Morning arrived with the warmth of the Southern sun peeking through the curtains of Tank and Kayla's bedroom. The distant hum of voices and the clatter of last-minute preparations outside signaled that the house was already alive with activity.

Kayla stirred first, stretching slightly before realizing Tank's heavy arm was draped over her waist, anchoring her in place. His deep, steady breathing let her know he was still asleep, but she knew that wouldn't last long.

The smell of fresh coffee and something sweet drifted into the room, making her stomach tighten with hunger. She shifted under Tank's hold, and almost instantly, his grip tightened.

"Where you goin'?" His voice was deep and raspy, thick with sleep.

Kayla smiled to herself, rubbing his forearm. "I need to pee and eat."

Tank grumbled but let her go, rolling onto his back, one arm stretched behind his head as he blinked up at the ceiling. "Mmm. What time is it?"

Kayla sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her belly. "Almost eight."

Tank exhaled deeply, then smirked. "Guess that mean I gotta put some clothes on."

Kayla laughed softly, standing up. "You can't be out there naked, Tanky."

He grinned lazily. "I mean, it's my house."

She shook her head, heading to the bathroom while Tank sat up, running a hand over his face. He could already hear his mama's voice outside, probably bossin' somebody around, making sure everything was perfect.

By the time he threw on some sweats and a T-shirt, Kayla had freshened up and changed into a comfortable lounge set—soft leggings and a loose top that accommodated her growing belly. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she already looked more alert.

"C'mon, lil bit, let's get you fed," Tank said, guiding her out of the room with his hand resting on the small of her back.

The moment they stepped into the kitchen, they were met with the sight of Tamera and Tanya busy at the stove, while Georgia and Gwen prepped trays of food. The island was already stacked with fluffy pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit, and biscuits.

Sherri turned around from the coffee pot, her face lighting up when she saw them. "There y'all go! Kayla, baby, come sit down. We got plenty."

Tank pulled out a chair for Kayla, making sure she was comfortable before grabbing a plate for her. As soon as she sat, Tanya placed a full plate in front of her. "Eat up, girl. You gon' need your energy."

Kayla smiled, picking up her fork. "Thank you."

Tank fixed his own plate and sat beside her, his knee brushing against hers under the table. As they ate, the conversation flowed around them—talk of family members arriving soon, final touches on the setup, and, of course, guesses on whether the baby was a boy or girl.

"I say boy," Tamera announced confidently, sipping her coffee.

"Girl," Georgia countered. "She's glowing too much for it to be a boy."

Tanya smirked. "Y'all both wrong. It's twins."

Kayla nearly choked on her juice. "Tanya!"

Tanya laughed, raising her hands. "I'm just sayin'! Y'all ever think about that?"

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "One baby at a time, damn."

Before Kayla could respond, Sherri clapped her hands. "Alright, alright, let's get this food wrapped up 'cause folks gon' be pullin' up soon. I need my boys to help with parking, and Kayla, baby, you just relax until it's time to get dressed."

Kayla leaned into Tank, whispering, "It's really happening."

He kissed the side of her head, his hand resting on her belly. "Yeah, baby. And we 'bout to do it big."

As the morning pressed on, the house bustled with energy. More family members started arriving, their voices filling the air with greetings, laughter, and the occasional "Lawd, it's been too long!" as hugs and handshakes were exchanged. Outside, the oversized tent gleamed under the late morning sun, the ivory and cream fabric swaying lightly in the breeze.

Inside the house, Kayla sat in front of a large mirror in the bedroom while Georgia carefully styled her hair, her fingers moving expertly through the thick strands as she curled each section. The big, voluminous curls framed Kayla's face beautifully, falling over her shoulders in soft waves.

"I swear, you get prettier every time I see you," Georgia said, fluffing out a section.

Kayla smiled, rubbing her belly. "It's the baby. Or maybe all this good Carter family love."

Georgia grinned. "A little of both." She stepped back, tilting her head. "Alright, I think we're done. You look gorgeous."

Kayla studied her reflection, running her fingers through the soft curls. She did look good. Pregnancy had given her a natural glow, and the way her hair framed her face made her feel even more beautiful.

Just as she was about to stand, the door cracked open, and Tank peeked in. His eyes immediately locked onto her, his expression unreadable for a moment before a slow grin spread across his lips.

"Damn," he muttered, stepping fully into the room. "Lil bit, you look good as hell."

Kayla smirked, smoothing her hands over her hair. "You like it?"

Tank came up behind her, his large hands resting on her shoulders as he met her eyes in the mirror. "Love it." His gaze dipped lower, lingering on the slight curve of her belly. "And I love you, too."

Kayla's heart fluttered, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "I love you, too, Tanky."

Georgia cleared her throat playfully. "Alright, lovebirds, I'mma let y'all have your moment. But, Kayla, don't take too long. We gotta get you dressed."

Tank barely acknowledged Georgia leaving, too focused on Kayla. He leaned down, pressing a slow kiss to her neck. "You ready for all these people?"

Kayla exhaled, tilting her head to give him better access. "I think so. It's a lot, but... I'm happy."

Tank nodded against her skin. "Good. 'Cause today all about you and our baby."

Before he got too carried away, Kayla playfully pushed at his chest. "Boy, go on! We gotta finish getting ready."

Tank chuckled, stepping back. "Aight, aight. But don't keep me waitin' too long, lil bit."

Kayla laughed, watching him leave before turning back to the mirror. She took a deep breath, smoothing her hands over her belly. Today was going to be big, but she was ready.

By the time Kayla stepped outside, the grand setup for the gender reveal was in full swing. The oversized ivory and cream tent stood proudly in the green open space, filled with elegantly decorated tables, a dessert bar, and a massive custom-made backdrop with "Baby Carter" in shimmering gold lettering.

Guests were everywhere—Tank's extended family had shown up in full force, filling the air with lively conversations, laughter, and the occasional "Ain't seen you since you was this tall!" aimed at Tank.

But the moment Kayla made her way into the crowd, heads turned.

"Lord have mercy, that girl is beautiful," one of the older women murmured to another, eyeing Kayla with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"She really is," another relative agreed. "Got that glow, too."

Several of Tank's cousins, aunts, and distant relatives eyed her with open curiosity. They'd heard about her—Tank's young girlfriend, carrying his first child—but now that they were seeing her in person, they wanted to know more.

One of Tank's older aunts, Miss Thelma, was the first to approach her. She was a regal-looking woman with deep brown skin and silver-streaked hair, dressed in a perfectly pressed church outfit despite the casual outdoor setting.

"Well, well, well," Miss Thelma said, looking Kayla up and down with a knowing smile. "Ain't you just the prettiest thing? Now, come here and let me get a good look at you."

Kayla, ever respectful, smiled warmly and stepped closer. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Thelma."

Miss Thelma took her hands, giving them a squeeze. "Baby, don't 'Miss Thelma' me. You family now."

That seemed to break the ice.

Within moments, Kayla found herself surrounded by Tank's aunts and older cousins, each eager to introduce themselves, ask how she was feeling, and—of course—get all up in her business.

"You from Mississippi?" one of the cousins, Renee, asked, arms folded as she studied Kayla.

"No, I'm from Richmond," Kayla answered politely.

"Mm-hmm," Renee hummed. "How y'all meet?"

Before Kayla could respond, Tank's voice cut through the chatter.

"Y'all ain't interrogatin' my girl, are you?"

The group turned just as Tank strolled over, his presence commanding attention like always.

"Nah, nah, we just getting to know her," Miss Thelma said with a wink. "She's beautiful, Tank. You did good."

Tank smirked, wrapping an arm around Kayla's waist. "I know." He kissed the side of her head before looking at his nosey family. "Now, don't be askin' too many questions. She ain't on trial."

Kayla laughed softly, feeling at ease now. The initial curiosity was expected, but the warmth she felt from his family reassured her.

"Boy, go on," Miss Thelma waved him off. "We just excited. You know we ain't had a big family event like this in a long time."

"I know," Tank admitted. "That's why we doin' it big."

The group murmured their approval, and just like that, the attention shifted back to the festivities.

Sherri soon called everyone to take their seats, signaling that it was almost time for the big reveal. As Kayla and Tank took their designated spots at the front, she exhaled deeply, excitement bubbling in her chest.

This was it.

The moment they'd been waiting for.

As the excitement built, the crowd settled, all eyes on Tank and Kayla standing in front of the massive black balloon. The warm Georgia sun cast a golden glow over everything, the energy electric as the final moments ticked down.

Dina stood in the back with Tanya, her arms crossed as she casually chatted with Tanya's cousin, but her eyes occasionally flickered toward the main event. Darling, on the other hand, had slipped in unnoticed, her presence going unacknowledged as she positioned herself on the outskirts, her expression tight with poorly concealed envy.

Tank's hand rested possessively on Kayla's hip, his grin as wide as ever. The man was glowing with excitement, damn near bouncing on his feet.

"Tyler, please focus," Sherri scolded playfully, shaking her head as she caught him stealing another touch of Kayla's waist.

Tank just grinned wider.

"That's why he having a baby now," his cousin Randy teased. "Can't keep his damn hands to himself."

Laughter erupted through the crowd, and Kayla's face flushed with color as she instinctively glanced away, her fingers tightening around the small pin they'd been given to pop the balloon.

"Don't be shy now, girl," Terrance Sr.'s sister, Girly, chimed in, her voice full of humor.

Tamera and Tanya giggled in agreement before Tamera snickered lowly, "That boy be bending her over."

Kayla's blush deepened, and she swallowed hard, feeling the heat crawl up her neck. Tank, however, was completely unbothered, still beaming like a kid on Christmas morning.

Darling stood stiffly at the edge of the crowd, arms crossed, her lips pursed as she watched with thinly veiled bitterness. The easy intimacy between Tank and Kayla, the effortless way his hands found her, the way she was enveloped in love from his family—it all gnawed at her, deepening the resentment she refused to acknowledge.

But at that moment, nobody else mattered.

The energy in the air thickened as Sherri held up her hand, signaling the start of the countdown.

"Alright, y'all! We gon' do this in five... four... three... two..."

Kayla's heart pounded.

Tank tightened his grip on her hip, eyes locked on the balloon, his excitement radiating off of him in waves.

"One!"

Together, they pressed the pin into the balloon—

POP!

A burst of color exploded into the air and the moment Tank saw it, his entire face lit up with pure, unfiltered joy. Blue confetti rained down in a shimmering cascade, and the entire crowd erupted in cheers.

"A boy! Y'all, it's a boy!" Sherri clapped her hands together, her face full of pure joy.

"I knew it!" Tank's deep voice boomed through the excitement, his entire body vibrating with exhilaration. Without hesitation, he grabbed Kayla and lifted her effortlessly into the air, spinning her around like she weighed nothing.

Kayla squealed, gripping his shoulders. "Tanky!" she giggled, her curls bouncing as he twirled her in circles.

"I told you, lil' bit! My swimmers are efficient!" he bragged, still grinning ear to ear as he finally set her down.

The crowd howled with laughter, clapping and cheering. Tamera was doubled over, Tanya was wiping her eyes from laughing so hard, and Randy shook his head, cracking up.

"This man is a fool," Terrance Jr. chuckled.

But in the midst of all the celebration, not everyone was smiling.

Darling stood frozen at the edge of the crowd, her eyes locked on the scene unfolding before her. The way Tank held Kayla. The way he looked at her, full of love and pride. The way his family had embraced her so effortlessly. A sharp pang twisted in Darling's chest, her vision blurring as tears welled up in her eyes.

Dina, who had finally noticed her sister was there, noticed the tears in her eyes. Her heart clenched at the sight of Darling's silent pain. She didn't have to ask—she knew exactly what she was feeling.

But before she could say anything, another wave of excitement spread through the crowd.

Tank, still riding the high of the moment, reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. The sight of it made the air shift, a collective gasp rippling through the guests.

Kayla blinked, confused at first—until he slowly dropped to one knee.

Her breath hitched.

The cheers turned into stunned silence.

The deep blue velvet box rested in his palm, the lid flipping open to reveal a breathtaking engagement ring—an heirloom passed down through the Carter family. The antique platinum band gleamed under the warm sun, the diamond catching the light in a dazzling sparkle.

Kayla's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes instantly welling with tears.

Darling's did the same—but for an entirely different reason.

A single tear slipped down her cheek as she watched the man she once thought would be hers, proposing to someone else.

The world around them seemed to fade as Kayla stared down at Tank, her heart pounding against her ribs. The cheers had died into hushed anticipation, the only sound now was the gentle breeze rustling through the trees and the distant laughter of children playing.

Tank looked up at her, his light brown eyes gleaming with love, pride, and unwavering certainty.

"Kayla," he said, his deep voice steady despite the emotions flickering across his face. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were mine. I ain't never been the type to talk about feelings, but with you? I feel everything."

Kayla's lips trembled, her hands still covering her mouth.

"You gave me something I never knew I needed, lil' bit. A home. A future. A son," his voice thickened with emotion as he glanced at her belly before meeting her eyes again. "I don't wanna go another day without making it official. Be my wife, Kayla. Will you marry me... please?"

A collective gasp swept through the crowd, a few sniffles already breaking out among family members.

Kayla couldn't hold back the tears spilling over, her heart swelling to the point of bursting. She nodded rapidly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes," she managed before laughing through her tears. "Yes, Tyler!"

The moment the words left her lips, Tank grinned wide, sliding the ring onto her trembling finger.

The crowd erupted in cheers, whistles, and applause. Sherri clutched her chest, eyes wet with happy tears, while Tamera and Tanya screamed in excitement.

Randy shook his head with a smirk. "Damn, boy really locked it down."

Terrance Sr. pulled his wife into his side, his own smile full of pride. "That's my boy."

Dina exhaled softly, her gaze flickering between her sister and the newly engaged couple. Darling stood motionless, silent tears rolling down her cheeks as she watched Tank lift Kayla into his arms, kissing her deeply in front of everyone. All of Tank's family came up to congratulate the newly engaged couple, patting Tank on the back and telling him he chose right.

"Boy, you got yourself a good one," Terrance Jr. said, giving his little brother a proud nod.

"Welcome to the family, baby girl," Sherri beamed, pulling Kayla into a warm hug.

Kayla, still overwhelmed with emotion, wiped at her eyes, smiling. "Thank you."

Tamera and Tanya squeezed her hands. "Girl, we been claiming you, but now it's official!" Tanya teased.

Kayla laughed softly, her heart full, as family members continued to welcome her. But off to the side, Darling stood motionless, her fists clenched as she tried to stop the tears slipping down her cheeks. Envy burned in her chest like acid. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Tank was supposed to be hers.

And yet, he was standing there, surrounded by love and celebration, completely oblivious to the way her heart was breaking.

She wasn't going to leave without causing a rift.

Kayla had slipped away from the crowd, standing near the dessert table, eating a piece of cake. She looked soft and happy, her curls framing her face in bouncy waves, the engagement ring glinting under the lights as she lifted her fork.

That was all Darling needed to see. She squared her shoulders and took her opportunity.

"You know he only proposed to you because you baby-trapped him," Darling said smoothly, stepping beside Kayla.

Kayla nearly choked on her bite of cake, her brows pulling together as she turned to face Darling. "Excuse me?"

"I said, you trapped him," Darling repeated, voice dripping with venom.

Kayla's grip on her plate tightened. "I didn't trap—"

"Oh, please." Darling rolled her eyes. "You expect me to believe Tank willingly nutted in you? Girl, please."

Kayla's lips parted in shock, but Darling wasn't finished.

"You're trash," she hissed. "Some random, damaged girl that got lucky. But you know what? You trapped him, and now you think you won something."

Kayla's throat tightened, but before she could get a word in, Darling's next words landed like a gut punch.

"Why would he want a girl who's a whore?" Darling's lips curled cruelly. "Hmm?"

Kayla's breath hitched.

Darling smirked. She saw the way Kayla's expression changed, the way her posture stiffened. Good. Hit a nerve.

"A whore who seduced her mother's husband," Darling spat, her voice cold and accusing.

The words sucked the air right out of Kayla's lungs.

Her entire body went rigid.

No...

"Exactly," Darling continued, feeding off the panic in Kayla's eyes. "Does Tank even know? Does he know you were fucking Vince?"

Tears welled up in Kayla's eyes as she quickly looked around. No one was close enough to hear, but that didn't matter. The shame curled around her throat like a noose.

She never seduced Vince.

She was a victim.

And yet, here was Darling, twisting the ugliest part of her past into something dirty, something her fault.

"Exactly," Darling sneered. "You're nasty. A baby-trapper. A little—"

Kayla couldn't take it. Her vision blurred as she suddenly turned and ran.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Sherri called after her, but Kayla didn't stop. Tears spilled over as she dashed toward the house, slamming the bathroom door behind her and locking it.

Sherri turned toward where Kayla had come from, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Tanya and Tamera had caught on too, their expressions darkening as they followed their mother's gaze.

"What did she say to my daughter?" Sherri snapped.

Tamera didn't hesitate. She spun on her heel and stormed outside, searching for the culprit.

Meanwhile, Tank had just made his way back from talking with some of his uncles when he saw Kayla's retreating figure. His whole body tensed. His gut told him something wasn't right.

Then Tamera's voice rang out.

"Tank—go see about your girl," she said urgently before turning toward Darling.

Tank's eyes snapped to Darling, standing there with that smug, satisfied look on her face.

His heart slammed against his ribcage.

Kayla was crying.

Tank saw red.

He stalked toward Darling, his face twisted with fury.

"What the fuck did you say to my fiancée?" His voice boomed, cutting through the crowd.

Everyone turned, watching as Tank confronted Darling.

Darling just smirked. "The truth."