As the pie baked in the oven, the rich scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter filled the kitchen, making everyone's stomachs rumble. The toddlers sat eagerly at the counter, their little hands resting under their chins as they watched the oven like it would magically make time move faster.

Kayla wiped flour off her hands and leaned against the counter, rubbing her belly absentmindedly. "It smells so good in here," she murmured, tilting her head back.

"That's 'cause y'all got the best baker in the house," Sherri praised, checking on the ice cream mixture. "Now, Tank, since you wanna be sneaky, you can help churn this ice cream."

Tank groaned but stepped up anyway, knowing better than to argue with his mama. "Man, y'all putting me to work."

"It's building character, Tanky," Kayla teased, her eyes twinkling.

Tank cut her a look, smirking. "Keep playin', Lil Bit."

The kids giggled as Tank started turning the crank on the old-fashioned ice cream maker, his biceps flexing with every movement. Kayla didn't miss it—neither did the other women in the kitchen.

"Ooooh, Uncle Tank strong," Freddie giggled, pointing at his arms.

"He better be," Kayla murmured under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

Tank shot her a look that promised she was in for it later.

Finally, after what felt like forever to the little ones, the pie was golden brown and bubbling, and the ice cream had set to perfection. Sherri cut generous slices, topping them with big scoops of the creamy homemade vanilla.

"Alright now, blow on it first," Kayla warned as she helped Freddie with her spoon.

Tank didn't listen. He went straight in for a bite, hissing when the hot filling burned his tongue. "Shit—"

"Tank!" Sherri snapped.

"My bad!" He quickly corrected himself. "Shoot."

Kayla shook her head, laughing as she handed him a glass of milk. "That's what you get for being greedy."

Tank took a big gulp before looking at her with an exaggerated pout. "But it's so damn good, baby."

The kids giggled, completely unaware of the tension simmering between their auntie and uncle.

"Mhmm," Kayla hummed, licking a bit of filling from her thumb. "I know."

Tank clenched his jaw. This woman was gon' be the death of him.

Tank's siblings and in-laws entered the house, all dashing straight to the kitchen. Terrance Sr. had texted everyone in the group chat that Kayla baked, and that was all it took. Everybody loved her cooking and baking.

"I see why he's so obsessed with her," Frank mumbled to Fred, who nodded in agreement.

Terrance Jr. laughed. "That's why his horny ass got her pregnant immediately."

Kayla sat back, enjoying her big slice of pie while TJ kicked happily in her belly. Tanya and Tamera argued over the last piece, but Kayla was too into her food to care.

Tank was enjoying his own big slice when Kayla suddenly choked. She grabbed her chest, coughing hard as her eyes watered.

Tank immediately put his plate down and reached for her. "Breathe, Lil Bit," he said, patting her back.

Kayla coughed a few more times before reaching for her milk, taking small sips as she rubbed her belly. "TJ, chill!" she huffed. "I'm eating, greedy boy!"

Fred chuckled. "That's Tank's son, alright. Big appetite already."

"That boy gon' come out hungry as hell," Terrance Jr. joked. "Probably be mad if the milk don't flow fast enough."

"Or if it ain't deep-fried," Tamera teased, smirking as she shoved the last bite of pie into her mouth.

Tank smirked, rubbing Kayla's belly as TJ delivered another strong kick against his palm. "My boy know what he want," he said proudly. "Just like his daddy."

Kayla rolled her eyes but smiled, knowing he wasn't lying. "Y'all better remember this when he's born and waking y'all up crying for food. Ain't gon' be just me dealing with his hungry behind."

"That's right," Sherri chimed in, already plotting how she was going to spoil her grandson. "And he gon' be at my house, so I'ma make sure he eat good."

"Speaking of eating good—" Tanya started, only to stop short when she looked down at the empty pie dish. Her eyes narrowed. "Tamera, you did not just finish that last piece."

Tamera grinned unapologetically, licking her fork. "I did. And it was delicious."

Tanya groaned, but Tank just laughed, wrapping an arm around Kayla's waist and pulling her close.

"Don't worry, baby," he murmured. "I'll get you another slice."

Kayla smirked. "You better hurry before TJ kicks me in the ribs this time."

A couple of weeks later, it was the night before Kayla and Tank's baby shower. Kayla was nearing eight months pregnant, and she felt it. Her belly was huge, TJ was moving nonstop, and her feet were swollen. But despite it all, she was excited.

Adonis and Aunt Gwen had arrived earlier in the day, and now they were all sitting in the living room catching up. Adonis was grinning ear to ear as he hugged his sister, but his face turned a little serious as he spoke.

"Ma been lookin' real sad since Vince got sentenced," he told her. "And since you don't answer her calls..."

Kayla rolled her eyes. "She blocked and she ain't getting unblocked no time soon."

Gwen smirked, nodding in approval. "Good. I'm proud of you for putting your foot down."

Adonis shifted, clearly trying to keep the conversation light. "Janay jealous too," he added. "She dating Josh now."

Kayla shrugged, completely unbothered. "Good for her. As long as she's happy, I could care less. I'm about to have TJ, and my fiancé is the love of my life." She smiled, rubbing her belly.

Tank, who was sitting beside her, smirked. He loved when Kayla bragged about him. It made him feel good—real good. She never bragged about his money, never cared about the wealth he came from. She always bragged about him—his personality, his love, and, of course, how fine she thought he was.

Tank leaned forward, grabbing her foot and gently massaging it. He could feel how swollen they were, but he didn't care. He'd rub them all night if she needed him to.

"You excited for tomorrow, Lil Bit?" he asked, looking up at her.

Kayla smiled through a soft moan as he worked out a knot in her foot. "I can't wait," she admitted. "I just know it's gonna be perfect."

Tank nodded, completely agreeing. "Damn right it is." He glanced at her belly and smirked. "TJ, you ready for yo' party, boy?"

As if in response, TJ kicked hard, making Kayla gasp.

Gwen laughed. "That's a yes if I ever seen one."

Adonis grinned. "He gon' be bad."

Tank shook his head, grinning. "Nah, he just ready to be spoiled. And trust me, I'ma make sure my boy and his mama have everything they want."

Kayla blushed, feeling the love radiating off Tank. He meant every word. And that's why she couldn't wait to marry him.

Kayla stretched her legs across Tank's lap, enjoying the way his strong hands massaged her swollen feet. The love between them was undeniable, and even Adonis and Gwen couldn't ignore it.

Adonis shook his head, smirking. "Damn, sis. I ain't never seen you act like this over nobody before."

Kayla smiled, completely unashamed. "That's 'cause I ain't never had nobody like him before."

Tank smirked, looking up at her with pride. "Damn right."

Gwen chuckled. "Well, I'll say this, Kayla—you glowing, baby. I know pregnancy do that to women, but this different. You happy-happy."

Kayla nodded, rubbing her belly. "I am. I got everything I ever wanted right here."

Tank pulled her foot to his lips, pressing a kiss to her ankle. "And I'ma keep you happy for the rest of your life, Lil Bit."

Adonis made a face. "Aight, man. Y'all do that lovey-dovey shit when I ain't here."

Everybody laughed, including Tank. But he wasn't ashamed at all—he wanted everybody to know just how much he loved Kayla.

A little while later, Kayla started yawning, and Tank knew it was time for her to rest. He stood up, stretching. "Aight, we gon' head to bed. Long day tomorrow."

Adonis got up too. "Yeah, I'ma turn in too. Auntie Gwen, you good?"

Gwen nodded. "I'm fine, baby. I'ma sit up for a little bit." She looked over at Kayla. "Get some rest, sugar. Tomorrow gon' be beautiful."

Kayla smiled, feeling all the love surrounding her. "Goodnight, y'all."

Tank helped her up, keeping his hands on her as they made their way to the bedroom. As soon as they got inside, he pulled off her maternity dress, leaving her in just her panties and bra.

"You need anything before bed?" he asked softly, his hands running down her sides.

Kayla shook her head, stepping closer to him. "Just you."

Tank smirked, knowing exactly what that meant. "Say less."

He pulled her into bed, wrapping his arms around her from behind. He rubbed her belly, feeling TJ move beneath his palm.

"I love you," he whispered against her neck.

Kayla smiled, placing her hand over his. "I love you more, Tanky."

Tank grinned, holding her close. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, but for now, all that mattered was this moment, wrapped up with the love of his life.

The next day arrived, and the baby shower was nothing short of glamorous. Sherri had pulled out all the stops, renting out an elegant event hall in Atlanta that was decorated to perfection. The theme was Southern Royalty, blending Kayla's and Tank's roots with a luxurious touch. Gold and cream drapes hung from the ceilings, and the tables were adorned with lush white roses and hints of baby blue, celebrating baby TJ's upcoming arrival.

A grand "Welcome Baby TJ" sign stood at the entrance, decorated with gold balloons and baby blocks. A custom-made throne chair sat at the front for Kayla, fit for the queen she was, and a matching chair was right beside hers for Tank.

Kayla stepped into the venue, and all eyes turned to her. She looked stunning in a fitted baby blue dress that hugged her belly perfectly, showing off her curves. Her hair was styled in voluminous curls, and her makeup was flawless. She was glowing—beautiful, happy, and undeniably in love.

Tank stood right beside her, dressed in a crisp white button-down and tailored slacks, looking every bit like the proud father he was. He kept his hand protectively on the small of her back, his eyes scanning the room as people began to greet them.

"Y'all really did this," Kayla said, looking around in awe.

Sherri beamed with pride. "Nothing but the best for my grandbaby and my daughter."

Kayla's heart swelled. Every time Sherri called her that, it felt even more real. She smiled and hugged her. "Thank you, Mama."

Adonis and Gwen had arrived early, standing nearby as family and friends began to pour in. The event was filled with love, laughter, and warmth. Tank's siblings and their spouses were already seated at a table, cracking jokes and drinking from their personalized champagne flutes. Julian and David dapped Tank up as soon as they saw him, already teasing him about being a daddy.

"You ready for those sleepless nights, bro?" Julian smirked.

Tank smirked, glancing at Kayla. "Man, I been ready."

David laughed. "I bet. You been treating her like she already got two babies at home with the way you don't let her lift a damn finger."

"'Cause that's my job," Tank said simply. "She carrying my son, she deserve to be spoiled."

Julian and David both shook their heads, laughing. "Yeah, you gone, bruh."

Tank didn't care. He was gone—gone in love, gone in fatherhood, gone in his little family. And he wouldn't change a thing.

Meanwhile, Kayla made her way to her throne chair, greeted by friends and family who couldn't stop complimenting her. Her aunt Gwen smiled proudly. "You look beautiful, baby."

Kayla sat down gracefully, rubbing her belly as TJ kicked. "Thank you, Auntie."

Sherri clapped her hands. "Alright, let's get this party started!"

The baby shower officially kicked off with food, games, and nonstop laughter. Plates of fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, meatballs, and peach cobbler were passed around as everyone enjoyed the celebration.

The first game was "Guess the Baby's Weight," and Tank confidently put down a number. "Man, my boy solid, he gone be at least eight pounds."

Kayla cut her eyes at him. "You want me to suffer, huh?"

Everybody laughed, but Tank just kissed her cheek. "You got this, lil' bit."

Throughout the event, Tank barely took his eyes off Kayla. Every time she laughed, smiled, or rubbed her belly, he felt his love for her deepen.

This was his family. His woman. His son on the way.

And he couldn't wait for the next chapter of their lives together.

The game of Guess the Baby's Weight continued, and the room buzzed with excitement as everyone placed their bets.

"That baby at least nine pounds already," Tamera said, writing down her guess with confidence.

"Nine? That boy ten easy," Terrance Jr. argued, shaking his head.

Kayla groaned dramatically, rubbing her belly. "Can y'all stop making my child a linebacker?"

Everyone laughed, but the truth was, TJ was a big baby. Kayla was petite, yet her belly was huge, and at only eight months, she looked like she was ready to pop any day now. Every doctor's visit confirmed what she already knew—TJ was growing at a rapid rate.

"I know he's big," Kayla said, shaking her head as she leaned back in her throne chair. "I'm just thankful my stretch marks ain't crazy because this little boy got me stretched to the max."

Tank smirked, rubbing her belly with a deep chuckle. "That's 'cause he sittin' just like his daddy. Solid."

"Oh Lord," Gwen teased, fanning herself. "We do not need another Tank walkin' 'round here that got women going crazy."

Tank just grinned, proudly sipping his drink.

Meanwhile, Tanya was busy gathering everyone's guesses. "Alright, we got everything from seven pounds, five ounces to eleven pounds, two ounces—y'all really got no faith in this being an average baby, huh?"

"Have you seen Kayla?" Julian laughed. "She all belly!"

"Right," Fred added. "That stomach screams big baby."

Kayla rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her drink. "I know, trust me. He in here like he own the place."

TJ kicked hard, and Kayla gasped.

"Oop! There he go," Tamera laughed, reaching out to feel.

"He know we talkin' 'bout him," Kayla muttered.

Tank shook his head, his hand still on her belly. "Boy, you don't pay no rent and still takin' up all this space."

The room erupted into laughter.

As the games continued, Kayla couldn't help but smile. She felt so much love in this room. From her family, Tank's family, their friends—everyone was here to celebrate their baby boy.

Tank looked over at her, admiring her glow.

"You good, lil' bit?" he asked softly, just for her to hear.

Kayla smiled up at him. "More than good."

And she meant that.

The next game was Down the Hatch, and Tank was determined to win. His competitive nature kicked in hard, and he was not about to let anyone outdrink him—even if it was just baby bottles filled with juice.

His uncles—Gene, Robert, Leon, and Charles—were already cracking up as they saw how serious he was.

"Boy, you act like this the damn Olympics," Uncle Leon chuckled, shaking his head.

"Right," Uncle Charles added, sipping his real drink. "You ain't never let nobody beat you at nothin', huh?"

Tank just smirked, rolling his shoulders like he was getting ready for a heavyweight match.

His aunties—Girly, Brenda, and Denise—were laughing at him, too.

"Look at 'im, actin' like this a real competition," Auntie Girly teased.

"You know he get that from his daddy," Auntie Brenda added, nudging Terrance Sr.

"Hey now, don't drag me into this," Terrance Sr. laughed, though he was the same way.

Tank's cousins—Coco, Reggie, Marcus, and LaToya—were hyping him up.

"Aight, Tank, don't let me down now," Reggie smirked, recording on his phone.

Coco laughed, shaking her head. "You know Tank ain't losing to nobody, especially not in front of Kayla."

Kayla sat back in her throne chair, rubbing her belly, very entertained. "He so extra."

Julian and David sat on either side of Tank, also in the game, but Tank wasn't worried about them. His only mission was to win.

The host handed out the baby bottles filled with apple juice. "Alright, y'all know the rules! First person to finish the bottle completely wins. No squeezing, no cheating, just straight drinking. On my count—three...two...one...go!"

Tank immediately latched onto the bottle and started chugging.

The room erupted into laughter as grown men aggressively sucked down apple juice like their lives depended on it.

Uncle Gene was doubled over laughing. "Boy, y'all look crazy right now!"

Julian was struggling, eyes watering as he tried to suck the juice down. "Man, this harder than it look!"

David was focused, but Tank was already ahead.

Kayla was dying laughing. "Tank, why you drinking like your life depend on it?!"

Tank ignored everyone, focused on winning. He had one goal—to prove he was not losing at his own baby shower.

His brothers-in-law—Fred and Frank—were cheering but also talking plenty of shit.

"You know he ain't losing in front of Kayla," Fred teased.

"Right," Frank laughed. "That man tryna impress his woman all over again."

Tank finished first, slamming his empty bottle on the table and throwing his hands up like he just won the championship.

"LET'S GOOOOO!" he shouted, grinning.

The room erupted into laughter, clapping and cheering.

Kayla shook her head, laughing as TJ kicked. "Your daddy is ridiculous," she murmured, rubbing her belly.

Tank stood up, grabbing his bottle like a trophy. "Don't ever play with me!"

Julian was still sucking on his bottle, finally giving up. "Man, fuck this game!"

David wiped his mouth, shaking his head. "I ain't never work that hard for no damn apple juice in my life."

Uncle Robert was crying laughing. "Boy, y'all done made my whole night!"

Tank walked over to Kayla, leaning down to kiss her. "I did that for you."

Kayla smirked, looking up at him. "You did that 'cause you don't know how to lose."

Tank just grinned. "That too."

The next game was Baby Scavenger Hunt, and the whole family got in on the action—including both sets of Tank's grandparents.

On his daddy's side were Grandpa Ernest and Grandma Hattie, an old-school Mississippi couple who didn't play about family or tradition. Grandpa Ernest was a quiet man with a deep voice that demanded respect, while Grandma Hattie was the one who ran the household—sharp-tongued, loving, and nosy as hell.

On his mama's side were Grandpa Willie and Grandma Ruth, both still sharp despite their age. Grandpa Willie was a retired pastor who still preached even when he wasn't in church, and Grandma Ruth was one of the best cooks in the family—always making sure everybody was fed before they left her house.

They all teamed up with different groups, ready to compete.

Adonis, however, was determined to win, and Kayla was hyped for her little brother.

"Come on, Adonis!" she clapped, sitting in her throne chair, rubbing her belly. "Don't let them play with you!"

Tank smirked, rolling his shoulders like he was getting ready for a football game. "Ain't no way I'm losing—not at my baby shower."

"Tank, let the boy win!" Kayla teased.

"Nahhh," Tank drawled, shaking his head. "He gotta earn that."

Sherri and Terrance Sr.—were playing.

"Aight, y'all know the rules!" the host announced. "Y'all gotta find all the baby items on this list and bring 'em back fast as you can. First person back with all their items wins. No fighting, no cheating, and no knocking over the decorations! On my count—three...two...one...go!"

And just like that, chaos erupted.

Tank took off like he was in the NFL Combine.

Adonis sprinted straight to the gift table, snatching up a baby bib before moving to the next item.

Fred and Frank worked as a team, pushing each other out the way.

"Move, boy, I saw that first!" Fred shouted.

"Hell nah!" Frank shot back, yanking a pacifier out of Fred's hand.

The grandmamas were hustling too.

Grandma Ruth hip-checked Uncle Robert out of the way. "Boy, move! I got grandbabies to win for!"

Grandma Hattie snatched up a tiny onesie, shaking her head at how serious everybody was. "Y'all actin' like y'all in a war zone!"

Grandpa Ernest and Grandpa Willie stayed back, laughing at the chaos.

"Look at them fools," Grandpa Willie chuckled, sipping his sweet tea. "All this over some baby toys."

"Bet you five dollars Hattie wins," Grandpa Ernest smirked.

"Bet," Grandpa Willie grinned, shaking on it.

Meanwhile, Tank was flying through the game, snatching up items left and right.

Adonis wasn't backing down either. "I'm right behind you, Tank!"

"Boy, you better keep up!" Tank called back, scooping up a baby bottle.

Kayla was dying laughing, recording the whole thing on her phone. "Y'all are way too serious!"

Tanya and Tamera were fighting each other over a baby sock.

"Girl, let GO!" Tanya laughed.

"No, YOU let go!" Tamera shot back.

Terrance Jr. was keeping up too, but Marcus and Reggie were cheating—grabbing items off other people's tables.

Coco caught them. "Y'all ain't slick!"

"Mind ya business, Coco!" Marcus joked, dodging her swing.

Finally, the game came to an end, and Tank barely beat Adonis by a few seconds, slamming his items on the table. "LET'S GOOOO!"

"Man!" Adonis groaned, dropping his last item. "You lucky, bruh!"

Tank smirked, throwing his arm around his little brother. "You tried."

"I almost had you!" Adonis argued.

"Almost don't count," Tank teased.

Kayla shook her head, laughing. "Tank, you had to beat my baby brother?"

"Ain't no mercy in competition," Tank grinned, kissing her. "Even for family."

The whole family erupted into laughter as the games ended, the baby shower continuing with food, music, and more fun.

After the games, everyone gathered to eat, the aroma of fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, meatballs, and cornbread filling the event hall. The dessert table was loaded with Kayla's favorites—banana pudding, peach cobbler, red velvet cupcakes, and a special apple pie that Sherri had made just for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

Tank sat next to Kayla, fixing her plate like the devoted fiancé he was. "You want extra mac and cheese, lil' bit?"

Kayla nodded, rubbing her belly. "You already know. And don't forget my cornbread with the honey butter.*"

"I got you, baby."

The family was spread out, eating and talking, while the DJ played a mix of old-school R&B and Southern classics. Tank's uncles—Robert, Leon, Gene, and Charles—were posted up at a table, talking mess as usual.

"Boy, you did good," Uncle Charles said, looking at Kayla. "She can cook, she can bake, and she fine? You better hold on to her, Tank."

"Like I got a choice?" Tank smirked. "She stuck with me."

"We can tell," Uncle Leon chuckled. "That boy been looking at Kayla all damn day like he ready to take her home early."

"And I am," Tank admitted without shame, shoveling food into his mouth. "Y'all just need to hurry up and finish eatin' so we can open these gifts and get up outta here."

Across the room, Kayla was laughing with Coco, Tanya, and Tamera, while Adonis was busy making a plate stacked high with food.

"Damn, Adonis!" Reggie teased. "You tryna eat the whole table?"

"Man, leave me alone!" Adonis mumbled with a mouthful of mac and cheese. "Kayla got me hooked on Southern food."

Kayla giggled. "I told you, you'd love it."

Grandma Hattie walked past and patted Kayla's belly. "Baby boy in there enjoying all this good food. He's gonna come out chunky, just watch."

Kayla smiled, resting her hand on her bump. "I wouldn't be surprised. He eats more than me."

Sherri, sitting nearby, nodded knowingly. "That's them Carter genes, baby. All our boys were born big and greedy."

Tank smirked, looking at Kayla. "I told you he was gon' be big, but you ain't believe me."

"Whatever," Kayla rolled her eyes, but she knew they were right. TJ was kicking happily, full from the food she had just eaten.

After everyone finished eating, it was time to open gifts. Tank and Kayla sat in front of the beautifully decorated gift table, surrounded by friends and family, as they unwrapped presents—tiny clothes, diapers, bottles, personalized onesies with Baby Carter written on them, and even a custom onesie that said Tank Jr. in bold letters.

"Y'all already claiming he gon' look just like Tank," Kayla laughed, holding up the onesie. "What if he looks like me?"

"Nah, baby, that boy gon' be my twin," Tank grinned, wrapping an arm around her. "And you gon' love it."

"I guess we'll see soon enough," Kayla smiled, feeling another strong kick.

The last gift they opened was from Sherri and Terrance Sr.—a handcrafted wooden rocking chair with TJ's name carved into it.

"Oh my God, this is beautiful," Kayla gasped, running her fingers over the smooth wood.

Sherri smiled. "That's a family tradition. Every Carter baby gets a rocking chair. Terrance used to rock Tank to sleep in one just like it."

Tank nodded, his expression soft. "Appreciate y'all for that. It means a lot."

"That's what family's for," Terrance Sr. said. "Now, let's get a family picture before y'all sneak outta here."

Tank sighed dramatically. "Man, y'all know me too well."

Everyone laughed as the photographer gathered the family together. Kayla sat in the rocking chair with Tank kneeling beside her, his hand on her belly. Sherri and Terrance Sr. stood behind them, along with Tank's siblings and their families, Adonis, and even Gwen.

The flash went off, capturing the love, joy, and anticipation for Baby TJ's arrival.

As the night came to an end, Tank leaned over and whispered in Kayla's ear, "You ready to go home, lil' bit?"

She smirked, knowing exactly what he meant. "Been ready."