Gwen joined Kayla, Tank, and Sherri at the doctor's office for Kayla's 16-week pregnancy checkup. The examination room was cool, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering in the air.

Kayla lay back on the padded exam table, her shirt lifted to expose her small but noticeable baby bump. The dim glow of the ultrasound machine illuminated the room as Dr. Brown moved the transducer across Kayla's stomach, spreading the cold gel in smooth motions.

Then, the steady rhythm of the baby's heartbeat filled the air.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Strong and steady.

Kayla's breath hitched, her hand instinctively reaching for Tank's. She felt his large, warm palm cover hers, giving a gentle squeeze.

Tank's smirk was full of pride as he stared at the screen. His baby, his creation, already standing out. "Yeah, our baby is a boy. I know it," he said confidently, his deep drawl laced with certainty.

Dr. Brown chuckled, amused by his conviction. "Well, we can find out today if you'd like."

Before Kayla could speak, Sherri lifted a hand, shutting that idea down immediately. "Oh no, we ain't doin' that today. I'm hosting a gender reveal. The whole family—mine and Terrance's—will be coming in from Mississippi and the outskirts of Georgia. This baby gon' be celebrated the right way."

Gwen grinned, nodding in agreement. "Now, that's how you do it! I can't wait for this gender reveal. I know it's gonna be a time."

Kayla, overwhelmed with emotion, turned her head to Sherri, her eyes glassy. She reached for her soon-to-be mother-in-law's hand, her voice soft but full of sincerity. "I know God is real... you're the best mama ever."

Sherri squeezed her hand tight, eyes glistening with love. "You're just as much my daughter as Tanya, Tamera, and Georgia. God blessed me with four girls and four boys, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Kayla's breath hitched from Sherri's confession as Tank grabbed a few paper towels and gently wiped the excess gel from Kayla's belly, his touch lingering. His gaze softened as he took her in—pregnant, glowing, carrying his child. His fingers trailed over her stomach, a silent promise that he'd always be there.

Gwen watched it all unfold, taking in the warmth and love surrounding her niece. This was real. Kayla wasn't just carrying a child—she was carrying a life that would be deeply cherished, protected, and loved. Gwen felt at peace knowing that Kayla was finally getting the love she had always deserved.

As the checkup wrapped up, they all made their way out of the doctor's office, the warm afternoon sun washing over them as they stepped into the parking lot. Tank had one hand on Kayla's lower back, guiding her carefully, while Sherri and Gwen trailed behind, still chatting about the upcoming gender reveal.

"I'm tellin' y'all now, we gotta do it big," Gwen insisted, unlocking her Beamer. "I'll handle the decorations. We need a live band, too. Let's make this an event folks will be talking about for years."

Sherri laughed, shaking her head. "Gwen, baby, we havin' a gender reveal, not a damn concert."

"Well, it might as well be with all these folks coming in," Gwen shot back, flipping her sunglasses down over her eyes. "I know y'all country, but y'all rich country. Ain't no sense in half-steppin' when you got the means."

Tank chuckled as he helped Kayla into her Ford Bronco, making sure she was settled before closing the door. "Long as Kayla happy, y'all do whatever you want."

Kayla smiled at him, appreciating how much he always put her first. She still wasn't used to it—being loved on like this. Being considered. But it felt good.

Gwen leaned against her car, glancing at her niece. "You feeling okay, baby?"

Kayla nodded, resting her hands on her belly. "Yeah, just a little tired. But I'm good."

Sherri placed a hand on Kayla's shoulder. "You need to rest when we get back. Don't let all this excitement wear you out."

Tank nodded in agreement. "You heard mama. Soon as we get home, you layin' down. I'll rub your feet if you need me to."

Gwen smirked. "Girl, you better hold on to this one. A man that rubs feet and fights for you? Yeah, you hit the jackpot."

Kayla giggled, feeling a deep warmth spread through her. "I know I did."

They all got into their respective vehicles, heading back to the Carter's compound. The ride was peaceful, the hum of the road beneath them, Kayla's hand resting on Tank's thigh as he drove.

"A couple more weeks 'til we find out what we havin'," Tank murmured, glancing at her with that boyish smirk she loved.

Kayla bit her lip, her fingers tracing slow circles on his leg. "Mmmhmm. You really think it's a boy?"

"I know it is," Tank said, gripping the wheel confidently. "That heartbeat was strong as hell. That's my boy in there."

Kayla smiled, shaking her head. "We'll see."

Tank glanced at her stomach briefly before turning back to the road. He didn't need a doctor to tell him. He already felt it deep in his soul—his son was growing inside her.

And he was going to make damn sure that both of them had everything they ever needed.

Tank's large hand moved from Kayla's thigh to rest on her belly, his thumb stroking slow, absentminded circles over her small but growing bump. Every now and then, he'd glance down, smirking to himself like he still couldn't believe she was carrying his child.

"You really that excited, huh?" Kayla teased, looking over at him.

Tank chuckled, gripping the wheel with one hand while the other stayed protectively on her stomach. "Hell yeah, I am. You mine, Kay. This baby ours. Ain't nothin' in this world more important than that."

Kayla swallowed hard, her emotions sitting heavy in her chest. She wasn't used to this kind of love, the kind that made her feel safe—wanted, cherished.

Tank glanced at her again, reading her expression like an open book. "What's wrong, baby?"

Kayla exhaled, shaking her head. "Nothing. Just... I don't know."

"Tell me."

She stared down at his rough, calloused hand spread over her stomach, how naturally it fit there. Like he was meant to protect her, like he was born to be hers.

"I just never thought I'd have this," she admitted softly. "A man that actually gives a damn. Somebody that don't make me feel like I gotta fight for their love."

Tank's jaw flexed as he took a deep breath. He knew exactly who had put those scars on her heart, who had made her doubt that she deserved to be treated like a queen. And he hated that shit.

"You ain't gotta fight for nothin' with me," he murmured, his voice low, steady. "I chose you. Ain't nobody in this world gon' come before you and this baby."

Kayla's throat tightened, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "You mean that?"

Tank pulled the truck into the long driveway leading up to their farmhouse. Before putting it in park, he turned to her, his hand sliding from her belly up to her cheek, forcing her to look at him.

"Kayla, I don't say shit I don't mean." His light brown eyes darkened with intensity. "I'm here. For you. For our baby. Forever."

A single tear slipped down Kayla's cheek, but Tank caught it with his thumb, shaking his head. "Nah, don't cry, lil' mama. You ain't gotta cry over no bullshit from the past. Just know I got you."

Kayla leaned into his touch, pressing a soft kiss to his palm. "I love you, Tank."

Tank smirked, tilting her chin up so he could brush his lips over hers. "I know, baby. I love you too."

The sound of gravel crunching under tires snapped them out of their moment. They turned to see Fred and Tamera pulling up in Fred's black Silverado, Tamera hopping out with bags in her hand.

"Good, y'all back," Tamera called out, grinning. "I brought some stuff for Kayla. You know, maternity clothes, baby books, and all that good stuff. It's about time we start planning this baby shower too."

Kayla laughed, wiping her face before stepping out of the truck. "Tam, I ain't even that big yet."

Tamera waved her off. "Girl, please. You pregnant. That's big enough. Now come on, we got work to do."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head as he watched his sister drag Kayla toward the house.

Fred leaned against his truck, looking at Tank with a smirk. "She got you whipped, man."

Tank grinned, eyes still locked on Kayla. "Damn right."

As the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the compound, Fred and Tank leaned against Fred's truck,. The scent of fresh earth and warm grass filled the air as Terrance Sr. pulled up on his tractor, Adonis sitting beside him, grinning from ear to ear. The boy had spent the last few hours riding across the vast land, soaking in every acre of the Carter family's property, and it was clear that the experience had lit something inside of him.

As soon as the tractor came to a stop, Adonis hopped down, his face full of excitement. "Tank, man... this land is huge. I had no idea y'all had all this," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Terrance Sr. chuckled, stepping down from the tractor. "This land will be in our family for generations. It's a legacy. We take care of it, and it takes care of us."

Adonis nodded, eyes shining. "That's what I want. When I turn eighteen, can I move down here and help out? I wanna learn how to take care of land, work it, build on it. I wanna be part of somethin' real, you know?"

Terrance Sr. studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, son. You got a place here if you serious 'bout it."

Tank clapped Adonis on the back, smirking. "You mean that? 'Cause it ain't just ridin' tractors and lookin' at scenery. It's hard work. Early mornings, long days, gettin' your hands dirty."

Adonis straightened up. "I ain't scared of no hard work."

Tank exchanged a look with his father before nodding. "Aight then. You got my word. You wanna be part of this, we got you."

Adonis smiled wide, the kind of smile that showed how much he meant it. "Thanks, man. I just... I wanna be close to Kayla, too. I miss her. She ain't deserve none of the shit that happened back home, and I hate how folks treated her."

Tank's chest swelled with pride. He respected that. Adonis was just fourteen, but the way he stood up for Kayla, the way he spoke about her, showed he was already growing into a solid young man.

"She lucky to have a brother like you," Tank said, meaning it.

Adonis shrugged. "She deserves to be happy and you make her happy, she's lucky to have you man. I got so much respect for you."

Tank smirked, dapping him up. "That's 'cause she mine and as long as she mine, ain't nobody gon' come before her and this baby we got on the way."

Fred, who had been listening, chuckled. "Damn, Tank, you really out here soundin' like a whole husband."

Tank smirked. "Might as well be."

Fred whistled low. "Tamera said the same thing. She already bettin' on a wedding."

Tank just shook his head, but he didn't say no either.

Terrance Sr. grinned. "Well, if it's gon' happen, y'all better do it right. Ain't no halfway in this family."

Adonis grinned. "I just wanna be the best man at the wedding."

They all laughed as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the land. This was home—this was family—and Adonis was ready to be part of it.

Meanwhile, Tamera and Kayla were in the house as Kayla tried on the maternity clothes that Tamera had brought her. Tamera, the oldest of the Carter children, took her role as the eldest daughter seriously. Tank had been her baby before she had Freddie, so Kayla—being Tank's woman and the mother of his child—meant a lot to her. She had spent all day shopping, picking out things for Kayla, Tank, and their baby, even though they didn't know the gender yet.

Kayla smoothed her hands over her stomach as she examined herself in the full-length mirror. The stretchy, off-the-shoulder maternity dress hugged her small but growing bump perfectly. She turned to the side, taking in the slight curve, her heart warming at the sight.

"I swear, you look more and more like a mama every day," Tamera said, grinning as she adjusted Kayla's dress at the hem. "And you see how that dress got your little bump sittin' just right?"

Kayla chuckled, running a hand through her curls. "I do like how it fit and it's comfortable."

Tamera beamed. "Good, because I got you a few of 'em in different colors. I know you like to be cute but comfortable. I got leggings, some loose joggers, and even a couple sexy pieces for when you wanna keep Tank on his toes."

Kayla laughed. "Girl, you did not have to do all this."

Tamera waved her off. "Yes, I did. You family now, and that's what we do. Plus, you carrying my baby."

Kayla raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Your baby?"

"Yes, my baby," Tamera said, folding her arms. "Tank is my baby, so that baby in your belly is my baby, too. You just incubating."

Kayla shook her head, laughing. She appreciated how much love she was getting from Tank's family. Growing up, she never had this kind of warmth—this unwavering support. It made her feel secure in a way she never had before.

Tamera sat on the bed, watching as Kayla changed into a cute two-piece loungewear set. "You know, I see how my brother looks at you. It's different."

Kayla sat next to her, adjusting the waistband of her leggings. "What you mean?"

Tamera smiled. "Tank always been a protector, but with you? It's deeper than that. He ain't just protectin' you—he values you."

Kayla felt her chest tighten in the best way. She knew Tank loved her, but hearing it from his sister made it even more real.

Tamera squeezed her hand. "You make my brother happy, and that's all I ever wanted for him. So whatever you need, I got you, okay?"

Kayla nodded, feeling emotional. "Thank you, Tam. That means a lot."

Tamera grinned. "Now, go try on that next outfit, 'cause I ain't done hypin' you up yet."

Kayla laughed, standing up to continue her mini fashion show, feeling nothing but love surrounding her. Tamera was happy that Tank had chosen Kayla over Darling. There was no comparison in her eyes—Kayla was sweet, down-to-earth, and real, while Darling had always been entitled and self-absorbed. Tamera had never liked that girl. She could tell Darling thought she was better than everybody, like she was doing Tank a favor by being with him. Now, looking at Kayla, glowing in her pregnancy, surrounded by love, Tamera knew her brother had made the right choice.

Still, if there was one thing that got under her skin, it was Kayla's family. They didn't deserve her. Every time Tamera thought about what that girl had been through, it made her blood boil. The only two people she could tolerate were Kayla's little brother, Adonis, and her aunt, Gwen. Adonis had a good heart, and she could tell he genuinely loved his big sister. Gwen, on the other hand, was a straight shooter, and Tamera respected that. But the rest of them? Trash.

Tamera shook her head as she sat on the bed, watching Kayla admire herself in another outfit. "You know I love you, right?"

Kayla turned, smiling. "I know. I love you too."

Tamera sighed. "Good. 'Cause if I ever see your mama or that nasty-ass stepdaddy of yours, I'm liable to lose my damn mind."

Kayla smiled as she didn't know how to respond to the statement but she appreciates it.

"Nah, 'cause you don't understand," Tamera said, shaking her head. "I want to beat both of them up. Bad."

Kayla laughed, but she could tell Tamera was dead serious.

Tamera clenched her jaw, exhaling through her nose. "If it wasn't for the fact that I got my law license and I ain't tryna lose it, I woulda dragged one of them by now. Even though, I took a step back from practicing law to raise Freddie— I woulda went to that hospital to dog walk him and slap yo mama up and around Decatur. They raggedy-asses didn't deserve you."

Kayla nodded. She appreciated the loyalty, but she wasn't about to let her sister-in-law risk her future over people who weren't worth it.

"I get it," Kayla said softly. "But they ain't worth it. They miserable, and they gotta live with that. I got too many blessings to worry about them."

Tamera studied her, then nodded. "You right. You winning. You got my brother, you got a baby on the way, and you got a whole damn village behind you. They ain't got nothing but bitterness."

Kayla smiled, rubbing her belly. "Exactly."

Tamera smirked. "Still, if you ever change your mind and wanna roll up on somebody, just let me know."

Kayla laughed, shaking her head. "I'll keep that in mind."

Tamera smirked as she stood up, adjusting the bags of clothes she had brought for Kayla. "Good! Now, I'm not done. I got y'all some more stuff for the baby—neutral colors 'cause I don't know what y'all havin' yet. But I already know mama gon' show out at this gender reveal."

Kayla sat down on the bed, rubbing her belly with a smile. "I already know. She treats this baby like her baby."

Tamera chuckled. "That's how mama is. She been waitin' on Tank to have a baby. She knew it wasn't gon' be with Darling, though. Mama ain't like that girl from the jump."

Kayla raised an eyebrow. "For real?"

Tamera sat down next to her, crossing her legs. "Girl, yes. She was nice to her 'cause that's how mama is, but she used to tell us all the time, 'That girl don't love Tank. She love what he do for her.'"

Kayla smirked. She thought Darling would possibly be competition or a problem but hearing this she was relieved. She was here. She was carrying his baby.

Tamera leaned back on her hands. "You a better one than me, though. 'Cause if I was you, I'd be petty as hell."

Kayla smirked. "Oh, I be petty in my head. I just don't let that girl see it."

Tamera laughed, shaking her head. "I know that's right."

Kayla looked down at the bag of baby clothes, gently pulling out a tiny onesie. Her heart swelled. "I just want this baby to be love."

Tamera placed a hand on Kayla's leg. "This baby is loved. You got us. And you got Tank."

Kayla nodded, her eyes stinging. She wasn't about to cry, but damn, she felt emotional.

Tamera gave her a knowing look. "Girl, don't start cryin'. You gon' have me cryin' too."

Kayla laughed, wiping at her eyes. "I blame the hormones."

Tamera smiled. "Blame 'em all you want, but just know—you and this baby? Set for life. We got you."

Kayla exhaled deeply, her heart full. "I know. And I appreciate y'all more than you know."

Tamera winked. "We family. And family rides."

Adonis stepped into the house and made his way to Kayla. His arms wrapping tightly around his sister the moment he saw her. He held on longer than usual, burying his face into her shoulder, trying his hardest to keep his emotions in check. He wasn't going to cry. He wasn't. But damn, he had missed her.

Kayla rubbed his back soothingly, feeling his body tense against hers. "You okay little brother?" She whispered, her voice filled with love.

Adonis exhaled shakily, still holding on. "I just—I'm happy you happy, Kay. But I'm going to miss you."

Kayla's heart clenched. She knew Adonis had taken it the hardest when she left home. He was her baby, even if he wasn't that much younger than her. She had practically raised him, stepping in when their mama didn't. She'd fought for him, defended him, made sure he was straight when nobody else cared.

And now, he was here—on her turf, where she was safe, where she was finally loved and protected the way she should've been her whole life.

"I'm right here, Adonis," she murmured, pulling back to cup his face. "I ain't goin' nowhere."

Adonis nodded, his jaw tightening. He wasn't about to break down in front of her. He just needed to feel her presence, needed to see for himself that she was good before he had to head back to Richmond.

Outside, Gwen sat parked near the compound gates with Martha and Janay, as they weren't allowed past the entrance. Tank made that very clear. Janay and Martha were no longer welcome.

Martha sat stiffly in the passenger seat, eyes downcast, ashamed but too prideful to admit it out loud. Janay, on the other hand, rolled her eyes, arms crossed over her chest. "This is some bullshit," she muttered. "Kayla act like she too good for her family now."

Gwen side-eyed her. "Family?" she scoffed. "You mean the same people that left her to fend for herself? The same people that let that sorry excuse for a man abuse her?" Gwen let out a sharp laugh. "Kayla ain't actin' too good—she just finally got the love she deserves."

Janay huffed, looking out the window. She hated that her auntie always took Kayla's side. She hated that everybody always took Kayla's side. What about her? Why didn't she get that kind of love?

Back inside, Adonis finally pulled away from Kayla, clearing his throat. "So... Tank really don't want them in?"

Kayla sighed, leading him to the couch. "Not after everything that's happened. Tank don't play about me, and honestly? I don't blame him. He said he gets a bad vibe from Janay, so that's that."

Adonis nodded. He respected that. He respected Tank. The way he protected Kayla, the way he loved her—it was the kind of love she should've had all along.

And Adonis, he was just glad his sister was finally home.