew Tank wouldn't bring just anyone around. He's always been picky with who he spends time with. Guess he found his match, huh?" He grinned at Tank.

Tank smirked, shrugging lightly. "I guess so."

The rest of the evening passed without any more awkward questions. Kayla relaxed more as the night went on, grateful for Tank's steady presence and for the calm that settled over the dinner table. It felt like family, even if she was still figuring out her place within it.

By the time dinner was finished, everyone had gathered in the living room, and the kids were running around, their laughter echoing through the house. Tank leaned back in the armchair, one arm around Kayla as they watched his nieces and nephews play.

"You good?" Tank asked softly, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand.

"Yeah," Kayla smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I think I'm starting to get used to all this. Your family... they're nice."

"They are. And they'll warm up to ya. Ain't nobody gonna disrespect you as long as I'm here." Tank's voice was steady, and Kayla felt the weight of his words settle in her chest.

"I don't want to cause any problems," she murmured, her fingers lightly brushing against his shirt.

Tank chuckled softly, squeezing her hand. "Ain't no problems. You're here now, and that's what matters."

They sat in the comfort of the moment, watching his family laugh and talk, knowing the road ahead would come with its challenges, but together, they could handle whatever came their way.