All the women sat around the small table in the bakery, the scent of buttercream and vanilla filled the air. Kayla absentmindedly rubbed her belly, feeling the subtle flutters of her son moving inside her. Every now and then, her engagement ring caught the light, sparkling as she lifted a sample fork to her lips.

Coco smirked, swirling a piece of cake on her fork before speaking. "I don't care what nobody say, Tank is obsessed with your belly."

Kayla rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "He's not obsessed."

Tamera scoffed. "Girl, please. Every time I see y'all together, he got his hands on you—rubbing, kissing, just flat-out mesmerized."

Tanya nodded, sipping her sweet tea. "It's cute, though. I love seeing him like that."

Kayla smiled softly, resting her hand on her stomach. "He's just excited, that's all."

Sherri shook her head but smiled. "My son always loved family. I'm not surprised he's acting like this. But he better not have you lifting a finger."

"I don't," Kayla assured her future mother-in-law. "I still be in my orchard tending to my trees, though. He doesn't like it, but he lets me be."

Sherri hummed in approval. "That's good, but don't overwork yourself, baby."

Kayla nodded, and the conversation shifted back to the baby shower.

"I'm making sure security is tight," Sherri stated firmly. "Ain't nobody about to ruin this like that fool Darling did."

Tanya added, "That's why Dina's not getting an invite, either. I don't trust nobody who still entertains Darling after all the mess she's caused."

Coco tapped her manicured nails on the table. "And that's on period. This baby shower gotta be perfect. We already got the venue locked in, the decorations coming together, and now we just gotta pick this cake."

Kayla flipped through the sample menu, her eyes lighting up. "Speaking of cakes, we need to grab Tank's birthday cake before we leave. I'm so excited for his birthday."

Coco smirked knowingly. "I bet you are. What you got planned for him?"

Kayla bit her lip, her cheeks heating up. "You'll see."

The table erupted in laughter again, knowing good and well whatever Kayla had planned for Tank's birthday was going to leave him grinning from ear to ear.

The laughter settled as the bakery owner approached with a tray of new cake samples. She placed them down with a smile, setting out plates of red velvet, butter pecan, and strawberry shortcake.

"These are some of our most popular flavors," she said. "Let me know which one you like best for the baby shower."

Kayla picked up her fork, stabbing into the butter pecan first. As soon as it hit her tongue, she closed her eyes and let out a soft moan of approval.

"Oh yeah," she hummed. "This is the one."

Coco chuckled. "You sure? You moaning like that, Tank might get jealous of this cake."

Sherri shook her head at Coco's antics, but even she laughed. "That boy don't play about her, I'll tell you that."

Kayla giggled, moving on to the strawberry shortcake. It was good, but not better than the butter pecan. Tanya and Tamera agreed, and before long, they had their decision made.

"The butter pecan it is," Sherri confirmed. "And for Tank's birthday cake, I already placed the order this morning."

Kayla perked up. "What kind did you get?"

"Chocolate caramel," Sherri replied. "You know that boy loves his chocolate cake."

Kayla grinned. "Perfect. I just want everything to be special for him."

Coco leaned in with a smirk. "You mean besides the surprise you got planned?"

Kayla gave her a look, but the heat rising in her cheeks gave her away. "Coco..."

"I'm just saying," Coco teased. "Tank been walking around here looking like he ain't got no worries. You must be taking good care of him."

Tanya laughed. "Well, duh. He don't play about Kayla, and Kayla don't play about him."

Kayla smiled, rubbing her belly again. "He deserves a good birthday, that's all."

Tamera nodded. "That's real. Y'all got a good thing going, and it's nice to see him so happy."

Sherri sat back, satisfied. "As long as my son is happy and taken care of, that's all that matters to me."

Kayla felt warmth spread through her chest at Sherri's words. It meant a lot to have her love and support.

They finished their cake tasting, finalized the orders, and gathered their things to leave. As they walked out of the bakery, Kayla's phone buzzed in her purse.

She pulled it out and smiled at the name on the screen—Tank.

Tank: Where you at, lil bit?

Kayla chuckled, already knowing he was probably pacing the porch waiting on her.

Kayla: Just leaving the bakery. You miss me or something?

Tank: Hell yeah. Hurry up and bring my baby home.

Kayla shook her head, biting her lip as she got into the car.

He was too much. And she loved every bit of it. Kayla smiled down at her phone, her heart feeling full as she typed back.

Kayla: On my way now, daddy.

She could practically see Tank's smirk through the screen.

Tank: Bet. Be safe, lil bit.

Sherri slid into the driver's seat while Coco and Tamera got in the back. Tanya had driven separately and honked before pulling off. As Sherri started the car, Coco leaned forward between the seats.

"You got that man whipped," she teased. "He probably standing on the porch right now looking down the street."

Kayla giggled, tucking her phone away. "He just loves me."

Sherri smiled knowingly as she pulled off. "And you love him. That's all that matters."

The ride back was filled with casual conversation, mostly about baby shower plans. Sherri had everything in order, from the decorations to the food, and was making sure this event went off without a hitch. She refused to let anyone ruin it, especially after the gender reveal fiasco.

By the time they pulled up to the house, just as Coco predicted, Tank was standing on the porch, arms crossed, waiting. The moment Kayla stepped out of the car, his eyes locked onto her, sweeping over her from head to toe.

"Damn, girl," he murmured under his breath, taking in the way her yellow sundress hugged her belly.

Kayla smirked as she walked up the steps. "Why you standing out here like you lost or something?"

Tank pulled her close, his large hands resting on her hips. "Ain't lost. Just been waiting on my woman."

Coco rolled her eyes as she walked past them. "Boy, you act like she was gone for days."

Tank ignored her, leaning in to kiss Kayla's forehead. "You eat?"

Kayla nodded. "We had cake samples."

Tank arched a brow. "That ain't real food."

Sherri stepped onto the porch with a smile. "Well, I got food in the house. Made a pot of gumbo before we left."

Tank grinned. "That's what I'm talkin' about. Appreciate it, Mama."

Sherri kissed his cheek before heading inside. Tamera and Coco followed, leaving Tank and Kayla alone on the porch.

Tank ran his hands over her belly, eyes filled with warmth. "You tired?"

Kayla shook her head. "Not really."

Tank's lips curved into a smirk. "Good."

Kayla narrowed her eyes playfully. "Why?"

Tank leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "'Cause I got plans for you later."

Kayla bit her lip, heat curling low in her stomach. She already knew—whatever those plans were, she was in for it. As they stepped into the house, the rich aroma of gumbo filled the air, making Kayla's stomach growl. She hadn't even realized how hungry she was until now.

"Sit down, lil bit," Tank murmured, guiding her to the chair at the head of the table.

Kayla did as he said, watching as he grabbed a bowl and filled it to the brim. The way he moved—focused, precise—like making her a meal was the most important thing in the world, made her heart swell.

Coco smirked as she leaned back in her chair. "Boy, you act like she don't got hands."

Tank shot her a look as he set the bowl down in front of Kayla, then grabbed a spoon. Instead of passing it to her, he scooped up a bite and brought it to her lips. "Open."

Kayla's cheeks burned, but she parted her lips, letting him feed her. The moment the gumbo hit her tongue, a soft moan slipped from her mouth. "Mm, Mama, this is so good."

Sherri beamed. "I put my foot in it."

Tank, still holding the spoon, scooped up another bite. "Both of my babies hungry," he murmured, rubbing Kayla's belly with his free hand.

Tamera blinked. "Damn, you really feeding her like a baby."

Coco cackled. "I told y'all he was obsessed."

Tank didn't care. "And?" He turned back to Kayla, feeding her another bite, his eyes locked onto hers.

Kayla blushed as she chewed, feeling warm all over—not just from the food, but from the way Tank was looking at her. Like she was the only person in the room.

Tanya shook her head, laughing. "Man, Kayla got this boy gone."

Kayla swallowed and smirked. "And I love it."

Tank grinned, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I love you, too."

Tank fed Kayla every last bite, his gaze never leaving her face. She savored each spoonful, feeling pampered and loved in a way that made her chest warm.

Terrance Sr. chuckled, shaking his head. "Boy, let that girl breathe."

Terrance Jr. smirked. "For real. If you could climb up in her uterus and lay up with that baby, you would."

Tank didn't miss a beat. "Absolutely." He rubbed Kayla's belly with pride, smirking as everyone laughed.

Kayla giggled, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I don't mind."

"Of course, you don't," Coco teased. "You like all this attention."

Kayla blushed, but before she could respond, Coco leaned forward, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Speaking of which, what's baby boy's name?"

Without thinking, Kayla answered. "Tyler Carter Jr., but I'm going to call him TJ."

The room went silent for a second. Tank froze, his eyes locked on hers. They hadn't even discussed names yet, but the fact that she wanted to give their son his name hit him deep. His heart thudded hard in his chest.

"Damn," Terrance Jr. muttered. "You just made his whole life."

Sherri placed a hand over her chest, smiling. "That's beautiful, baby."

Tank finally snapped out of his daze, his grip tightening on Kayla's thigh more. "You serious?"

Kayla nodded, Tank froze once again, processing what Kayla had just said. The fact that she wanted their son to be his junior hit him deep. His chest swelled with pride.

"You serious?" Tank asked, his voice quieter than usual trying to confirm he wasn't hearing things.

Kayla nodded with a soft smile. "Yeah, I want him to have your name."

Coco grinned. "Lil man about to be spoiled rotten with a name like that."

Tank was still staring at Kayla, something unreadable in his expression. Then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, not caring who was watching. His hand rested on her belly, and his other hand cupped the back of her head, holding her close.

"Damn, boy, let the girl breathe," Terrance Sr. chuckled, but Tank ignored him.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against Kayla's. "Thank you," he murmured.

Kayla smiled. "Of course."

Tank turned to the table, shaking his head with a smirk. "TJ. Yeah, I like that."

The family continued to talk and eat, but anyone paying attention could see it—Tank was on cloud nine, and nothing was bringing him down. Frank and Fred entered the house with their children, the room filling with even more warmth and laughter as greetings were exchanged. The sound of little feet pattering across the floor blended with the hum of conversation as everyone settled in.

Fred leaned back in his chair and glanced at Tank. "So, when you heading back on the road?"

Tank shrugged, swirling his drink in his hand. "I'm not trying to miss anything, so work can wait. I got enough money saved."

Kayla, who had been rubbing her belly absentmindedly, glanced at him. "I can do local routes with you," she suggested, her voice soft but serious. "I feel bad that you don't want to work just because of me."

Tank's eyes snapped to her, his expression firm. "Absolutely not. I need you comfortable, not on the road—I can do something else."

Fred smirked. "You really not trying to leave her side, huh?"

Tank shot him a look that said, you already know the answer to that.

Tamera shook her head with a knowing smile. "Kayla, girl, you got him whipped."

Kayla chuckled, leaning into Tank's side. "I like him close, so it works for me."

Tank kissed her temple, his hand smoothing over her belly. "And I like being close."

Frank chuckled. "Well, damn. Guess the trucking world lost one for a minute."

"I'll go back when I'm ready," Tank said, unconcerned. "Right now, my priority is my woman and my son."

Sherri nodded approvingly. "That's how it should be."

Coco smirked. "I ain't never seen you this soft, cousin."

Tank didn't even flinch. "Ain't soft, just in love."

The room fell quiet for a moment, everyone taking in his words. Then Tanya shook her head with a laugh. "Yup, he's done for."

Kayla just smiled, lacing her fingers with his.

Fred smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Well, at least you honest about it. Most dudes try to act all hard, like they ain't gone off they woman."

Tank shrugged, rubbing slow circles on Kayla's belly. "Ain't no point in frontin'. She mine, I'm hers, and that's just what it is."

Kayla glanced up at him, her heart swelling at how effortlessly he claimed her. No hesitation. No shame. Just full ownership of the love they had.

Tanya smirked. "Well, Kayla, you got the whole family shook. I don't think we ever seen Tank this obsessed."

Coco snorted. "Right, like, we knew he had it bad, but this is next level."

Kayla blushed, but Tank just smirked. "Y'all say obsessed like it's a bad thing."

Terrance Jr. shook his head. "It is when you hovering over her like she can't breathe."

Kayla giggled, resting her hand on Tank's chest. "I don't mind. I like him close."

Tank kissed her forehead. "And I like being close."

Sherri smiled as she stirred her gumbo. "That's how it should be. You take care of your woman, son."

"I will. Always," Tank said with no hesitation.

Frank chuckled. "Man, you really ain't playing about her."

"Never was."

Fred leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "So, what's next? After the baby shower, y'all thinking about a wedding date yet?"

Kayla and Tank exchanged a glance. They hadn't set a date, but they both knew it was happening. It wasn't a question of if—just when.

"We not rushing, but it's coming," Tank said. "She already my wife in my eyes."

Kayla's heart fluttered. He didn't need a paper to validate what they had, but she knew he'd give her the wedding of her dreams when the time was right.

Sherri smiled warmly. "That's all that matters."

Coco grinned. "Well, just know when the time comes, I better be in the wedding."

Tanya nodded. "Same."

"Y'all already know," Kayla said, laughing.

Tank smirked. "Y'all just make sure my woman don't stress over nothing. That's my only rule."

Kayla melted a little at how protective he was. She never had to worry about anything as long as she had him.

"Deal," Tanya said, raising her glass. "To Kayla, Tank, and baby TJ."

Everyone lifted their drinks in agreement, and Kayla smiled, knowing she was exactly where she was meant to be.

A couple of days had passed, and it was Tank's birthday. He was 24 now, and Kayla was up early, excitement buzzing through her as she waddled around the house, her belly leading the way. She had everything set up just how she wanted—balloons, decorations, and a birthday breakfast waiting in the kitchen. But before any of that, she had something else planned for him.

Tank was knocked out, sprawled across the bed, deep in sleep. She had put it on him so good last night that he didn't stand a chance of staying awake. But now, she was ready to wake him up the right way.

Sliding into the bed, she had slipped into something sheer and lacy, something that barely covered her thick thighs and her swollen belly. She knew he was obsessed with how her body was changing, how her stomach had grown round and full with his baby. And today, she was about to give him a reason to really appreciate it.

Kayla eased back onto the bed, positioning herself between his legs. His dick was already stirring in his sleep, heavy and thick, like his body knew she was near. She smirked to herself before lowering her head, pressing soft kisses along his shaft before slipping him into her mouth.

Tank groaned low in his sleep, his body reacting before his mind caught up. His hips twitched, a slow grunt escaping his lips as she took him deeper, her tongue tracing every ridge. His fingers flexed against the sheets, his breath coming in heavy pants.

"Damn," he mumbled, still half-asleep.

Kayla hummed, letting the vibration roll over him as she sucked him slow and deep, her lips stretching around him. She rarely did this since being pregnant—he didn't want her straining herself—but today was special. Today, she was spoiling him.

His eyes cracked open, hooded and dark with lust as he looked down at her. She met his gaze, her lips still wrapped around his dick, her tongue swirling over the tip before she sank down again.

"Fuck," he groaned, his hand finding the back of her head.

Kayla pulled back slightly, her lips glistening. "Happy birthday," she murmured, her voice thick with heat before she took him back into her mouth.

Tank cursed under his breath, his grip tightening in her hair. "Ain't no way you startin' my day off like this."

She smirked around him, taking him deeper, her throat tightening just right.

"Oh, you tryin' me," he rasped, his hips rolling up to meet her mouth.

Kayla knew he was close—his breathing was ragged, his muscles tight. But she had plans. She wasn't swallowing. She had somewhere else for his cum to go.

Releasing him with a pop, she licked her lips, meeting his dazed, lust-drunk gaze. "I'm not done."

Tank smirked, his dick pulsing against his stomach. "Nah, baby, I see that now."

Kayla straddled him, letting his tip brush against her soaked entrance. She leaned forward, dragging her tongue over his lips before whispering, "Let me really get your birthday started."

Tank grabbed her hips, his grip tight. "You already know what to do."

And just like that, she sank down, both of them groaning as he filled her completely.

Tank gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into Kayla's hips as she took him in slow and deep, her walls stretching to accommodate every inch of him. She was so damn wet, so damn tight around him, that it had his vision going dark for a second.

"Shit, Kayla..." he groaned, his head falling back against the pillows.

Kayla rocked her hips, slow and deliberate, teasing him. "What, baby? Thought you could handle it?"

Tank's grip tightened, his control slipping. She was playing with him. And today? Today was not the day for all that.

"Keep fuckin' around," he warned, voice thick and deep with lust.

She smirked, placing her hands on his chest, her belly resting against his stomach as she rolled her hips in slow, deep circles. "I like fucking around."

Tank let out a dark chuckle, then, in a quick move, he flipped them over, pinning her beneath him. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, locking him in place as he rubbed the tip of his dick against her clit.

"Yeah? You like playin' games?" he murmured against her neck, his voice a low rasp.

Kayla shivered, her nails digging into his back. "Maybe..."

Tank didn't waste another second. He pushed inside her in one smooth, deep stroke, making her cry out as he filled her completely.

"Oh my God," she whimpered, her head pressing back into the pillows.

Tank smirked. "Nah, ain't no God in here right now. Just me."

He pulled out slowly, almost teasing, before thrusting back inside with a deep, punishing stroke. The sound of her wetness, of skin meeting skin, filled the room, mixing with their ragged breathing.

Kayla clung to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "You—mmh, fuck—you tryna make me pass out again?"

Tank chuckled darkly, gripping her thighs as he shifted his angle, hitting that spot that had her toes curling. "That's the goal, baby."

Kayla moaned, her body trembling beneath him as pleasure built up fast, intense, overwhelming.

Tank wasn't letting up. He wasn't taking it easy. It was his birthday, and she had started this—so she had to finish it. Her walls clenched around him, and he groaned, his strokes growing deeper, harder.

"You gon' cum for me, huh?" he murmured against her ear, biting her earlobe.

Kayla could barely form words, her body locking up, her legs tightening around his waist. "I—Tank—fuck!"

Her orgasm hit her hard, making her back arch as she shook beneath him. Tank cursed, feeling her squeeze him so damn tight, and with one last deep thrust, he buried himself inside her, spilling every drop of his release.

For a long moment, they just breathed, bodies slick with sweat, skin stuck together.

Kayla let out a breathless laugh, stroking his back. "Happy birthday, baby."

Tank smirked, pressing a lazy kiss to her lips. "Damn sure is."

He pulled out slowly, rolling onto his back, bringing her with him so she was laying on his chest. He rubbed her belly, his touch slow, gentle.

Kayla smiled, placing her hand over his. "Mama got you a cake, you know."

Tank chuckled, eyes closed, still catching his breath. "You the only damn cake I need."

Kayla rolled her eyes playfully, snuggling against him. "Well, you still gon' eat it."

Tank kissed the top of her head, his hand still resting on her belly. "Later. Right now, we restin'. You really put it on me this morning."

Kayla smirked. "And last and I'll do it again tonight."

Tank let out a deep, satisfied sigh, "yeah, I know you will."

Kayla rolled out of bed with her lace slip—the one that barely fit over her belly that was usher up like a shirt now. It clung to her curves, damn near see-through, but she didn't care. Today was Tank's day, and she wanted to make sure he felt it.

She padded out of the bedroom, moving through the house that was now decorated for his birthday. The hallway was lined with balloons, a big-ass Happy Birthday sign hung over the living room arch, and everything about it screamed celebration. She had put time and effort into this—because he was worth it.

Tank sat up, rubbing his eyes as he finally took in everything around him. His gaze landed on the decorations, then drifted to Kayla as she waddled back into the room with a tray full of food. His woman had cooked a hefty breakfast—eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits, smothered potatoes, and fresh fruit on the side. And the way she balanced that tray with her belly sticking out? Sexy as hell.

Tank exhaled, feeling something tighten in his chest. He wasn't used to this—wasn't used to someone going all out for him.

Kayla set the tray on the bed and slid in beside him. "Happy birthday, baby," she murmured, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips.

Tank just looked at her, that intense gaze locking onto hers.

Kayla tilted her head. "What?"

Tank shook his head slightly, his voice quiet but deep. "Ain't no woman ever did all this for me before."

Kayla softened, reaching up to run her fingers over his jaw. "Well, get used to it. I'ma always go all out for you."

Tank exhaled through his nose, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Each day that pass, I swear I fall deeper in love with you."

Kayla grinned, her heart swelling. "Good."

Tank grabbed the fork, but before he could take a bite, Kayla playfully snatched it from him. "Uh-uh," she said with a smirk. "It's your birthday. Let me feed you."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "You just want an excuse to baby me."

"Damn right," Kayla said, spearing a piece of bacon and bringing it to his lips.

Tank took the bite, humming as he chewed. "Mmh, you put your foot in this, baby."

Kayla laughed. "Of course, anything for you."

They fell into an easy rhythm—Kayla feeding him, Tank soaking up every bit of it. Between bites, he rubbed her belly, talking to their son. "TJ, your mama really the best. Ain't she?"

Kayla rolled her eyes playfully. "You just saying that 'cause I fed you."

"Nah," Tank said, looking at her seriously. "I mean that shit."

Kayla blushed, but before she could say anything, Tank grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "I love you," he murmured.

Kayla smiled, leaning in. "I love you too, birthday boy."

Kayla smoothed her hands over her belly, adjusting her lace slip before looking over at Tank. "Alright, birthday boy, you need to get up. Your family will be over soon, and they don't need to see us laid up in bed."

Tank smirked, stretching his arms behind his head. "They know I be fuckin' the shit outta you."

Kayla playfully rolled her eyes, fighting the smile tugging at her lips. "That's aside from the point. And your friends, Julian and David, are coming over too."

Tank's smirk deepened. He saw everything Kayla had done for him, from the decorations to breakfast to making sure all the right people were coming to celebrate him. His heart swelled.

"My fiancée makin' sure my birthday great," he murmured, reaching out to squeeze her thigh.

"Of course," Kayla said, rubbing his hand. "You deserve it."

Tank sat up, tossing the covers off. "Aight, but you gotta join me in the shower first."

Kayla raised an eyebrow, pretending to be skeptical. "And why is that?"

Tank leaned in, voice dropping to that deep, knowing tone. "'Cause I need round two before I can start my day."

Kayla let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Anything for you, birthday boy."

Tank watched as she rolled out of bed, her full belly leading the way as she waddled toward the bathroom. Damn, he loved seeing her waddle.

"Bring that ass over here," he called out, smirking as he followed right behind her, ready to start his birthday just right.