Tank sat beside Kayla, his large hand resting on her belly, feeling every kick, every roll their son made. His attention never wavered. He wasn't worried about the other couples in the class, wasn't interested in their conversations or their sideways glances. His whole world was right here, sitting beside him, glowing in that little two-piece yoga set that barely contained her round belly.

"Damn, lil' bit," he murmured close to her ear. "You just keep getting finer. Look at you... all belly and ass."

Kayla giggled, nudging him. "Tank, hush..." she whispered, though she loved the attention.

"What? I'm just sayin'..." His fingers splayed across her stomach as TJ kicked again, strong and insistent. Tank's grin widened. "That's my boy. He already know his daddy's touch."

The instructor clapped her hands, calling the class to attention. "Alright, mamas and partners, let's get into some breathing exercises!"

Tank followed along, helping Kayla ease into position. The instructor guided them through deep, controlled breaths, encouraging the mothers to focus on relaxation. But Tank wasn't focused on nothing but Kayla—how her full lips parted slightly as she exhaled, how her hands rested protectively over her belly, how damn beautiful she looked carrying his son.

"You doing good, baby," he murmured, brushing a curl from her face.

Kayla smiled, squeezing his hand. "Because you're here."

Tank kissed her temple, his lips lingering. "Ain't no place I'd rather be, Kayla."

Across the room, a few of the other women whispered amongst themselves, stealing glances at Tank. One of the men smirked, shaking his head. "Damn, bro, you making us look bad," he joked.

Tank didn't even look up. "That's 'cause y'all don't love y'all women like I love mine," he said, his voice smooth but firm.

Kayla blushed, biting her lip as she looked up at him. "Tank..."

"What?" he smirked. "Just speaking facts, lil' bit."

Tank adjusted behind Kayla, helping her shift into the next breathing position just as the instructor directed. His hands stayed firm on her waist, steadying her as she moved, and when she settled, he massaged her sides with slow, lazy strokes.

"You good, baby?" he asked, his voice low and just for her.

"Mmhmm," Kayla hummed, closing her eyes as she focused on the slow rise and fall of her belly.

Tank smirked. "You doin' real good, lil' bit. TJ gon' come out strong just like his mama."

As the instructor demonstrated another movement, Tank caught movement from the side—one of the men across the room sneaking a glance at Kayla. His jaw flexed as his arm tightened slightly around her waist. The dude's eyes darted away fast, but Tank wasn't letting it slide. He met the man's gaze head-on and gave him a look so sharp, so direct, that the man suddenly found the floor real interesting.

"Eyes off her, nigga," Tank muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard.

The tension crackled for a second, and the man's pregnant girlfriend must've noticed too because she turned to him with a sharp whisper. "Really, Marcus? You got a whole pregnant girlfriend right here, and you looking at somebody else?"

Marcus stammered, trying to defend himself, but it was too late—his girl wasn't letting it slide. Tank smirked, satisfied, then turned his attention back to Kayla like nothing happened.

Meanwhile, some of the women in class had their own eyes on Tank. They might not have said anything out loud, but their subtle glances and stolen peeks didn't go unnoticed. Tank was fine as hell, built like a linebacker, and that deep Mississippi twang of his? That was enough to make a woman's mind wander. But none of them dared to overstep. The way he handled Kayla, the way he spoke to her, touched her, made it clear—he was all hers.

Kayla peeked up at him, already sensing something. "What happened?" she whispered.

"Nothing you gotta worry about, baby," Tank murmured, kissing her temple. "Just making sure niggas stay in they place."

Kayla rolled her eyes playfully, but inside, she loved it. She loved how protective he was, how territorial he got when it came to her. It was a reminder—she belonged to Tank, and he damn sure belonged to her.

The class continued, with the instructor guiding them through the final breathing exercises. Tank stayed close behind Kayla, his hands steady on her hips, supporting her through each movement.

When the class finally wrapped up, Kayla stretched her arms over her head, sighing in relief.

"You hungry, baby?" Tank asked, already knowing the answer.

Kayla barely had time to nod before her stomach growled loudly, and right on cue, TJ kicked.

"Damn, lil' man greedy just like his mama," Tank teased, rubbing Kayla's belly.

"I want some deep-fried chicken wings," Kayla moaned, her cravings hitting hard. "Like some greasy chicken wings. I need the crunch, I need the flavor—I need it all, Tank."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "You and TJ both gon' have me running all over town for some damn chicken."

"Please, baby?" Kayla pouted, batting her lashes at him.

Tank smirked, already knowing there wasn't a damn thing he could deny her. "Aight, I know a spot—but we gotta go to Bankhead."

Kayla raised a brow. "Bankhead?"

"Yeah, we gotta go to Happy Wingz," Tank said. "Ain't no better wings in the city. They got that real hood classic grease. The kind that soak through the damn bag before you even get home."

Kayla groaned dramatically. "That's exactly what I need!"

Tank shook his head as he led her out of the class, one hand gripping hers, the other resting protectively on her lower back. "Come on, lil' bit. Let's get you and my son that chicken."

Tank pulled up to Happy Wingz, a little hole-in-the-wall spot in Bankhead that had the best deep-fried chicken in the city. The smell of grease, seasoned batter, and lemon pepper hit them as soon as they stepped inside. Kayla inhaled deeply, already damn near drooling.

"Damn, this smell so good," she moaned, rubbing her belly.

Tank smirked as he led her to the counter, letting her order whatever she wanted. She damn near cleaned out the menu—ten-piece lemon pepper wings, extra crispy, with fries, fried okra, and a large sweet tea.

"You sure that's enough, baby?" Tank teased as he pulled out some cash.

Kayla shot him a look. "I will hurt you if you make me feel bad about eating right now."

"Ain't nobody making you feel bad, baby," he chuckled, handing the cashier the money. "Eat as much as you want. You feeding my son too."

They found a booth in the back, and when the food came out, Kayla nearly lost it. She took the first bite of a lemon pepper wing, her eyes fluttering shut as she moaned like she was getting the best dick of her life.

"Oh my God..." she groaned, her head tilting back as she chewed. "This is exactly what I needed."

Tank watched her, completely amused but also turned on because damn—she really was something else.

"You gon' be moanin' like that over some chicken?" he asked, leaning on the table with a smirk.

"This ain't just chicken, Tank," Kayla said, taking another bite, licking her fingers slowly. "This is a spiritual experience."

Tank chuckled, shaking his head. "Go 'head and enjoy, lil' bit."

Kayla damn sure did. She dipped her fries in ranch, alternating between that and the okra, taking deep, satisfied breaths in between bites. Every few minutes, she rubbed her belly, sighing as TJ kicked in approval.

"You like this, huh, son?" Tank murmured, resting his hand on her belly as he ate his own food.

"He love it," Kayla smiled, taking a long sip of her tea. "And I do too."

Tank just sat back, watching her with admiration. He loved seeing her happy, glowing, and full. She looked good, felt good, and he was going to make sure she stayed like that. Kayla was in pure bliss, licking the last bit of lemon pepper seasoning off her fingers as she sighed deeply.

"That hit the spot," she murmured, leaning back against the booth, rubbing slow circles over her belly.

Tank smirked, as he wiped her lips. "Greedy self," he teased.

Kayla side-eyed him,. "I'm eating for two."

"You was eating like you feeding a whole football team," Tank joked, but he was just happy she was happy.

Kayla rolled her eyes playfully and let out a soft belch, covering her mouth. "Excuse me."

"Damn, girl, you full full," Tank chuckled, leaning in to rub her belly.

"TJ full too," she giggled, grabbing his hand and pressing it against her stomach. "You feel that?"

Tank nodded as he felt their son kick against his palm. That shit always did something to him. Made everything feel real.

"Lil' man know his mama just ate good," Tank murmured, rubbing slow circles over her belly. "He happy."

Kayla smiled, her eyes soft as she watched him. "He love you so much already."

"I love him more," Tank said, kissing her belly before glancing up at her. "And I love you."

Kayla melted, cupping his face. "I love you more, big boy."

Tank smirked. "You keep showing me all this love, I might just have to put another one in you after TJ drop."

Kayla gasped dramatically. "Tank!"

"What?" he grinned, rubbing her thigh under the table. "You already know I ain't playing."

"Let me at least have this one first!" Kayla laughed, shaking her head. "You just greedy."

"Nah, you the greedy one," Tank teased, tapping her empty plate. "Damn near licked the bones clean."

Kayla threw a fry at him, making him laugh. "Let's go before I order more."

Tank stood up, pulling her to her feet. "Come on, lil' bit. We'll get you some dessert on the way home."

"Ooooh, you speaking my language," Kayla grinned, wrapping her arms around his waist as they walked out.

Tank just smiled, knowing that as long as she was happy, he was good.

Tank led Kayla to the truck, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. The night air was warm, the scent of fried food still lingering as they strolled through the parking lot. Kayla's belly was full, and her body was relaxed, but she wasn't ready to go home just yet.

"Tank, let's get some ice cream," she said, rubbing her belly. "TJ needs something sweet now."

Tank chuckled, unlocking the truck and helping her inside. "Lil' man got a whole menu planned, huh?"

"Just like his daddy," Kayla smirked.

Tank slid into the driver's seat, shaking his head with a grin. "Alright, where you tryna go?"

"Somewhere with the good soft serve," she said, stretching in her seat. "Ooooh, like that place we went to before. The one with the fresh waffle cones?"

Tank nodded, pulling out of the parking lot. "I got you."

The drive was peaceful, the streetlights casting a soft glow over them. Tank drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on Kayla's thigh, rubbing gentle circles over her skin.

"I love nights like this," she murmured, glancing at him.

"Me too," Tank agreed. "Just me, you, and lil' man, cruising."

When they pulled up to the ice cream spot, Kayla was practically bouncing in her seat. "I'ma get a double scoop," she announced, already craving the creamy sweetness.

Tank smirked, shaking his head. "You lucky you pregnant, 'cause your lil' greedy ass been eating all damn day."

"And you love it," Kayla teased, hopping out of the truck with his help.

Tank ordered for them, getting her a double scoop of vanilla and caramel swirl in a fresh waffle cone while he kept it simple with cookies and cream. They sat outside on one of the benches, Kayla humming happily as she took her first bite.

"Mmm," she moaned softly, closing her eyes. "This is so good."

Tank smirked. "I swear you moan over food more than you moan for me."

Kayla licked her cone slowly, giving him a sultry look. "I moan way louder for you, trust me."

Tank's jaw flexed, his grip tightening around his cup. "Don't start, Kayla."

"I'm just saying," she teased, biting into her cone.

Tank exhaled through his nose, shifting in his seat. "Eat your damn ice cream before I take you home and really make you moan."

Kayla giggled, loving how easy it was to get under his skin. "Okay, okay, I'll behave."

They finished their ice cream, laughing and talking, enjoying the simple moment. When they got back in the truck, Kayla yawned, leaning into Tank's side.

"Sleepy now?" he asked, rubbing her arm.

"Mmhmm," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy. "Take me home, baby."

"I got you, lil' bit," he said softly, kissing the top of her head before pulling off, taking his girl and their son home where they belonged.

The morning sun bathed the orchard in a golden glow as Kayla moved between the trees, carefully plucking ripe apples from the branches. The once-small shrubs had grown into strong, thriving trees, and she couldn't be more proud. She cradled a few apples in her hands, inhaling their crisp, sweet scent.

Her old T-shirt barely covered her round belly, stretching over the curve of her stomach, while her capris hugged her thick thighs and ass just right. She wasn't thinking about how she looked, just focused on the peacefulness of the morning and the joy of harvesting her own fruit.

From a distance, Tank leaned against his truck, mid-conversation with Julian, but his eyes were locked on Kayla. His lips parted slightly as he watched her move, her body swaying with each step, the sun catching in her curls as she reached up to grab another apple.

"Nigga, you listening?" Julian chuckled, shaking his head.

"Huh?" Tank blinked, snapping out of it.

"You so damn obsessed," Julian teased. "Every time you see that girl, it's like the first time. You gon' follow her in there and help her bake, too?"

Tank smirked. "Hell yeah, if she let me. My baby look good as hell right now."

Julian laughed, dapping him up before heading off. Meanwhile, Sherri had joined Kayla under the shade of one of the largest apple trees, a woven basket in hand.

"These trees really came a long way," Sherri said, inspecting one of the apples Kayla had picked. "I remember when you first planted 'em."

Kayla beamed. "I know! It feels so good seeing them actually producing."

Sherri nodded approvingly. "And now, we gon' turn 'em into some pies. You up for some bakin' today?"

"Of course!" Kayla grinned. "I love making pies with you."

Tank strolled over then, his gaze still fixated on Kayla as she reached for another apple.

"Y'all need some help?" he offered, stepping closer.

"Nah, we got it," Sherri replied, but Kayla smirked knowingly.

"You just tryna be nosy," she teased, tossing him an apple.

Tank caught it with ease, taking a loud bite, juice dripping down his fingers. "Nosy? Nah, just making sure y'all don't eat all the good apples before I get a slice."

Sherri playfully swatted his arm. "Boy, go on somewhere. Let us get to work."

Kayla and Sherri continued to pick apples, their baskets growing heavier with each handful of ripe fruit they collected. Tank stood nearby, pretending to oversee them, but his focus was locked on Kayla. She knew it, too, smirking to herself as she reached up for another apple, her shirt lifting just enough to show the curve of her belly.

She had been teasing him all morning—little glances, a bite of her lip when Sherri wasn't looking, and now, the subtle sway of her hips as she moved closer to where he stood.

Tank clenched his jaw, trying to keep his cool, but she wasn't making it easy.

He was about to step away before he did something reckless, but Sherri called out, "Tank, come hold this basket. It's getting heavy."

Tank exhaled sharply before walking over. "Yes, ma'am," he muttered, positioning himself next to Kayla as Sherri adjusted the fruit.

Kayla took the opportunity to press against him just enough for him to feel the softness of her ass against his thigh. She smirked when she heard his breath hitch.

"You gon' behave?" Tank muttered low enough for only her to hear.

"Nope," Kayla whispered back, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Tank gripped the basket with one hand and, with the other, grabbed a handful of her ass, giving it a firm squeeze. Kayla barely held back a moan, but her lips parted just enough for a soft sound to slip out.

"Hmm," she hummed, keeping her voice quiet, her fingers trailing along his waistband before palming him through his jeans.

Tank inhaled sharply. "You tryna start some shit, huh?" he whispered, eyes darkening.

"Maybe," Kayla teased, giving him one last squeeze before stepping away like nothing happened.

Tank clenched his jaw, adjusting himself subtly before shifting the basket in his arms. Kayla just smirked to herself, knowing exactly what she was doing.

Sherri, completely unaware, kept picking apples, talking about how excited she was to bake pies. Meanwhile, Tank was trying to keep himself together because if Kayla didn't stop playing, he was liable to take her right there in the damn orchard.

Kayla kept at it, sneaking little touches, brushing against Tank every chance she got, her smirk growing each time she caught the slight twitch of his jaw or the way his grip tightened on the basket. He was trying to play it cool, but she knew better—Tank was wound up, and she loved every second of it.

She reached for another apple, making a show of stretching her arms above her head, her shirt lifting just enough to expose more of her belly and the curve of her waist. When she lowered back down, she let her ass press against Tank's thigh again, slow and intentional.

"Keep playin'," Tank muttered under his breath, his voice thick with warning.

Kayla just giggled softly, moving to grab another apple. This time, when she turned, her chest brushed against his arm, her lips dangerously close to his ear. "I don't know what you mean," she whispered innocently.

Tank exhaled, gripping the basket tighter, his patience hanging by a thread.

Meanwhile, Sherri was still focused on picking apples, humming to herself as she inspected the fruit. "Alright now," she finally said, looking at their full baskets. "I think we got enough. Let's get these inside before the sun gets too hot."

Tank let out a slow breath, relieved to finally step away before Kayla pushed him over the edge. He shifted the basket in his arms, shooting Kayla a knowing look as Sherri led the way back toward the house.

Kayla smirked, knowing she had Tank exactly where she wanted him. And the way he was looking at her? She knew as soon as they got a moment alone, she was in trouble.

As soon as they stepped inside, the kids rushed toward Kayla, their little hands already reaching for her belly. Taylor and Freddie were the first ones to press their palms against the stretched fabric of her shirt, giggling when TJ responded with a strong kick.

"He moved!" Taylor squealed, eyes wide with excitement.

"Told y'all," Freddie said matter-of-factly, nodding like she had all the knowledge in the world. "TJ always moves when we talk to him."

Tre stood nearby, arms crossed, but his grin gave away his amusement. "That's 'cause he knows we're his cousins. It's kinda cool," he admitted, stepping up to feel Kayla's belly too.

Kayla smiled warmly, resting her hands over the little ones' as TJ continued to move. "He definitely knows y'all. He loves all this attention," she said, laughing softly.

Tank stood back, watching the scene unfold with a proud smirk. His heart swelled at the sight of his nieces and nephews bonding with TJ before he was even born. This was what he wanted—family, love, and legacy.

Sherri wiped her hands on her apron, smiling at the interaction. "Lord, this baby ain't even here yet, and he already got a fan club," she chuckled. "Gonna be spoiled rotten just like the rest of 'em."

"That's 'cause he's mine," Tank said, stepping beside Kayla and wrapping an arm around her waist. "Ain't no way my son ain't gon' be loved on."

Kayla leaned into him, rubbing her belly. "He's already got the best village," she said softly, looking around at the family that had embraced her as one of their own.

"Damn right," Tank murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, already thinking about the day he'd finally have his son in his arms.

"Alright, lovebirds, let's get this apple pie and ice cream started." Sherri announced.

The kids squealed with excitement at the mention of apple pie and homemade vanilla ice cream. Their little hands, once focused on Kayla's belly, were now clapping together in pure joy.

"Pie and ice cream!" Taylor cheered, bouncing on her toes.

"Grandma AND Auntie Kayla baking?" Freddie gasped dramatically, grabbing Tre's arm like she just heard the best news in the world. "That's my favorite!"

Tre smirked but nodded. "Yeah, Auntie Kay always makes the best desserts."

Tank chuckled as he watched the kids hype themselves up. He wasn't surprised. Kayla's baking had become legendary in the family. It didn't matter what she made—cookies, brownies, cakes, or pies—the kids (and the grown folks too) were always at their doorstep, hoping to sneak a bite.

"Y'all gon' let us bake first before y'all start plotting on seconds?" Kayla teased, resting a hand on her hip.

"Nope," Taylor said, shaking her head before running off toward the kitchen.

Sherri laughed, motioning for Kayla to follow. "Come on, baby, let's get started before they lose their minds."

Kayla gave Tank a quick peck on the cheek before waddling off behind his mother, the kids trailing close behind like little shadows.

Tank watched them disappear into the kitchen, shaking his head with a smirk. He already knew the second that pie came out of the oven, he was gonna have to fight those kids for a slice.

Tank leaned against the doorway, listening to the laughter spilling from the kitchen. The sound of little feet pattering across the tile, the clatter of mixing bowls, and Kayla's sweet voice guiding the toddlers through their "helping" warmed his heart.

"Alright, baby chefs," Kayla said, rolling up her sleeves. "Who wants to help mix the cinnamon and sugar?"

"Me! Me!" Taylor and Freddie both jumped up and down, their little hands reaching for the bowl.

"Tre, you wanna help too?" Sherri asked as she peeled apples with the precision of someone who'd done this for decades.

Tre shrugged, acting too cool for the moment, but when Kayla turned those soft brown eyes on him, he gave in. "Yeah, I guess."

"Good," Kayla grinned, handing him a spoon. "You're in charge of mixing everything together. Make sure it's perfect."

Tank chuckled at how effortlessly she got them to listen. She had them all wrapped around her finger, and he knew once TJ got here, it was only going to get worse. That boy was gonna be spoiled rotten.

He finally stepped into the kitchen, unable to resist getting closer. "Y'all gon' leave me out?" he asked, sliding up behind Kayla and resting a hand on her belly.

"You wanna help, big boy?" Kayla teased, leaning back into him.

"Mmhmm," Tank murmured, pressing a soft kiss against her neck before reaching for an apple slice.

Sherri smacked his hand with the back of a spoon. "Boy, don't start."

The kids giggled as Tank held his hands up in surrender. "Aight, aight, I'll wait."

Kayla smirked, knowing good and well he wasn't going to wait long. Once that pie came out of the oven, she already knew Tank would be the first one sneaking a slice.